1.Mechanistic Interpretation of Zheng’s San Qi San Powder in Treating Skeletal Muscle Injury via Bioinformatics Prediction, Chemical Analysis and Experimental Verification
Ding-Rui WANG ; Yun-Xin LIU ; Jun-Jie XU ; Liu YANG ; Jia-Hao LÜ ; Cheng-Yuan XING ; Lei LÜ ; Bei-Bei QIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1028-1047
ObjectiveZheng’s San Qi San (ZSQS) power, a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is used for treating soft tissue injuries involving muscles, tendons, and ligaments. However, its underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to screen and identify pharmaceutically active ingredients and their candidate biomolecule targets, and further elucidate the molecular mechanism of ZSQS in the treatment of skeletal muscle injury. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was employed to construct “ZSQS-component-target”, “protein-protein interaction (PPI)” and “active ingredient-core protein-pathway” networks to predict the key active ingredients and potential core targets of ZSQS for skeletal muscle injury. The predicted results were then validated via microarray data from the GEO database. Molecular docking was then performed to assess the binding ability between the screened active ingredients of ZSQS and the candidate core targets. Moreover, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for qualitative and quantitative analysis to verify the active components of the drug and ZSQS serum. Finally, an animal model of eccentric exercise-induced skeletal muscle injury and a myotube cell model of oxidative stress-induced injury were established to validate the effects of ZSQS and its interventional effects on the biological functions of critical targets, thereby demonstrating the potential therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. ResultsAmong the 111 active components identified in ZSQS and their corresponding 204 targets related to the skeletal muscle injury repair process, 14 core targets (including AKT1) and 4 core active components (quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and β‑sitosterol) were screened out, while the corresponding metabolites of quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol were detected in the ZSQS serum. Among these targets, 5 candidate genes (IL-6, CASP3, HIF1A, STAT3, and JUN) overlapped with the differential expression screening results with GEO data, and IL-6 was confirmed to be enriched in the PI3K/AKT pathway. Combined with the prediction results of the AKT expression levels, these findings suggest that the phosphorylation level of AKT1 plays a core role in the therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. Molecular docking analysis further revealed that the PH domain of AKT1 had high binding energy with all 4 core active components, as verified by LC-MS. Finally, animal model studies have shown the promoting effect of ZSQS administration on skeletal muscle injury repair and its possible antioxidant damage mechanism. Cell model studies further demonstrated that ZSQS-containing serum, core active ingredient combination therapy, and quercetin monomer could increase the phosphorylation level of AKT, promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, upregulate the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and GR), and inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α), thereby alleviating oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. ConclusionZSQS alleviates skeletal muscle injury mainly by activating the AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway, enhancing cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the clinical application and modernized development of ZSQS.
2.Association between snack consumption and depressive symptoms among first year junior high school students with different left behind experiences in Yunnan Province
LIU Na, WU Huijuan, WANG Liangui, LUO Chengyong, CAO Yanrong, FU Yun, ZHANG Tai,〖JZ〗 KONG Jing, HU Mengdie, XIONG Yuan, XU Honglü ;
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):18-22
Objective:
To explore the relationship between snack consumption and depressive symptoms in first year junior high school students with different left behind experiences in Yunnan Province, so as to provide a basis for improving depressive symptoms among first year junior high school students with different left behind experiences.
Methods:
From October to December 2022,a cluster random sampling method was used to select 8 500 first year junior high school students from 11 ethnic minority areas (Fugong County, Longling County, Longyang District, Luchun County, Mojiang County, Nanjian County, Qiaojia County, Shuangjiang County, Tengchong City, Yuanmou County, Zhenyuan County) in Yunnan Province for a questionnaire survey. The Chinese version of Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 was applied to assess depressive symptoms in first year junior high school students, and snack consumption was collected by employing food frequency questionnaire. The generalized linear model was used to analyze the association between first year junior high school students snack consumption and depressive symptoms, and the analysis was stratified according to left behind experience.
