1.Effect of Ningying Formula (宁瘿方) Combined with Low-Dose Antithyroid Drugs on Reducing Relapse Risk for Patients with Graves' Hyperthyroidism in Remission Stage:A Retrospective Cohort Study
Yuqin HUANG ; Mingshuai ZHANG ; Shijian LIU ; Feng TAO ; Yi CHEN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):45-52
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of Ningying Formula (宁瘿方) combined with low-dose antithyroid drugs (ATDs) on the relapse risk for patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism (GH) during the remission phase, and to analyze the related factors between GH relapse and thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) negativity, so as to provide evidence for the standardized management of GH in remission stage. MethodsA single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted, including 269 GH patients in the remission stage. After propensity score matching (PSM), 102 matched pairs (204 patients) were established. The control group received low-dose ATDs as maintenance therapy, while the exposure group received the core Ningying Formula in addition to low-dose ATDs. The primary outcome was the GH recurrence rate; the secondary outcome was the thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) negativity rate (TRAb<1.75 IU/L). Safety outcomes included treatment-related adverse events. Differences between groups were assessed using Cox regression models and Kaplan-Meier curves, with sensitivity analysis performed using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). ResultsThe median follow-up in the matched cohort was 28.07 months. Regarding the GH recurrence outcome, the recurrence rate in the exposure group (18/102, 17.6%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (31/102, 30.4%; χ²=4.539, P=0.033); regarding the TRAb negativity outcome, the TRAb negativity rate in the exposure group (50/102, 49.0%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (23/102, 22.5%; χ²=15.551, P<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis for recurrence showed that Ningying Formula treatment reduced the risk of recurrence [HR=0.324, 95%CI(0.170, 0.617), P<0.001]. Male [HR=2.209, 95%CI(1.079, 4.520), P=0.030], higher initial TRAb level [per 1 IU/L increase: HR=1.033, 95%CI(1.003, 1.064), P=0.032], and larger thyroid volume [per 1 ml increase: HR=1.045, 95%CI(1.003, 1.088), P=0.035] were identified as independent risk factors for recurrence; multivariate Cox regression analysis for TRAb negativity indicated that Ningying Formula treatment promoted TRAb negativity [HR=1.826, 95%CI(1.091, 3.056), P=0.022], while a higher initial TRAb level was associated with a lower probability of negativity [HR=0.974, 95%CI(0.950, 0.998), P=0.032]. Survival analysis showed significant differences in relapse rate between groups (Log-Rank P=0.003) and in TRAb outcomes (Log-Rank P=0.034). The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was similar between groups (P=0.757). The IPTW sensitivity analysis was consistent with the primary analysis, indicating robust results. ConclusionThe Ningying Formula combined with low-dose ATDs can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence and can improve the TRAb negativity rate in GH patients during the remission stage, without increasing common adverse events, making it an optional strategy for reducing relapse risk during remission. Male gender, higher baseline TRAb level, and larger thyroid volume indicate a higher risk of recurrence, warranting focused follow-up and stratified management.
2.Mechanism Exploration of Doxorubicin and Sepsis Induced Myocardial Injury: Differences and Convergences
Tao ZHANG ; Zihan NAN ; Lixia LIU ; Jiaqi LIU ; Xiukai CHEN ; Xiaoting WANG ; Suwen SU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):23-32
Doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity and sepsis-induced myocardial injury (SIMI) represent significant clinical challenges in patients undergoing chemotherapy, sharing a common pathological basis of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death driven by lipid peroxidation, has recently been shown to play a critical role in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced SIMI. This article systematically reviews the mechanisms underlying myocardial injury caused by DOX and sepsis, identifying ferroptosis as a central common pathway. DOX triggers a burst of reactive oxygen species within mitochondria and inhibits glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity through redox cycling of its quinone group and high-affinity accumulation in mitochondrial cardiolipin. LPS, by activating pattern recognition receptors and related inflammatory signaling pathways, provokes a cytokine storm and mitochondrial dysfunction. Both can disrupt the core regulatory axis of cysteine-glutathione (GSH)-GPX4, synergistically promoting ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes. Moreover, epigenetic regulation plays a key role in DOX- and LPS-induced cardiomyocyte ferroptosis and may serve as a promising therapeutic target. A deeper understanding of the ferroptosis mechanism and its epigenetic regulatory network in the synergistic injury induced by DOX and sepsis is of great importance for developing novel strategies to mitigate chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity and improve outcomes in cancer patients with concurrent infections.
