1.Mechanism of Paeoniae Radix Rubra and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata in Treatment of Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure Based on Bioinformation Analysis and Experimental Validation
Xiaoling TIAN ; Yu ZHANG ; Shan DU ; Mengsi WU ; Nianhua TAN ; Bin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):156-165
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of action of Paeoniae Radix Rubra and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (CSFZ) in the treatment of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experiments. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was used to identify potential targets and related signaling pathways for the treatment of ACLF with CSFZ. Molecular docking was used to examine the binding activity of the core components with corresponding key targets. An ACLF rat model was established by subcutaneous and tail vein injections of bovine serum albumin combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) + D-galactosamine (D-GalN) intraperitoneal injection. A normal control group (NC), a model group, a CSFZ group (CSFZ, 5.85 g·kg-1), and a hepatocyte growth-promoting granule group (HGFG, 4.05 g·kg-1) were set up in this study. Pathological changes in rat liver tissue were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Caspase-3, and albumin (ALB). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K), and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt). ResultsNetwork pharmacology screening identified 49 active ingredients of CSFZ, 103 action targets, and 3 317 targets related to ACLF. Among these, 74 targets overlapped with CSFZ drug targets. Key nodes in the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network included Akt1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), IL-6, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3. Gene Ontology (GO) functional analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis identified multiple signaling pathways, with the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway being the most frequent. Molecular docking showed that the core components of the drug exhibited good binding activity with the corresponding key targets. Animal experiments confirmed that CSFZ significantly improved liver tissue pathological damage in ACLF rats, reduced the release of inflammatory factors and liver cell apoptosis, and upregulated the expression levels of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. ConclusionThrough network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vivo experiments, this study confirms the effect of CSFZ in reducing liver cell inflammatory damage and inhibiting liver cell apoptosis. The specific mechanism may be related to its involvement in regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
2.Analyzing current status of stem cell research based on National Natural Science Foundation of China's completed projects from 2018 to 2022
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(19):4145-4150
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			BACKGROUND:At present,most research focuses on in-depth analysis of a certain aspect of stem cells from the perspective of papers and project applications funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,or verifies certain evaluation methods,lacking a comprehensive analysis of the completed projects of the National Natural Science Foundation of China in the field of stem cells. OBJECTIVE:To understand the funding status and research hotspots of National Natural Science Foundation of China projects in the field of stem cells from 2018 to 2022,providing a reference for subsequent research. METHODS:Using"stem cells"as the search terms,databases were searched such as Big Data Knowledge Management Service Portal of the National Natural Science Foundation of China to extract project information,clean and merge keywords,institutions,supporting units and regions.Software such as Excel,Echarts,and VOSviewer was used to perform word frequency statistics,cluster analysis,and visualization. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The National Natural Science Foundation of China's Stem Cell Project has demonstrated significant characteristics of interdisciplinary integration,covering not only medicine and life sciences,but also multiple disciplines such as chemistry,information science,engineering and materials science,earth science,and mathematical science,bringing revolutionary progress to the development of the stem cell industry.Keyword clustering analysis shows that China's funding for stem cells mainly focuses on areas such as mesenchymal stem cells,tumor stem cells,embryonic stem cells,neural stem cells,and hematopoietic stem cells.By comparison,the funding of China,the United States,and the United Kingdom each has their own emphasis,reflecting the different development directions in the field of stem cells in each country and providing broad space for international cooperation.In the past five years,although the number of completed projects has remained stable,the amount of completed projects has slightly decreased,indicating that China's investment in the field of stem cells is relatively insufficient.Therefore,it is recommended to strengthen the investment of the National Natural Science Foundation in this field and guide more social capital to participate,forming a diversified investment pattern to promote the rapid development of the stem cell industry.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
3.Modified Maimendong Decoction Inhibits Lung Cancer Metastasis by Up-Regulating Levels of NK and CD8+ T Cells in Peripheral Blood and Tumor Microenvironment
Zhipeng ZHANG ; Jianhui TIAN ; Zujun QUE ; Ziqi CHEN ; Bin LUO ; Shihui LIU
