1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Sepsis by Regulating PI3K/Akt Pathway: A Review
Zhu LIU ; Jiawei WANG ; Jing YAN ; Jinchan PENG ; Mingyao XU ; Liqun LI ; Sheng XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):314-322
Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria. In addition to the manifestations of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and primary infection lesions, critical cases often have manifestations of organ hypoperfusion. The morbidity and mortality of sepsis have remained high in recent years, which seriously affect the quality of life of the patients. The pathogenesis of sepsis is complicated, in which uncontrollable inflammation is a key mechanism. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway plays a key role in mediating inflammation in sepsis. The available therapies of sepsis mainly include resuscitation, anti-infection, vasoactive drugs, intensive insulin therapy, and organ support, which show limited effects of reducing the mortality. Therefore, finding new therapeutic drugs is a key problem to be solved in the clinical treatment of sepsis. In recent years, studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate the PI3K/Akt pathway via multiple pathways, multiple effects, and multiple targets to inhibit inflammation and curb the occurrence and development of sepsis, which has gradually become a hot spot in the prevention and treatment of sepsis. Moreover, studies have suggested that TCM has unique advantages in the treatment of sepsis. TCM can regulate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to inhibit inflammation, reduce oxidative stress, and control apoptosis in the prevention and treatment of sepsis. Despite the research progress, a systematic review remains to be performed regarding the TCM treatment of sepsis by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. After reviewing relevant papers published in recent years, this study systematically summarizes the relationship between PI3K/Akt pathway and sepsis and the role of TCM in the treatment of sepsis, aiming to provide new ideas for the potential treatment of sepsis and the development of new drugs.
2.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Based on Gut-brain Axis: A Review
Jinchan PENG ; Jinxiu WEI ; Zhu LIU ; Lijian LIU ; Liqun LI ; Chengning YANG ; Guangwen CHEN ; Jianfeng LI ; Sheng XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):311-319
Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a common digestive system disease with high prevalence and recurrence rates for years, high treatment costs, and serious impacts on patients' quality of life and economic burden. Therefore, it is important to explore new and safe treatment methods. The pathogenesis of IBS-D is complex, in which the gut-brain axis is a key factor. The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional signaling pathway connecting the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system, regulates gastrointestinal motility, secretion, and immune responses, playing a key role in the occurrence and development of IBS-D. Up to now, antidiarrheal agents, probiotics, and neurotransmitter modulators are the main methods for the clinical treatment of IBS-D. Although they can partially curb the progression of this disease, the therapeutic effects remain to be improved. Studies have confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has significant advantages in the treatment of IBS-D since it can regulate the gut-brain axis via multiple pathways and targets to improve the gastrointestinal motility and strengthen immune defenses. However, there is a lack of systematic reviews on the regulation of the gut-brain axis by TCM in the treatment of IBS-D. Based on the review of IBS-D-related articles published in recent years, this paper systematically summarized the relationship between the gut-brain axis and IBS-D and the role of TCM in the treatment, providing new ideas for the treatment of IBS-D.
3.Antiplatelet Use Prior to Anticoagulant Initiation in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation-Related Ischemic Stroke: An ELAN Trial Analysis
Alexandros A. POLYMERIS ; Masatoshi KOGA ; Daniel STRBIAN ; Adhiyaman VEDAMURTHY ; Manju KRISHNAN ; Mattia BRANCA ; Thomas HORVATH ; Martina GOELDLIN ; Gek SHIM ; Christoph GUMBINGER ; Liqun ZHANG ; Espen Saxhaug KRISTOFFERSEN ; Philippe DESFONTAINES ; Peter VANACKER ; Angelika ALONSO ; Sven POLI ; Ana Paiva NUNES ; Nicoletta G. CARACCIOLO ; Markus KNEIHSL ; Timo KAHLES ; Daria GIUDICI ; Silja RÄTY ; Marjaana TIAINEN ; Jesse DAWSON ; Urs FISCHER ;
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(2):217-227
Background:
and Purpose Antiplatelets are often used before direct oral anticoagulant (DOACs) initiation after an acute ischemic stroke related to atrial fibrillation (AF), but the evidence is weak. Here, we explored the risks and benefits of this approach.