3.Safety and puncture accuracy of visual dilated sheath combined with needle nephroscope percutaneous nephroscopy for renal calculi
Huaijun LIU ; Shaoshan WU ; Fang CHEN ; Wenlian HU ; Qilin SUN ; Cheng ZHANG ; Tao TAO
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(4):300-305
Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy of visual dilated sheath combined with needle nephroscope percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) with traditional PCNL for renal calculi,so as to enhance the intraoperative safety and puncture accuracy. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 100 patients with renal calculi treated on hospital during Sep.2022 to Sep.2023.Based on the surgical approaches,patients were divided into the needle nephroscope group (PCNL with visual dilator sheath and needle nephroscope,n=52) and traditional group (traditional PCNL,n=48).Clinical characteristics,surgical parameters,and outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in baseline data,total operation time and hospital stay (P>0.05).The needle nephroscope group had a longer channel establishment time compared to the traditional group [20.0(17.0-22.0) min vs.16.0 (15.0-21.0) min,P=0.002],but significantly shorter puncture time [2.0 (1.0-2.6) min vs. 2.8(2.0-3.5) min,P<0.001],and fewer adjustments of the puncture needle (9.6% vs. 64.6%,P<0.001).The channel was successfully established on the first attempt in all patients in the needle nephroscope group,while only 41 of patients in the traditional group achieved success on the first attempt,6 cases needed 2 attempts,and 1 case needed 3 attempts.Postoperative complications were absent in the needle nephroscope group,whereas postoperative bleeding requiring interventional treatment occurred in 1 case in the traditional group.There was no significant difference in the first-stage stone-clearance rate between the two groups (88.4%vs. 85.4%,P=0.872). Conclusion: PCNL using a visual dilator sheath combined with a needle nephroscope achieves a comparable first-stage stone-clearance rate to traditional PCNL.However,it offers significant advantages in terms of shorter puncture time,fewer adjustments of the puncture needle,and lower postoperative complication rate.These findings suggest superior safety and precision,making it a valuable technique for clinical application.
4.Analysis of chemical components,prototype components migrating to the blood and metabolites of Sanhua decoction
Yanping LIU ; Ye CHEN ; Tao LU ; Juanmin TAO ; Yan QIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(14):1760-1764
OBJECTIVE To study the chemical components, components migrating to the blood and metabolites of Sanhua decoction in rats. METHODS Male Wistar rats were divided into administration group and blank group, with 6 rats in each group. The rats in the administration group were given 13.3 g/kg of Sanhua decoction lyophilized powder solution by gavage once a day in the morning and evening, and the rats in the blank group were given an equal volume of saline by gavage once a day in the morning and evening, both for 3 consecutive days. Plasma samples were collected from the two groups of rats after the last administration. The chemical components, prototype components migrating to the blood and metabolites of Sanhua decoction were analyzed by UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS technique. The structures were identified combined with the self-built natural product high- resolution mass spectrometry database and relevant literature. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS Totally 69 compounds were identified from the lyophilized powder of Sanhua decoction, including 29 components from Rheum officinale, 16 components from Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex, 22 components from Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, and 10 components from Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix. Among them, 3 components (citric acid, L-tyrosine, adenosine) were present in all 4 medicinal herbs. Another component (feruloylgluconic acid) still needed to be specifically attributed. A total of 43 prototype components migrating to the blood were identified, including flavonoids, phenols, anthraquinones, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids and triterpenoids. A total of 61 metabolites were identified, predominantly consisting of flavonoids, anthraquinones and phenylpropanoids. The metabolic pathways mainly involved phase Ⅰ metabolic reactions such as demethylation and phase Ⅱ metabolic reactions like sulfation and glucuronidation.
