1.Prediction of postoperative pulmonary complications in video-assisted thoracic surgery for lung cancer based on cardiopulmonary exercise testing and machine learning
Lei GUO ; Fusong LIU ; Zhilong OU ; Lan GUO ; Tiantian LI ; Chongfeng ZHOU ; Kun LUAN ; Xiaoman CHEN ; Yucheng WEI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(01):44-52
Objective To develop a predictive model for postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) following video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in lung cancer patients by integrating cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) parameters and machine learning techniques. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer who underwent CPET and VATS at Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital between October 2021 and July 2023. Patients were divided into a PPC group and a non-PPC group. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to select important features associated with PPC. Six machine learning algorithms were utilized to construct prediction models, including logistic regression, support vector machine, k-nearest neighbors, random forest, gradient boosting machine, and extreme gradient boosting. The optimal model was interpreted using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). Results A total of 325 patients were included, with an average age of 60.36 years, and 55.1% were male. Significant differences were observed between the PPC and non-PPC groups in age, diabetes, coronary heart disease, surgical approach, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FVC% predicted, peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2), anaerobic threshold (AT), and ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide slope (VE/VCO2 slope) (P<0.05). In the predictive model constructed by selecting 7 key features using LASSO regression, the random forest model demonstrated the best overall performance across various metrics, with an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.930, an F1 score of 0.836, and a Brier score of 0.133 in the training set. It also exhibited good predictive ability and calibration in the test set. SHAP analysis ranked feature importance as follows: peak VO2, VE/VCO2 slope, age, FEV1, smoking history, diabetes, and surgical approach. Conclusion Integrating CPET parameters, the random forest model can effectively identify high-risk patients for PPC and has the potential for clinical application.
2.Pharmacological Review, Challenges, and Future Prospects of Zhusha Anshenwan
Xiaosong HU ; Zhou LAN ; Ping WANG ; Li DING ; Chun GUI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):329-335
Zhusha Anshenwan is a classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula originating from LI Dongyuan's Treatise on the Differentiation of Endogenous and Exogenous Injuries (Nei Wai Shang Bian Huo Lun) of the Jin-Yuan period. It is composed of five medicinal ingredients: Cinnabaris (Zhusha), Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Rehmanniae Radix (Shengdihuang), and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao). Under the guidance of TCM theory, this formula is used to treat syndromes of disturbed spirit, including insomnia, palpitations, and anxiety, caused by hyperactivity of heart fire and deficiency of Yin-blood, and it also exerts auxiliary anticonvulsant effects in epilepsy and related conditions. However, the potential neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity of its monarch drug, Cinnabaris (mainly composed of mercuric sulfide, HgS), together with the risk of in vivo accumulation, have rendered its clinical application controversial, and it has not yet been formally included in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. In addition, restrictions imposed by the Minamata Convention on Mercury have led to an increasing shortage of natural medicinal Cinnabaris resources, making the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of synthetic Cinnabaris particularly urgent. This contradiction highlights the complexity of safety evaluation for traditional medicines. Existing studies indicate that Zhusha Anshenwan exhibits definite pharmacological activities in calming the mind, improving sleep, and regulating emotional disorders. Moreover, other components of the formula may exert antagonistic effects on the toxicity of Cinnabaris, and reports of severe mercury poisoning caused by standardized clinical use of this prescription are extremely rare. Research suggests that other ingredients in the compound formula, such as Rehmanniae Radix, Coptidis Rhizoma, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, may effectively alleviate the hepatorenal toxicity of Cinnabaris through mechanisms including modulation of the gut microbiota, formation of mercury complexes, and direct protection of target organs. This article aims to systematically review the progress in pharmacodynamic research on Zhusha Anshenwan, to explore its mechanisms of action in depth, and to analyze the toxicokinetic characteristics and safety risks of Cinnabaris, as well as the scientific connotations of toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement achieved through compound compatibility. In addition, it compares Zhusha Anshenwan with other commonly used sedative formulas, with the aim of providing a scientific basis and forward-looking perspectives for the safe and rational application and in-depth development of this classical prescription in a modern context, and of emphasizing the important value of holistic research on TCM compound formulas in addressing the challenges of single-component toxicity.