Methods:
A post-hoc analysis of ELAN (Early versus Late Initiation of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Post-ischemic Stroke Patients with Atrial Fibrillation) trial data (NCT03148457) was conducted to compare the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke, systemic embolism, major bleeding (extracranial or intracranial hemorrhage [ICH]), and vascular death within 30 days (as a composite and as individual outcomes) in participants treated with and without antiplatelets before DOAC initiation after an AF-associated ischemic stroke. We used both logistic and cause-specific Cox proportional hazards regression in inverse probability of treatment weighted models to account for confounding. We calculated the net benefit of antiplatelet use by subtracting the weighted rate of excess bleeding events attributable to antiplatelets from the rate of excess ischemic events possibly prevented by antiplatelets.
Results:
Among 2,013 participants (median age 77 years, 45.5% female), 1,090 (54.1%) used antiplatelets, and 70 (3.5%) experienced the composite outcome. Antiplatelet use was not associated with the composite outcome (inverse probability of treatment weighted odds ratio [ORweighted] 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66–1.72; inverse probability of treatment weighted hazard ratio [HRweighted] 1.06, 95% CI 0.65–1.72), but showed a lower risk of ischemic stroke recurrence (ORweighted 0.58 [0.30–1.08], HRweighted 0.57 [0.30–1.10]), and a higher risk of major bleeding (ORweighted 1.76 [0.56–6.63], HRweighted 1.88 [0.56–6.39]). Its net benefit was +0.57 (95% CI -1.25 to +2.34) to +0.30 (-1.82 to +2.27) weighted events/100 person-months for ICH weights 1.5 to 3.1.
Conclusion
Following an AF-associated ischemic stroke, we found a lower risk of recurrence and no signs of net harm with antiplatelet use before DOAC initiation, despite an increased risk of bleeding.
4.Antiplatelet Use Prior to Anticoagulant Initiation in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation-Related Ischemic Stroke: An ELAN Trial Analysis
Alexandros A. POLYMERIS ; Masatoshi KOGA ; Daniel STRBIAN ; Adhiyaman VEDAMURTHY ; Manju KRISHNAN ; Mattia BRANCA ; Thomas HORVATH ; Martina GOELDLIN ; Gek SHIM ; Christoph GUMBINGER ; Liqun ZHANG ; Espen Saxhaug KRISTOFFERSEN ; Philippe DESFONTAINES ; Peter VANACKER ; Angelika ALONSO ; Sven POLI ; Ana Paiva NUNES ; Nicoletta G. CARACCIOLO ; Markus KNEIHSL ; Timo KAHLES ; Daria GIUDICI ; Silja RÄTY ; Marjaana TIAINEN ; Jesse DAWSON ; Urs FISCHER ;
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(2):217-227
Background:
and Purpose Antiplatelets are often used before direct oral anticoagulant (DOACs) initiation after an acute ischemic stroke related to atrial fibrillation (AF), but the evidence is weak. Here, we explored the risks and benefits of this approach.
Methods:
A post-hoc analysis of ELAN (Early versus Late Initiation of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Post-ischemic Stroke Patients with Atrial Fibrillation) trial data (NCT03148457) was conducted to compare the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke, systemic embolism, major bleeding (extracranial or intracranial hemorrhage [ICH]), and vascular death within 30 days (as a composite and as individual outcomes) in participants treated with and without antiplatelets before DOAC initiation after an AF-associated ischemic stroke. We used both logistic and cause-specific Cox proportional hazards regression in inverse probability of treatment weighted models to account for confounding. We calculated the net benefit of antiplatelet use by subtracting the weighted rate of excess bleeding events attributable to antiplatelets from the rate of excess ischemic events possibly prevented by antiplatelets.
Results:
Among 2,013 participants (median age 77 years, 45.5% female), 1,090 (54.1%) used antiplatelets, and 70 (3.5%) experienced the composite outcome. Antiplatelet use was not associated with the composite outcome (inverse probability of treatment weighted odds ratio [ORweighted] 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66–1.72; inverse probability of treatment weighted hazard ratio [HRweighted] 1.06, 95% CI 0.65–1.72), but showed a lower risk of ischemic stroke recurrence (ORweighted 0.58 [0.30–1.08], HRweighted 0.57 [0.30–1.10]), and a higher risk of major bleeding (ORweighted 1.76 [0.56–6.63], HRweighted 1.88 [0.56–6.39]). Its net benefit was +0.57 (95% CI -1.25 to +2.34) to +0.30 (-1.82 to +2.27) weighted events/100 person-months for ICH weights 1.5 to 3.1.
