1.Advances in computational approaches to herbal prescription recommendation in traditional Chinese medicine: A review
Xin DONG ; Geyan PAN ; Juxian TANG ; Xuchen ZHANG ; Yutong HOU ; Peng ZHANG ; Xiaohan MAO ; Zhipeng KE ; Zongyao ZHAO ; Xuezhong ZHOU
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(2):119-131
Intelligent prescription recommendation has become an important research direction in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), offering new opportunities to support clinical decision-making and promote the modernization of TCM practice. With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), a variety of computational approaches have been proposed to learn prescription patterns from clinical data and generate personalized treatment recommendations. However, despite increasing research activity, systematic and comprehensive reviews of AI-driven methods for TCM prescription recommendation remain limited. In this study, we present a comprehensive review of computational approaches for herbal prescription recommendation (HPR) in TCM. Existing methods are systematically categorized into several major paradigms, including traditional machine learning methods, topic model methods, sequential generative methods, deep learning and graph-based methods, and large language model–based frameworks. In addition to summarizing methodological developments, we also review commonly used public datasets and evaluation metrics in this field. Furthermore, representative models with publicly available implementations are experimentally evaluated on multiple benchmark datasets to provide a comparative analysis of their performance on the HPR task. Finally, we discuss the key challenges that hinder the practical deployment of intelligent prescription recommendation systems, including data heterogeneity, limited interpretability, and insufficient integration of TCM domain knowledge. Future research directions are outlined to facilitate the development of more reliable, interpretable, and clinically applicable AI-assisted HPR systems for TCM.
2.Morphological identification of Lispe pumila (Diptera: Muscidae)
Shun-fang HUANG ; Ying SU ; Zi-dong CHENG ; Guo-sheng LIAN ; Ming-jian KE
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):141-143
In March 2024, three male and two female specimens of the genus Lispe were intercepted on cargo ships inbound for Wan Zai Port under Gongbei Customs. Based on morphological characteristics and molecular analysis, the specimens were identified as Lispe pumila. In this study, we describe the morphological features, diagnostic characteristics, and geographical distribution of L. pumila, with the aim of providing a reference for the identification of this species when intercepted at ports.
3.Necroptosis in Exercise-induced Skeletal Muscle Damage: Roles and Regulatory Mechanisms
Zhi-Fei KE ; Wen-Jing SONG ; Yun-Feng DONG ; Hua-Yu SHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1884-1895
Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is a frequent form of skeletal muscle microdamage that occurs after high-intensity, prolonged, or unaccustomed exercise, especially exercise dominated by eccentric contractions. It is commonly characterized by delayed-onset muscle soreness, transient loss of muscle strength, local inflammation, structural disruption of myofibers, and delayed functional recovery. Although mild EIMD may serve as a stimulus for training adaptation, excessive or insufficiently recovered muscle damage can impair exercise performance, disturb training continuity, and reduce participation in physical activity. Therefore, clarifying the molecular mechanisms that underlie the initiation, amplification, and resolution of EIMD is important for optimizing athletic training, improving post-exercise recovery, and guiding evidence-based public fitness practice. Necroptosis is a regulated form of programmed cell death mediated primarily by the receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIPK) 1/RIPK3/mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) signaling axis. Recent studies have shown that necroptosis is closely involved in tissue injury, sterile inflammation, and repair remodeling. However, whether necroptosis acts as an initiating driver, a secondary damage amplifier, or an adaptive signal required for repair after EIMD remains unclear. This review aimed to summarize the potential role of necroptosis in EIMD and to establish a mechanistic framework linking regulated cell death, inflammatory amplification, immune regulation, and skeletal muscle repair. Relevant studies concerning EIMD, necroptosis, RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling, damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), inflammatory responses, immune cell recruitment, extracellular matrix remodeling, and muscle regeneration were reviewed and integrated. On this basis, the possible temporal and functional involvement of necroptosis in different phases of EIMD was analyzed. The main evidence summarized in this review suggests that EIMD is not merely a consequence of primary mechanical disruption. Instead, it develops through a dynamic sequence that includes sarcolemmal instability, calcium overload, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammatory mediator production, immune cell infiltration, necrotic tissue clearance, and regeneration-associated remodeling. Necroptosis may participate in this process through at least two interconnected mechanisms. First, in the early or progressive phase of EIMD, activation of the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling axis may promote MLKL phosphorylation and plasma membrane permeabilization, leading to the release of DAMPs such as high-mobility group box 1, ATP, mitochondrial DNA, and other intracellular components. These signals may activate innate immune pathways, amplify inflammatory cytokine production, and enhance the recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages, thereby aggravating secondary inflammation and extending muscle fiber injury. Second, during the resolution and repair phases, necroptosis-related signaling may also contribute indirectly to the formation of a regenerative microenvironment. By influencing the clearance of necrotic debris, the recruitment and phenotypic transition of immune cells, and the remodeling of extracellular matrix components, necroptosis may affect satellite cell activation, myogenic repair, and the eventual structural and functional recovery of injured skeletal muscle. Thus, the biological effect of necroptosis in EIMD may be context dependent rather than uniformly harmful. Its outcome may depend on exercise intensity, the extent of tissue damage, the timing of pathway activation, the involved cell types, inflammatory status, training background, age, and metabolic condition. In conclusion, necroptosis may represent an important molecular link between skeletal muscle injury, sterile inflammation, and tissue repair after damaging exercise. It may exert a dual role in EIMD by amplifying secondary damage while also contributing to repair coordination under appropriate temporal and microenvironmental conditions. Future studies should determine the activation pattern of RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling after different exercise protocols, identify the major cell populations undergoing necroptosis in injured skeletal muscle, and examine whether targeted modulation of necroptosis can reduce excessive inflammation without impairing necessary regenerative responses. This review provides a theoretical basis for understanding the pathogenesis of EIMD and for developing targeted strategies to improve skeletal muscle recovery after exercise-induced injury.