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(6):466-473
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To explore the mechanism of modified maimendong decoction (MMD) in inhibiting lung cancer metastasis from the perspective of immune regulation. Methods CTC-TJH-01 and LLC cells were intervened with different concentrations of modified maimendong decoction. The cell proliferation was detected with a CCK-8 kit, apoptosis was detected with an Annexin V-FITC/PI kit, and cell migration was detected through Transwell assays. A lung metastasis model was established through the tail vein injection of LLC cells into C57BL/6 mice, and body weight change and lung tumor metastasis in the mice were evaluated after continuous gavage intervention with MMD. HE staining, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were employed to observe the histomorphology, Ki-67 protein level, and NK and T cell levels of metastatic lesions. The levels of NK and T cells in the peripheral blood of mice were detected throughflow cytometry. Results MMD had no significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of CTC-TJH-01 and LLC cells in vitro. In mice, MMD could significantly inhibit the lung metastasis of LLC cells, increase the proportion of NK and CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood and tumor microenvironment (P<0.05), and reduce the expression of Ki-67 protein in metastatic tumor tissues (P<0.05). Conclusion MMD may inhibit the growth of metastatic tumors by upregulating the expression levels of NK and CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood to promote the elimination of circulating tumor cells, and regulating the infiltration of NK and CD8+ T cells in the immune microenvironment of metastatic tumors, then play an antimetastatic role in lung cancer.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
4.Exhaled Volatile Organic Compounds Analysis in Patients with Pulmonary Complications after Abdominal Surgery
Bin WANG ; Xiaoli ZHANG ; Xiaochun YANG ; Jingyu WANG ; Youzhong AN ; Yi FENG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):528-534
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo identify the characteristic exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in patients after abdominal surgery. MethodsThis study prospectively enrolled 76 patients with tracheal intubation who were transferred to intensive care unit (ICU) after abdominal surgery at Peking University People's Hospital between December 10, 2022 and June 30, 2023. The patients' basic information was collected during their perioperative period, and their exhaled VOCs were collected within 24 hours after their admission to the ICU, and then analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). According to whether PPCs occurred 24 hours after surgery, the patients were divided into PPCs group (n=44) and non-PPCs group (n=32), and the differences of VOCs were compared between the two groups. Lasso regression analysis was used to screen the valuable variables of VOCs, and Logistics regression analysis to determine the characteristic VOCs associated with the occurrence of PPCs. ResultsAmong the 76 patients, 44 had PPCs and 32 had no PPCs. Lasso regression analysis screened 4 PPCs-related compounds from exhaled VOCs of two groups for further analysis and Logistics regression analysis showed that the increase of 1-Hexadecanol content in exhaled breath was significantly correlated with the occurrence of PPCs (OR: 1.000, P=0.002). ConclusionThis study indicated that the increased content of 1-Hexadecanol in patients' exhaled breath after abdominal surgery may be associated with the occurrence of PPCs. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
5.Problems and countermeasures in palliative care education for medical students
Qiuju YANG ; Jiawei SONG ; Haowei ZHANG ; Di LIU ; Bin GUO
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(7):937-942
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Palliative care is a way to help end-of-life populations improve their quality of life, and its development in practice cannot be separated from the level of education in palliative care. At present, some medical schools in palliative care education compared with western developed countries have problems such as imperfect construction of hospice curriculum system, lack of medical students’ hospice knowledge; insufficient interdisciplinary teaching faculty, weak palliative care awareness of medical students; single teaching evaluation mode; weak palliative care practice teaching links. To this end, it is necessary to improve the palliative care curriculum system, explore rich and diverse teaching methods; strengthen interdisciplinary teaching and faculty development, enhancing the awareness of palliative care among medical students;establish a scientific and effective evaluation method, carry out multi-dimensional dynamic assessment; expand the palliative care practice teaching base, and accurately improve the practical skills of medical students in palliative care, and other countermeasures to improve the level of palliative care education, and to help the strategy of Healthy China. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
6.Investigation on the current status and optimization strategies for the standardized on-the-job training for community clinical pharmacists in Shanghai
Yangjiayi XIANG ; Jing SHENG ; Liping WANG ; Lie LUO ; Yuan YUAN ; Xiaodan ZHANG ; Yan LI ; Bin WANG ; Guanghui LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(13):1568-1573