Conclusion
Following an AF-associated ischemic stroke, we found a lower risk of recurrence and no signs of net harm with antiplatelet use before DOAC initiation, despite an increased risk of bleeding.
5.Clinical observation of nicorandil combined with different doses of tirofiban in the treatment of elderly patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Zijin LI ; Liqun HE ; Changgui CHEN ; Meng YIN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(7):848-852
OBJECTIVE To explore the clinical effect and safety of nicorandil combined with different doses of tirofiban in the treatment of elderly patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS A total of 162 elderly patients with STEMI admitted to our hospital from June 1, 2022 to June 1, 2024 were retrospectively enrolled. All patients received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and conventional treatment of STEMI, and used nicorandil (5 mg each time, tid) and tirofiban. According to the use of tirofiban, the patients were divided into conventional-dose group (n=104) and half-dose group (n=58). Patients in the conventional-dose group received an intracoronary injection of 10 μg/kg tirofiban, followed by intravenous infusion of 0.1 μg/(kg·min) for 48 h; patients in the half-dose group received an intracoronary injection of 5 μg/kg tirofiban, followed by intravenous infusion of 0.05 μg/(kg·min) for 48 h. Related indexes of PCI (the proportion of patients with grade 3 of thrombolysis in myocardial infarction, no reflow in infarct related artery, percentage decrease in total ST-segment elevation >50% on electrocardiogram 2 hours after PCI), cardiac function parameters before and after treatment (troponin I, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide contents and left ventricular ejection fraction), bleeding events during treatment (gingival bleeding, epistaxis, mucosal bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding) and other adverse events (all-cause death, non-fatal reinfarction, hypotension, ventricular fibrillation, acute heart failure) were compared between 2 groups. RESULTS There were no significant differences in related parameters of PCI, cardiac function parameters after treatment, the incidences of gingival bleeding, epistaxis and gastrointestinal bleeding, the total incidence of bleeding events, or the incidence of other adverse events during treatment between 2 groups (P>0.05), but the incidence of mucosal bleeding in the conventional-dose group was significantly higher than the half-dose group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The clinical effect of nicorandil combined with half-dose tirofiban in the treatment of elderly patients with acute STEMI is comparable to that of nicorandil combined with conventional dose of tirofiban, but the mucosal bleeding risk of the former is lower than that of the latter. Therefore, patients at risk of mucosal bleeding are more suitable to use the previous regimen.
6.Surveillance and evaluation of vector control in Fuyang District, Hangzhou for the 19th Asian Games
Jie XU ; Wenjin PAN ; Renyu TANG ; Liqun DU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):114-119
ObjectiveTo assess the risk of vector-born infectious diseases by monitoring the major vectors in the relevant venues of the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games in Fuyang competition area, so as to provide references for the prevention and control of vector in similar large-scale events or activities in the future. MethodsFrom April to October 2023, monitoring and evaluation of rodent, mosquito, fly and cockroach density levels were carried out in various venues and reception hotels in Fuyang competition area (venues and hotels were the 1st circle area, and various environments and places in the surrounding 500 meters were the 2nd circle area). SPSS 25.0 software was used to analyze the data, and chi-square test or Fisher’s precision probability test were used to calculate the qualified rate and positive rate. Moreover, the path index, landing index and Bretrau index were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis H test. ResultsThe control effect of vector density in the 1st circle was significantly better than that in the 2nd circle. Since September, the monitoring indices of the venues in the two circles had reached the national A-level and B-level standard, respectively. The positive rate of rodent traces generally showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, and the peak was shown to occur in July and August, with the highest rate of 5.38%. The qualified rate of rodent prevention facilities continued to rise, and facilities in the 1st and 2nd circles had reached national A-level and B-level standard respectively in late August. The landing index and path index of mosquitoes basically showed a changing trend from high to low, with the highest landing index of 4.56 individuals·person-time-1 and the highest path index of 2.44 places·km-1.The adult fly infestation rate remained at a low level, with the highest rate of 4.17%, and the minimum qualified rate of fly prevention facilities was 28.57%, which reached the national standard after July. The positive detection rates of adult flies and cockroach traces showed no significant pattern, with the highest rate of 7.00% and 8.33%, respectively. The detection rate of live ootheca was always at a low level. ConclusionThe relevant venues in the Fuyang competition area of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou meet national standards in terms of vector control indicators such as rodents, mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches and other vectors. By means of environmental improvement, facilities for preventing rodents and flies, and deepening biological and chemical prevention and control methods, it can be ensured that there will be no vector-borne diseases and infestation incidents during the event.
