1.UPLC-Q-TOF-MS Reveals Mechanisms of Modified Qing'e Formula in Delaying Skin Photoaging and Regulating Circadian Rhythm
Wanyu YANG ; Xiujun ZHANG ; Yan WANG ; Chunjing SONG ; Haoming MA ; Lifeng WANG ; Nan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):88-97
ObjectiveTo reveal the active substances and mechanisms of modified Qing'e formula (MQEF) in delaying skin photoaging by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS),network pharmacology, and cell experiments. MethodsUPLC-Q-TOF-MS and a literature review were employed to analyze the transdermally absorbed components in mice after the topical application of MQEF. The potential targets of MQEF in treating skin photoaging were retrieved from databases.The compound-potential target network and protein-protein interaction network were constructed to screen the key components and core targets. A photoaging cell model was established by irradiating HaCaT cells with medium-wave ultraviolet B (UVB). The safe doses of bakuchiol (BAK) and salvianolic acid B (SAB) for treating HaCaT cells and the effects of BAK and SAB on the viability of cells exposed to UVB irradiation were determined by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method.The reactive oxygen species (ROS) fluorescent probe was used to measure the ROS production in the cells treated with BAK and SAB.The expression levels of genes related to oxidative stress,inflammation,collagen metabolism,and circadian rhythm clock were measured by Real-time PCR. ResultsA total of 24 transdermally absorbed components of MQEF were identified,which acted on 367 potential targets,and 417 targets related to skin photoaging were screened out,among which 47 common targets were predicted as the targets of MQEF in treating skin photoaging. MQEF exerted the anti-photoaging effect via key components such as BAK and SAB,which acted on core proteins such as serine/threonine kinase 1 (Akt1) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3) and intervened in core pathways such as the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathways.Compared with the model group,the administration of BAK and SAB increased the survival rate of HaCaT cells (P<0.01),down-regulated the mRNA levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),interleukin-6 (IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α),matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1),and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) (P<0.01),and up-regulated the mRNA levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO-1) (P<0.05,P<0.01) in photoaged HaCaT cells.In addition,it eliminated excess ROS production induced by UVB and up-regulated the mRNA levels of brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (BMAL1) and circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (CLOCK) associated with circadian clock (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionMQEF delays skin photoaging through the coordinated effects of various components,multiple targets,and diverse pathways.The key components BAK and SAB in MQEF exhibit anti-photoaging properties,which involve inhibiting oxidative stress,preventing collagen degradation,mitigating inflammation,and maintaining normal skin circadian rhythms by regulating clock gene expression.
2.Influence of network latency and bandwidth on robot-assisted laparoscopic telesurgery: A pre-clinical experiment.
Ye WANG ; Qing AI ; Taoping SHI ; Yu GAO ; Bin JIANG ; Wuyi ZHAO ; Chengjun JIANG ; Guojun LIU ; Lifeng ZHANG ; Huaikang LI ; Fan GAO ; Xin MA ; Hongzhao LI ; Xu ZHANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(3):325-331
BACKGROUND:
Telesurgery has the potential to overcome spatial limitations for surgeons, which depends on surgical robot and the quality of network communication. However, the influence of network latency and bandwidth on telesurgery is not well understood.
METHODS:
A telesurgery system capable of dynamically adjusting image compression ratios in response to bandwidth changes was established between Beijing and Sanya (Hainan province), covering a distance of 3000 km. In total, 108 animal operations, including 12 surgical procedures, were performed. Total latency ranging from 170 ms to 320 ms and bandwidth from 15-20 Mbps to less than 1 Mbps were explored using designed surgical tasks and hemostasis models for renal vein and internal iliac artery rupture bleeding. Network latency, jitter, frame loss, and bit rate code were systemically measured during these operations. National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) and a self-designed scale measured the workload and subjective perception of surgeons.
RESULTS:
All 108 animal telesurgeries, conducted from January 2023 to June 2023, were performed effectively over a total duration of 3866 min. The operations were completed with latency up to 320 ms and bandwidths as low as 1-5 Mbps. Hemostasis for vein and artery rupture bleeding models was effectively achieved under these low bandwidth conditions. The NASA-TLX results indicated that latency significantly impacted surgical performance more than bandwidth and image clarity reductions.
CONCLUSIONS
This telesurgery system demonstrated safety and reliability. A total of 320 ms latency is acceptable for telesurgery operations. Reducing image clarity can effectively mitigate the potential latency increase caused by decreased bandwidth, offering a new method to reduce the impact of latency on telesurgery.
