1.Regulating PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway by Traditional Chinese Medicine to Improve Cognitive Impairment: A Review
Feifei LIU ; Yan ZHONG ; Liping CHEN ; Xiwen CHANG ; Wenbing LI ; Rong WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(7):281-289
Cognitive impairment refers to the abnormality of the hippocampus, cortex and other parts of the brain, which is manifested by the decline of cognitive abilities such as learning, memory and attention. With the increase in people's work pressure and bad living habits, the incidence of cognitive impairment is getting higher and higher, which seriously affects people's normal life. However, there are adverse reactions such as gastrointestinal reactions and extrapyramidal reactions in Western drug treatment for cognitive impairment. Therefore, the development of a drug with relatively minimal adverse reactions is of great significance. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has the characteristics of "multi-component, multi-pathway and multi-target", and the incidence of adverse reactions is relatively low. Studies have shown that the pathogenesis of cognitive impairment is closely related to oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy and other processes of neurons in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) signal pathway plays an important role in the transmission of intracellular and intracellular signals, and in the regulation of cellular inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, etc. TCM monomers, TCM extracts, and TCM compounds exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and autophagy regulation effects by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to improve cognitive impairment. This review first summarized the composition and regulatory process of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and then discussed the research progress on the improvement of cognitive impairment through the improvement of oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and autophagy of neurons. Finally, the recent research status of the regulation of this signaling pathway by TCM extracts, TCM monomers and TCM compounds to improve cognitive impairment was summarized. This study provides a theoretical basis for the future study of new TCM related to cognitive impairment.
2.Characterization and correlation analysis of lung flora in rats with silica-induced acute lung injury
Chang LIU ; Jun LU ; Rong XIAO ; Yingqiu LI ; Jue HU ; Yue TIAN ; Jiaxiang ZHANG ; Fangguo LU
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(1):81-88
AIM:To elucidate the possible biological mechanism of silica-induced acute lung injury in rats.METHODS:Sixteen Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control and acute silicosis model groups,and instilled intratracheally with 1 mL of normal saline and 50 g/L silica suspension,respectively.After 7 d,the rats were sacrificed for collection of lung tissue and serum.The serum levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)were measured by using ELISA.The protein expression levels of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)and gasdermin D(GSDMD)were measured by immunohistochemistry.Bacterial DNA was ex-tracted from the lung tissue for 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing to characterize changes in the composition of lung flo-ra.The differences in the structure of bacterial flora between control and model groups were analyzed by bioinformatic analy-ses.RESULTS:Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the protein expression levels of NLRP3 and GSDMD were higher in the lungs of the rats in model group.In addition,serum cytokine profiling showed that IL-1β,IL-18 and TNF-α levels were significantly higher in model group.The most abundant bacterial genera in the lung flora of the rats in model group were Bifidobacterium,Clostridium sensu stricto 1,and Parasutterella.The NLRP3 and GSDMD levels in the lung tissue and IL-1β and TNF-α levels in serum were positively correlated with the abundance of Parasutterella.CONCLU-SION:The alterations in lung flora structure and increased inflammation levels may be the actual biological mechanisms underlying silica-induced acute lung injury.The modulation of lung flora may provide a basis for the prevention and treat-ment of silica-induced acute lung injury.
3.A multicenter retrospective cohort study on the attributable risk of patients with Acinetobacter baumannii sterile body fluid infection
Lei HE ; Dao-Bin JIANG ; Ding LIU ; Xiao-Fang ZHENG ; He-Yu QIU ; Shu-Mei WU ; Xiao-Ying WU ; Jin-Lan CUI ; Shou-Jia XIE ; Qin XIA ; Li HE ; Xi-Zhao LIU ; Chang-Hui SHU ; Rong-Qin LI ; Hong-Ying TAO ; Ze-Fen CHEN
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(1):42-48
Objective To investigate the attributable risk(AR)of Acinetobacter baumannii(AB)infection in criti-cally ill patients.Methods A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted among adult patients in inten-sive care unit(ICU).Patients with AB isolated from sterile body fluid and confirmed with AB infection in each cen-ter were selected as the infected group.According to the matching criteria that patients should be from the same pe-riod,in the same ICU,as well as with similar APACHE Ⅱ score(±5 points)and primary diagnosis,patients who did not infect with AB were selected as the non-infected group in a 1:2 ratio.The AR was calculated.Results The in-hospital mortality of patients with AB infection in sterile body fluid was 33.3%,and that of non-infected group was 23.1%,with no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P=0.069).The AR was 10.2%(95%CI:-2.3%-22.8%).There is no statistically significant difference in mortality between non-infected pa-tients and infected patients from whose blood,cerebrospinal fluid and other specimen sources AB were isolated(P>0.05).After infected with AB,critically ill patients with the major diagnosis of pulmonary infection had the high-est AR.There was no statistically significant difference in mortality between patients in the infected and non-infec-ted groups(P>0.05),or between other diagnostic classifications.Conclusion The prognosis of AB infection in critically ill patients is highly overestimated,but active healthcare-associated infection control for AB in the ICU should still be carried out.
