1.Research Tackling Paradigm and Technological Layout Strategies Based on Erectile Dysfunction, A Clinical Dominant Disease of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Qi ZHAO ; Yun CHEN ; Baoxing LIU ; Xuejun SHANG ; Fei SUN ; Xiaozhi ZHAO ; Zhigang WU ; Chao SUN ; Peihai ZHANG ; Wanjun CHENG ; Xing ZHOU ; Zhan QIN ; Yufeng PAN ; Weiwei TAO ; Jianhuai CHEN ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Xing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):291-299
To thoroughly implement the strategic deployment outlined in the Opinions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on Promoting the Inheritance and Innovative Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine regarding research on dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine and to uphold the development philosophy of equal emphasis on traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine,the China Association of Chinese Medicine has fully played a leading academic role by systematically organizing and conducting a series of academic youth salons on clinical dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine. On September 13,2024,the 36th Youth Salon on Clinical Dominant Diseases was successfully held in Nanjing,focusing on the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine and the integrative traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). The conference brought together leading experts from traditional Chinese medicine,western medicine,and interdisciplinary fields,facilitating in-depth multidisciplinary discussions that led to key consensus on optimizing traditional Chinese medicine treatment protocols for ED,researching and developing new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,and advancing interdisciplinary development in traditional Chinese medicine. This salon systematically sorted out the clinical strengths and distinctive features of traditional Chinese medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of ED. Based on current research foundations and clinical needs,it identified key directions for future scientific layout and scientific research tackling: (1) Standardization of syndrome differentiation system of traditional Chinese medicine for ED. (2) Optimization and standardization of intervention methods of integrated traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine. (3) High-quality clinical research guided by evidence-based medicine. (4) In-depth analysis of the pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of ED. (5) Clinical translation and application promotion of new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine. (6) Interdisciplinary integration and innovation in traditional Chinese medicine. For each research direction,key focus areas,expected objectives,and clinical value were further refined,along with the establishment of a scientifically sound priority funding level evaluation system. Therefore,building on the series of salons on the ED-focused dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine,this paper provides standardized guidance for clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine in ED management,effectively contributing to the high-quality development of traditional Chinese medicine. It serves as a valuable reference for national scientific and technological strategic layout, research and development decision-making in new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,research topic planning,and clinical guideline formulation.
2.Identification and Analysis of bHLH Genes Related to Color Formation of Gastrodia elata Stem
Xue JIANG ; Dandan RAN ; Xiuwen WANG ; Xiaobo ZHANG ; Xiaohong OU ; Jie PAN ; Tao ZHOU ; Zhen OUYANG ; Jiao XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):202-209
ObjectiveGastrodia elata has evolved ecological types with shortened rhizome internodes and diversified flower and fruit coloration in response to different altitudes. Studying the genetic mechanisms of different ecotype germplasm is significant for guiding variety breeding in different cultivation areas. MethodsThe bHLH gene family was identified based on the whole-genome datasets of G. elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Subsequently, the gene family members were subject to analysis, including gene structure, chromosomal localization, cis-acting elements, gene synteny, and phylogeny. Combined with transcriptome data and quantitative Real-time PCR, the expression patterns of bHLH genes in the stems of the different G. elata ecotype germplasm were analyzed. Finally, correlation analysis was conducted between gene expression patterns and color to obtain the key bHLH genes regulating the color formation of stem. ResultsA total of 63 bHLH genes were identified in both G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca, unevenly distributed across 17 chromosomes and clustered into 16 subfamilies, with significant expansion in some family members. Obvious inversions of bHLH genes on the same chromosome and interchromosomal translocations were detected in the two ecotype germplasm. Among these genes, 12 bHLH genes (such as bHLH62-3 and bHLH74) were associated with the bright yellow color of G elata f. elata stem, while 9 bHLH genes (such as PIL13, UNE12, and bHLH130) were correlated with the red color of G. elata f. glauca stem. Compared to G. elata f. glauca, the bHLH48 expression level was significantly higher in flowers and scale leaves of G elata f. elata, and the bHLH62-3 expression level was significantly higher in all organs of G elata f. elata. ConclusionsFunctional pathway divergence of the bHLH family members has occurred across different chromosomes in G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Through synergism or antagonism with other genes, 21 bHLH genes participate in the coloration metabolic pathway regulation of stems, flowers, and fruits. Specifically, bHLH62-3 is involved in regulating stem color differentiation in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway of G. elata, thus relevant to the color formation of stem. Additionally, GebHLH48 positively regulates flowering-related pathways to promote the early-flowering phenotype of G. elata f. elata. These findings have laid the foundation for analyzing the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying the color formation of the G. elata stem.