4.Analysis of the early efficacy of anterior cervical zero-profile interbody fusion and traditional titanium plate combined interbody fusion in the treatment of three-segment cervical spondylosis
Tao SHAN ; Fei WANG ; Chun LI ; Zhou DONG ; Zhihao NI ; Ke ZHENG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(9):1657-1665
ObjectiveTo evaluate the comparative clinical outcomes of zero-profile interbody fusion (Zero-P) and traditional anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with titanium plate (ACDF-plate) for three-level cervical spondylosis, providing a reference to optimize surgical strategies for three-level cervical spondylosis. MethodsIn this retrospective comparative study, 113 patients were included and assigned to either the Zero-P group (n=51) or the ACDF-plate group (n=62) according to their surgical approaches. Clinical outcomes were evaluated and compared between the two groups using operative time, intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, cervical range of motion (ROM), neck disability index (NDI), Cervical Disability Index (CDI), Japanese orthopaedic association (JOA) scores, and postoperative complication rates. ResultsCompared with the ACDF-plate group, the Zero-P group had a shorter operative time and less intraoperative blood loss (P<0.05); the neck pain VAS score was lower on the 1st day and 1st week after surgery (P<0.05); the cervical flexion range of motion was higher at 1 month after surgery (P<0.05); the JOA score was higher at 3 months after surgery, while the NDI and CDI scores were lower (P<0.05); the total incidence of complications (11.76%) was significantly lower than that in the plate fixation group (35.48%), and the incidence of neck foreign body sensation/stiffness was lower (P<0.05). ConclusionZero-P not only demonstrates safety and efficacy comparable to the ACDF-plate, but also highlights the significant value of the minimally invasive concept in facilitating early recovery. Both procedures have their respective emphasis on biomechanical maintenance and minimally invasive benefits, providing a clear evidence-based reference for individualized and precise surgical decision-making in three-level cervical spondylosis.
5.The Ameliorate Effect of Piezo1 Signaling Pathway on Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 in Exercise Intervention
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):290-298
Diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) is one of the most common metabolic diseases in the world and has a significant impact on the health of patients. As a key factor in cellular mechanical transduction, Piezo1 protein plays a crucial role in regulating the basic life activities of the body. By participating in energy metabolism, it not only promotes the improvement of basic metabolic rate, but also helps to maintain the stability of the internal environment of the body. The activation of Piezo1 pathway has a significant effect on the release of insulin by islet beta cells, and also plays an important role in the production of adipose tissue after food intake. This study reviews the effects of exercise intervention on the expression and function of Piezo1 protein, as well as its role in metabolic regulation and insulin level regulation in T2DM patients. The study showed that a modest exercise intervention activated Piezo1 signaling pathway, which improved insulin sensitivity and improved sugar metabolism. In addition, the activation of Piezo1 pathway is closely related to the metabolic regulation of adipose tissue, helping to regulate the differentiation and maturation of adipose cells, thereby affecting the metabolic function of adipose tissue. Based on a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, Piezo1 pathway is found to play a complex role in the pathogenesis of T2DM. Exercise intervention, as a non-drug therapy, provides a new strategy for the treatment of T2DM by activating Piezo1 signaling pathway. However, the exact mechanism of action of Piezo1 pathway in T2DM still needs further investigation. Future studies should focus on the interaction between the Piezo1 pathway and T2DM, and how to regulate the Piezo1 pathway to optimize treatment for T2DM. The effects of exercise intervention on Piezo1 protein and its role in metabolic regulation and insulin level regulation of T2DM patients were comprehensively analyzed in this paper, aiming to provide a new perspective for further research and development of therapeutic strategies for metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.