4.Clinical Observation on Chang'an Juntai Granules in the Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Liver Depression and Spleen Deficiency Syndrome
Jia-He ZHANG ; Qiu-Ke HOU ; Chang-Rong ZHANG ; Shui-Lian ZHU ; Xi-Ling YANG ; Wang ZHU ; Feng-Bin LIU
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(10):2679-2686
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Chang'an Juntai Granules(mainly composed of Pseudostellariae Radix,Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma,Poria,Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle,Paeoniae Radix Alba,Saposhnikoviae Radix,Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium,Coptidis Rhizoma,and Aucklandiae Radix)in the treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome(IBS-D)with liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome,and to evaluate its safety.Methods A single-center,randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled clinical trial was designed.A total of 130 patients with IBS-D of liver depression and spleen deficiency were included.The patients were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group by random number table method,with 65 cases in each group.The treatment group was treated with Chang'an Juntai Granules,and the control group was treated with Chang'an Juntai Placebo Granules.The course of treatment covered 12 weeks.The changes in the scores of IBS Symptom Severity Scale(IBS-SSS),Bristol Stool Form Scale(BSFS),IBS Quality of Life Questionnaire(IBS-QOL)and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS)in the two groups were observed before and after treatment.After treatment,the clinical efficacy and medication safety in the two groups were evaluated.Results(1)During the trial,six cases in the treatment group and eight cases in the control group fell off.Eventually,a total of 116 patients completed the clinical trial,including 59 cases in the treatment group and 57 cases in the control group.(2)After 12 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate of the treatment group was 88.14%(52/59),and that of the control group was 45.61%(26/57).The intergroup comparison(tested by chi-square test)showed that the clinical efficacy of the treatment group was significantly superior to that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01).(3)After treatment,the IBS-SSS scores of the two groups and the BSFS and IBS-QOL scores of the treatment group were significantly lower than those before treatment(P<0.01),while the scores of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety subscale(HADA)and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Depression subscale(HADD)in the two groups and the BSFS and IBS-QOL scores in the control group showed no obvious changes(P>0.05).Compared with the control group,the decrease of IBS-SSS,BSFS and IBS-QOL scores in the treatment group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).(4)During the trial,no serious adverse reactions or adverse events occurred in the two groups,no drug-related abnormalities of liver and kidney function,blood,and heart function were found,either.Conclusion Chang'an Juntai Granules are effective on improving the clinical symptoms and fecal characteristics of IBS-D patients with liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome,and on enhancing the quality of life of patients.The granules excert definite curative effect and high safety,and has certain value of clinical application.
5.Emerging role of Jumonji domain-containing protein D3 in inflammatory diseases
Li XIANG ; Chen RU-YI ; Shi JIN-JIN ; Li CHANG-YUN ; Liu YAN-JUN ; Gao CHANG ; Gao MING-RONG ; Zhang SHUN ; Lu JIAN-FEI ; Cao JIA-FENG ; Yang GUAN-JUN ; Chen JIONG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2024;14(9):1282-1300
Jumonji domain-containing protein D3(JMJD3)is a 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase that specif-ically removes transcriptional repression marks di-and tri-methylated groups from lysine 27 on histone 3(H3K27me2/3).The erasure of these marks leads to the activation of some associated genes,thereby influencing various biological processes,such as development,differentiation,and immune response.However,comprehensive descriptions regarding the relationship between JMJD3 and inflammation are lacking.Here,we provide a comprehensive overview of JMJD3,including its structure,functions,and involvement in inflammatory pathways.In addition,we summarize the evidence supporting JMJD3's role in several inflammatory diseases,as well as the potential therapeutic applications of JMJD3 inhibitors.Additionally,we also discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with investigating the functions of JMJD3 and developing targeted inhibitors and propose feasible solutions to provide valuable insights into the functional exploration and discovery of potential drugs targeting JMJD3 for inflammatory diseases.