Results:
The detection rates of depressive symptoms among firstyear junior high school students with and without left behind experience were 36.25% and 26.91%, respectively. After controlling for confounding variables, the generalized linear model analysis showed that sweet snacks ( β=0.16, 95%CI =0.07-0.25), fast food ( β=0.14, 95%CI =0.04-0.23) and carbonated drinks ( β=0.09, 95%CI =0.01-0.17) of first year junior high school students with left behind experience (all P <0.05). Compared with those without such behavior, the risk of depressive symptoms was higher in consumption of fast food ( β=0.13, 95%CI =0.07-0.18) and carbonated drinks ( β=0.10, 95%CI =0.06-0.15)among first year junior high school students without left behind experience (both P <0.05).
Conclusion
Snack consumption among first year junior high school students in Yunnan may increase the risk of developing depressive symptoms, while first year junior high school students with left behind experience may have a greater risk of developing depressive symptoms.
3.Quality evaluation of Qingwen hufei granules based on fingerprints combined with multi-component content determination
Huiying ZHOU ; Yuan WANG ; Yani WANG ; Yun YANG ; Bo WANG ; Shuanzhu YANG ; Liping CAO ; Hong ZHANG ; Kaihua LONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):338-343
OBJECTIVE To provide a scientific basis for the quality evaluation and clinical application of Qingwen hufei granules. METHODS Fourteen batches of Qingwen hufei granules were used as samples to establish high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprints using the Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprint of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2012 Edition). The chromatographic peaks were identified and the similarity was evaluated. Cluster analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA), and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to conduct chemical pattern recognition analysis on the 14 batches of samples. Meanwhile, the contents of neochlorogenic acid (NGA), chlorogenic acid (CHA), cryptochlorogenic acid (CGA), forsythoside A (FTA), 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,5-O- DA), 4,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid (4,5-O-DA), and angoroside C (AGC) in the samples were determined by HPLC. RESULTS The methodological investigation results of both the fingerprint and the content determination complied with the relevant requirements. Fourteen common peaks were indicated in the HPLC fingerprints of the 14 batches of samples, and 7 of them were identified [NGA (peak 2), CHA (peak 3), CGA (peak 5), FTA (peak 11), 3,5-O-DA (peak 12), 4,5-O-DA (peak 13), and AGC (peak 14)]; the similarity of each sample was greater than 0.94. The results of CA and PCA showed that the samples could be classified into 3 categories; the results of OPLS-DA indicated that peak 4 (unknown), peak 11 (FTA), peak 8 (unknown), peak 9 (unknown), and peak 1 (unknown) were the differential components. The content ranges of NGA, CHA, CGA, 3,5-O-DA, FTA, 4,5-O-DA and AGC in the 14 batches of samples were 0.210 4-0.458 7, 0.269 1-0.506 3, 0.228 1-0.461 1, 0.443 9-1.044 6, 0.066 7-0.155 7, 0.062 8-0.143 8, and 0.057 4-0.105 7 mg/g, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The HPLC fingerprint and multi-component content determination methods established in this study are efficient and reliable, and can be used for the quality evaluation of Qingwen hufei granules.