3.Identification and Analysis of bHLH Genes Related to Color Formation of Gastrodia elata Stem
Xue JIANG ; Dandan RAN ; Xiuwen WANG ; Xiaobo ZHANG ; Xiaohong OU ; Jie PAN ; Tao ZHOU ; Zhen OUYANG ; Jiao XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):202-209
ObjectiveGastrodia elata has evolved ecological types with shortened rhizome internodes and diversified flower and fruit coloration in response to different altitudes. Studying the genetic mechanisms of different ecotype germplasm is significant for guiding variety breeding in different cultivation areas. MethodsThe bHLH gene family was identified based on the whole-genome datasets of G. elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Subsequently, the gene family members were subject to analysis, including gene structure, chromosomal localization, cis-acting elements, gene synteny, and phylogeny. Combined with transcriptome data and quantitative Real-time PCR, the expression patterns of bHLH genes in the stems of the different G. elata ecotype germplasm were analyzed. Finally, correlation analysis was conducted between gene expression patterns and color to obtain the key bHLH genes regulating the color formation of stem. ResultsA total of 63 bHLH genes were identified in both G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca, unevenly distributed across 17 chromosomes and clustered into 16 subfamilies, with significant expansion in some family members. Obvious inversions of bHLH genes on the same chromosome and interchromosomal translocations were detected in the two ecotype germplasm. Among these genes, 12 bHLH genes (such as bHLH62-3 and bHLH74) were associated with the bright yellow color of G elata f. elata stem, while 9 bHLH genes (such as PIL13, UNE12, and bHLH130) were correlated with the red color of G. elata f. glauca stem. Compared to G. elata f. glauca, the bHLH48 expression level was significantly higher in flowers and scale leaves of G elata f. elata, and the bHLH62-3 expression level was significantly higher in all organs of G elata f. elata. ConclusionsFunctional pathway divergence of the bHLH family members has occurred across different chromosomes in G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Through synergism or antagonism with other genes, 21 bHLH genes participate in the coloration metabolic pathway regulation of stems, flowers, and fruits. Specifically, bHLH62-3 is involved in regulating stem color differentiation in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway of G. elata, thus relevant to the color formation of stem. Additionally, GebHLH48 positively regulates flowering-related pathways to promote the early-flowering phenotype of G. elata f. elata. These findings have laid the foundation for analyzing the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying the color formation of the G. elata stem.
4.Effect of red blood cell transfusion volume on postoperative oxygenation index during lung transplantation
Dapeng WANG ; Zhongping XU ; Xiaoshan LI ; Tao ZHOU ; Song WANG ; Hongyang XU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(01):72-78
Objective To investigate the impact of intraoperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion volume on the postoperative oxygenation index in lung transplant recipients. Methods This retrospective study analyzed the clinical data of patients who underwent lung transplantation at Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from 2021 to 2023. Patients were divided into a non-severe primary graft dysfunction (PGD) group and a severe PGD group based on whether their postoperative oxygenation index was>200 mm Hg at 0, 24, and 48 h. General patient data and intraoperative RBC transfusion volumes were compared between the two groups. A binary logistic regression model was constructed to explore the effect size (OR and its 95%CI) of RBC transfusion volume on postoperative oxygenation status at different time points (0, 24, and 48 h). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated to evaluate the model's diagnostic performance. Results A total of 351 patients were included (260 males, 91 females), with ages ranging from 20 to 77 years. The OR for the effect of intraoperative RBC transfusion on poor oxygenation was 1.486 (95%CI 0.982 to 2.248, P=0.061) at 0 h postoperatively, 3.111 (95%CI 1.793 to 5.399, P<0.001) at 24 h, and 1.583 (95%CI 1.026 to 2.442, P=0.038) at 48 h. This indicated that as time progressed, the postoperative oxygenation status of lung transplant recipients was affected by the intraoperative transfusion volume. Furthermore, an RBC transfusion volume>975 mLhad a significant impact on patient oxygenation at 24 and 48 h postoperatively. Conclusion The volume of intraoperative RBC transfusion has a significant impact on the oxygenation status at 24 and 48 h postoperatively. Intraoperative RBC transfusion volume is associated with the occurrence of severe PGD after lung transplantation. Controlling the volume of RBC transfusion during lung transplantation may help reduce the incidence of severe PGD.