3.Construction and Evaluation of Mouse Model of Qi Deficiency and Phlegm Dampness Syndrome
Qichun ZHOU ; Gangxing ZHU ; Yongchun ZOU ; Baoyi LAN ; Zhanyu CUI ; Xi WANG ; Mengfei XU ; Qing TANG ; Sumei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):138-146
ObjectiveQi deficiency and phlegm dampness syndrome is a common type of clinical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndrome. However, there is no standard, scientific, and accurate report on the construction of animal models of Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness syndrome. This study aims to construct a mouse model of Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness syndrome by using a multi-factor composite modeling method and to evaluate the model. MethodsTwenty-one C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups with seven mice in each group, which were the normal group, model group, and Shenling Baizhusan (SLBZ) group. The control group was fed with ordinary diet and kept in a normal environment. The model group and SLBZ group were fed with a high-fat diet in a high-humidity environment. Swimming with heavy weights until exhaustion and gavage with cold water or lard were used to establish the mouse model of Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness syndrome. In order to test the syndrome by prescription, mice in the SLBZ group were treated with SLBZ for 14 days after model construction. The exhaustive swimming time, body weight, serum lipid levels, tongue changes, "Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness" assessment scale score, and cecal index of mice in each group were measured. The feces of each group of mice were sent for metagenomics and metabolome sequencing, and the changes in intestinal flora and metabolites were analyzed. ResultsAfter the modeling of Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness syndrome, the exhaustive swimming time of mice was obviously shortened (P<0.01). The serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol of mice were significantly increased (all P<0.01). The tongue of mice was significantly different from that of the normal group, and the score of the assessment scale was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.01). Cecal index decreased significantly (P<0.01). The serum lipid level, tongue image, assessment scale score, and cecal index were reversed in the SLBZ group. Metagenomic and metabolome sequencing results showed that intestinal flora and fecal metabolites were significantly changed in mice with Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness syndrome. Akkermansia_muciniphila, Faecalibaculum_rodentium, Eubacterium_plexicaudatum, Eubacterium sp 14_2, Candida glabrata, Romboutsia_ilealis, Turicibacter sp TS3, and other bacteria had significant changes, and the expressions of intestinal metabolites such as chenodeoxycholic acid, choline, L-phenylalanine betaine, and 2-phenylbutyric acid were significantly changed. Related metabolic pathways such as linoleic acid metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis, lysine degradation, arginine biosynthesis, and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism were affected. ConclusionThe Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness model of mice can be constructed by the multi-factor composite modeling method of high-fat diet feeding, high-humidity environment feeding, exhaustive swimming with heavy weight, and intragastric administration with cold water or lard. The blood lipid level, tongue change, score of "Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness assessment scale", cecal index, and changes in related intestinal flora and metabolites of mice can be used as key indicators for model evaluation.
4.Roles of plant-derived natural compounds in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis
Ziyi DUAN ; Wenhao ZHOU ; Yingjie CAI ; Min ZHONG ; Jian MAO ; Lan JIANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):33-39
Osteoporosis is a systemic disease, and epidemiological projections indicate that by 2050, approximately 23.43% of the Chinese population over 50 years of age will be affected. Given the poor prognosis associated with osteoporosis, the exploration of safe and effective natural products is of considerable significance. Studies investigating the chemical constituents of traditional Chinese medicine in cellular and/or animal models have demonstrated bone-protective effects. Although most of these compounds lack clinical data, they hold considerable potential as lead candidates for drug development. In-depth study of the structure-activity relationship of these natural products not only contributes to elucidating the mechanisms of action but also provides a theoretical basis for the development of novel antiosteoporosis therapies. This review summarizes natural products with potential antiosteoporotic effects reported between 2020 and 2024. Overall, plant-derived natural compounds exhibit antiosteoporotic effects by regulating bone remodeling, inflammation, and oxidative stress, highlighting their promise as multitarget therapeutic candidates.
5.Optimization Strategy and Practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound and Its Component Compatibility
Zhihao WANG ; Wenjing ZHOU ; Chenghao FEI ; Yunlu LIU ; Yijing ZHANG ; Yue ZHAO ; Lan WANG ; Liang FENG ; Zhiyong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):299-310
Prescription optimization is a crucial aspect in the study of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compounds. In recent years, the introduction of mathematical methods, data mining techniques, and artificial neural networks has provided new tools for elucidating the compatibility rules of TCM compounds. The study of TCM compounds involves numerous variables, including the proportions of different herbs, the specific extraction parts of each ingredient, and the interactions among multiple components. These factors together create a complex nonlinear dose-effect relationship. In this context, it is essential to identify methods that suit the characteristics of TCM compounds and can leverage their advantages for effective application in new drug development. This paper provided a comprehensive review of the cutting-edge optimization experimental design methods applied in recent studies of TCM compound compatibilities. The key technical issues, such as the optimization of source material selection, dosage optimization of compatible herbs, and multi-objective optimization indicators, were discussed. Furthermore, the evaluation methods for component effects were summarized during the optimization process, so as to provide scientific and practical foundations for innovative research in TCM and the development of new drugs based on TCM compounds.