Animals
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Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods*
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Laparoscopy/methods*
3.Research progress of neurotransmitters in lung injury after traumatic brain injury.
Le CAO ; Haikun ZHANG ; Jinxiang YU ; Pengcheng MA ; Lifeng JIA ; Tao ZHAO
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2025;37(10):982-988
Traumatic brain injury (TBI), as a significant central nervous system damage disease with high frequency in the world, leads to a huge number of patients with impaired health and lower quality of life every year. Lung injury is a common and dangerous consequence, which dramatically raises the mortality of patients. Discovering the pathophysiology of lung injury after TBI and discovering viable therapeutic targets has become an important need for clinical diagnosis and therapy. Neurotransmitters, as the fundamental chemical agents of the nervous system for signal transmission, not only govern neuronal activity and apoptosis in TBI but also significantly influence the pathophysiological mechanisms of lung injury subsequent to TBI. The imbalance is intricately linked to the onset and progression of lung damage. This paper systematically reviews the clinical characteristics and predominant pathogenesis of lung injury following TBI, emphasizing the role of key neurotransmitters, including glutamate (Glu), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), and acetylcholine (ACh), in lung injury post-TBI. It examines their influence on inflammatory response, vascular permeability, and pulmonary circulation function. Additionally, the paper evaluates the research advancements and potential applications of targeted therapeutic strategies for various neurotransmitter systems, such as receptor antagonists, transporter inhibitors, and neurotransmitter analogues. This research aims to offer a theoretical framework for clarifying the neural regulatory mechanisms of lung injury following TBI and to establish a basis for the development of novel therapeutic strategies and enhancement of the prognosis of the patients.
Humans
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Brain Injuries, Traumatic/metabolism*
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Neurotransmitter Agents/metabolism*
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Lung Injury/metabolism*
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gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/metabolism*
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Glutamic Acid/metabolism*
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Norepinephrine/metabolism*
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Dopamine/metabolism*
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Acetylcholine/metabolism*
4.Development of a droplet digital polymerase chain reaction assay for the sensitive detection of total and integrated HIV-1 DNA
Lin YUAN ; Zhiying LIU ; Xin ZHANG ; Feili WEI ; Shan GUO ; Na GUO ; Lifeng LIU ; Zhenglai MA ; Yunxia JI ; Rui WANG ; Xiaofan LU ; Zhen LI ; Wei XIA ; Hao WU ; Tong ZHANG ; Bin SU
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(6):729-736
Background::Total human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) DNA and integrated HIV DNA are widely used markers of HIV persistence. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) can be used for absolute quantification without needing a standard curve. Here, we developed duplex ddPCR assays to detect and quantify total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA.Methods::The limit of detection, dynamic ranges, sensitivity, and reproducibility were evaluated by plasmid constructs containing both the HIV long terminal repeat (LTR) and human CD3 gene (for total HIV DNA) and ACH-2 cells (for integrated HIV DNA). Forty-two cases on stable suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) were assayed in total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA. Correlation coefficient analysis was performed on the data related to DNA copies and cluster of differentiation 4 positive (CD4 +) T-cell counts, CD8 + T-cell counts and CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio, respectively. The assay linear dynamic range and lower limit of detection (LLOD) were also assessed. Results::The assay could detect the presence of HIV-1 copies 100% at concentrations of 6.3 copies/reaction, and the estimated LLOD of the ddPCR assay was 4.4 HIV DNA copies/reaction (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 3.6-6.5 copies/reaction) with linearity over a 5-log 10-unit range in total HIV DNA assay. For the integrated HIV DNA assay, the LLOD was 8.0 copies/reaction (95% CI: 5.8-16.6 copies/reaction) with linearity over a 3-log 10-unit range. Total HIV DNA in CD4 + T cells was positively associated with integrated HIV DNA ( r = 0.76, P <0.0001). Meanwhile, both total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA in CD4 + T cells were inversely correlated with the ratio of CD4/CD8 but positively correlated with the CD8 + T-cell counts. Conclusions::This ddPCR assay can quantify total HIV DNA and integrated HIV DNA efficiently with robustness and sensitivity. It can be readily adapted for measuring HIV DNA with non-B clades, and it could be beneficial for testing in clinical trials.