5.Huayu Mingmu Prescription Downregulates PI3K/Akt/mTOR-HIF-1α/VEGFA Signaling Pathway to Intervene in Retinal Angiogenesis of DR Rats
Xiaoqiu MA ; Lei ZHAO ; Huimin ZHOU ; Fanghui ZHENG ; Guoqing YANG ; Tao ZUO ; Xiande MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):78-87
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Huayu Mingmu prescription on retinal angiogenesis and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR)-hypoxia inducible factor-1α/vascular endothelial growth factor A (HIF-1α/VEGFA) signaling pathway in diabetic retinopathy (DR) rats. MethodsSixty-four SPF-grade male SD rats were used in the study. Eleven rats were randomly selected as the normal group, while the remaining 53 rats were fed a high-sugar, high-fat diet combined with low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneal injection to establish a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rat model. DR model evaluation was performed after 12 weeks of diabetes. The rats were then divided into model, low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Huayu Mingmu prescription (9.29, 18.57, 37.14 g·kg-1), and a calcium dobesilate group (0.16 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. The rats were orally administered the corresponding doses of Huayu Mingmu prescription and calcium dobesilate. The normal and model groups received equal volumes of physiological saline via gavage for 8 consecutive weeks. Retinal vascular changes were observed through fundus photography, and pathological changes in retinal tissue were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Retinal microvascular pathological changes were examined through retinal vascular network preparation and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to detect the expression of VEGFA and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) in retinal tissue. Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, HIF-1α, VEGFA, and VEGFR2 in retinal tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to assess the mRNA expression of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, HIF-1α, VEGFA, and VEGFR2 in retinal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significant pathological changes in retinal tissue, including the appearance of acellular capillaries, as well as significant endothelial cell (E) proliferation and pericyte (P) loss (P<0.01). The E/P was significantly elevated (P<0.01). Protein and mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, HIF-1α, VEGFA, and VEGFR2 in retinal tissue were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the expression of Ang-2 protein was significantly elevated (P<0.01). In contrast, retinal tissue in the treatment groups showed alleviated pathological changes, with reduced endothelial cell proliferation and pericyte loss (P<0.05, P<0.01). Among the treatment groups, the high-dose Huayu Mingmu prescription and the calcium dobesilate group exhibited a decreased E/P (P<0.01). Protein and mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, HIF-1α, VEGFA, and VEGFR2 in retinal tissue were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression of Ang-2 protein was significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionHuayu Mingmu prescription can intervene in retinal neovascularization in DR rats, delay the progression of DR, and its mechanism may be related to antagonizing the PI3K/Akt/mTOR-HIF-1α/VEGFA signaling pathway.
6.Epidemiological and etiological characteristics of hand-foot-mouth disease in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 2010‒2023
Shuang FENG ; Xiaobin REN ; Zhe WANG ; Zhaokai HE ; Yanyang TAO ; Qingjun KAO ; Zhou SUN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):129-134
ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics and trends of hand-foot-mouth disease (HFMD) in Hangzhou, so as to provide an evidence for developing effective prevention and control measures and evaluating the control effects. MethodsThe incidence data of HFMD in Hangzhou were collected from the Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management System of China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. Descriptive epidemiology was applied to analyze the temporal, spatial and demographic distribution characteristics and etiology monitoring results of HFMD cases in Hangzhou from 2010 to 2023. Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the trends of incidence rate of HFMD. Furthermore, circular distribution method was utilized to calculate the incidence peak of HFMD. ResultsFrom 2010 to 2023, the average annual reported incidence rate of HFMD in Hangzhou was 138.85/100 000, the proportion of severe cases was 0.04%, the mortality rate was 0.01/100 000, and the case fatality rate was 5.30/100 000. Both the total incidence rate and the incidence rate by sex showed an increasing trend. The annual reported incidence rate in males (158.72/100 000) was higher than that in females (117.61/100 000). The reported incidence rate showed a significant seasonal characteristic, with summer being the peak of epidemic. The results of surveillance samples suggested that the prevalence of HFMD in Hangzhou is characterized by the co-existence of multiple pathogens, with EV-A71 and CV-A16 being the dominant pathogens in the previous years and CV-A6 being the dominant pathogen since 2018. The proportion of EV-A71 in severe cases (77.19%) was higher than that in ordinary cases (15.37%), in addition, its proportion in ordinary cases, severe cases, and fatal cases all showed a decreasing trend. ConclusionThe incidence rate of HFMD in Hangzhou is still high, so it’s still necessary to continue to strengthen the prevention and control measures for key populations. In recent years, CV-A6 has been the main prevalent pathogen in Hangzhou. Further efforts in pathogen detection and analysis should be enhanced in the future.
