1.Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus Based on Traditional Quality Evaluation
Fengfan WANG ; Yajie XIANG ; Jian FENG ; Wencheng HOU ; Wenlan LI ; Yangyang LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):235-244
ObjectiveTo compare the differences between wild Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus(WAOF) and cultivated Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus(CAOF) through a traditional quality evaluation system for medicinal materials. MethodsA total of 10 batches of WAOF and 12 batches of CAOF samples were collected from various regions of Hainan province. Relevant analytical methods from the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China were employed to observe the characteristics of WAOF and CAOF, followed by microscopic identification, thin-layer chromatography(TLC) identification, moisture content(toluene method), total ash, acid-insoluble ash, water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts(hot dipping method), water-soluble protein, total polysaccharides and total flavonoids(ultraviolet spectrophotometry), and volatile oil content(method A under general rule 2204). The contents of five active components(protocatechuic acid, chrysin, kaempferol, tectochrysin and nootkatone) were quantified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC), and the antioxidant activity was evaluated. Building upon traditional quality evaluation of AOF, quantitative measurements were conducted on its appearance traits including diameter, length, plumpness(diameter/length ratio), and color. Canonical correlation analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 to explore relationships between appearance traits and intrinsic quality. ResultsNo significant differences were observed between WAOF and CAOF in microscopic observation, TLC identification, moisture content, protocatechuic acid content, kaempferol content, odor, or antioxidant activity measured by 2,2ʹ-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS) method. WAOF exhibited significantly higher levels in water-soluble extracts, alcohol-soluble extracts, total polysaccharide content, water-soluble protein content, 100-grain weight, length, and total color difference(ΔE*ab) compared to CAOF(P<0.01). In contrast, CAOF showed significantly higher levels of total ash, acid-insoluble ash, content of total flavonoids, volatile oil content, chrysin content, tectochrysin content, nootkatone content, diameter, plumpness, lightness(L*), red-green chromaticity(a*), yellow-blue chromaticity(b*), and antioxidant activity measured by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) method compared to WAOF(P<0.01). Correlation analysis between 7 phenotypic traits and 8 quality traits revealed that among the phenotypic traits, plumpness, L*, a*, and b* exerted significant influence on intrinsic quality. Among the quality traits, total flavonoids, volatile oils, nootkatone, chrysin, and tectochrysin contributed substantially to intrinsic quality. ConclusionPlumpness, L*, a*, and b* of AOF significantly influence its intrinsic quality, and higher values of these parameters indicate relatively superior intrinsic quality. The comprehensive quality evaluation reveals that CAOF samples collected in this study are superior to their wild counterparts.
2.Overview of Physical Biological Research on the Activation of Acupoint Effects by Acupuncture
Junyi LI ; Shiwei TU ; Yangyang LIU ; Baomin DOU ; Zezhi FAN ; Jiangjiang FU ; Jiangqi ZHOU ; Kaiyuan DENG ; Yanwei LI ; Yi GUO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1130-1136
By reviewing the physical biological research on the activation of acupoint effects by acupuncture, this paper explains the activation mechanism from the perspective of the generation and transmission of mechanical signals caused by acupuncture, and reveals the physical-chemical coupling processes in the acupoint microenvironment. Future research should focus on locally mechanosensitive cells, further exploring how acupuncture mechanical signals trigger dynamic changes in cells and molecules in the acupoints, and the physical-chemical information transduction mechanism, which will provide scientific evidence for the acupoint activation during acupuncture. Related studies will contribute to a deeper understanding of the scientific principles behind acupuncture and promote its clinical application and development.
3.TAZ WW Domain-Mediated Regulation of Gluconeogenesis and Tumorigenesis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma through Interaction with the Glucocorticoid Receptor
Hongxiang HUANG ; Jinhong CHEN ; Xingyu TAO ; Peiyuan ZHONG ; Yanqiu MENG ; Sujuan PENG ; Wanying LUO ; Zhiyong HE ; Shuai LUO ; Xie ZHU ; Zhihui LU ; Li CHEN ; Yangyang LIU
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2026;41(2):267-287
Background:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality, characterized by poor prognosis due to its high proliferative and invasive potential. Tumor metabolic reprogramming, particularly involving glucose metabolism, is essential for tumor survival. This study investigates the role of the Hippo pathway effector transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in regulating gluconeogenesis and promoting tumorigenesis in HCC.
Methods:
TAZ expression in HCC was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas data and validated in clinical samples and cell lines. TAZ was overexpressed or silenced in HCC cell lines to evaluate its effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. The expression and prognostic relevance of the gluconeogenesis-related genes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC) were examined, along with their correlation with TAZ expression. Tumor growth was assessed in nude mice. Interactions between TAZ and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) were investigated using co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays.
