1.Transcriptome-based Mining of Genes Involved in Regulation of Cyclopeptide B Synthesis in Pseudostellaria heterophylla
Qingsu ZHOU ; Yishu HUANG ; Xiuwen WANG ; Jiao XU ; Xiaohong OU ; Hua HE ; Weike JIANG ; Tao ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):224-230
ObjectiveThe biosynthesis of heterophyllin B (HB), a cyclopeptide from Pseudostellaria heterophylla, is regulated by various abiotic stresses. Elucidating the transcriptional regulatory mechanism underlying HB biosynthesis is of great guiding significance for the directional improvement of P. heterophylla varieties and the enhancement of HB content. MethodsBased on transcriptome data from different tissues of P. heterophylla, transcription factors (TFs) specifically upregulated and highly expressed in the phloem of tuberous roots were screened through a combination of Mfuzz time-series clustering, transcription factor family prediction, and correlation analysis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to analyze expression patterns of candidate TFs under abscisic acid (ABA) induction, and the dual-luciferase reporter assay was applied to verify their regulatory effects on HB precursor genes. ResultsContent determination showed that HB accumulated at the highest in the phloem of P. heterophylla tuberous roots (34 μg
2.Association between triglyceride glucose-body mass index and new-onset metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease
Xiaohong XIANG ; Yang LI ; Bo LI ; Mei WEI ; Zhongfang ZHOU ; Suqiong HUANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(4):840-847
ObjectiveTo investigate the association between serum fasting triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI) and new-onset metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) within 10 years. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the data of individuals who underwent physical examination in The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University in 2013, 2018, and 2023 and were not diagnosed with MAFLD in 2013, and a total of 1 340 valid subjects were enrolled according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The gbmt package in R 4.3.0 was used to construct the dynamic change trajectory model of TyG-BMI, and four different TyG-BMI trajectory groups were determined, i.e., the low-level group (n=352), the medium-level group (n=517), the high-level group (n=314), and the extremely high-level group (n=157). The data on general information and blood biochemical parameters were collected from all subjects and were then compared between groups. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups, and the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data with heterogeneity of variance between multiple groups. The Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the association between different TyG-BMI trajectories and the risk of MAFLD, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the value of TyG-BMI in the diagnosis of MAFLD. ResultsThe cumulative incidence rate of MAFLD increased with the increase in the level of TyG-BMI trajectory, with a cumulative incidence rate of 4.83% in the low-level group, 29.98% in the medium-level group, 61.15% in the high-level group, and 83.44% in the extremely high-level group (P<0.001), and the cumulative incidence rate of MAFLD in men was significantly higher than that in women (51.34% vs 20.67%, P<0.001). The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that increases in the levels of TyG-BMI trajectory, uric acid, diastolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, and alanine aminotransferase were independent risk factors for the onset of MAFLD (all P<0.05), while the increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was an independent protective factor against MAFLD (P<0.001). After adjustment for confounding factors, the medium-, high-, and extremely high-level groups had a hazard ratio of 4.430 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.660 — 7.377, P<0.001), 6.937 (95%CI: 4.110 — 11.708, P<0.001), and 7.989 (95%CI: 4.616 — 13.827, P<0.001), respectively. The ROC curve analysis showed that TyG-BMI had the highest diagnostic value, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.859 (95%CI: 0.840 — 0.879), a sensitivity of 79.8%, and a specificity of 76.3%. ConclusionThe risk of MAFLD increases with the increase in the level of TyG-BMI trajectory, and TyG-BMI can be used as a predictive indicator for MAFLD.
3.Application of HTS2 Technology in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Formulas: A Review
Xiaohong YI ; Yumei WANG ; Yuhui CHEN ; Dong WANG ; Lijun HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):40-49
High-throughput sequencing-based high-throughput screening (HTS2) technology, as a new advancement in the field of high-throughput biotechnology, is the world's first technology to integrate high-throughput sequencing into large-scale drug screening and target discovery. The artificially designed DNA probes were bound to the undetermined mRNAs of thousands of genes in cell lysates, and then the probes were ligated with ligases. The large-scale simultaneous detection of gene expression changes in thousands of drug-treated cell samples was performed using barcoding, automated operating platforms, and high-throughput sequencers. This technology enables high-throughput identification of drugs that significantly perturb the gene expression profiles characteristic of diseases. It can also take gene expression signature as the readout and exert great high-throughput advantages in the screening of multi-drug, multi-component, and multi-target drugs, as well as the research on complex mechanisms. Therefore, it is particularly suitable for elucidating the multi-target mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine and identifying its multi-effective components. Its main technical advantages include high throughput, automation, and low cost. In recent years, HTS2 technology has yielded important achievements in the elucidation of the mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine formulas, the scientific connotation analysis of the regional characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine, the targeted isolation of active compounds of traditional Chinese medicine, and the discovery of novel pharmacological functions of monomeric compounds of traditional Chinese medicine. In the era of artificial intelligence, HTS2 technology will serve as a powerful tool for generating high-quality, original big data of traditional Chinese medicine, providing core data support and promoting AI-driven traditional Chinese medicine research. Ultimately, HTS2 technology offers new strategies and critical data support for deeply analyzing the scientific connotation of traditional Chinese medicine and discovering novel traditional Chinese medicine-based drugs, thereby accelerating the modernization and internationalization of traditional Chinese medicine in China.
4.Curzerene Ameliorates Depression-Like Behaviors and Cognitive Impairment by Modulating the Gut Microbiota and HMGB1/RAGE/ TLR4 Pathway
Fengjing HUANG ; Xiaohong MA ; Xiao XU ; Jingwen ZHANG ; Chunlai WANG ; Ruoxi SONG ; Xiangxiang WANG ; Mingxing CHEN ; Yu QI
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2026;34(1):174-188
Curzerene, a sesquiterpene compound isolated from Curcuma Radix, exhibits various therapeutic effects, such as anti-tumor and anti-hyperlipidemic properties. However, its neuroprotective effects have not yet been reported. This study focused on exploring the neuroprotective effect of curzerene and elucidating its potential mechanism by combining molecular biotechnology with multi-omics approaches. Curzerene was orally administered to LPS-induced depressive-like behaviors and cognitive impairment in mice for 14 days, and the related biochemical parameters were evaluated. The possible mechanisms were elucidated using qRT-PCR, Western Blot, immunofluorescence, untargeted metabolomics, GC-MS and 16S rDNA comprehensively. Curzerene ameliorated depression symptoms and cognitive impairment by increasing the preference for sucrose in SPT and the central area and total distance traveled in OFT, reducing the immobility time in TST and FST, as well as rising the spontaneous alternation ratio in Y maze. Multiple molecular biology techniques analyses indicated the ameliorative effect of curzerene via HMGB1/RAGE/ TLR4 pathway. Moreover, curzerene primarily regulates purine metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, etc. Furthermore, intervention increased the relative abundance of Parabacteroides, Clostridia_UCG-014_unclassified, and Rhodospirillales_unclassified, and enhanced the production of SCFAs. This work demonstrated that curzerene effectively protects against LPS-induced neurological damage, potentially by inhibiting the HMGB1/ RAGE/TLR4 pathway through the restoration of gut microbiota homeostasis, modulation of metabolites, and enhancement of SCFAs. In conclusion, this study offers new perspectives on the therapeutic possibilities of curzerene in mitigating depressive-like behaviors and cognitive impairment.
5.Analysis of Clinical and Genetic Characteristics of SELENON-Related Myopathy
Xiaohong HUANG ; Min QIAN ; Lin CHEN ; Liying CUI ; Yi DAI
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(2):200-206
To summarize the clinical characteristics and genetic mutation spectrum of patients with SELENON-related myopathy(SELENON-RM), in order to improve awareness among physicians. A total of 12 patients from independent families with genetically confirmed SELENON-RM at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 2016 and December 2025 were retrospectively included. Clinical data were collected, and their clinical and genetic features were analyzed. The mean age at presentation was(16.7±9.7) years(range: 6-35 years), with males accounting for 66.7%(8/12). Patients presented with delayed motor development since early childhood, followed by a relatively stable disease course without significant progression over several years. Among 10 patients tested for serum creatine kinase, 4 had normal levels and 6 showed elevated levels. Electromyography performed in 9 patients indicated myogenic damage in both upper and lower limbs. Muscle biopsy in 6 patients revealed myopathic changes, including variation in muscle fiber size and fiber-type disproportion with predominance of type Ⅰ fibers. Pulmonary function tests in 5 patients demonstrated restrictive ventilatory defects. Overnight polysomnography in 6 patients revealed severe nocturnal hypoxemia. Genetic analysis showed that among the 12 patients, 9 patients had compound heterozygous mutations in the Patients with SELENON-RM usually develop symptoms in early life, presenting with motor developmental delay, scoliosis or rigid spine, and frequently with occult but significant respiratory involvement. Patients in this study appear to predominantly carry compound heterozygous variants, and exons 1 and 11 of the
6.Clinical pharmacist’s participation in long-term pharmaceutical care for a patient with disseminated Cryptococcus gattii infection
Chuhong WANG ; Fang ZHAO ; Meifang CHEN ; Yue ZHOU ; Rongrong FAN ; Yanguo LIU ; Yi LIU ; Lin HUANG ; Xiaohong ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(16):2171-2175
OBJECTIVE To provide guidance for pharmaceutical care in patients with severe Cryptococcus gattii infections.METHODS Clinical pharmacists participated in the diagnosis and treatment of a male patient with disseminated Cryptococcus gattii infection (involving the lungs and central nervous system). Given the patient’s poor response to initial therapy, the clinical pharmacists, based on antimicrobial susceptibility test results, recommended voriconazole as an alternative azole. In response to refractory hypokalemia caused by liposomal amphotericin B, the clinical pharmacists assisted the physician in developing an intensive potassium replacement regimen. Regarding the interaction between voriconazole and nifedipine, the clinical pharmacists proactively identified the risk and intensified monitoring of the patient’s blood pressure. In response to the onset of hepatitis C during treatment, the clinical pharmacists thoroughly weighed the priority of infection treatment and recommended temporarily postponing antiviral therapy for hepatitis C. For the individualized use of voriconazole, the clinical pharmacists repeatedly performed therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Regarding the patient’s poor lesion resolution, the clinical pharmacists participated in multidisciplinary team discussions to clarify the indications for surgery.RESULTS The physician adopted the clinical pharmacists’ recommendations. Following pharmacological treatment and surgical intervention, the patient’s condition stabilized, and he was discharged while still on medication.CONCLUSIONS For severe Cryptococcus gattii infections, clinical pharmacists should focus on pathogen characteristics, strengthen adverse reaction management, pay close attention to drug interactions, conduct TDM, and actively participate in multidisciplinary team collaboration to ensure the safety and efficacy of patient treatment.
7.Protective strategies and management recommendations for medical staff based on NIOSH's Managing Hazardous Drug Exposures: Information for Healthcare Settings (2023 Edition)
Hengjuan LIANG ; Bo YANG ; Jing WEN ; Xiaohong HUANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(2):232-237
The Hazardous Drug Exposure Management: Information for Healthcare Settings (2023 Edition) released by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of US provided detailed protection recommendations for medical personnel to mitigate the risks of occupational exposure to hazardous drugs. This study reviewed the literature in terms of hazard identification, occupational exposure assessment, risk assessment, risk management planning, and waste and spill control. It also explored the precautions for each step of hazardous drug handling, aiming to raise medical personnel's awareness of hazardous drug protection and improve their self-protection skills. The findings provided valuable references for medical institutions to develop hazardous drug disposal plans and reduce employees' exposure to hazardous drugs and occupational injuries.
8.Regional odontodysplasia accompanied by hypodontia: a case report and literature review
ZHANG Beibei ; HUANG Yongqing ; DUAN Xiaohong
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(7):580-586
Objective:
To explore the clinical and imaging characteristics of patients with regional odontodysplasia accompanied by hypodontia and to provide a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Methods:
This report presents the imaging manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of a case of regional odontodysplasia (RO) accompanied by hypodontia. It includes a retrospective summary of the dynamic changes in the imaging characteristics of the affected teeth over a 5-year period, along with a comparative analysis of the literature. The patient was a 9-year-old female who presented to the Clinic of Oral Rare and Genetic Diseases of our hospital with the chief complaint of “discomfort for over seven months following the extraction of the teeth in the left mandibular region.” Based on her clinical manifestations and imaging findings, she was diagnosed with RO in the left mandible and with hypodontia of permanent teeth 12 and 34. A treatment plan was formulated, and long-term follow-up was conducted. The current radiographic images were compared with previous imaging data to summarize the developmental changes in her teeth, and a comparative analysis was also performed with the literature to identify similarities and differences with previously reported RO dental characteristics.
Results:
During the follow-up period, the patient's symptoms did not worsen, and a conservative observation approach was adopted; the treatment plan was decided after the eruption of the affected teeth. By comparing and analyzing imaging data from three ages (4.5, 8.5, and 9 years old), it was determined that the deciduous and permanent teeth in the left mandible of this patient exhibited typical “ghost” radiographic features, alongside hypodontia of teeth 12 and 34, as well as the delayed development of tooth 35. A literature review and analysis indicated that RO manifests clinical characteristics such as delayed tooth eruption, reduced tooth size, and yellow crowns, along with typical “ghost” radiographic appearances. Treatment requires a personalized approach based on the patient’s specific condition. To date, only five cases of RO patients with hypodontia have been reported, while the delayed development of permanent tooth buds has not yet been documented.
Conclusion
For patients with RO, dynamic imaging evaluation plays a critical role in early diagnosis. RO is associated with hypodontia and delayed tooth germ development. Long-term follow-up and personalized treatment plans are the key to RO treatment.
9.Evaluation and Factor Analysis of Preoperative Medication-Related Issues in Patients Undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery
Yingkun LIU ; Ning PANG ; Chaoqun MA ; Rongrong FAN ; Yi LIU ; Yanguo LIU ; Lin HUANG ; Xiaohong ZHANG
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(5):764-770
Objective To evaluate drug-related problems(DRPs)and to analyze the influencing factors of patients un-dergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery(VATS)before operation in thoracic surgery.Methods Clinical pharmacists used the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe(PCNE)classification system(version 9.1)to analyze DRPs and influencing fac-tors of patients who received VATS from March 1 to May 31,2023,and had at least one comorbidity.Results Out of 300 pa-tients,174 were involved in a total of 200 DRPs.The most common category of DRPs is treatment safety(47.50%),followed by treatment effectiveness(46.00%)and others(6.50%).The most common cause of the problem is drug selection(33.83%),fol-lowed by other(33.33%)and patient cause(19.90%).367 interventions were conducted for DRPs,with the most interventions being at the drug level(55.86%),followed by the doctor level(39.24%)and the patient level(3.54%).In the end,96.00%of the intervention plan was accepted,and 86.50%of the problems were resolved.There were significant differences(P<0.05)in the number of underlying diseases,medication varieties,body mass index(BMI),and length of hospital stay between the group with and without DRPs.The results of multivariate analysis showed that comorbidities,number of medication types,and BMI were independent risk factors for preoperative occurrence(or potential)of DRPs in VATS patients in thoracic surgery(OR>1,P<0.05).Conclusions Clinical pharmacists can effectively evaluate preoperative DRPs in patients undergoing VATS in thoracic surgery through the PCNE classification system.Comorbidities,number of medications,and BMI are influential factors for the oc-currence of preoperative DRPs.Future clinical practice should focus on these risk factors to optimize treatment strategies and re-duce the occurrence of DRPs.
10.A qualitative study on the management dilemma of coexisting chronic diseases among elderly patients in the communities
Xiaohong LIU ; Yuxuan LU ; Yun CHEN ; Guoxin HUANG ; Chao GAO ; Lu ZHANG ; Pengli MA
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(14):1764-1769
Objective To understand the challenges faced by elderly patients with multiple chronic conditions in community settings during the process of disease management,and to provide a basis for developing intervention strategies for managing comorbidities in the elderly.Methods A phenomenological research approach was adopted,using purposive sampling.From July to October 2024,16 elderly patients with multiple chronic conditions from 5 community service centers in Shenzhen were selected as study participants.Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted,and the interview data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method.Results Totally 4 themes and 8 sub-themes were extracted,including the disorder of multi-source health information structure and environment(insufficient systematic integration of health guidance,uneven quality of knowledge under multiple information channels),the exhaustion of self-management efficacy among chronic disease patients(the coexistence of multiple diseases aggravates the burden of physical and mental symptoms;negative emotions weaken the efficacy of active management),the absence of an integrated management mechanism for multiple diseases(repeated medical visits lead to poor treatment experience;multiple medications pose potential health risks),and the lack of in-depth and dynamic social support practices(formal operation of community support systems,family support facing the dilemma of filial piety and control).Conclusion Elderly patients with multiple chronic conditions in community settings face numerous challenges in disease management.Current chronic disease management in China primarily focuses on single diseases.It is recommended that healthcare professionals shift their perspective,improve the identification,assessment,nursing,and treatment of comorbidities in the elderly,and provide integrated chronic disease management approaches.This would enable a"one-stop"solution to the management challenges of multimorbidity in elderly patients,thereby enhancing their quality of life.


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