5.Relationship between heatwave and years of life lost associated with stroke in Guangdong Province: Based on Bayesian spatio-temporal model
Lixia YUAN ; Ruilin MENG ; Jiali LI ; Lifeng LIN ; Xiaojun XU ; Jianpeng XIAO ; Guanhao HE ; Jianxiong HU ; Zuhua RONG ; Wenjun MA ; Tao LIU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2022;39(3):268-274
Background Stroke has become a main cause of death in China. With global warming, the studies on temperature and stroke have attracted much attention. Objective To analyze he relationships between heatwave and the years of life lost (YLL) by different subtypes of stroke by controlling temporal and spatial effects with Bayesian spatio-temporal model, and to study the modifiers of the health effect of heatwave. Methods The daily information of stroke deaths, meteorological data, and air pollutant data in 40 districts and counties of Guangdong Province were collected during the warm seasons (from May to October) in the years from 2014 to 2017. The individual YLL was first calculated by matching age and gender according to the life table, and then the daily YLL rate (person-years/100 000 people) was obtained by summarizing the daily YLL and correcting it with the population of each district or county. Bayesian spatio-temporal model was used to fit a proposed exposure-response relationship between heatwave and the YLL rates of different subtypes of stroke. Finally, stratified analyses were conducted by age (<65 years, ≥65 years), gender (male, female), and region (Pearl River Delta and non-Pearl River Delta regions) to identify the major modifiers for the association between heatwave and stroke mortality. Results During the warm seasons from 2014 to 2017, a total of 23 heatwave events occurred in the 40 districts or counties of Guangdong Province, cumulatively lasting for 145 d. A total of 30 852 stroke deaths were recorded in the same time periods. The average daily YLL rate of total stroke was (2.39±3.63) person-years/100 000 people, and those for hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke were (1.54±2.99) person-years/100 000 people and (0.84±1.85) person-years/100 000 people, respectively. Heatwave was associated with increased YLL rate of stroke in residents, and it had a greater impact on ischemic stroke with a lag effect. The largest cumulative effect of heatwave was at lag 0-1 day, which was associated with an increased YLL rate of total stroke and ischemic stroke by 0.17 (95%CI: 0.03-0.29) person-years/100 000 people and 0.13 (95%CI: 0.06-0.20) person-years/100 000 people, respectively. The results of stratified analyses showed that heatwave had a larger effect on ischemic stroke in residents of aged 65 years or older, male, and non-Pearl River Delta regions, and the rates of YLL increased by 1.11 (95%CI: 0.58-1.55), 0.13 (95%CI: 0.03-0.23), and 0.20 (95%CI: 0.07-0.32) person-years/100 000 people, respectively; Heatwave only had an effect on hemorrhagic stroke in residents aged 65 years or older with an increased YLL rate of 0.79 (95%CI: 0.26-1.31) person-years/100 000 people. Conclusion Heatwave could elevate the level of years of life lost associated with stroke in Guangdong residents, with greater impacts on ischemic stroke of the aged, men, and residents in non-Pearl River Delta regions, and on hemorrhagic stroke in the elderly.
6.Advances in arthroscopic microfracture technique for repairing articular cartilage injuries
Xiao GAO ; Wancheng LIN ; Kelei MAO ; Yufu HUANG ; Sida LIAO ; Lifeng MA
International Journal of Surgery 2022;49(5):356-360
Articular cartilage injury is common in orthopedics. Improper exercises and physical trauma can lead to the injury of cartilage. Since articular cartilage lacks blood supply, once damaged, it is difficult for the cartilage to repair itself. If not treated effectively, cartilage injuries will develop into severe osteoarthritis affecting the whole joint. Arthroscopic microfracture technique can achieve better therapeutic effects than regular joint debridement, with simple procedures, minimal invasion, and low cost. However, the microfracture technique is limited by the patients′ age (under 45 years old) and the size of the cartilage defect area (less than 4 cm 2) Additionally, postoperative patients need to conduct strict and long-term rehabilitation trainings. Generally speaking, the short-term prognosis of microfracture is satisfactory. However, the repair tissue is mainly composed of fibrocartilage, which is inferior to hyaline cartilage because of its poor mechanical properties and anti-wear abilities. Therefore, the long-term effect is controversial. To conclude, arthroscopic microfracture is a recommended method for young patients with small cartilage defect areas, but its exact long-term clinical effects still need to be verified by further research. This paper reviews the operation protocol, clinical efficacy, and the mechanism of arthroscopic microfracture surgery, and aims to provides theoretical basis for its application in clinical treatment.