6.Protective Effect of Taohong Siwutang on Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury Based on A1/A2 Phenotype Transformation of Astrocytes Mediated by JAK2/STAT3 Pathway
Huifang WANG ; Xinru CHEN ; Mengyuan CHEN ; Xian ZHOU ; Lan HAN ; Weidong CHEN ; Zhaojie JI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):25-34
ObjectiveTo investigate whether the effect of Taohong Siwutang on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CIRI) injury in rats is related to the regulation of astrocyte polarization and explore the related mechanism. MethodsEighty-four male SD rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: A sham operation group, a model group, Taohong Siwutang treatment groups (low dose, medium dose, and high dose), ligustrazine phosphate tablet (LPT) group, and AG490 group. All groups, except for the sham operation group, underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) modeling and were treated for seven days. The neurological impairment was evaluated using the Longa score. The volume of cerebral infarction was assessed through 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot analyses were performed to analyze the mRNA and protein expression levels of cortical complement 3 (C3), S100 calcium-binding protein A10 (S100A10), Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Additionally, protein expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) were assessed, and the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), were evaluated. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and C3, S100A10 and Co-localization was detected via immunofluorescence double staining. Lastly, VEGF expression levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed a significant increase in cerebral infarction volume and neurological impairment (P<0.01). C3 protein levels were elevated, while S100A10 levels were decreased. Pathway-related markers were significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), and VEGF-A protein levels were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of inflammatory factors was significantly upregulated (P<0.01). Co-localization analysis showed significantly increased GFAP and C3 fluorescence intensity (P<0.01) and greatly decreased GFAP and S100A10 fluorescence intensity (P<0.01). Additionally, VEGF content was significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, medium- and high-dose Taohong Siwutang and LPT groups exhibited a significant reduction in cerebral infarction volume and neurological impairment (P<0.01). Groups treated with low, medium, and high doses of Taohong Siwutang and LPT group exhibited a decrease in C3 protein expression levels and an increase in S100A10 expression levels (P<0.01). In the high-dose Taohong Siwutang and AG490 groups, both protein and mRNA expression of C3 and pathway-related markers were significantly downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), while S100A10 expression and VEGF-A protein levels were significantly increased (P<0.01). Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The co-localization fluorescence intensity of GFAP and C3 significantly decreased (P<0.01), while that of GFAP and S100A10 greatly increased (P<0.01). Furthermore, VEGF content exhibited a marked elevation (P<0.01). ConclusionTaohong Siwutang exerts a protective effect in rats with cerebral CIRI injury. The underlying mechanism is associated with the downregulation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, promotion of A2-type astrocyte polarization, reduction of inflammatory factor release, and enhancement of VEGF production.
7.Protective Effect of Taohong Siwutang on Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury Based on A1/A2 Phenotype Transformation of Astrocytes Mediated by JAK2/STAT3 Pathway
Huifang WANG ; Xinru CHEN ; Mengyuan CHEN ; Xian ZHOU ; Lan HAN ; Weidong CHEN ; Zhaojie JI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):25-34
ObjectiveTo investigate whether the effect of Taohong Siwutang on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CIRI) injury in rats is related to the regulation of astrocyte polarization and explore the related mechanism. MethodsEighty-four male SD rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: A sham operation group, a model group, Taohong Siwutang treatment groups (low dose, medium dose, and high dose), ligustrazine phosphate tablet (LPT) group, and AG490 group. All groups, except for the sham operation group, underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) modeling and were treated for seven days. The neurological impairment was evaluated using the Longa score. The volume of cerebral infarction was assessed through 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot analyses were performed to analyze the mRNA and protein expression levels of cortical complement 3 (C3), S100 calcium-binding protein A10 (S100A10), Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Additionally, protein expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) were assessed, and the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), were evaluated. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and C3, S100A10 and Co-localization was detected via immunofluorescence double staining. Lastly, VEGF expression levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed a significant increase in cerebral infarction volume and neurological impairment (P<0.01). C3 protein levels were elevated, while S100A10 levels were decreased. Pathway-related markers were significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), and VEGF-A protein levels were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of inflammatory factors was significantly upregulated (P<0.01). Co-localization analysis showed significantly increased GFAP and C3 fluorescence intensity (P<0.01) and greatly decreased GFAP and S100A10 fluorescence intensity (P<0.01). Additionally, VEGF content was significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, medium- and high-dose Taohong Siwutang and LPT groups exhibited a significant reduction in cerebral infarction volume and neurological impairment (P<0.01). Groups treated with low, medium, and high doses of Taohong Siwutang and LPT group exhibited a decrease in C3 protein expression levels and an increase in S100A10 expression levels (P<0.01). In the high-dose Taohong Siwutang and AG490 groups, both protein and mRNA expression of C3 and pathway-related markers were significantly downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), while S100A10 expression and VEGF-A protein levels were significantly increased (P<0.01). Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The co-localization fluorescence intensity of GFAP and C3 significantly decreased (P<0.01), while that of GFAP and S100A10 greatly increased (P<0.01). Furthermore, VEGF content exhibited a marked elevation (P<0.01). ConclusionTaohong Siwutang exerts a protective effect in rats with cerebral CIRI injury. The underlying mechanism is associated with the downregulation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, promotion of A2-type astrocyte polarization, reduction of inflammatory factor release, and enhancement of VEGF production.
