1.Multi-dimensional Holographic Characterization of Zhejiang Characteristic Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma with Nine-time Repeating Steaming and Processing
Xin WU ; Cuiwei CHEN ; Qiao YU ; Chao FENG ; Hongyan ZHANG ; Yan CHEN ; Caihua SUN ; Gang CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):197-205
ObjectiveHistorically documented Zhejiang Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma(Baizhu) possesses premium characteristics such as phoenix-like head and crane-like neck, pronounced sweetness, and fragrant aroma. However, its current market circulation is low, and the processed products with Zhejiang-style characteristics are at the risk of being lost. This study aims to preserve the ancient Zhejiang-style processing techniques and evaluate them using modern scientific methods. MethodsMultidimensional intelligent sensory evaluation was used to digitally characterize the "quality-structure" of the external appearance of nine-steamed and nine-processed Baizhu medicinal materials(intermediate processed products) and the "odor-taste" of the internal quality of its decoction pieces(slices), and the appearance parameters were digitally characterized by colorimeter, texture analyzer, electronic nose and electronic tongue, the chemical composition was analyzed via ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). Then, cluster analysis on the differences in odor between the medicinal materials(intermediate processed products) and decoction pieces(slices) of nine-steamed and nine-processed Baizhu was conducted, as well as the differences in taste between water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts of the decoction pieces(slices), and the correlation analysis of chroma value-alcohol-soluble extract content-component response value. ResultsThe nine-steamed and nine-processed Baizhu had a dark brown to black epidermis, a brownish-yellow to brownish-gray cross-section, a slightly tough texture, a faint odor, and a slightly sweet, bitter and pungent taste. Texture analyzer measurements revealed minimal adhesion and maximum recovery in the middle section of the characteristic processed Baizhu, consistent with the processing endpoint of thorough steaming and cooking. The head section showed the highest internal hardness, elasticity and chewiness, indicating a denser texture in this area. The electronic nose sensor could clearly distinguish the difference between the medicinal materials and its decoction pieces, with a more significant clustering effect at 60 ℃ for 30 minutes compared to ambient temperature headspace for 2 hours, highlighting the significant impact of the baking degree before slicing on the quality. The electronic tongue taste signal map clearly distinguished the differences between water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts of nine-steamed and nine-processed Baizhu decoction pieces, and the addition of auxiliary materials during processing could enhance its alcohol-soluble extract content. A total of 82 chemical components were identified in the characteristic processed Baizhu. After processing, the contents of 58 components increased, while 24 components decreased. Correlation analysis revealed significant negative correlations(P<0.01) between ethanol-soluble extract content and colorimetric values of brightness(L*), yellow-bule value(b*), and total color difference(E*ab). E*ab showed marked negative correlations(P<0.05) with the response values of isochlorogenic acid A and C. ConclusionThis study establishes a modern intelligent sensory evaluation model for multidimensional holographic characterization of nine-steamed and nine-processed Baizhu, clarifying the correlation between increased isochlorogenic acid content and the visual color appearance after different steaming cycles, as well as its intrinsic alcohol-soluble extracts. This provides a reference for quality evaluation and processing standards of the Zhejiang-style characteristic processed products.
2.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.
3.Anti-hepatic Fibrosis Mechanism of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu Decoction via Inhibiting Neutrophils and Neutrophil Extracellular Traps
Yanbo LI ; Chao LEI ; Qingjuan WU ; Wenliang LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):103-111
ObjectiveTo verify the therapeutic effect of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu decoction (YQSH) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice, and to explore whether its effect was related to the inhibition of neutrophil infiltration and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). MethodsThe 36 C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, positive drug silybin (SF) group (55 mg·kg-1·d-1), YQSH-L group, YQSH-M group, and YQSH-H group (8.325, 16.65, 33.3 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively),n=6 in each group. Except for the control group, mice in all other groups were intraperitoneally injected with CCl4 to induce hepatic fibrosis. After successful modeling, each drug administration group was given the corresponding drugs by gavage for eight weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Sirius red staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes of liver tissue. Liver elasticity was detected by a color Doppler ultrasound system. Immunohistochemistry and real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were performed to detect the protein expression and mRNA levels of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1), CXCL2 and CXCL5. Neutrophil levels were detected by flow cytometry. The expression of neutrophil elastase (NE) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) positive protein was observed by immunofluorescence. The contents of MPO, NE and CitH3 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsCompared with the control group, the liver of the model group showed obvious inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition, and the liver elasticity, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL5 expression, neutrophil level, and MPO, NE and CitH3 levels were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition in the liver tissue of mice were reduced after YQSH treatment. Moreover, the liver elasticity was reduced (P<0.01). The protein expression (P<0.01) and mRNA level of CXCL1, CXCL2 and CXCL5 were decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01). The neutrophil level was decreased (P<0.01), the expression of MPO and NE positive protein was significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01), and the levels of MPO, NE and CitH3 were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe anti-hepatic fibrosis effect of YQSH may be related to its inhibition of chemokines (CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL5), reduction of neutrophil infiltration, and inhibition of NETs generation.