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			OBJECTIVE To systematically investigate the current status and effectiveness of the standardized on-the-job training program for community clinical pharmacists in Shanghai, and to provide a scientific basis for optimizing the training scheme. METHODS A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect the data from trainees and mentor pharmacists who participated in the program between 2016 and 2024. The survey examined their basic information, evaluations of the training scheme, satisfaction with training outcomes, and suggestions for improvement. Statistical analyses were also conducted. RESULTS A total of 420 valid responses were collected, including 340 from trainees and 80 from mentor pharmacists. Before training, only 30.29% of trainees were engaged in clinical pharmacy-related work, whereas this proportion increased to 73.24% after training. Most mentor pharmacists had extensive experience in clinical pharmacy (76.25% with ≥5 years of experience) and mentoring (78.75% with ≥3 teaching sessions). Totally 65.59% of trainees and 55.00% of mentor pharmacists believed that blended training yielded the best learning outcomes. Over 80.00% of both trainees and mentor pharmacists considered the overall training duration, theoretical study time, and practical training time to be reasonable. More than 95.00% of trainees and mentor pharmacists agreed that the homework and assessment schemes were appropriate. Trainees rated the relevance of training content to their actual work highly (with an average relevance score >4.5), though they perceived the chronic disease medication therapy management module as significantly more challenging than the prescription review and evaluation module and the home-based pharmaceutical care module. The average satisfaction score of trainees and mentor pharmacists with the training effectiveness of each project was above 4 points, indicating a high overall satisfaction. Inadequate provision of teaching resources was unanimously recognized by trainees and mentor pharmacists as the key area requiring improvement. CONCLUSIONS The standardized on-the-job training program for community clinical pharmacists in Shanghai has contributed to improving pharmaceutical services in community healthcare settings. However, ongoing improvements must concentrate on content design, resource development, and faculty cultivation.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
7.Correlation study on influenza epidemic in representative 5 cities in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River based on detection of oseltamivir metabolite in wastewater
Chen SHI ; Manlei ZHANG ; Xinxin ZHOU ; Mengyi CHEN ; Chenzhi HOU ; Bin DI
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(2):155-159
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			By selecting stable and detectable drug prototypes or metabolites in sewage samples, near real-time detection of disease conditions can be achieved. This study selected oseltamivir carboxylate, the primary metabolite of first-line antiviral oseltamivir, as a biomarker. Based on the concentration of oseltamivir carboxylate in wastewater, the consumption and usage rate of oseltamivir were calculated by reverse engineering. Quarterly sampling was conducted at 46 urban sewage treatment plants in representative 5 cities in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, from November 2022 to December 2023. The concentration range of oseltamivir acid in sewage samples is 1.270−1 279 ng/L, the daily mass load of oseltamivir per 1 000 inhabitants in the surveyed cities ranged from 9.560 to 544.7 mg/d, and the average utilization rate is 0.06‰−3.63‰. The research results indicate that in March 2023, Wuxi City experienced a spring influenza peak, while Bengbu, Tongling, Suzhou, and Changzhou City experienced a small summer influenza peak in May. In November and December 2023, Wuxi, Changzhou, and Bengbu City experienced a winter influenza peak, the results are consistent with the official statistics of the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Influenza Center, which reflect the influenza epidemic situation in southern cities. The integration of this methodology with clinical diagnostic rates could provide near real-time data support for future influenza prevention and control strategies.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
8.Efficacy of ultrasound-guided transurethral flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser incision and internal drainage in 48 patients with special renal cystic diseases
Xiaokang ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Disheng LIU ; Wenhui LI ; Yanzong ZHAO ; Wuhua HA ; Bin ZHANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(2):133-136
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective: To explore the efficacy and surgical techniques of ultrasound-assisted transurethral flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser incision and internal drainage in the treatment of special renal cystic diseases,so as to provide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of such diseases. Methods: The clinical data of 48 patients with special renal cystic diseases treated during Jan.2019 and May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.The diagnosis was made by computed tomography urography (CTU) and three dimensional urinary tract reconstruction before operation.All patients received the abovementioned surgery in semisupine lithotomy position.The general information,clinical data,and incidence of complications were analyzed. Results: There were 27 males and 21 females,with an average age of (48.0±7.5) years,including 22 cases of parapelvic cysts,6 cases of endogenic simple renal cysts with an average diameter of (5.0±1.0) cm,and 20 cases of renal calyceal diverticulum with stones,with an average diameter of (2.5±1.3) cm for the diverticulum and an average diameter of (1.5±1.0) cm for the stones,which were located in the upper or middle calyces.In 7 cases,ureteroscopic localization was difficult,and the surgery was completed with percutaneous renal puncture needle assisted localization.Ureteral stenosis was detected in 2 cases during surgery,and surgery was performed 4 weeks after double J tubes were placed.The remaining operations were successfully completed.The average operation time was (42.0±14.5) minutes,and average hospital stay was (2.0±0.5) days.During the follow-up of (12.0±8.5) months,lumbar pain improved in 27 cases (100%),renal cysts disappeared in 23 cases (82.1%,23/28),cysts significantly reduced by ≥50% in 4 cases (14.3%,4/28),slightly reduced by <50% in 1 case (3.6%,1/28),and the renal calyx diverticulum disappeared in 20 cases (100%).Gross hematuria and lower back pain occurred in 2 cases,and no other complications developed. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided transurethral flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser incision and internal drainage is a safe and effective treatment for special benign renal cystic diseases.When ultrasound-guided flexible ureteroscope localization is difficult to perform,percutaneous renal puncture needle may be applied.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
9.Left spermatic vein transposition to great saphenous vein:preliminary experience of a novel bypass procedure in 8 patients in the treatment of left varicocele secondary to nutcracker syndrome
Guoxiong LUO ; Fudong LI ; Chang YU ; Zhigang CAO ; Chunlei ZHANG ; Bin ZHANG ; Dehui CHANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(4):333-338
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of the left spermatic vein transposition to the great saphenous vein in treating left varicocele (VC) secondary to nutcracker syndrome (NCS). Methods: Clinical data of 8 patients treated during Feb.2020 and Feb.2023 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed.A meticulous preoperative evaluation of the vascular status of the spermatic vein and the great saphenous vein was performed using color Doppler ultrasound.A spermatic vein-great saphenous vein shunt surgery was performed in patients who were strictly selected.The clinical symptoms and hemodynamics of renal vein were compared before and after operation. Results: The median age of patients was 23.5(18-33) years.There was a notable reduction in post-exercise scrotal and lower back pain in all patients,and the score of scrotal pain decreased to 0 in 7 patients. The median quantification of urinary protein was 352.8(54.4-687.3) mg prior to surgical intervention,which significantly diminished to 125.5(25.9-255.1) mg 6 months after operation.Notably,3 cases of preoperative positive urine occult blood tests were undetectable in the subsequent postoperative assessments.The median peak blood flow velocity at the site of stenosis in the left renal vein measured at 74.4(48.7-117.6) cm/s preoperatively,subsequently reduced to 45.1(25.5-61.2) cm/s postoperatively.During the 6-month follow-up,no recurrence of varicocele,vascular anastomotic stenosis or thrombosis were observed. Conclusion: Our research indicates that spermatic vein to great saphenous vein bypass is safe and feasible in the treatment of left varicocele secondary to nutcracker syndrome for strictly selected patients,which can effectively alleviate renal vein congestion without significant complications.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
10.Correlation and mechanism of EREG overexpression and prognosis of patients with renal clear cell carcinoma
Jinguo ZHAO ; Bin ZHANG ; Yaoxuan JI ; Lei YU
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(5):408-415
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective: To explore the role and mechanism of epiregulin (EREG) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC),and to find biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ccRCC. Methods: Based on the data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases,the correlation between the expression level of EREG in ccRCC tissues and the clinical staging and survival of ccRCC patients was analyzed. The samples of 6 ccRCC cases treated in the Second Affiliated Hospital of the Air Force Medical University were collected. The expression of EREG was confirmed with immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR). The effects of EREG overexpression on the proliferation,cell cycle and apoptosis of ACHN cells were verified with CCK-8 and flow cytometry. Finally,the expressions of EREG,epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the downstream pathway proteins were detected with Western blotting. Results: Based on the databases,it was found that the expression of EREG in ccRCC samples was higher than that in adjacent tissues,and there was a positive correlation with the clinical stage. Survival analysis showed that high expression of EREG was a risk factor affecting the prognosis. The results of immunohistochemical staining and qPCR revealed that EREG was highly expressed in ccRCC. Flow cytometry showed that EREG overexpression promoted the proliferation of ACHN cells,enhanced cell cycle,and inhibited apoptosis. In addition,Western blotting suggested that EREG promoted the expressions of EREG,EGFR and the downstream proteins. Conclusion: The expression of EREG is associated with the prognosis of ccRCC patients. In vitro cell experiments have shown that it can promote the proliferation of ccRCC cells and inhibit their apoptosis,thereby leading to the progression of ccRCC. It can serve as a potential biomarker for prognosis prediction and a drug development target for ccRCC patients.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            
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