8.Expert Consensus on the Ethical Requirements for Generative AI-Assisted Academic Writing
You-Quan BU ; Yong-Fu CAO ; Zeng-Yi CHANG ; Hong-Yu CHEN ; Xiao-Wei CHEN ; Yuan-Yuan CHEN ; Zhu-Cheng CHEN ; Rui DENG ; Jie DING ; Zhong-Kai FAN ; Guo-Quan GAO ; Xu GAO ; Lan HU ; Xiao-Qing HU ; Hong-Ti JIA ; Ying KONG ; En-Min LI ; Ling LI ; Yu-Hua LI ; Jun-Rong LIU ; Zhi-Qiang LIU ; Ya-Ping LUO ; Xue-Mei LV ; Yan-Xi PEI ; Xiao-Zhong PENG ; Qi-Qun TANG ; You WAN ; Yong WANG ; Ming-Xu WANG ; Xian WANG ; Guang-Kuan XIE ; Jun XIE ; Xiao-Hua YAN ; Mei YIN ; Zhong-Shan YU ; Chun-Yan ZHOU ; Rui-Fang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(6):826-832
With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.
9.Construction and Application Promotion of Core Medical Skills of"Tonifying Kidney Essence"in Zou's Nephrology Depart-ment
Gang WANG ; Yanqin ZOU ; Wei SUN ; Enchao ZHOU ; Lan YI ; Jun ZHU ; Wei KONG ; Jing ZHAO ; Liang CAO ; Hengbin WANG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(3):281-287
Professor Zou Yunxiang proposed the"kidney essence theory"in 1955,which believes that the kidney,as an important excretory organ in the human body,participates in the body's metabolism,and the basis for producing this effect is the essence of the kidney.Subsequently,the Zou nephrology team established the core medical technique of"tonifying the kidney element"based on this foundation,constructed a system of syndrome differentiation and treatment for chronic kidney disease,proposed the traditional Chinese medicine names,causes,and mechanisms of chronic kidney disease,as well as four major methods for diagnosing and treating chronic kidney disease,and developed representative drugs representing the core medical technique of"tonifying the kidney element"-Huang-zhi Yishen Capsules and Shenwu Yishen Tablets.In addition,the Zou nephrology team has extensively applied and promoted the core medical technique of"tonifying the kidney element".
10.A Study on the Current Status and Influencing Factors of Knowledge,Attitudes,and Practices in Inclusive Commercial Health Insurance from the Demand-Side Perspective
Yanni JIA ; Wen GU ; Lijun XU ; Yiyin CAO ; Lei LENG ; Xiangjin CUI ; Lan ZHOU ; Jiaxuan SHI ; Haofei LI ; Xu JIN ; Weidong HUANG
Chinese Health Economics 2025;44(3):25-29,93
Objective:It aims to systematically evaluate the current status of knowledge,attitude,and practice(KAP)regarding universal commercial medical insurance among residents of the sample province from the demand-side perspective.Methods:Utilizing a quota sampling method,face-to-face surveys were conducted via the Questionnaire Star platform to collect demographic characteristics and KAP data of the participants.Comparisons of differences among different groups were made using t-tests,analysis of variance,and chi-square tests.Furthermore,multiple linear regression and structural equation modeling were utilized to analyze the influencing factors of KAP,as well as the pathways among these three factors.Results:Out of the 415 valid questionnaires collected,there were notable differences in KAP among respondents with diverse demographic backgrounds.Regression analysis revealed that education level,frequency of health check-ups,and engagement in other commercial health insurances significantly influenced knowledge;education level,involvement in other commercial health insurances,and self-assessed health status were pivotal in shaping attitudes;whereas age,education level,frequency of health check-ups,and participation in other commercial health insurances were critical in affecting practice.The path analysis results indicate that knowledge of universal commercial medical insurance has a significant direct association with attitude(β=0.379,P<0.001)and practice(β=0.323,P<0.001).It also influences practice through attitude as a mediator(β=0.016,P<0.001),but the direct effect of attitude on practice is not significant(β=0.04,P=0.403).Conclusion:While residents in the sample province exhibit a positive attitude towards universal commercial medical insurance,there is a need to enhance their level of knowledge and engagement in practice.It is recommended to strengthen targeted educational and promotional measures to promote the healthy and sustainable development of universal insurance.

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