4.Anti-hepatic Fibrosis Mechanism of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu Decoction via Inhibiting Neutrophils and Neutrophil Extracellular Traps
Yanbo LI ; Chao LEI ; Qingjuan WU ; Wenliang LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):103-111
ObjectiveTo verify the therapeutic effect of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu decoction (YQSH) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice, and to explore whether its effect was related to the inhibition of neutrophil infiltration and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). MethodsThe 36 C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, positive drug silybin (SF) group (55 mg·kg-1·d-1), YQSH-L group, YQSH-M group, and YQSH-H group (8.325, 16.65, 33.3 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively),n=6 in each group. Except for the control group, mice in all other groups were intraperitoneally injected with CCl4 to induce hepatic fibrosis. After successful modeling, each drug administration group was given the corresponding drugs by gavage for eight weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Sirius red staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes of liver tissue. Liver elasticity was detected by a color Doppler ultrasound system. Immunohistochemistry and real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) were performed to detect the protein expression and mRNA levels of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1), CXCL2 and CXCL5. Neutrophil levels were detected by flow cytometry. The expression of neutrophil elastase (NE) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) positive protein was observed by immunofluorescence. The contents of MPO, NE and CitH3 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsCompared with the control group, the liver of the model group showed obvious inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition, and the liver elasticity, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL5 expression, neutrophil level, and MPO, NE and CitH3 levels were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition in the liver tissue of mice were reduced after YQSH treatment. Moreover, the liver elasticity was reduced (P<0.01). The protein expression (P<0.01) and mRNA level of CXCL1, CXCL2 and CXCL5 were decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01). The neutrophil level was decreased (P<0.01), the expression of MPO and NE positive protein was significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01), and the levels of MPO, NE and CitH3 were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe anti-hepatic fibrosis effect of YQSH may be related to its inhibition of chemokines (CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL5), reduction of neutrophil infiltration, and inhibition of NETs generation.
5.Analysis of blood return and its influencing factors
Xiaotong WU ; Zhi JIANG ; Chao SUN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(5):643-649
Objective: To analyze the situation of blood return in medical institutions in Qingdao, and provide a reference basis for improving blood utilization efficiency. Methods: Data on whole blood donations, and the distribution and return of various blood components from 2022 to 2024 at the Qingdao Central Blood Station were collected. The overall trend of blood return, return situation of various blood components, main reasons for blood return, and related influencing factors were analyzed. Results: The average blood return rate from 2022 to 2024 was 1.43‰ (1 249/875 007), showing an overall downward trend (P<0.05). The return rate of red blood cell (RBC) components increased year by year over the three years, while those of plasma components and cryoprecipitated antihemophilic factors decreased. Regarding the reasons for blood return, the return rates due to direct antiglobulin test (DAT) positivity and unexpected antibody positivity increased year by year, whereas those due to leakage and other reasons decreased. Univariate analysis of the causes of RBC components return showed that DAT positivity rates differed significantly by sex, age, and blood type, but not by donation season; unexpected antibody positivity rate differed significantly by sex, but not by age, blood type, or donation season. Multivariate analysis indicated that female gender, age>30 years, and blood type A or AB were independent risk factors for DAT positivity, while female gender was an independent risk factor for unexpected antibody positivity. The return rate due to DAT positivity differed significantly among medical institutions of different levels, while that due to unexpected antibody positivity did not show a significant difference. Some donors who tested positive for DAT (76.92%, 60/78) or unexpected antibody (71.15%, 37/52) became antibody-negative upon subsequent donations. Comparing RBC donors with DAT positivity who became negative upon subsequent donations with those who remained positive, the difference in donation interval was statistically significant. Conclusion: Over the past three years, the overall blood return rate in Qingdao has declined, but the return rate of RBC components has increased. Further investigation and targeted interventions are needed to enhance the utilization of blood resources and ensure safe clinical blood transfusion.