Results:
TAZ was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. TAZ overexpression enhanced proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and promoted migration and invasion. In contrast, PCK1 and G6PC were downregulated in HCC and showed a negative correlation with TAZ expression.
Conclusion
TAZ modulates gluconeogenesis and accelerates tumor growth, whereas its knockdown attenuates tumor progression. TAZ interacts with GR, suppressing its transcriptional activity on gluconeogenic gene promoters.
4.The effect of bovine milk-derived extracellular vesicles on the biofilm of staphylo-coccus aureus
Ziqiang GAO ; Zi WANG ; Peng LIU ; Yangyang SONG ; Xiaolin LI ; Huaxue SONG ; Binglei SHEN
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(11):2430-2438
The objective of this experiment was to investigate the inhibitory effect and mechanism of mammary-derived extracellular vesicles(MmEVs)from mastitis dairy cows on the biofilm for-mation of Staphylococcus aureus SA1.The biofilm-forming ability of Staphylococcus aureus SA1 was confirmed using Congo red staining,and the biofilm growth curve of S.aureus SA1 was plot-ted using the crystal violet staining method.The minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)and minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration(MBIC)of MmEVs against S.aureus SA1 were deter-mined.After treating S.aureus SA1 with different concentrations of MmEVs,the cell morphology of S.aureus SA1 was observed using transmission electron microscopy.The effects of MmEVs on S.aureus SA1 under low pH(pH value=5)or heat stress(58℃)were investigated.The hydro-phobicity index was explored using the microbial adhesion to hydrocarbons(MATH)assay.Bacte-rial conductivity was measured.The expression levels of biofilm-related genes(SarA,icaB,FnbA,ClfB,CidA,and gyrB)were detected using quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR).The results showed that MIC of MmEVs against the biofilm of S.aureus SA1 was 1 000 mg/L,and the MBIC was 500 mg/L.Under the influence of MmEVs,the internal substances of S.aureus SA1 leaked,the biofilm boundary became blurred,and the cell wall separated.At the MBIC concentration,MmEVs significantly reduced the tolerance of S.aureus SA1 to low pH(P<0.001)and high tem-perature(P<0.001),decreased hydrophobicity(P<0.001),and increased bacterial conductivity(P<0.001).At the MBIC concentration,MmEVs significantly downregulated the gene expression of Sa rA(P<0.001),icaB(P<0.001),FnbA(P<0.001),ClfB(P<0.001),and CidA(P<0.001)in S.aureus SA1,while no significant effect was observed on the expression of the gyrB gene.In summary,MmEVs inhibit the formation of Staphylococcus aureus SA1 biofilms by sup-pressing the gene expression of SarA,icaB,FnbA,ClfB,and CidA within the biofilm.This dis-ruption damages the biofilm's morphological structure,reduces its tolerance to low pH and high temperature,decreases hydrophobicity,and increases bacterial conductivity,thereby ultimately in-hibiting the formation of S.aureus SA1 biofilms.
5.The application of machine learning models based on nodal integrated topological attributes in the recognition of obsessive-compulsive disorder
Shuaiqi ZHANG ; Yangyang LIU ; Pei LIU ; Ningning DING ; Zixuan LIU ; Haisan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(5):426-432
Objective:To create nodal integrated topological attributes (NITA) index and explore its application value in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) identification by combining with machine learning model.Methods:Sixty-nine patients with OCD and 69 healthy volunteers matched with gender, age and years of education from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University who met the enrollment criteria from January 2022 to September 2023 were included in the study.Their whole-brain functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were collected and preprocessed to construct the brain functional network, and the global and nodal topological attributes were extracted as the two sets of training features for the support vector machine (SVM), random forest and gradient boosting tree, and the better features were selected by comparing the classification results of the three machine learning models. The selected features were downgraded using principal component analysis algorithm, and the above models were trained again to filter out the models that were compatible with the new dimensional features. Finally, the new dimensional features with statistically significant differences in brain regions were screened and used to train the adapted model. SPSS 20.0 software was used to process relevant data, and independent sample t-test was used for inter group comparison. Results:Each machine learning model trained based on node topological attribute metrics was higher than the global metrics in terms of accuracy, recall, F1 value and AUC, and the average accuracy of the former was higher than that of the latter by about 10.00%. The node topology attribute metrics were downscaled and named NITA, which can synthesize about 95.00% of the feature information of node topology attribute metrics on average. SVM was finally chosen as the fitness model for NITA (accuracy of 86.00%, recall of 87.00%, F1 value of 0.86, AUC of 0.92). Compared with healthy controls, the differences in NITA in the medial superior frontal gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, ventral inferotemporal gyrus, caudal inferior parietal lobule, medial precuneus, insula hypergranular cellular area, caudal cuneus gyrus, inferior occipital gyrus, caudal hippocampus, dorsal caudate nucleus, and several subregions of the superior temporal gyrus and the thalamus were statistically significant in the OCD group (all P<0.05, FDR-corrected). Training the NITA of the above brain regions as features yielded the optimal model FDR-NITA-SVM, which had an accuracy of 91.38% in the training group and 90.00% in the test group. Conclusion:NITA can be used as a potential imaging marker for recognizing OCD.NITA abnormal brain regions are key nodes for information exchange and integration among brain networks in OCD patients.