6.Preparation of γ-Polyglutamic Acid Complex Medical Coating and Analysis of Its Antibacterial Properties
Ke LUAN ; Dong-Hua XU ; Ming-Zhe WANG ; Xu ZHANG ; Qiu-Yan YAN ; De-An SHI ; Rui WANG ; Heng-Chong SHI ; Hong XU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(7):1196-1203
Medical device related infections caused by bacteria are common complications in clinical practice,and preventing bacterial colonization on the surface of medical materials is one of the important challenges in the medical field.Therefore,there is an urgent need to construct medical coatings that combine antibacterial properties and biocompatibility.In this study,a γ-polyglutamic acid(γ-PGA)complex with long-chain alkyl quaternary ammonium salts formed by electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions was prepared,which was insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents(e.g.,ethanol),and was capable of constructing antimicrobial coatings on the surfaces of medical materials in a simple and efficient manner.The bactericidal effect of the coating was verified using viable bacteria counting experiments,and the results showed that the bactericidal rate of the coated thermoplastic polyurethane(TPU)membrane against Staphylococcus aureus was greater than 99.9%compared with that of the uncoated TPU membrane.In addition,a cytotoxicity assay was performed using the L929 fibroblast and cell proliferation detection kit(CCK-8),which showed that the survival rate of L929 fibroblasts on coated TPU was greater than 90%.Meanwhile,the hemolysis rate of coated erythrocytes was tested using fresh rabbit red blood cells(RBCs),and the hemolysis rate on the coated TPU surface was 1.5%.The above results indicated that the coating had good biocompatibility.The preparation method of medical antibacterial coating reported in this study provided a new idea for preventing bacterial infections related to implantable/interventional medical devices.
7.Toxicokinetics of Chlorfenapyr and Its Metabolites in Rats
Wen-Yan LI ; Jin-Feng ZHAO ; Wei-Chen LIU ; Shi-Jing LÜ ; Jia-Xin ZHANG ; Xu-Dong ZHANG ; Zhi-Wen WEI ; Ke-Ming YUN ; Chao ZHANG
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(4):380-386
Objective To establish a chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for detecting chlorfenapyr and its metabolite tralopyril in blood,and to investigate the toxicokinetics in rats.Methods Chlorfenapyr(8 mg/kg)was administered orally to rats,and blood samples were collected from rats'canthus vein at 5 min,15 min,30 min,1 h,3 h,6 h,12 h,24 h and 48 h after administration.The blood samples were extracted using 100 μL of 5%formic acid solution and 400 μL of acetonitrile.Chlorfena-pyr was qualitatively and quantitatively detected by triple quadrupole gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(GC-MS/MS)and tralopyril was detected by triple quadrupole liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS).The DAS 3.0 software was used to fit the toxicokinetic equa-tions and calculate the toxicokinetic parameters.Results Chlorfenapyr was detectable from 5 min to 24 h with a peak time of 1 h.Tralopyril was detectable from 15 min to 48 h with a peak time of 3 h.The toxicokinetic process of chlorfenapyr in rat blood conformed to a first-order absorption one-compartment open model,with the toxicokinetic equation described as C=e-0.265t-e-0.175t.Tralopyril con-formed to the first-order absorption three-compartment model,and the toxicokinetic equation was C=47 361.069e-2.209t-35 404.962e-1.486t+11 956.363e-0.512t.In the equations,C stands for the concentration of the target substance in the blood,e is the natural constant(≈2.718 28),and t stands for time.Conclu-sion This study optimized the detection method for chlorfenapyr and its metabolite tralopyril in blood.The toxicokinetic equations and parameters of chlorfenapyr and tralopyril can provide a reference for the estimation of oral intake time of chlorfenapyr.