6.Acupuncture Treatment for Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Based on the Theory of "Simultaneous Regulation of Body and Spirit"
Ziyue WU ; Jiping ZHAO ; Sheng CHEN ; Chao YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(12):1334-1338
Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) exhibits typical characteristics of psychosomatic comorbidity. Its core pathogenesis is considered to involve simultaneous disorders of both the body and the spirit, for which the former is attributed to liver constraint and spleen deficiency, and dysfunction of large intestine conduction, whereas the latter is induced by spirit restlessness of zang (脏) organs, and gate insecurity of the corporeal soul. Based on this understanding, the therapeutic principle of "simultaneous regulation of body and spirit" is established. For regulating the body, the methods include soothing the liver, fortifying the spleen, consolidating the intestines, and stopping diarrhea, with emphasis on the front-mu (募) points of the related zang-fu (脏腑) organs and acupoints of the foot yangming (阳明) stomach channel and foot taiyin (太阴) spleen channel. For regulating the spirit, the methods include calming the brain spirit, tranquilizing the zang organs spirit, and securing the corporeal soul gate, mainly selecting acupoints of Governer Vessel (督脉) and the back-shu (背俞) points of the corresponding zang-fu organs. Needle manipulation techniques for supplementation and drainage are flexibly applied according to the deficiency or excess nature of the syndrome. In addition, comprehensive application of moxibustion, electroacupuncture, and auricular therapy is emphasized, with the aim of providing clinical insights for diagnosis and treatment.
7.Structure and Function of GPR126/ADGRG6
Ting-Ting WU ; Si-Qi JIA ; Shu-Zhu CAO ; De-Xin ZHU ; Guo-Chao TANG ; Zhi-Hua SUN ; Xing-Mei DENG ; Hui ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):299-309
GPR126, also known as ADGRG6, is one of the most deeply studied aGPCRs. Initially, GPR126 was thought to be a receptor associated with muscle development and was primarily expressed in the muscular and skeletal systems. With the deepening of research, it was found that GPR126 is expressed in multiple mammalian tissues and organs, and is involved in many biological processes such as embryonic development, nervous system development, and extracellular matrix interactions. Compared with other aGPCRs proteins, GPR126 has a longer N-terminal domain, which can bind to ligands one-to-one and one-to-many. Its N-terminus contains five domains, a CUB (complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, Bmp1) domain, a PTX (Pentraxin) domain, a SEA (Sperm protein, Enterokinase, and Agrin) domain, a hormone binding (HormR) domain, and a conserved GAIN domain. The GAIN domain has a self-shearing function, which is essential for the maturation, stability, transport and function of aGPCRs. Different SEA domains constitute different GPR126 isomers, which can regulate the activation and closure of downstream signaling pathways through conformational changes. GPR126 has a typical aGPCRs seven-transmembrane helical structure, which can be coupled to Gs and Gi, causing cAMP to up- or down-regulation, mediating transmembrane signaling and participating in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. GPR126 is activated in a tethered-stalk peptide agonism or orthosteric agonism, which is mainly manifested by self-proteolysis or conformational changes in the GAIN domain, which mediates the rapid activation or closure of downstream pathways by tethered agonists. In addition to the tethered short stem peptide activation mode, GPR126 also has another allosteric agonism or tunable agonism mode, which is specifically expressed as the GAIN domain does not have self-shearing function in the physiological state, NTF and CTF always maintain the binding state, and the NTF binds to the ligand to cause conformational changes of the receptor, which somehow transmits signals to the GAIN domain in a spatial structure. The GAIN domain can cause the 7TM domain to produce an activated or inhibited signal for signal transduction, For example, type IV collagen interacts with the CUB and PTX domains of GPR126 to activate GPR126 downstream signal transduction. GPR126 has homology of 51.6%-86.9% among different species, with 10 conserved regions between different species, which can be traced back to the oldest metazoans as well as unicellular animals.In terms of diseases, GPR126 dysfunction involves the pathological process of bone, myelin, embryo and other related diseases, and is also closely related to the occurrence and development of malignant tumors such as breast cancer and colon cancer. However, the biological function of GPR126 in various diseases and its potential as a therapeutic target still needs further research. This paper focuses on the structure, interspecies differences and conservatism, signal transduction and biological functions of GPR126, which provides ideas and references for future research on GPR126.
8.Association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and incidence of inflammatory bowel disease: a nationwide population‑based cohort study
Ying-Hsiang WANG ; Chi-Hsiang CHUNG ; Tien-Yu HUANG ; Chao-Feng CHANG ; Chi-Wei YANG ; Wu-Chien CHIEN ; Yi-Chiao CHENG
Intestinal Research 2025;23(1):76-84
Background/Aims:
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disease with severe inflammatory processes associated with numerous gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, we investigated the relationship between NAFLD and IBD and the possible risk factors associated with the diagnosis of IBD.