6.Protective effect of Notch1-regulated microglial polarization against epileptic seizure in mice
Yangyang ZHU ; Meng LIU ; Daodi YANG ; Yiyi HU ; Jingxian FANG
Journal of China Medical University 2025;54(3):228-232
Objective To investigate the protective effect of Notch1-regulated microglial polarization against epileptic seizure in mice.Methods The pentylenetetrazole(PTZ)kindling models of epilepsy were established in mice with normal(Notch1normal)and high(Notch1over)expression of the Notch1 protein,with Racine grade Ⅳ set as the standard,to evaluate the effect of Notch1 expression on sei-zure susceptibility.Microglial activation and polarization in the temporal lobe tissues of mice were detected using immunofluorescence staining,and the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the temporal lobe tissues was detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results High Notch1 expression showed high resistance to seizures.Compared with the Notch1normal+Sal group,the relative fluorescence intensity of Iba1,CD16,and Arg1 proteins in the temporal lobes of mice in the Notch1normal+PTZ group,as well as the TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-10 levels significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with the Notch1nornal+PTZ group,the relative fluorescence intensity of Iba1 and CD16 proteins in the temporal lobes of mice in the Notch1over+PTZ group significantly decreased(P<0.05),the relative fluorescence intensity of Arg1 protein significantly increased(P<0.05),the TNF-α and IL-6 levels significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the IL-10 level further increased(P<0.05).Conclusion High Notch1 protein expression significantly enhanced M2-type microglial polari-zation,inhibited M1-type microglial polarization,and increased resistance to seizure susceptibility in mice.
7.Intimate relationship experience between dementia patients and their spouses: a Meta-synthesis of qualitative studies
Xiaobei DOU ; Yanli LIU ; Yangyang LI ; Chongdie HU ; Fuwen HOU ; Yu ZHANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Guangxin SHENG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(35):4770-4777
Objective:To systematically evaluate qualitative research on intimate relationship experiences between dementia patients and their spouses.Methods:Qualitative studies on intimate relationship experiences of individuals with dementia and their spouses were electronically retrieved from the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, VIP, and SinoMed. The search period was from the establishment of the database to June 30, 2025. The literature was evaluated for quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute Quality Assessment Criteria for Qualitative Research. The results were synthesized through the aggregative integration method.Results:A total of 12 studies were included, yielding 46 findings that were categorized into 9 themes and synthesized into 3 integrated outcomes of dysfunction and challenges in intimate relationships, adjustment and coping strategies in intimate relationships, and reshaping and sublimation in intimate relationships.Conclusions:Patients with dementia and their spouses face multiple challenges in their intimate relationships and marital quality. Healthcare providers should focus on the lived experiences and unmet needs of dementia patients and their spouses, offer targeted psychological interventions and support, promote the stable development of intimate relationships, so as to improve their capacity to cope with the disease.