4.Efficacy and safety analysis of Wuling capsules combined with fluoxetine in the treatment of adolescents with first-episode moderate-to-severe depressive disorder accompanied by insomnia
Lian HE ; Yanping SHU ; Yuan YUN ; Yun MO ; Qian ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):456-461
OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy and safety of Wuling capsules combined with fluoxetine in the treatment of adolescents with first-episode moderate-to-severe depressive disorder accompanied by insomnia. METHODS The clinical data of 476 adolescents with first-episode moderate-to-severe depression accompanied by insomnia admitted to our hospital from June 2022 to May 2025, were retrospectively collected. According to the initial treatment regimen, patients were divided into a control group (241 cases, treated with fluoxetine alone) and an observation group (235 cases, treated with Wuling capsules combined with fluoxetine). The depression severity (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 Item and the Self-Rating Depression Scale scores), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score, sleep latency, wake after sleep onset, total sleep time, sleep efficiency), serum neuroendocrine indicator (cortisol) and inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6) were compared between the two groups before treatment and at 4th and 8th weeks of treatment. The effective rate at 8th weeks and the occurrence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were also compared between the two groups. RESULTS Before treatment, there were no significant differences in depression severity, sleep quality, serum neuroendocrine indicator, and inflammatory markers between the two groups ( P >0.05). At 4th and 8th weeks, both groups showed significant improvement in these indicators compared to those before treatment, with the observation group demonstrating significantly greater improvement than the control group at the corresponding time points ( P <0.05). At 8th week, the eff ective rate of the observation group was 90.21%, significantly higher than 80.50% in the control group ( P <0.05). The incidence of nausea, headache, fatigue, dry mouth, and palpitations, as well as the total incidence of ADRs, did not differ significantly between the two groups ( P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS Wuling capsules combined with fluoxetine can significantly improve the effective rate in adolescents with first-episode moderate-to-severe depression accompanied by insomnia, accelerate the relief of depressive symptoms, improve sleep quality, and reduce serum neuroendocrine indicator and inflammatory markers, with a favorable safety profile.
5.Drug resistance in 38 cases of carbapenem-resistant Serratia marcescens infection in a grade Ⅲ level A general hospital in Shanghai
Yuan LI ; Liang TIAN ; Chunyan LI ; Yun LIU ; Wei JI
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(6):484-489
ObjectiveTo understand the infection characteristics and drug resistance of carbapenem-resistant Serratia marcescens (CRSM) in a general hospital in Shanghai, and to provide a theoretical basis for clinical anti-infective treatment and prevention of drug-resistant bacteria. MethodsClinical data on cases with CRSM infections detected in clinical specimens at a gradeⅢ level A general hospital in Shanghai from June 2022 to June 2024 were retrospectively collected, and their clinical distributions, factors of hospital-acquired infections, prognosis, and drug-resistant situation were analyzed simultaneously. ResultsA total of 38 cases with CRSM were detected from June 2022 to June 2024, and the number of CRSM strains accounted for 25.00% (38/152) of the number of SM strains. The 38 CRSM infection samples were all derived from sputum. CRSM were distributed in 9 clinical departments, and the top 3 departments having the highest percentages of CRSM among SM strains, were intensive care unit (ICU) (78.79%, 26/33), gastrointestinal surgery department (57.14%, 4/7), and thyroid hernia surgery department (50.00%, 1/2). Among the 38 patients with CRSM infections, 8 cases were identified as hospital-acquired infection, resulting in a hospital-acquired infection rate of 21.05. The mortality rate of the 38 cases of CRSM infected patients within 30 days after detection of CRSM was 23.68% (9/38). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score
6.Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification Unraveled The Mechanism of Pachymic Acid in The Treatment of Neuroblastoma
Hang LIU ; Yu-Xin ZHU ; Si-Lin GUO ; Xin-Yun PAN ; Yuan-Jie XIE ; Si-Cong LIAO ; Xin-Wen DAI ; Ping SHEN ; Yu-Bo XIAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2376-2392
ObjectiveTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitutes a valuable cultural heritage and an important source of antitumor compounds. Poria (Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf), the dried sclerotium of a polyporaceae fungus, was first documented in Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica and has been used therapeutically and dietarily in China for millennia. Traditionally recognized for its diuretic, spleen-tonifying, and sedative properties, modern pharmacological studies confirm that Poria exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antitumor activities. Pachymic acid (PA; a triterpenoid with the chemical structure 3β-acetyloxy-16α-hydroxy-lanosta-8,24(31)-dien-21-oic acid), isolated from Poria, is a principal bioactive constituent. Emerging evidence indicates PA exerts antitumor effects through multiple mechanisms, though these remain incompletely characterized. Neuroblastoma (NB), a highly malignant pediatric extracranial solid tumor accounting for 15% of childhood cancer deaths, urgently requires safer therapeutics due to the limitations of current treatments. Although PA shows multi-mechanistic antitumor potential, its efficacy against NB remains uncharacterized. This study systematically investigated the potential molecular targets and mechanisms underlying the anti-NB effects of PA by integrating network pharmacology-based target prediction with experimental validation of multi-target interactions through molecular docking, dynamic simulations, and in vitro assays, aimed to establish a novel perspective on PA’s antitumor activity and explore its potential clinical implications for NB treatment by integrating computational predictions with biological assays. MethodsThis study employed network pharmacology to identify potential targets of PA in NB, followed by validation using molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, MM/PBSA free energy analysis, RT-qPCR and Western blot experiments. Network pharmacology analysis included target screening via TCMSP, GeneCards, DisGeNET, SwissTargetPrediction, SuperPred, and PharmMapper. Subsequently, potential targets were predicted by intersecting the results from these databases via Venn analysis. Following target prediction, topological analysis was performed to identify key targets using Cytoscape software. Molecular docking was conducted using AutoDock Vina, with the binding pocket defined based on crystal structures. MD simulations were performed for 100 ns using GROMACS, and RMSD, RMSF, SASA, and hydrogen bonding dynamics were analyzed. MM/PBSA calculations were carried out to estimate the binding free energy of each protein-ligand complex. In vitro validation included RT-qPCR and Western blot, with GAPDH used as an internal control. ResultsThe CCK-8 assay demonstrated a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect of PA on NB cell viability. GO analysis suggested that the anti-NB activity of PA might involve cellular response to chemical stress, vesicle lumen, and protein tyrosine kinase activity. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis suggested that the anti-NB activity of PA might involve the PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and Ras signaling pathways. Molecular docking and MD simulations revealed stable binding interactions between PA and the core target proteins AKT1, EGFR, SRC, and HSP90AA1. RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses further confirmed that PA treatment significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression of AKT1, EGFR, and SRC while increasing the HSP90AA1 mRNA and protein levels. ConclusionIt was suggested that PA may exert its anti-NB effects by inhibiting AKT1, EGFR, and SRC expression, potentially modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These findings provide crucial evidence supporting PA’s development as a therapeutic candidate for NB.
7.The Applications and Challenges of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Theoretical and Case Analysis Assessment for Resident Physician Education
Yuankai ZHOU ; Jun SUN ; Shengjun LIU ; Yingying YANG ; Siyi YUAN ; Huaiwu HE ; Yun LONG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(5):1352-1356
Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) represents a prominent research focus in medicine, with medical education being a key application area. GAI demonstrates potential to enhance residency training efficacy through personalized instruction, automated assessment item generation, question bank updating, and intelligent scoring systems. However, current limitations exist regarding output accuracy and content consistency. To address these constraints, strategic measures are required: continuous GAI model refinement, development of standardized usage guidelines, enhanced data quality control, and implementation of human verification protocols for generated content. Concurrently, residents should proactively acquire GAI utilization skills to strengthen the practical application of theoretical knowledge. With these advancements, GAI is anticipated to evolve into a valuable asset for improving the efficiency and quality of residency training programs.
8.Prevalence of depressive symptoms among middle school students in Huzhou City
LIANG Yinyin ; YUAN Rui ; LIU Guangtao ; LI Hui ; FU Yun
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(6):622-627,631
Objective:
To investigate the detection of depressive symptoms and its influencing factors among middle school students in Huzhou City, so as to provide insights for improving the mental health levels among middle school students.
Methods:
From September to November 2024, a total of 4 729 middle school students from five counties (districts) in Huzhou City were selected through the stratified cluster random sampling method. Demographic information, lifestyle, and school bullying were collected through questionnaire surveys. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Factors affecting depressive symptoms among middle school students were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
A total of 4 729 middle school students were surveyed, including 2 200 boys (46.52%) and 2 529 girls (53.48%). Depressive symptoms were detected in 1 026 students, with a detection rate of 21.70%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that girl (OR=1.960, 95%CI: 1.659-2.317), high school (ordinary high school, OR=1.789, 95%CI: 1.465-2.186; vocational high school, OR=1.581, 95%CI: 1.105-2.263), consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages >0 time/day (<1 time/day, OR=1.363, 95%CI: 1.009-1.841; ≥1 time/day, OR=1.568, 95%CI: 1.098-2.239), fried food intake ≥1 time/day (OR=1.890, 95%CI: 1.291-2.769), skipping breakfast daily (OR=2.178, 95%CI: 1.825-2.599), TV viewing time ≥2 hours/day (OR=1.457, 95%CI: 1.154-1.838), insufficient sleep duration (OR=1.761, 95%CI: 1.422-2.181), smoking (OR=2.798, 95%CI: 1.834-4.269), alcohol consumption (OR=2.282, 95%CI: 1.861-2.798), experiencing school bullying (OR=5.440, 95%CI: 3.148-9.402) and parental physical/verbal abuse (OR=3.954, 95%CI: 3.189-4.902) were associated with a higher risk of depressive symptoms among middle school students. Conversely, the middle school students who engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity ≥3 times/week (OR=0.784, 95%CI: 0.668-0.921) and attended physical education classes ≥3 sessions/week (OR=0.736, 95%CI: 0.613-0.884) were associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms.
Conclusion
The prevalence of depressive symptoms among middle school students in Huzhou City was lower than national average, and was influenced by dietary habits, physical exercise, sleep duration, smoking, alcohol consumption, and experiencing school bullying.
9.Association between time to first cigarette and expiratory airflow limitation
YUAN Yun ; QIAN Wen ; YU Zhimiao ; WEI Yonglan ; WANG Liang ; HAN Mingming
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(9):922-926
Objective:
To explore the association between time to first cigarette (TTFC) and expiratory airflow limitation, so as to provide a reference for the prevention and control of pulmonary function decline.
Methods:
Based on the baseline survey of the China Multi-Ethnic Cohort (CMEC), the demographic, lifestyle behavior, smoking behavior, and TTFC data of permanent residents aged 30 to 79 years in Chengdu City were collected from 2018 to 2019. The TTFC was divided into ≤5, 6-30, 31-60, and >60 minutes. Expiratory airflow limitation was determined when the proportion of the measured peak expiratory flow to the predicted value was less than 80%. The association between TTFC and expiratory airflow limitation was analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model, and subgroup analyses were conducted according to smoking cessation, age of starting smoking, smoking duration, average daily smoking volume, and the habit of deep inhalation into the lungs.
Results:
A total of 6 766 residents were investigated, among whom 6 402 were males, accounting for 94.62%. The median age was 52 (interquartile range, 19) years. A total of 2 468 residents were detected with expiratory airflow limitation, with a detection rate of 36.48%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for demographics, lifestyle behavior, smoking cessation, age of starting smoking, smoking duration, average daily smoking volume, and the habit of deep inhalation into the lungs, TTFC ≤5 minutes (OR=1.203, 95%CI: 1.035-1.397) and 6-30 minutes (OR=1.174, 95%CI: 1.002-1.374) were associated with an increased risk of expiratory airflow limitation. Subgroup analyses showed that there was no interaction between smoking behavior and TTFC on the risk of expiratory airflow limitation (all P>0.05).
Conclusion
A shorter TTFC is associated with an increased risk of expiratory airflow limitation among residents aged 30 to 79 years, and the association is not affected by snoking behaviors such as smoking cessation, age of starting smoking, smoking duration and average daily smoking volume.
10.Singapore Myeloma Study Group consensus guidelines for the management of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.
Sanjay DE MEL ; Allison Cy TSO ; Cinnie Y SOEKOJO ; Melissa G OOI ; Chi Ching LIM ; Constance TEO ; Yun Xin CHEN ; Melinda TAN ; Aditi MANJERI ; Zhao Yuan LEE ; Daryl TAN ; Liang King LEE ; Ling CAO ; Yeow Tee GOH ; Chandramouli NAGARAJAN ; Wee Joo CHNG
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 2025;54(9):561-584


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