Methods:
This longitudinal nationwide cohort study investigated the risk of IBD in patients with NAFLD alone. General characteristics, comorbidities, and incidence of IBD were also compared.
Results:
Patients diagnosed with NAFLD had a significant risk of developing IBD compared to control individuals, who were associated with a 2.245-fold risk of the diagnosis of IBD and a 2.260- and 2.231-fold of increased diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, respectively (P< 0.001). The cumulative risk of IBD increased annually during the follow-up of patients with NAFLD (P< 0.001).
Conclusions
Our results emphasize that NAFLD significantly impacts its incidence in patients with NAFLD. If patients with NAFLD present with risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, these conditions should be properly treated with regular follow-ups. Furthermore, we believe that these causes may be associated with the second peak of IBD.
9.Normalized Creatinine-to-Cystatin C Ratio and Risk of Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Insights from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
Honglin SUN ; Zhenyu WU ; Guang WANG ; Jia LIU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(3):448-461
Background:
Normalized creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio (NCCR) was reported to approximate relative skeletal muscle mass and diabetes risk. However, the association between NCCR and cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) remains elusive. This study aimed to explore their relationship in a large-scale prospective cohort.
Methods:
This study included 5,849 middle-age and older participants from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) enrolled between 2011 and 2012. The baseline NCCR was determined as creatinine (mg/dL)/cystatin C (mg/L)×10/body mass (kg). CMM was defined as the simultaneous occurrence of two or more of the following conditions: heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Logistic regression analysis and Cox regression analysis were employed to estimate the relationship between NCCR and CMM. The joint effect of body mass index and NCCR on the risk of CMM were further analyzed.
Results:
During a median 4-year follow-up, 227 (3.9%) participants developed CMM. The risk of CMM was significantly decreased with per standard deviation increase of NCCR (odds ratio, 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.62 to 0.85) after adjustment for confounders (P<0.001). Further sex-specific analysis found significant negative associations between NCCR and CMM in female either without or with one CMM component at baseline, which was attenuated in males but remained statistically significant among those with one basal CMM component. Notably, non-obese individuals with high NCCR levels had the lowest CMM risk compared to obese counterparts with low NCCR levels in both genders.
Conclusion
High NCCR was independently associated with reduced risk of CMM in middle-aged and older adults in China, particularly females.
10.Impact of iron-deficiency anemia on short-term outcomes after resection of colorectal cancer liver metastasis: a US National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) analysis
Ko-Chao LEE ; Yu-Li SU ; Kuen-Lin WU ; Kung-Chuan CHENG ; Ling-Chiao SONG ; Chien-En TANG ; Hong-Hwa CHEN ; Kuan-Chih CHUNG
Annals of Coloproctology 2025;41(2):119-126
Purpose:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) often spreads to the liver, necessitating surgical treatment for CRC liver metastasis (CRLM). Iron-deficiency anemia is common in CRC patients and is associated with fatigue and weakness. This study investigated the effects of iron-deficiency anemia on the outcomes of surgical resection of CRLM.
Methods:
This population-based, retrospective study evaluated data from adults ≥20 years old with CRLM who underwent hepatic resection. All patient data were extracted from the 2005–2018 US National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. The outcome measures were in-hospital outcomes including 30-day mortality, unfavorable discharge, and prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS), and short-term complications such as bleeding and infection. Associations between iron-deficiency anemia and outcomes were determined using logistic regression analysis.
Results:
Data from 7,749 patients (representing 37,923 persons in the United States after weighting) were analyzed. Multivariable analysis revealed that iron-deficiency anemia was significantly associated with an increased risk of prolonged LOS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.30–3.30), unfavorable discharge (aOR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.83–3.19), bleeding (aOR, 5.05; 95% CI, 2.92–8.74), sepsis (aOR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.04–2.46), pneumonia (aOR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.72–3.74), and acute kidney injury (aOR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.24–2.35). Subgroup analyses revealed consistent associations between iron-deficiency anemia and prolonged LOS across age, sex, and obesity status categories.
Conclusion
In patients undergoing hepatic resection for CRLM, iron-deficiency anemia is an independent risk factor for prolonged LOS, unfavorable discharge, and several critical postoperative complications. These findings underscore the need for proactive anemia management to optimize surgical outcomes.

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