8.Correlation of gait parameters and muscle parameters with imaging in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients
Jing LIU ; Chunxin XU ; Yangyang LU ; Qinquan QU ; Qi ZHU ; Yulan GUO ; Min SHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(21):4477-4485
BACKGROUND:Gait analysis,as a radiation-free dynamic assessment method,may be able to assist imaging to evaluate patients with scoliosis,thereby reducing radiation exposure.OBJECTIVE:To analyze the correlation between gait parameters and imaging parameters in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients,and preliminarily explore the potential mechanism through OpenSim simulation modeling.METHODS:Twenty adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients aged 10-18 years with Cobb angle of 10°-45° were selected as adolescent idiopathic scoliosisgroup. The control group was normal children of the same age and the same body mass index range,and a total of 40 subjects were included. The differences in spatiotemporal parameter,kinematic parameters,dynamic parameters,and gait deviation index of the two groups were compared to explore the correlation between pathological gait and coronal balance. The related mechanisms were preliminarily studied.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) The comparison of gait parameters between groups showed that the percentage of bilateral support phase and double support phase increased in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients,and the percentage of bilateral swing phase decreased (P<0.05). The maximum adduction angle of the left hip joint of patients in the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis group was greater than that of the control group,and the maximum abduction angle of the bilateral hip joints was significantly less than that of the control group (P<0.05). The ankle joints of the two groups when the bilateral heels initially touched the ground;the difference between angles was significant (P<0.05). The peak power of right hip flexor muscle group in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients was significantly decreased when they pushed off the ground (P<0.05). (2) The results of the correlation study showed that the maximum abductive angle of the right hip joint was significantly positively correlated with the Cobb angle (r=0.552,P=0.012),and the right peak power of right hip flexor muscle and C7 lateral offset were significantly negatively correlated (r=-0.475,P=0.034). There was a significant positive correlation between ankle angle and lateral pelvic tilt when left foot followed the ground (r=0.476,P=0.034). (3) The simulation results of muscle length showed that the change of muscle fiber length of gluteal medium muscle in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients was significantly reduced (P<0.05). The change of muscle fiber length of the bilateral internal oblique muscle was significantly reduced in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients (P<0.05). Comparing the muscle fiber length of the two groups when foot followed the ground,it was found that the muscle fiber length of the calf triceps of the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients was significantly shorter when foot followed the ground (P<0.05). (4) The results showed that the postural stability control of the trunk of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients was decreased,which was manifested as slow step frequency,increased percentage of double support phase and decreased percentage of swing phase. The common pattern of low foot striking pattern is caused by bilateral Achilles tendon tension. In adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients,the ability of hip flexor muscle to do work is decreased,which may be related to joint angular velocity and main bend direction.
9.Lutein-naringin combination inhibits APAP liver injury by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress mediated by SPHK1
Huimin LIU ; Yangyang PAN ; Sisi PU ; Jianhui ZHANG ; Qian ZHANG ; Libin WANG ; Liang LI ; Zhiyong ZHANG ; Meng WANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(10):2273-2281
This study investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of the luteolin-naringenin combination(LN)on liver injury induced by acetaminophen(APAP).Forty-eight Kunming mice were randomly allocated into six groups:a normal control group,an APAP-induced liver injury model group,a positive drug treatment group,and three LN treatment groups with low,medium,and high doses.After the final drug administration,the mice were fasted for 12 hours prior to eu-thanasia for sample collection.Serum transaminase activity,oxidative stress indices,and hematoxy-lin-eosin(HE)staining were assessed to evaluate the effects of LN on APAP-induced hepatic inju-ry.Additionally,Western blot analysis was conducted to examine the expression levels of sphingo-sine kinase 1(SPHK1)and endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS)-related proteins,thereby elucida-ting the potential mechanisms by which LN mitigates APAP-induced liver injury.The results dem-onstrated that varying concentrations of LN effectively ameliorated serum aminotransferase activi-ty and oxidative stress levels induced by APAP in a dose-dependent manner.Histopathological ex-amination via HE staining revealed significant improvement in APAP-induced liver tissue injury following treatment with different concentrations of LN.Furthermore,Western blot analysis indi-cated that the protein expressions of SPHK1,CHOP,p-IRE1α,ATF6,p-PERK,p-eIF2α,and ATF4 were markedly reduced after administration of various concentrations of LN.The results demonstrate that LN exhibits a significant protective effect against APAP-induced liver injury by inhibiting the SPHK1-mediated aberrant expression of ERS-related molecules.This study high-lights the importance of targeting SPHK1 in the treatment of APAP liver injury and provides a no-vel therapeutic approach through the multi-target and multi-pathway combination of monomers.
10.Intimate relationship experience between dementia patients and their spouses: a Meta-synthesis of qualitative studies
Xiaobei DOU ; Yanli LIU ; Yangyang LI ; Chongdie HU ; Fuwen HOU ; Yu ZHANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Guangxin SHENG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(35):4770-4777
Objective:To systematically evaluate qualitative research on intimate relationship experiences between dementia patients and their spouses.Methods:Qualitative studies on intimate relationship experiences of individuals with dementia and their spouses were electronically retrieved from the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, VIP, and SinoMed. The search period was from the establishment of the database to June 30, 2025. The literature was evaluated for quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute Quality Assessment Criteria for Qualitative Research. The results were synthesized through the aggregative integration method.Results:A total of 12 studies were included, yielding 46 findings that were categorized into 9 themes and synthesized into 3 integrated outcomes of dysfunction and challenges in intimate relationships, adjustment and coping strategies in intimate relationships, and reshaping and sublimation in intimate relationships.Conclusions:Patients with dementia and their spouses face multiple challenges in their intimate relationships and marital quality. Healthcare providers should focus on the lived experiences and unmet needs of dementia patients and their spouses, offer targeted psychological interventions and support, promote the stable development of intimate relationships, so as to improve their capacity to cope with the disease.

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