6.Scoping review of application of somatosensory games in frail elderly people
Jun'ai XIANG ; Rong YAN ; Xiangmin MENG ; Chang LIU ; Wenhui LIU ; Kai JIANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(18):2469-2475
Objective:To conduct scoping review of related researches on application of somatosensory games in frail elderly people, summarize the intervention elements, outcome indicators and adverse events of somatosensory games, so as to provide reference for related research.Methods:Literature on the application of somatosensory games in frail elderly people was searched from PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang Database, VIP database and China Biology Medicine disc, and the search period was from establishment of databases to July 10, 2023. The included literature was summarized and analyzed.Results:A total of 12 articles were included. Somatosensory game interventions were mainly based on existing commercial game equipment. The frequency of intervention was mainly 2 to 3 times a week, the duration was 20 to 60 minutes, and the course of treatment was 3 to 12 weeks. And most interventions had management or supervision mechanisms. Somatosensory games improved physical function and health-related quality of life in frail elderly people to some extent, but had no effect on mental health. Some studies reported fewer or even no adverse events related to somatosensory gaming intervention, and there were few reports on the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention.Conclusions:Somatosensory games have a certain effect on improving the physical function and health-related quality of life of frail elderly people, and there are fewer adverse events. Future research can draw on existing commercial gaming equipment to develop more scientific, practical and personalized somatosensory games, while improving the evaluation indicators and enhancing intervention effect.
7.Reflection and prospect on mechanism of dopamine reward system involvement in depression loop and traditional Chinese medicine intervention research
Zhuo-Xian LI ; Liu-Chang ZHOU ; Li-Hong YE ; Di DENG ; Jin-Lan ZHAO ; Ya-Fei SHI ; Rong ZHANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(8):1424-1429
In the process of seeking new strategies to improve the efficacy of antidepressants,traditional Chinese medicine inter-vention has gradually revealed its unique prevention and treat-ment advantages.The dopamine reward system is closely in-volved in the pathological occurrence and development of depres-sion.Currently,research has mostly focused on the functional mechanism of a specific nucleus in the dopamine reward system,and there is less research focused on the functional mechanism of the neural circuit.In the current micro research on reward cir-cuits,the association between abnormal reward circuits and neg-ative emotions such as anxiety and depression has been widely recognized.Traditional Chinese medicine intervention can exert antidepressant effects by influencing reward circuits.This article provides a review on the loop mechanism of dopamine reward system involvement in depression and research on traditional Chinese medicine intervention.