7.Traditional Chinese Medicine in Regulating Crown-like Structures for Treatment of Obese PCOS: A Review
Wenyan TU ; Liqun YE ; Muyang LI ; Yihong YIN ; Ying SHEN ; Qidi LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):296-307
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common reproductive endocrine disorder in women, is one of the leading causes of ovulatory infertility in women of reproductive age. Due to its heterogeneous etiology, complex symptoms, and challenging treatment, PCOS has become a focal point of research in gynecological and reproductive medicine globally. The pathogenesis of PCOS is complex and may involve regulatory mechanisms such as inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and cellular autophagy. Crown-like structures (CLSs) refer to pro-inflammatory microenvironments formed by macrophages engulfing adipocytes. The inflammatory disorders induced by CLSs are one of the key factors contributing to the development of PCOS and its complications. Current studies have indicated that the obese status in PCOS accelerates the formation of CLSs, and the density of CLSs can predict the progression of metabolic disorders and influence the outcomes of various metabolic diseases. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers the unique advantages of a holistic view, four diagnostic methods, and syndrome differentiation and treatment to ameliorate the symptoms and signs of PCOS through multiple levels, pathways, and targets. Although studies on the mechanisms of metabolic diseases and CLS formation have been reported in China and abroad, there is still a lack of literature on the correlation between CLSs and PCOS, as well as reviews on TCM interventions targeting CLSs for treating this disease. Therefore, this paper summarized the correlation between obese PCOS and CLSs and reviewed recent studies on TCM interventions based on CLS formation (adipose tissue-macrophage inflammatory crosstalk) in the treatment of obese PCOS, aiming to provide new research perspectives for the prevention and treatment of PCOS using TCM.
8.Traditional Chinese Medicine in Regulating Crown-like Structures for Treatment of Obese PCOS: A Review
Wenyan TU ; Liqun YE ; Muyang LI ; Yihong YIN ; Ying SHEN ; Qidi LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):296-307
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common reproductive endocrine disorder in women, is one of the leading causes of ovulatory infertility in women of reproductive age. Due to its heterogeneous etiology, complex symptoms, and challenging treatment, PCOS has become a focal point of research in gynecological and reproductive medicine globally. The pathogenesis of PCOS is complex and may involve regulatory mechanisms such as inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and cellular autophagy. Crown-like structures (CLSs) refer to pro-inflammatory microenvironments formed by macrophages engulfing adipocytes. The inflammatory disorders induced by CLSs are one of the key factors contributing to the development of PCOS and its complications. Current studies have indicated that the obese status in PCOS accelerates the formation of CLSs, and the density of CLSs can predict the progression of metabolic disorders and influence the outcomes of various metabolic diseases. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers the unique advantages of a holistic view, four diagnostic methods, and syndrome differentiation and treatment to ameliorate the symptoms and signs of PCOS through multiple levels, pathways, and targets. Although studies on the mechanisms of metabolic diseases and CLS formation have been reported in China and abroad, there is still a lack of literature on the correlation between CLSs and PCOS, as well as reviews on TCM interventions targeting CLSs for treating this disease. Therefore, this paper summarized the correlation between obese PCOS and CLSs and reviewed recent studies on TCM interventions based on CLS formation (adipose tissue-macrophage inflammatory crosstalk) in the treatment of obese PCOS, aiming to provide new research perspectives for the prevention and treatment of PCOS using TCM.
9.Antiplatelet Use Prior to Anticoagulant Initiation in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation-Related Ischemic Stroke: An ELAN Trial Analysis
Alexandros A. POLYMERIS ; Masatoshi KOGA ; Daniel STRBIAN ; Adhiyaman VEDAMURTHY ; Manju KRISHNAN ; Mattia BRANCA ; Thomas HORVATH ; Martina GOELDLIN ; Gek SHIM ; Christoph GUMBINGER ; Liqun ZHANG ; Espen Saxhaug KRISTOFFERSEN ; Philippe DESFONTAINES ; Peter VANACKER ; Angelika ALONSO ; Sven POLI ; Ana Paiva NUNES ; Nicoletta G. CARACCIOLO ; Markus KNEIHSL ; Timo KAHLES ; Daria GIUDICI ; Silja RÄTY ; Marjaana TIAINEN ; Jesse DAWSON ; Urs FISCHER ;
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(2):217-227
Background:
and Purpose Antiplatelets are often used before direct oral anticoagulant (DOACs) initiation after an acute ischemic stroke related to atrial fibrillation (AF), but the evidence is weak. Here, we explored the risks and benefits of this approach.