8.Summary and discussion of repair of acute destructive wounds in the lower limbs using damage control orthopedics theory combined with anterolateral femoral perforator flap
Shenghu DU ; Xueye DONG ; Jian WANG ; Huaibao ZHANG ; Peifeng LI ; Dexiao XU ; Lin ZHANG ; Ke TAO
Journal of Chinese Physician 2025;27(3):367-372
Objective:To summarize and discuss the clinical effect of different forms of anterolateral femoral perforator flap in the repair of acute lower extremity lesions based on the theory of damage control orthopaedics (DCO).Methods:The clinical data of 33 patients with acute destructive wounds in the lower limbs admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from January 2018 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Under the guidance of the DCO theory, the combined injuries were treated through multidisciplinary consultation, and at the same time, first-stage debridement, bone stent restoration, limb blood transport reconstruction, nerve tendon repair and temporary vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) dressing were applied. After the systemic condition was stabilized, the wound was repaired with anterolateral femoral perforator flaps of different forms. The defect area was 8.0 cm×5.0 cm-35.0 cm×25.0 cm, and the donor flap area was closed in one stage in all cases.Results:30 cases of skin flap survived completely after operation, 2 cases had distal partial necrosis, wound healing after dressing change, 1 case had delayed complete necrosis. The follow-up time was 9-25(14.7±5.3)months. 2 patients were treated with the second stage of repair surgery due to the bloated flap. The rest were satisfied with the shape of the reconstructed flap and the donor flap area, and the ankle joint function score was good.Conclusions:DCO theory combined with anterolateral femoral perforator flap is a safe and effective way to repair the mutilated wounds of lower limbs.
9.2024 annual report of interventional treatment for heart failure
Chang-dong ZHANG ; Yu-cheng ZHONG ; Geng LI ; Jie WU ; Jun TIAN ; Zhi-cheng JING ; Wei MA ; Nian-guo DONG ; Yong-jian WU ; Da-xin ZHOU ; Xiao-ke SHANG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(10):581-587
China has become the country with the highest global burden of heart failure(HF).Despite the widespread use of prognostic-improving medications today,the mortality rate of HF remains high,reaching 13.7%at one year-particularly among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF).HF interventional device therapy(structural intervention)targets the structural factors underlying HF,including atrial pressure,ventricular remodeling,and valvular intervention.It leverages the heart's intrinsic physiological properties and pathological progression mechanisms to deliver treatments through interventions without external active forces,achieving anatomical or functional repair.This field has emerged as a rapidly growing area and plays an increasingly critical role in HF management.This article provides a comprehensive review and summary of the latest advancements in HF and cardiomyopathy interventional therapy over the past year.It covers various novel technologies and products currently in the research phase,aiming to provide an in-depth analysis of the current status and future directions of HF interventional therapy,and further advance the development of this discipline.
10.One-year seedling cultivation technology and seed germination-promoting mechanism by warm water soaking of Polygonatum kingianum var. grandifolium.
Ke FU ; Jian-Qing ZHOU ; Zhi-Wei FAN ; Mei-Sen YANG ; Ya-Qun CHENG ; Yan ZHU ; Yan SHI ; Jin-Ping SI ; Dong-Hong CHEN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(4):1022-1030
Polygonati Rhizoma demonstrates significant potential for addressing both chronic and hidden hunger. The supply of high-quality seedlings is a primary factor influencing the development of the Polygonati Rhizoma industry. Warm water soaking is often used in agriculture to promote the rapid germination of seeds, while its application and molecular mechanism in Polygonati Rhizoma have not been reported. To rapidly obtain high-quality seedlings, this study treated Polygonatum kingianum var. grandifolium seeds with sand storage at low temperatures, warm water soaking, and cultivation temperature gradients. The results showed that the culture at 25 ℃ or sand storage at 4 ℃ for 2 months rapidly broke the seed dormancy of P. kingianum var. grandifolium, while the culture at 20 ℃ or sand storage at 4 ℃ for 1 month failed to break the seed dormancy. Soaking seeds in 60 ℃ warm water further increased the germination rate, germination potential, and germination index. Specifically, the seeds soaked at 60 ℃ and cultured at 25 ℃ without sand storage treatment(Aa25) achieved a germination rate of 78. 67%±1. 53% on day 42 and 83. 40%±4. 63% on day 77. The seeds pretreated with sand storage at 4 ℃ for 2 months, soaked in 60 ℃ water, and then cultured at 25 ℃ achieved a germination rate comparable to that of Aa25 on day 77. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that warm water soaking might promote germination by triggering reactive oxygen species( ROS), inducing the expression of heat shock factors( HSFs) and heat shock proteins( HSPs), which accelerated DNA replication, transcript maturation, translation, and processing, thereby facilitating the accumulation and turnover of genetic materials. According to the results of indoor controlled experiments and field practices, maintaining a germination and seedling cultivation environment at approximately 25 ℃ was crucial for the one-year seedling cultivation of P. kingianum var. grandifolium.
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Polygonatum/genetics*
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Plant Dormancy


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