8.The value of combined model nomogram based on clinical characteristics and radiomics in predicting secondary loss of response after infliximab treatment in patients with Crohn′s disease
Shuai LI ; Chao ZHU ; Xiaomin ZHENG ; Yankun GAO ; Xu LIN ; Chang RONG ; Kaicai LIU ; Cuiping LI ; Xingwang WU
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2024;58(7):745-751
Objective:To investigate the value of nomogram based on radiomics features of CT enterography (CTE) combined with clinical characteristics to predict secondary loss of response (SLOR) after infliximab (IFX) treatment in patients with Crohn′s disease (CD).Methods:This study was a case-control study. Clinical and imaging data of 155 patients with CD diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from March 2015 to July 2022 were retrospectively collected. The patients were divided into a training set ( n=108) and a testing set ( n=47) in the ratio of 7∶3 by stratified sampling method. All patients were treated according to the standardized protocol and were classified as SLOR (43 in the training set and 18 in the testing set) and non-SLOR (65 in the training set and 29 in the testing set) according to treatment outcome. Based on the data from the training group, independent clinical predictors of SLOR after IFX treatment were screened in the clinical data using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to establish a clinical model. Intestinal phase images were selected to be outlined layer by layer along the margin of the lesion to obtain the volume of the region of interest to extract the radiomics features. The radiomics features were screened using univariate analysis and the minimum absolute shrinkage and selection operator to establish the radiomics model. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to build a combined clinical-radiomics model based on the screened clinical independent predictors and radiomics characters, then a nomogram was drawn. The predictive efficacy of the 3 models for SLOR after IFX treatment was assessed by receiver operating characteristic curves, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. The decision curve analysis was applied to evaluate the clinical utility of the models. Results:Disease duration ( OR=1.983, 95% CI 1.966-2.000, P=0.046) and intestinal stenosis ( OR=1.246, 95% CI 1.079-1.764, P=0.015) were identified as the independent predictors of SLOR in the clinical data, and a clinical model was established. Totally 9 radiomics features were included in the radiomics model. The AUCs of clinical, radiomics, and combined models for predicting SLOR after IFX treatment in CD patients were 0.691 (95% CI 0.591-0.792), 0.896 (95% CI 0.836-0.955), and 0.910 (95% CI 0.855-0.965) in the training set, and 0.722 (95% CI 0.574-0.871), 0.866 (95% CI 0.764-0.968), and 0.889 (95% CI 0.796-0.982) in the testing set. Decision curve analysis in the testing set showed higher net clinical benefits for both the radiomics model and combined model than the clinical model, and combined model had higher net clinical benefits than the radiomics model over most threshold probability intervals. Conclusions:CTE-based radiomics model can effectively predict SLOR after IFX treatment in patients with CD, and a combined model by incorporating clinical characteristics of disease duration and intestinal stenosis can further improve the predictive efficacy.
9.Epidemiological and pathogenic analysis of an imported case of Y serogroup ST167 complex Neisseria meningitidis
Zhencui LI ; Rong LI ; Yanmei FANG ; Chang ZHANG ; Xiaoping SHAO ; Yingliang LIU ; Meizhen LIU
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2024;44(6):480-484
Objective:To detect the pathogen and clinically diagnose for a suspected case of Neisseria meningitidis with positive blood culture result, and assess the risk of disease transmission among the community. Methods:Blood sample was collected for Neisseria meningitidis isolation and culture. Pathogen identification and serogroup typing were conducted by colony morphology, Gram staining, biochemical tests, latex agglutination test, slide agglutination test, and nucleic acid testing. The susceptibility to 12 antibiotics was also tested. Epidemiological investigation was conducted on the case, and epidemic control measures were also implemented. Results:Through various detection, the suspected case was diagnosed as Neisseria meningitidis invasive infection. The isolated strain belonged to group Y serotype, type 767 (multilocus sequence typing), and the ST167 clonal complex. The strain was sensitive to nine antibiotics, including penicillin, ampicillin, and meropenem. It exhibited intermediate sensitivity to ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, and resistance to methicillin/sulfamethoxazole. Close contacts of the case and environmental testing results were negative. Conclusions:The case is confirmed to be an invasive infection caused by group Y Neisseria meningitidis, the ST167 clonal complex. Epidemiological investigation shows a relatively low risk of epidemic transmission. Continuous monitoring and surveillance are necessary for further assessment.
10.Novel and Advanced Ultrasound Techniques for Thyroid Thermal Ablation
Wai-Kin CHAN ; Jui-Hung SUN ; Miaw-Jene LIOU ; Chia-Jung HSU ; Yu-Ling LU ; Wei-Yu CHOU ; Yan-Rong LI ; Feng-Hsuan LIU
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;39(1):40-46
Thyroid radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation are widely adopted minimally invasive treatments for diverse thyroid conditions worldwide. Fundamental skills such as the trans-isthmic approach and the moving shot technique are crucial for performing thyroid ablation, and advanced techniques, including hydrodissection and vascular ablation, improve safety and efficacy and reduce complications. Given the learning curve associated with ultrasound-guided therapeutic procedures, operators need training and experience. While training models exist, limited attention has been given to ultrasound maneuvers in ablation needle manipulation. This article introduces two essential maneuvers, the zigzag moving technique and the alienate maneuver, while also reviewing the latest ultrasound techniques in thyroid ablation, contributing valuable insights into this evolving field.

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