Methods:
A post-hoc analysis of ELAN (Early versus Late Initiation of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Post-ischemic Stroke Patients with Atrial Fibrillation) trial data (NCT03148457) was conducted to compare the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke, systemic embolism, major bleeding (extracranial or intracranial hemorrhage [ICH]), and vascular death within 30 days (as a composite and as individual outcomes) in participants treated with and without antiplatelets before DOAC initiation after an AF-associated ischemic stroke. We used both logistic and cause-specific Cox proportional hazards regression in inverse probability of treatment weighted models to account for confounding. We calculated the net benefit of antiplatelet use by subtracting the weighted rate of excess bleeding events attributable to antiplatelets from the rate of excess ischemic events possibly prevented by antiplatelets.
Results:
Among 2,013 participants (median age 77 years, 45.5% female), 1,090 (54.1%) used antiplatelets, and 70 (3.5%) experienced the composite outcome. Antiplatelet use was not associated with the composite outcome (inverse probability of treatment weighted odds ratio [ORweighted] 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66–1.72; inverse probability of treatment weighted hazard ratio [HRweighted] 1.06, 95% CI 0.65–1.72), but showed a lower risk of ischemic stroke recurrence (ORweighted 0.58 [0.30–1.08], HRweighted 0.57 [0.30–1.10]), and a higher risk of major bleeding (ORweighted 1.76 [0.56–6.63], HRweighted 1.88 [0.56–6.39]). Its net benefit was +0.57 (95% CI -1.25 to +2.34) to +0.30 (-1.82 to +2.27) weighted events/100 person-months for ICH weights 1.5 to 3.1.
Conclusion
Following an AF-associated ischemic stroke, we found a lower risk of recurrence and no signs of net harm with antiplatelet use before DOAC initiation, despite an increased risk of bleeding.
10.Differences and related factors of preschool children s evaluation by parents and teachers using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
WANG Lu, LEI Huiqian, CHEN Yanxian, LIU Liqun, XIE Yufang
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(7):985-988
Objective:
To explore differences in the factors influencing parents and teachers assessments of preschool children s mental health using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), so as to provide reference for promoting children s mental health.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the SDQ survey data of 14 763 middle and senior kindergarten children in Nanshan District, Shenzhen, from March to June 2023. Chi square χ 2 tests were used to analyze differences in mental health assessments between parents and teachers. Multivariate Logistic regression was employed to examine the factors influencing parental assessments, and Kappa coefficients were used to evaluate the consistency between parent and teacher evaluations.
Results:
The positive rate of mental health problems reported by parents (7.2%) was significantly higher than that reported by teachers (6.2%) ( χ 2=254.27, P <0.01). Gender differences revealed that parents reported a lower positive rate for boys (7.9%) compared to teachers (8.5%), whereas for girls, the parental positive rate (6.4%) was higher than that reported by teachers (3.8%) ( χ 2=163.59, 81.26, all P <0.01). Age related differences showed that parental positive rates for 4, 5, and 6 year olds (8.5%, 7.4%, 5.8%) were consistently higher than teachers assessments (6.3%, 6.7%, 5.4%) ( χ 2=41.23, 157.53, 63.67, all P <0.05). Univariate analysis of parental assessments indicated higher positive rates among boys (7.9%), 4 year olds (8.5%), mothers aged 20-35 ( 6.6 %), mothers with high school education or below (9.8%), fathers aged 23-40 (6.4%), fathers with high school education or below (10.3%), and children exposed to secondhand smoke (7.9%) ( χ 2=23.56-235.24, all P <0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression identified lower parental education levels and exposure to secondhand smoke as significant risk factors for abnormal SDQ assessments by parents ( χ 2=2.05, 1.62, 3.15, all P <0.05). The Kappa coefficients for parent-teacher agreement across SDQ subscales and total difficulties ranged from 0.04 to 0.12 (all P <0.01).
Conclusions
Parental education level and exposure to secondhand smoke are significant factors influencing preschool children s mental health. Differences exist between parental and teacher assessments of children s mental health, and incorporating teacher evaluations can provide a more comprehensive understanding of preschoolers psychological well being.


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