7.The preliminary study of Neuroform EZ stent in the treatment of severe intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis
Chengzhe FAN ; Lifeng WANG ; Yudong MA ; Xu GUO ; Nan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2022;61(3):304-309
Objective:To evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of Neuroform EZ stent in the treatment of severe intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS).Methods:A total of 36 patients with severe ICAS receiving Neuroform EZ stent angioplasty were retrospectively analyzed at Beijing Anzhen Hospital from July 2018 to January 2020. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) before endovascular intervention confirmed the diagnosis. Follow-up information was reviewed by neurologists at 30 days and 6 months after the procedure. The primary endpoints were transient ischemic attack (TIA), ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and death caused by any reason within 30 days.Results:The overall technical success rate was 100%. The median stenosis rate was reduced from 93.6%±4.5% to 18.8%±11.2% ( t=37.36, P<0.001).Primary endpoint event was not reported. During follow-up, one patient developed TIA and no death or ischemic stroke was observed. No in-stent restenosis at six months occurred. Conclusion:Neuroform EZ stent is safe and effective in patients with severe ICAS. However, perspective studies need to be operated for further validation via long-term follow-up.
8.Microsurgical techniques and one-stage surgical treatment of chronic osteomyelitis——concept and clinical application
Chun ZHANG ; Yiyang LIU ; Qiaofeng GUO ; Lifeng SHEN ; Zhan ZHANG ; Gouping MA ; Kai HUANG ; Bingyuan LIN
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery 2022;45(1):14-20
Chronic osteomyelitis is a serious clinical problem with repeated courses and high disability rate, which seriously affects the physical and mental health of patients. Through continuous learning and summary in the process of using traditional therapies, the innovative improvements and changes had made in the treatment of osteomyelitis: Radical debridement of lesions was performed by applying the basic principles of modern bone tumor surgery. The application of microsurgical technique to transfer composite tissue flap can provide guarantee for tissue defect repair and wound closure without tension. Combined with bone grafting, local antibiotics and bone fixation, an one-stage operation has significantly improve the therapeutic effect of chronic complex osteomyelitis.
9.Sinicization, cross-cultural adjustment and reliability and validity test of the Burnt Hand Outcome Tool
Juan ZHANG ; Xuejun CHAI ; Lifeng GUAN ; Yuelan MA ; Xiaowen ZHANG ; Miao YAO
Chinese Journal of Burns 2021;37(10):978-986
Objective:To introduce the Burnt Hand Outcome Tool (BHOT) into China to conduct sinicization, cross-cultural debugging, and test the reliability and validity, thus provide a reference for the evaluation of treatment effect and making of medical decisions of hand burn patients.Methods:The cross-sectional research was conducted. After obtaining the authorization of the original author, the Brislin translation mode was used to literally translate, synthesize, back-translate, and be checked by experts to form the Chinese version of BHOT (C-BHOT) 2. Ten experts in the field of burn rescue and treatment were invited by purpose sampling method to conduct cross-cultural debugging to form C-BHOT 3. A total of 21 hand burn patients who were treated in General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from January to March 2020 and conformed to the inclusion criteria were selected by accidental sampling method for pre-testing. Then the final version of C-BHOT 4 was formed. Hospitalized patients who met the selection criteria were recruited using accidental sampling, multi-site and cross-regional survey method from May 2020 to March 2021 in General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (the Third Military Medical University), and the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. The survey was performed with the general information questionnaire and C-BHOT 4. Critical ratio method and correlation coefficient method were used for item analysis, Cronbach's α coefficient test tool was used to test internal consistency, test-retest reliability was used to judge the stability of the tool, content validity index analysis tool was used to analyze the content validity, and exploratory factor analysis was used to test the validity of the structure. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test or Pearson correlation analysis. Results:After the sinicization, cross-cultural debugging, and pre-testing, C-BHOT 4 was formed with a total of 20 items. All items were adjusted to positive scoring, and 7 modifications were made on the basis of the original tool. A total of 353 questionnaires were issued in the formal survey, and 344 valid questionnaires were returned, with an effective response rate of 97.45%. In the 344 patients, there were more male patients (297 patients) than female patients (47 patients), with ages of 23 to 57 years. The critical ratios of each item in the item analysis ranged from 5.48 to 12.59 ( P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the scores between patients in high-score group and low-score group ( t=-10.72--2.84, P<0.05 or P<0.01). There was significant positive relationship among the scores of each two items and between scores of each item and the overall tool score ( r=0.68-0.71, 0.47-0.63, P<0.05 or P<0.01). In reliability test, the Cronbach's α coefficient of the whole tool was 0.837, and the test-retest reliability was 0.702-0.793. In validity test, the content validity index of whole tool was 0.923. The exploratory factor analysis extracted 3 common factors, and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 76.162%. The comparative fit index in the confirmatory factor analysis was 0.924. Conclusions:After the BHOT tool being sinicized, cross-culturally debugged, pre-tested, and tested for reliability and validity, it was verified that C-BHOT 4 has good reliability and validity in assessing the outcome of Chinese hand burn patients, and therefore can be used as an effective tool for the evaluation.