5.Effects of Xiaozhong Zhitong Mixture (消肿止痛合剂) on Angiogenesis and the Dll4/Notch1 Signaling Pathway in Wound Tissue of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Model Rats
Xiao HAN ; Tao LIU ; Yuan SONG ; Jie CHEN ; Jiaxuan SHEN ; Jing QIAO ; Hengjie WANG ; Lewen WU ; Yazhou ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(16):1695-1703
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential machanism of Xiaozhong Zhitong Mixture (消肿止痛合剂, XZM) in the treatment of diabetes foot ulcer (DFU). MethodsFifty SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, XZM group, inhibitor group, XZM plus inhibitor group (combination group), with 10 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, rats were fed with high-sugar, high-fat, high-cholesterol diet, intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin, and subjected to skin defect to establish DFU model. After successful modeling, the XZM group and the combination group were given 1 ml/(100 g·d)of XZM by gavage, while the blank group, model group, and inhibitor group were all given an equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride injection by gavage. Thirty minutes later, the inhibitor group and the combination group were intraperitoneally injected with 5 mg/(kg·d) of Notch1 inhibitor DAPT. All groups were treated once a day. After 14 days of administration, the skin tissue from the dorsal foot of the blank group rats and wound tissue from the other groups were collected. The pathological changes of granulation tissue in the wound were detected using hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining. The microvascular density (MVD) in wounds was detected through immunohistochemical staining. Real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 homolog (Notch1), Delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4), Delta-like ligand 4 (VEGF), and angiopoietin 2 (Ang-2), respectively. ResultsHistological results showed that the epidermal structure in the dorsal foot skin tissue of the rats in the blank group was intact. In the wound tissue of the model group, the epidermis exhibited excessive keratinization, vacuolar cytoplasm, and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrating the tissue, while in the XZM group, a large amount of scab formation was observed in the epidermis, with no significant inflammatory cell infiltration and a noticeable increase in fibroblasts. In the combination group and the inhibitor group, partial epidermal scab formation was observed in the wound tissue with a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared to those in the blank group, the MVD in the wound tissue increased in the model group, as well as the mRNA expression and protein levels of Notch1 and Dll4, while VEGFA and Ang-2 mRNA expression and protein levels significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to those in the model group, the MVD in the wound tissue of all medication groups significantly increased, and the mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 and Dll4 decreased, while VEGFA and Ang-2 mRNA expression and protein levels increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the XZM group, the inhibitor group and the combination group showed decreased MVD in wound tissue, increased Notch1 and Dll4 mRNA and protein levels, and decreased expression of VEGFA and Ang-2 mRNA and proteins (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionXZM can effectively promote wound healing in DFU rats, and its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of Dll4/Notch1 signaling pathway in the wound tissue, therey promoting angiogenesis.
