1.Wumeiwan Promotes M1 Polarization of Tumor-associated Macrophages to Treat Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Nianzhi CHEN ; Shiyun TANG ; Yuanyuan FENG ; Yan WANG ; Ningning LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):92-100
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Wumeiwan on liver metastasis and lung metastasis of colorectal cancer and its potential mechanism. MethodsFirstly, mice were randomized into control, low-dose (20 g·kg-1) Wumeiwan, high-dose (40 g·kg-1) Wumeiwan, and paclitaxel (10 mg·kg-1) groups. Secondly, liver metastasis and lung metastasis models of colorectal cancer were established in mice. After 4 weeks of intervention, the body weight of each mouse was recorded, and the lung weight, liver weight, and survival time of mice with metastatic colorectal cancer were determined. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was employed to detect the effects of Wumeiwan on liver metastasis and lung metastasis. Real-time PCR was employed to determine the mRNA levels of M1 and M2 macrophage markers in the liver tissue. Finally, the content of M1 macrophage markers CD80 and CD86 in the liver tissue was measured by flow cytometry. ResultsCompared with the control group, Wumeiwan and paclitaxel reduced the body weight (P<0.01) and liver weight (P<0.01) and prolonged the survival of the mouse model of liver metastasis of colorectal cancer (P<0.01). In the mouse model of lung metastasis of colorectal cancer, Wumeiwan and paclitaxel also reduced the body weight (P<0.01) and lung weight (P<0.01) and extended the survival time (P<0.01). Histopathological results showed that compared with the control group, Wumeiwan inhibited the liver and lung metastases of colorectal cancer. Real-time PCR results showed that compared with the control group, Wumeiwan upregulated the mRNA levels of M1 macrophage markers IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) in the liver and lung tissue of mice with liver metastasis and lung metastasis of colorectal cancer (P<0.01). Meanwhile, Wumeiwan downregulated the mRNA levels of M2 macrophage markers Arg1, CD163, and CD206 (P<0.01). Meanwhile, the flow cytometry results showed that compared with the control group, Wumeiwan increased the content of CD86 and CD80 (P<0.01). In addition, immunohistochemical results showed that Wumeiwan promoted the expression of CD86 and inhibited the expression of CD206 in the liver and lung tissue of mice with liver metastasis and lung metastasis. ConclusionWumeiwan can inhibit the liver metastasis and lung metastasis of colorectal cancer by promoting the M1 polarization of macrophages in the liver and lung of the model mice.
2.Analysis of co-occurrence patterns of common mental health issues among college students
YAN Yulin, LUO Miyang, LUO Jiayou, MA Suiyi, LI Jia, CHEN Xi, WANG Feng, LIU Hao
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):379-383
Objective:
The cross sectional study aimed to identify predominant co-occurrence patterns among six common mental health issues in college students, so as to provide empirical basis for designing targeted interventions.
Methods:
From October 2024, a total of 9 837 students from 4 universities in Xiangtan City, Hunan Province, participated in the current study by multistage random cluster sampling method. Participants completed self report measures, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 item Scale (GAD-7), Young s Internet Addiction Diagnostic Questionnaire, the Adolescent Insomnia Symptom Self rating Scale, the Ottawa Self injury Inventory, and the Brief Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences Questionnaire. Demographic and co-occurrence characteristics were first compared using Chi square or trend Chi-square tests, followed by application of the Apriori algorithm to mine association rules for primary co-occurrence patterns.
Results:
The detection rate of co-occuring the common mental health issues was 46.44%. The detection rate was significantly higher in female than in male students (50.42%, 43.61%; χ 2=44.46) and in students from rural versus urban areas (47.22%, 44.60%; χ 2=5.67) (both P <0.05). Significant differences were observed among freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors (46.63%, 48.35%, 45.05% , 43.66%, respectively; χ 2=9.22, P <0.05), although no statistically significant trend was detected ( χ 2 trend =3.75, P = 0.05 ). Association rule mining identified “anxiety + depression” “anxiety + psychotic experiences + depression” and “anxiety + sleep disorder + depression” as the combinations with the highest support. In addition, “anxiety+depression+Internet addiction+psychotic experiences =>sleep disorder (>= refered to the occurrence of the latter item under the condition that the former item occurs)” and “anxiety + depression+Internet addiction=>sleep disorder” were combinations with relatively high confidence.
Conclusions
Co-occurrence of these mental health issues among college students is high and exhibits diverse patterns. Strategies to address this burden should prioritize integrated interventions that target these specific combinations of factors.