7.A bibliometric analysis of non-coding RNA and mesenchymal stem cell research
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(1):87-94
BACKGROUND:Non-coding RNA,as a class of RNA molecules that do not encode proteins,plays a crucial role in cellular regulation.Simultaneously,mesenchymal stem cells possess multipotent differentiation capabilities,making them vital for tissue repair and regeneration.In recent years,researchers have extensively explored the role of non-coding RNA in regulating the functions of mesenchymal stem cells. OBJECTIVE:To systematically understand the trends and key areas of research related to non-coding RNA and mesenchymal stem cells through bibliometric analysis. METHODS:Literature data on non-coding RNA and mesenchymal stem cell-related research were retrieved from the Science Citation Index Expanded in the Web of Science Core Collection from 1990 to the present.The literature data were analyzed using bibliometric tools such as VOSviewer and CiteSpace,focusing on publication output,clustering,citation frequency,burstiness,and intermediary centrality with respect to years,countries or regions,research institutions,cited references,and keywords.This analysis aimed to reveal the knowledge base and emerging hotspots in the research field. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)This study included a total of 5 348 articles for analysis,showing a significant growth trend in relevant literature from 1997 to 2021.Although there was a slight decrease in 2022,the publication output remained at a high level.China dominated the research in this field,with Shanghai Jiao Tong University being the most active contributor.(2)Analysis of cited references revealed that highly bursty,intermediary,and cited articles were mainly related to topics such as microRNA,extracellular vesicles,and bone metabolism.These articles constitute an important knowledge base for research on non-coding RNA and mesenchymal stem cells.(3)Burstiness analysis of keywords identified persistent bursts in keywords such as exosomes,circular RNA,extracellular vesicles,and injury.(4)Cluster evolution analysis of keywords with continuous growth in publication output included clusters related to tumor microenvironment,osteoarthritis,oxidative stress,and extracellular vesicles.These keywords reflect the current and future research hotspots in the field.(5)The findings of this study not only illustrate the research trends in the field of non-coding RNA and mesenchymal stem cells but also provide potential directions and insights for researchers.
8.Impact of Donor Age on Liver Transplant Outcomes in Patients with Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure: A Cohort Study
Jie ZHOU ; Danni YE ; Shenli REN ; Jiawei DING ; Tao ZHANG ; Siyao ZHANG ; Zheng CHEN ; Fangshen XU ; Yu ZHANG ; Huilin ZHENG ; Zhenhua HU
Gut and Liver 2025;19(3):398-409
Background/Aims:
Liver transplantation is the most effective treatment for the sickest patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). However, the influence of donor age on liver transplantation, especially in ACLF patients, is still unclear.
Methods:
In this study, we used the data of the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. We included patients with ACLF who received liver transplantation from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2017, and the total number was 13,857. We allocated the ACLF recipients by age intogroup I (donor age ≤17 years, n=647); group II (donor age 18–59 years, n=11,423); and group III (donor age ≥60 years, n=1,787). Overall survival (OS), graft survival, and mortality were com-pared among the three age groups and the four ACLF grades. Cox regression was also analyzed.
Results:
The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 89.6%, 85.5%, and 82.0% in group I; 89.4%, 83.4%, and 78.2% in group II; and 86.8%, 78.4%, and 71.4% in group III, respectively (p<0.001).When we analyzed the different effects of donor age on OS with different ACLF grades, in groupsII and III, we observed statistical differences. Finally, the cubic spline curve told us that the relative death rate changed linearly with increasing donor age.