6.Analysis of the anticoagulant effect and influencing factors of warfarin in patients after left ventricular assist device implantation guided by gene test
Ying WANG ; Jin LI ; Sijia ZHAO ; Tao CHEN ; Chengbin TANG ; Jia LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(17):2160-2164
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of warfarin anticoagulation therapy guided by gene test in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, and to analyze the influencing factors of warfarin anticoagulation efficacy. METHODS Patients who underwent LVAD implantation at the Heart and Vascular Center of Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital from January 2023 to October 2024 and required warfarin anticoagulant therapy were selected as the study subjects. They were divided into genetic testing group (n=51) and empirical treatment group (n=17) based on whether they underwent CYP2C9 and VKORC1 gene test. The gene test group was given warfarin based on the predicted dose calculated by gene test, while the empirical treatment group was given warfarin by clinical doctors based on international normalized ratio (INR) experience, all patients were given warfarin once a day. Follow-up observation was conducted for 6 months to compare the effectiveness [time in therapeutic range(TTR), the time required to reach INR for the first time, the incidence of embolic events, the incidence of INR<1.5 events] and safety (the incidence of major and minor bleeding events,the incidence of INR>3.5 events) of warfarin treatment between two groups of patients. According to whether the patient’s TTR was ≥60%, they were divided into TTR≥60% group (n=20) and TTR<60% group (n=48). Univariate and multivariate binary Logistic regression analysis were used to determine the factors affecting the anticoagulant effect of warfarin in patients. RESULTS The TTR of patients in the gene test group was significantly higher than that in the empirical treatment group (P<0.05). The incidence of INR<1.5 events in the gene test group was significantly lower than in the empirical treatment group (P<0.05). The incidence of minor bleeding events and INR>3.5 events in the gene test group were lower than in the empirical treatment group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The results of multivariate binary Logistic regression analysis showed that gene test was an independent protective factor for warfarin anticoagulant therapy [odds ratio (OR)=10.842, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.211-27.037, P=0.033], and the combination of statins was an independent risk factor for warfarin anticoagulant therapy [OR=0.196, 95%CI: 0.045-0.861, P=0.031]. CONCLUSIONS Under the guidance of gene test, warfarin anticoagulation therapy for LVAD patients after implantation can improve TTR, shorten the anticoagulation target time, and has good safety; meanwhile, it should be noted that the combination of statins may enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, thereby increasing the risk of bleeding in patients.
7.Effect of visual training equipment combined with conventional corrective treatment on children with ametropic amblyopia
Yifan LIU ; Sisi XU ; Tao CHEN ; Mengke CUI ; Dongmei ZHU
International Eye Science 2025;25(10):1580-1584
AIM: To explore the clinical application effect of visual training equipment combined with conventional corrective treatment on children with ametropic amblyopia(AMA).METHODS: Prospective randomized control study. A total of 188 children(376 eyes)with AMA treated in our hospital from June 2021 to December 2022 were selected, and they were divided into two groups using a random number table. The conventional correction group(94 cases, 188 eyes)received conventional correction treatment, while the visual training group(94 cases, 188 eyes)received visual training equipment combined with conventional correction treatment, both lasted for 12 mo. The best corrected visual acuity, diopter, eye accommodation function, adverse reactions, amblyopia recurrence rates, and clinical efficacy were compared between the two groups at 6 and 12 mo after treatment.RESULTS:The two groups each had 8 cases(16 eyes)detached, the rate of loss to follow-up was 8.5%, and 86 cases(172 eyes)were included in each group. There were statistically significant differences in the best corrected visual acuity, diopter, amplitude of accommodation, accommodation facility and accommodative lag between the two groups of children before and after treatment(all P<0.05). The total effective rate of the visual training group(98.8%)was higher than that of the conventional correction group(91.9%; P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the total effective rate of clinical efficacy between the two groups in different age groups and different degrees of amblyopia(all P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of redness and swelling between the two groups(P>0.05). The recurrence rate of amblyopia in the visual training group(1.2%)was lower than that in the conventional correction group(8.1%; P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The combination of visual training equipment and conventional correction therapy has a significant clinical effect on children with AMA, which can effectively correct visual acuity, adjusting diopter and improve eye accommodation function, and recurrence rate of amblyopia is low and safety is high.