3.Research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine intervening in osteoarthritis by modulating the inflammatory microenvironment
Zuo WANG ; Yuxin LIU ; Yuxin QIAO ; Zhengyu YANG ; Ru WANG ; Wenbin LIAO ; Yan GAO ; Jiayi FENG ; Guohua LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(6):823-828
The inflammatory microenvironment is closely associated with the initiation and progression of osteoarthritis (OA), specifically manifesting as macrophage activation, dysregulation of inflammatory cytokines, and redox imbalance. Following an overview of the pathological characteristics of the OA inflammatory microenvironment, this paper reviews the research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intervening in OA by modulating the inflammatory microenvironment. It has been found that TCM monomers/active ingredients (such as total alkaloids from Strychnos nux-vomica , quercetin, triptolide, etc.), herb pairs (e.g. Angelica pubescens - Gentiana macrophylla , Carthami Flos-Lycopodii Herba), and TCM formulas (such as Zhuanggu jianxi formula, Duhuo jisheng decoction and Rongjin niantong formula, etc.) can inhibit macrophage activation, reduce the release of proinflammatory cytokines and the generation of reactive oxygen species by inhibiting multiple signaling pathways, including nuclear factor-κB, Wnt/ β -catenin, and mitogen-activated protein kinase, thereby alleviating the articular inflammatory microenvironment, restoring local joint homeostasis, and slowing the progression of OA.
4.Etiology and Management of Astronaut Low Back Pain Induced by Space Flight or Simulated Microgravity
Yan-Feng LIU ; Jing LEI ; Hao-Jun YOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):133-146
It has been demonstrated that long-term space flights have a significantly greater impact on the cardiovascular, skeletal, and nervous systems of astronauts. The structural and functional alterations in the skeletal and muscular systems resulting from exposure to weightlessness can lead to the development of low back pain, significantly impairing the ability of astronauts to perform tasks and respond to emergencies. Both space flight and simulated microgravity have been shown to result in low back pain among astronauts, with the following factors identified as primary contributors to this phenomenon. The occurrence of intervertebral disc (IVD) edema results in the stimulation of type IV mechanoreceptors, which subsequently activate nociceptive afferents. The protrusion of an IVD causes compression of the spinal nerve roots. Furthermore, the elongation of the vertebral column and/or the diminished lumbar curvature of the spine exert traction on the dorsal root nerves. Paravertebral muscle degeneration leads to the inhibition of decreased nociceptive activity of the wide-dynamic range neurons of the spinal dorsal horn. Moreover, endogenous pain descending facilitation triggered by conditioning stimulation can be enhanced via the thalamic mediodorsal nuclei, while endogenous pain descending inhibition triggered by conditioning stimulation can be weakened via the thalamic ventromedial nuclei. Psychological factors may contribute to the development of low back pain. The mechanisms governing the generation, maintenance, and alleviation of low back pain in weightlessness differ from those observed in normal gravitational environments. This presents a significant challenge for space medicine research. Therefore, the elucidation of the occurrence and development mechanism of low back pain in weightlessness is important for the prevention and treatment during space flight. To reduce the incidence of low back pain during long-term missions on the space station, astronauts may choose to wear specialized space clothing that can provide axial physiological loads, designed to stimulate both musculature and skeletal structures, mitigating potential increases in vertebral column length, diminished lumbar curvature, and intervertebral disc edema and/or muscular atrophy. Additionally, assuming a “fetal tuck position” described as the knees to chest position may increase lumbar IVD hydrostatic pressure, subsequently reducing disc volume, rectifying diminished lumbar curvature, and alleviating dorsal root nerve tensions. Moreover, this position may reduce type IV mechanoreceptor facilitation and nerve impulse propagation from the sinuvertebral nerves of the annulus fibrosus. Elongated posterior soft tissues (apophyseal joint capsules and ligaments) with spinal flexion may potentially stimulate type I and II mechanoreceptors. It is also recommended to exercise the paraspinal muscles to prevent and alleviate the decrease in their cross-sectional area and maintain their structure and function. Photobiomodulation has been proved to be an effective means of activating the pain descending inhibition pathway of the central nervous system. In addition, astronauts should be encouraged to participate in mission-related activities and strive to avoid psychological problems caused by the long-term confinement in a small space station. The article presents a concise review of potential causes and targeted treatment strategies for low back pain induced by space flight or simulated microgravity in recent years. Its objective is to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying the occurrence and development of low back pain in weightless environments while providing scientific evidence to inform the development of guidelines for preventing, treating, and rehabilitating low back pain during long-term space flights.
5.Influence evaluation of pharmaceutical quality control on medication therapy management services by the ECHO model
Kun LIU ; Huanhuan JIANG ; Yushuang LI ; Yan HUANG ; Qianying ZHANG ; Dong CHEN ; Xiulin GU ; Jinhui FENG ; Zijian WANG ; Yunfei CHEN ; Yajuan QI ; Yanlei GE ; Aishuang FU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(9):1123-1128
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the influence of pharmaceutical quality control on the efficiency and outcomes of standardized medication therapy management (MTM) services for patients with coronary heart disease by using Economic, Clinical and Humanistic Outcomes (ECHO) model. METHODS This study collected case data of coronary heart disease patients who received MTM services during January-March 2023 (pre-quality control implementation group, n=96) and June-August 2023 (post-quality control implementation group, n=164). Using propensity score matching analysis, 80 patients were selected from each group. The study subsequently compared the economic, clinical, and humanistic outcome indicators of pharmaceutical services between the two matched groups. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences in baseline data between the two groups after matching (P>0.05). Compared with pre-quality control implementation group, the daily treatment cost (16.26 yuan vs. 24.40 yuan, P<0.001), cost-effectiveness ratio [23.12 yuan/quality-adjusted life year (QALY) vs. 32.32 yuan/QALY, P<0.001], and the incidence of general adverse drug reactions (2.50% vs. 10.00%, P=0.049) of post-quality control implementation group were decreased significantly; the utility value of the EuroQol Five-Dimensional Questionnaire (0.74± 0.06 vs. 0.71±0.07, P=0.003), the reduction in the number of medication related problems (1.0 vs. 0.5, P<0.001), the medication adherence score ([ 6.32±0.48) points vs. (6.10±0.37) points, P=0.001], and the satisfaction score ([ 92.56±1.52) points vs. (91.95±1.56) points, P=0.013] all showed significant improvements. Neither group experienced serious adverse drug reactions. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of new adverse reactions between the two groups (1.25% vs. 3.75%, P=0.310). CONCLUSIONS Pharmaceutical quality control can improve the quality of pharmaceutical care, and the ECHO model can quantitatively evaluate the effect of MTM services, making pharmaceutical care better priced and more adaptable to social needs, thus being worthy of promotion.
6.Predictive Modeling of Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage Following Endovascular Thrombectomy: Insights From the Nationwide TREAT-AIS Registry
Jia-Hung CHEN ; I-Chang SU ; Yueh-Hsun LU ; Yi-Chen HSIEH ; Chih-Hao CHEN ; Chun-Jen LIN ; Yu-Wei CHEN ; Kuan-Hung LIN ; Pi-Shan SUNG ; Chih-Wei TANG ; Hai-Jui CHU ; Chuan-Hsiu FU ; Chao-Liang CHOU ; Cheng-Yu WEI ; Shang-Yih YAN ; Po-Lin CHEN ; Hsu-Ling YEH ; Sheng-Feng SUNG ; Hon-Man LIU ; Ching-Huang LIN ; Meng LEE ; Sung-Chun TANG ; I-Hui LEE ; Lung CHAN ; Li-Ming LIEN ; Hung-Yi CHIOU ; Jiunn-Tay LEE ; Jiann-Shing JENG ;
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):85-94
Background:
and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking.
Methods:
This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance.
Results:
Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal.
Conclusions
The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.
7.Research on the Correlation between Balance Function and Core Muscles in Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Si-Jia LI ; Qing YUE ; Qian-Jin LIU ; Yan-Hua LIANG ; Tian-Tian ZHOU ; Xiao-Song LI ; Tian-Yang FENG ; Tong ZHANG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):264-275
Objective:
This study aimed to explore the correlation between balance function and core muscle activation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), compared to healthy individuals.
Methods:
A total of 24 AIS patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited. The limits of stability (LOS) test were conducted to assess balance function, while surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of core muscles, including the internal oblique, external oblique, and multifidus. Diaphragm thickness was measured using ultrasound during different postural tasks. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and trunk inclination distance were also recorded during the LOS test.
Results:
AIS patients showed significantly greater activation of superficial core muscles, such as the internal and external oblique muscles, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Diaphragm activation was lower in AIS patients during balance tasks (p < 0.01). Although no significant difference was observed in COP displacement between the groups, trunk inclination was significantly greater in the AIS group during certain tasks (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
These findings suggest distinct postural control patterns in AIS patients, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve balance and core muscle function in this population.
8.Expression and prognostic value of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 in patients with cirrhotic ascites and intra-abdominal infection
Feng WEI ; Xinyan YUE ; Xiling LIU ; Huimin YAN ; Lin LIN ; Tao HUANG ; Yantao PEI ; Shixiang SHAO ; Erhei DAI ; Wenfang YUAN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(5):914-920
ObjectiveTo analyze the expression level of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) in serum and ascites of patients with cirrhotic ascites, and to investigate its correlation with clinical features and inflammatory markers and its role in the diagnosis of infection and prognostic evaluation. MethodsA total of 110 patients with cirrhotic ascites who were hospitalized in The Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang from January 2019 to December 2020 were enrolled, and according to the presence or absence of intra-abdominal infection, they were divided into infection group with 72 patients and non-infection group with 38 patients. The patients with infection were further divided into improvement group with 38 patients and non-improvement group with 34 patients. Clinical data and laboratory markers were collected from all patients. Serum and ascites samples were collected, and ELISA was used to measure the level of TREM-1. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison between multiple groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. A Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between indicators. A multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the influencing factors for the prognosis of patients with cirrhotic ascites and infection. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic efficacy of each indicator, and the Delong test was used for comparison of the area under the ROC curve (AUC). ResultsThe level of TREM-1 in ascites was significantly positively correlated with that in serum (r=0.50, P<0.001). Compared with the improvement group, the non-improvement group had a significantly higher level of TREM-1 in ascites (Z=-2.391, P=0.017) and serum (Z=-2.544, P=0.011), and compared with the non-infection group, the infection group had a significantly higher level of TREM-1 in ascites (Z=-3.420, P<0.001), while there was no significant difference in the level of TREM-1 in serum between the two groups (P>0.05). The level of TREM-1 in serum and ascites were significantly positively correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), white blood cell count, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (r=0.288, 0.344, 0.530, 0.510, 0.534, 0.454, 0.330, and 0.404, all P<0.05). The ROC curve analysis showed that when PCT, CRP, and serum or ascitic TREM-1 were used in combination for the diagnosis of cirrhotic ascites with infection, the AUCs were 0.715 and 0.740, respectively. The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that CRP (odds ratio [OR]=1.019, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.001 — 1.038, P=0.043) and serum TREM-1 (OR=1.002, 95%CI: 1.000 — 1.003, P=0.016) were independent risk factors for the prognosis of patients with cirrhotic ascites and infection, and the combination of these two indicators had an AUC of 0.728 in predicting poor prognosis. ConclusionThe level of TREM-1 is closely associated with the severity of infection and prognosis in patients with cirrhotic ascites, and combined measurement of TREM-1 and CRP/PCT can improve the diagnostic accuracy of infection and provide support for prognostic evaluation.
9.Research on the Correlation between Balance Function and Core Muscles in Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Si-Jia LI ; Qing YUE ; Qian-Jin LIU ; Yan-Hua LIANG ; Tian-Tian ZHOU ; Xiao-Song LI ; Tian-Yang FENG ; Tong ZHANG
Neurospine 2025;22(1):264-275
Objective:
This study aimed to explore the correlation between balance function and core muscle activation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), compared to healthy individuals.
Methods:
A total of 24 AIS patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited. The limits of stability (LOS) test were conducted to assess balance function, while surface electromyography was used to measure the activity of core muscles, including the internal oblique, external oblique, and multifidus. Diaphragm thickness was measured using ultrasound during different postural tasks. Center of pressure (COP) displacement and trunk inclination distance were also recorded during the LOS test.
Results:
AIS patients showed significantly greater activation of superficial core muscles, such as the internal and external oblique muscles, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Diaphragm activation was lower in AIS patients during balance tasks (p < 0.01). Although no significant difference was observed in COP displacement between the groups, trunk inclination was significantly greater in the AIS group during certain tasks (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
These findings suggest distinct postural control patterns in AIS patients, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions to improve balance and core muscle function in this population.
10.Predictive Modeling of Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage Following Endovascular Thrombectomy: Insights From the Nationwide TREAT-AIS Registry
Jia-Hung CHEN ; I-Chang SU ; Yueh-Hsun LU ; Yi-Chen HSIEH ; Chih-Hao CHEN ; Chun-Jen LIN ; Yu-Wei CHEN ; Kuan-Hung LIN ; Pi-Shan SUNG ; Chih-Wei TANG ; Hai-Jui CHU ; Chuan-Hsiu FU ; Chao-Liang CHOU ; Cheng-Yu WEI ; Shang-Yih YAN ; Po-Lin CHEN ; Hsu-Ling YEH ; Sheng-Feng SUNG ; Hon-Man LIU ; Ching-Huang LIN ; Meng LEE ; Sung-Chun TANG ; I-Hui LEE ; Lung CHAN ; Li-Ming LIEN ; Hung-Yi CHIOU ; Jiunn-Tay LEE ; Jiann-Shing JENG ;
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):85-94
Background:
and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking.
Methods:
This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance.
Results:
Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal.
Conclusions
The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.


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