Conclusions
Donor age is related to OS and graft survival of ACLF patients after transplanta-tion, and poorer results were associated with elderly donors. In addition, different donor ages have different effects on recipients with different ACLF grades.
9.Impact of Donor Age on Liver Transplant Outcomes in Patients with Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure: A Cohort Study
Jie ZHOU ; Danni YE ; Shenli REN ; Jiawei DING ; Tao ZHANG ; Siyao ZHANG ; Zheng CHEN ; Fangshen XU ; Yu ZHANG ; Huilin ZHENG ; Zhenhua HU
Gut and Liver 2025;19(3):398-409
Background/Aims:
Liver transplantation is the most effective treatment for the sickest patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). However, the influence of donor age on liver transplantation, especially in ACLF patients, is still unclear.
Methods:
In this study, we used the data of the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. We included patients with ACLF who received liver transplantation from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2017, and the total number was 13,857. We allocated the ACLF recipients by age intogroup I (donor age ≤17 years, n=647); group II (donor age 18–59 years, n=11,423); and group III (donor age ≥60 years, n=1,787). Overall survival (OS), graft survival, and mortality were com-pared among the three age groups and the four ACLF grades. Cox regression was also analyzed.
Results:
The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 89.6%, 85.5%, and 82.0% in group I; 89.4%, 83.4%, and 78.2% in group II; and 86.8%, 78.4%, and 71.4% in group III, respectively (p<0.001).When we analyzed the different effects of donor age on OS with different ACLF grades, in groupsII and III, we observed statistical differences. Finally, the cubic spline curve told us that the relative death rate changed linearly with increasing donor age.
Conclusions
Donor age is related to OS and graft survival of ACLF patients after transplanta-tion, and poorer results were associated with elderly donors. In addition, different donor ages have different effects on recipients with different ACLF grades.
10.Differentiation and Treatment of Lipid Turbidity Disease Based on Theory of "Spleen Ascending and Stomach Descending"
Yun HUANG ; Wenyu ZHU ; Wei SONG ; Xiaobo ZHANG ; Xin ZHOU ; Lele YANG ; Tao SHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):244-252
Lipid turbidity disease is a metabolic disease featuring lipid metabolism disorders caused by many factors such as social environment, diet, and lifestyle, which is closely related to many diseases in modern medicine, such as hyperlipidemia, obesity, fatty liver, atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, with a wide range of influence and far-reaching harm. According to the Huangdi Neijing, lipid turbidity disease reflects the pathological change of the body's physiologic grease. Grease is the thick part of body fluids, which has the function of nourishing, and it is the initial state and source of important substances in the human body such as brain, marrow, essence, and blood. Once the grease of the human body is abnormal, it can lead to lipid turbidity disease. The Huangdi Neijing also points out the physiological relationship between the transportation and transformation of body fluids and the rise and fall of the spleen and stomach, which can deduce the pathological relationship between the occurrence of lipid turbidity disease and the abnormal rise and fall of the spleen and stomach functions. Lipid turbidity disease is caused by overconsumption of fatty and sweet foods or insufficient spleen and stomach endowments, leading to disorders of the function of promoting clear and reducing turbidity in the spleen and stomach. This leads to the transformation of thick grease in body fluids into lipid turbidity, which accumulates in the body's meridians, blood vessels, skin pores, and organs, forming various forms of metabolic diseases. The research team believed that the pathological basis of lipid turbidity disease was the abnormal rise and fall of the spleen and stomach and the obstruction of the transfer of grease. According to the different locations where lipid turbidity stays, it was divided into four common pathogenesis types: ''inability to distinguish between the clear and turbid, turbid stagnation in the Ying blood'', ''spleen not rising clear, turbid accumulation in the vessels'', ''spleen dysfunction, lipid retention in the pores'', ''spleen failure to transportation and transformation, and grease accumulation in the liver''. According to the pathogenesis, it could be divided into four common syndromes, namely, turbid stagnation in the Ying blood, turbid accumulation in the vessels, lipid retention in the pores, and grease accumulation in the liver, and the corresponding prescriptions were given for syndrome differentiation and treatment, so as to guide clinical differentiation and treatment of the lipid turbidity disease.

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