10.Effectiveness and safety of submaximal angioplasty and stenting for patients with severe carotid artery stenosis before CABG
Xu GUO ; Chengzhe FAN ; Yudong MA ; Lifeng WANG ; Nan ZHANG ; Yang WANG ; Lei YU ; Xiaofen HE ; Xinjian YANG
Chinese Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2021;37(4):250-254
Objective:To investigate the feasibility and safety of submaximal balloon dilation and to perform small-diameter stent for symptomatic carotid artery severely stenosis before coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG).Methods:From January 2016 to December 2019, 30 patients of the Department of Neurointervention in Beijing Anzhen Hospital with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis(≥70%) and the left main trunk or triple-vessel of coronary artery disease were analyzed retrospectively. General information, clinical characteristics, and imaging data of all cases were collected. All patients underwent submaximal balloon dilation and small-diameter stent implantation. Preoperative comorbidities or risk factors included hypertension 23 cases(76.7%), diabetes 10 cases(33.3%), hyperglycemia 14 cases(46.7%), moking 13 cases(43.3%). Left main trunk disease 6 cases(20.0%), three-vessels disease 24 cases(80.0%), mitral regurgitation 1 case(3.3%), stable angina 25 cases(83.3%), myocardial infarction 8 cases(26.7%), cerebral infarction 24 cases(80.0%) and transient ischemia attack(TIA) 6 cases(20.0%) caused by ipsilateral carotid artery stenosis. The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS) score was 2(0-3), and the median modified Rankin Scale(mRS) score was 1(0-1) before the operation. The mean interval between carotid artery intervention and CABG was(23.4±8.2)days.Results:29 cases(96.7%, 29/30) underwent CAS-CABG operation successfully. In one case of carotid artery extreme tortuosity, the emboli protective device could not place the distal carotid artery. In the operative procedure, 27 cases(90.0%, 27/30) underwent with 3mm diameter balloon, only 3 cases(10.0%) with 3 mm balloon after pre-dilatation with 2 mm diameter balloon because of severely high-grade stenosis(99%). 25 cases(83.3%) with 7mm diameter stents and 5 cases(16.7%) with 6 mm diameter stents, including 22 cases(73.3%) with a closed-cell stent and 8 cases(26.7%) with an open-cell stent. In the perioperative period, the heart rate of two patients was lower than 50 BPM during operation and returned to normal after using atropine immediately. Another patient presented with chest tightness during interventional therapy. TNI elevation was examined urgently. After oxygen inhalation and intravenous infusion of Nitroglycerin, the patient's symptoms improved rapidly. No cardiac and cerebrovascular complications occurred during the perioperative period of CABG, no cardiac-related complications occurred within 30 days of follow-up, one case of TIA and 1 case of cerebral infarction. After intensive anti-platelet aggregation and lipid-lowering treatment, two patient's symptoms improved. There were no death cases in all patients during carotid artery interventional therapy, perioperative CABG and 30-day follow-up. Thirty days later, we performed a clinical follow-up of 23 cases, median 4.5(3.0-7.9) months, mRS Score Median 1(0-1). One patient presented with TIA, any patient had no symptoms of the cardiac or nervous system. Image follow-up of 17 cases, median 3.5(2.8-4.5) months, carotid artery ultrasound showed in-stent restenosis(stenosis rate>50%) in 1 case, the patient was asymptomatic restenosis, continue treatment of aggressive anti-platelet and lipid-lowering drugs.Conclusion:Submaximal balloon dilation and performing small-diameter stent for symptomatic carotid artery severely stenosis before CABG is safe and feasible, which could not only reduce the incidence of vagus reflex resulted in acute coronary syndrome during carotid artery stenosis intervention but also morbidity of acute ischemic stroke events during CABG.

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