8.Consensus on low-altitude transport and delivery services for emergency medicines via drones (2025 edition)
Qinshui WU ; Yanfang CHEN ; Tao LIU ; Xiaoyan LI ; Yumin LIANG ; Xin LI ; Zhong LI ; Rong LI ; Xiaoman WANG ; Shuyao ZHANG ; Huishu TIAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(18):2221-2225
OBJECTIVE To promote the application of drones in emergency rescue and related fields, expand “low-altitude+ medical” rescue services, and advance the standardization of “low-altitude+medical” distribution services. METHODS The Consensus on Low-altitude Transport and Delivery Services for Emergency Medicines via Drones (2025 Edition) (hereinafter referred to as the Consensus) was jointly initiated by the Division of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, Chinese Pharmacological Society and the Expert Committee on Precision Medication of the Guangdong Pharmaceutical Association. Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital served as the leading unit, organizing 53 multidisciplinary experts nationwide to participate in drafting and reviewing. A nominal group technique was employed to discuss and finalize the consensus outline, resulting in a preliminary draft. Delphi method was employed, and 11 external review experts were invited to conduct the evaluation. After the experts’ opinions were analyzed and integrated, the Consensus was finalized. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS The finalized Consensus includes its purpose, principles, and applicable scenarios, basic requirements, and operational procedures for low-altitude transport and delivery of emergency medications; distribution requirements and precautions for controlled substances, fragile medications, and temperature-sensitive medications; and recommendations for emergency medications supplies suitable for the low-altitude transportation and distribution. The release of this Consensus is expected to provide guidance and support for the standardization of “low-altitude+medical” distribution services and the application of low-altitude economy in the healthcare sector.
9.A Case of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Complicated with Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Ruzhen GAO ; Xinmiao FAN ; Wei GU ; Tengyu YANG ; Zhuhua ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Mingsheng MA ; Zenan XIA ; Hanhui FU ; Yaping LIU ; Xiaowei CHEN
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(3):348-354
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) presents with a diverse range of symptoms that can affect the skin, bones, eyes, central nervous system, and other organs. This article reports the diagnosis and treatment process of a patient with NF1 complicated by bilateral severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. Genetic testing revealed a heterozygous variant of
10.Ownership of insecticide-treated nets in African countries from 2010 to 2023
Man TAO ; Jiaxin HE ; Xinliang LIU ; Chen CHEN ; Wei DING ; Hao LI
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(5):494-505
Objective To analyze the situation of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) ownership in malaria-endemic African countries from 2010 to 2023, so as to provide insights into China’s deeper participation in malaria control in Africa. Methods The study period from 2010 to 2023 was divided into three phases: the baseline phase (from 2010 to 2015), the middle phase (from 2016 to 2019), and the final phase (from 2020 to 2023), a total of 11 African countries with at least one Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) in each phase were included. Data pertaining to ITNs in 33 surveys of the above 11 African counties from 2010 to 2023 were captured from the DHS database, and the proportions of sources of ITNs and ITN ownership in each phase (number of ITNs ownership per person, overall ownership rate, and ownership rate per two residents) were calculated. The differences in numbers of ITNs per person between urban and rural areas and specified by socioeconomic status were analyzed. Results The proportions of ITNs from distribution campaigns were 60.24% to 94.01% and 50.46% to 85.04% in 11 African countries in the middle and final phases, respectively. The median numbers (interquartile range) of INTs ownership per person were 0.22 (0.50), 0.33 (0.50) and 0.33 (0.50) in the baseline, middle, and final phases, and the overall ownership rates [95% confidence interval (CI)] were 59.77% (59.50%, 60.05%), 70.32% (70.06%, 70.57%), and 69.21% (68.95%, 69.47%), while the ownership rates per two residents were 26.91% (26.66%, 27.16%), 38.07% (37.80%, 38.34%), and 36.56% (36.29%, 36.84%), respectively. The number of ITNs per person showed a significant increase followed by a significant decrease in 7 countries during all three phases (H = 102.518 to 2 327.440, all P < 0.05; Z = -48.886 to -4.653, all P < 0.016 7 after Bonferroni correction). In 33 surveys, there were 31 (Z = -26.719 to -2.472, P < 0.05) and 28 surveys (Z = -27.316 to -4.068, P < 0.001) with significant differences in numbers of ITNs ownership per person between households in urban and rural areas and with different socioeconomic status, including 20 surveys with a significantly higher number of ITNs ownership per person in households in rural areas than in urban areas, and 17 surveys with a significantly higher number of ITNs ownership per person among the poorest households than among the richest households. Conclusions There are substantial disparities in ITNs ownership in 11 African countries. Intensified co-operation on malaria prevention and control measures, such as ITNs, is recommended between China and African countries to build a global community of health for all.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail