1.Exploration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Characteristics in A Heart Failure Model Induced by Coronary Artery Ligation Based on Method of Syndrome Identification by Prescription Efficacy
Xiaoqian LIAO ; Peiyao LI ; Xingyu FAN ; Zhenyu ZHAO ; Junyu ZHANG ; Yuehang XU ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):169-177
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a major global public health problem, and myocardial infarction is one of its main causes. The mouse model of heart failure induced by coronary artery ligation is widely used in the study of CHF, while the TCM syndrome attributes of this model have not yet been clarified. According to the theory of correspondence between prescriptions and syndromes, the method of syndrome identification by prescription efficacy is an important means of current syndrome research of animal models. This method deduces the syndrome characteristics of animal models through prescription efficacy. Taking the four basic syndrome elements of Qi, blood, Yin and Yang as the classification reference, this study used coronary artery ligation to construct a mouse model of CHF and treated the model with four representative TCM injections with the effects of replenishing Qi, warming Yang, nourishing Yin, and activating blood and enalapril. Echocardiography, tongue color parameters, histopathology, serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and cardiac troponin Ⅰ (cTnⅠ) levels, and systematically explored the TCM syndrome attributes of this model. The results showed that the coronary ligation model presented an obvious cardiac function decline, myocardial fibrosis, infarct size expansion, and purple dark tongue, which were consistent with the basic syndrome characteristics of blood stasis in CHF. Danhong injection had significant effects of improving the cardiac function, alleviating myocardial fibrosis, and reducing serum NT-proBNP and cTnⅠ levels. Huangqi Injection and Shenfu injection can improve the cardiac function and tongue color parameters, with limited effects. The effect of Shenmai injection group was not obvious. This study verifies that the established model conforms to blood stasis syndrome through the method of syndrome identification by prescription efficacy, which provides an experimental basis for the study of TCM syndrome mechanism of CHF.
2.Analysis of the impact of intraoperative RhE antigen-matched transfusion on early prognosis in liver transplant patients
Xiaochao YU ; Xinyuan GAO ; Fan HAI ; Chao YANG ; Xingyu HOU ; Yaping XING ; Hongqiang GAO ; Hongwei ZHANG ; Gang SU ; Ronghua XU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):44-50
Objective: To investigate the impact of RhE antigen-matched transfusion during liver transplantation on early postoperative recovery and complications. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, ninety-five patients undergoing liver transplantation at Kunming First People's Hospital between January 2022 and July 2025 were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (RhE-mismatched transfusion, n=57) and Group 2 (RhE-matched transfusion, n=38). The baseline data, complete blood counts, hepatic and renal function, coagulation parameters, and complication rates between the two groups were compared at postoperative days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The baseline characteristics were well-balanced and comparable between the two groups (all P>0.05). The early postoperative mortality rate in the mismatched group (31.58%, 18/57) was significantly higher than that in the matched group (10.53%, 4/38) (P=0.017). The incidence of postoperative hepatic encephalopathy was significantly higher in the mismatched group (50.88%, 29/57) than in the matched group (10.53%, 4/38) (P<0.001). The incidence of postoperative haemorrhage in the mismatched group (24.56%, 14/57) was higher than that in the matched group (5.26%, 2/38), with a statistically significant difference (P=0.014). The incidence of perioperative infection in the mismatched group (28.07%, 16/57) was higher than that in the matched group (10.53%, 4/38), with a statistically significant difference (P=0.04). Corresponding odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals indicated a lower risk of these adverse events in the matched group. On postoperative day 1, the change in activated partial thromboplastin time (-1.6, 20.5) in the mismatched group was greater than in the matched group (-0.2, 5.5). The change in international normalised ratio (-0.56, 1.22) in the mismatched group was greater than in the matched group (-0.18, 0.32), while the change in albumin (-4.0, 4.8) was smaller in the mismatched group than in the matched group (-2.5, 8.8). On postoperative day 5, the change in albumin (-0.41±7.83) in the mismatched group was smaller than in the matched group (2.68±4.53). At postoperative day 7, the change in albumin in the mismatched group (-0.61±7.38) was smaller than that in the matched group (2.51±5.85), while the change in D-dimer in the mismatched group (0.73, 7.4) was greater than that in the matched group (-1.6, 4.3). On postoperative day 10, the mismatched group exhibited significantly higher fibrinogen levels (-1.21, 1.78) than the matched group (-0.49, 0.97), and significantly longer prothrombin times (-11.3, -2.7) than the matched group (-6.2, -0.8) (all P<0.05). The matched group exhibited a mean overall survival (OS) of 32.803 months (95% CI:29.171-36.436 months), significantly exceeding the mismatched group's 28.996 months (95% CI:24.202-33.790 months). The log-rank test yielded statistically significant results (χ
=4.307, P=0.038). Conclusion: Implementing RhE blood group-matched transfusion during liver transplantation may help reduce early postoperative mortality and the incidence of major complication rates, promote faster recovery of coagulation and liver function, and thereby improve short-term patient outcomes.
3.Application of digital health technologies in upper limb motor function rehabilitation after stroke from 2015 to 2025: a bibliometric analysis
Rui LIU ; Zhenmei GAO ; Xingyu ZHOU ; Qi ZHANG ; Jianlin WU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(5):534-549
ObjectiveTo analyze the current research status, hotspots and future trends of the application of digital health technology (DHT) in the rehabilitation of upper limb motor function after stroke. MethodsRelevant literature on the application of DHT in upper limb motor rehabilitation for stroke patients published between January, 2015 and December, 2025 was retrieved from Web of Science Core Collection, CNKI and Wanfang database. CiteSpace 6.4.R1 was used for visualized bibliometric analysis. ResultsA total of 1 295 publications were included, comprising 454 in Chinese and 841 in English. The annual number of publications generally showed an upward trend. China ranked first in publication output in English literature. The institutions with the highest numbers of publications were Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. Both Chinese and English keywords formed ten clustering groups. Chinese clusters mainly involved occupational therapy, neural mechanisms and home-based rehabilitation, whereas English clusters focused on virtual reality, brain-computer interfaces and machine learning. High-frequency keywords included virtual reality, brain-computer interface, machine learning and deep learning. Chinese keywords with a strong burst included rehabilitation training, while deep learning showed a strong burst in English keywords. Stroke was the most frequently cited journal. Highly cited journals covered multiple disciplines, including rehabilitation medicine, neuroscience and computer science, reflecting the interdisciplinary characteristics of this field. ConclusionResearches on DHT for upper limb motor function rehabilitation in stroke are increasing annually, focusing on core interaction technologies, neural mechanism and artificial intelligence. Future research trends may include inter-disciplinary integration of artificial intelligence with core rehabilitation technologies, neuroimaging-guided targeted interventions, optimisation of home-based rehabilitation systems, and development of multidimensional quantitative assessment models.
4.Belching and Reflux: The Relationship and the Underlying Mechanism
Songfeng CHEN ; Xingyu JIA ; Dianxuan JIANG ; Mengyu ZHANG ; Niandi TAN ; Qianjun ZHUANG ; Yinglian XIAO
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2026;32(2):254-256
Background/Aims:
Belching can occur either independently or concurrently with reflux symptoms. This study aims to explore the relationship between belching and reflux and explore the underlying mechanisms involved.
Methods:
Firstly, patients with isolated belching symptoms or concurrent belching and reflux symptoms were retrospectively enrolled. High-resolution esophageal impedance manometry (HRIM) and 24-hour pH impedance monitoring were used to assess belching types and temporal relationship between belching and reflux. Secondly, subjects with belching disorder were prospectively recruited. Postprandial HRIM monitoring was used to clarify the relationship and underlying mechanisms between belching and reflux.
Results:
In the initial phase, 139 subjects were enrolled. Regardless of patients' symptom spectrum (with or without gastroesophageal reflux symptoms), the proportion of preceding-reflux belching was significantly higher in those with objective evidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease, compared to those without (both P < 0.05), which indicated that belching could trigger reflux events and led to more severe reflux burden. To clarify the potential mechanisms involved, 44 belching subjects were prospectively enrolled in the second phase of this study. HRIM analysis demonstrated that maximum intragastric pressure, gastric–lower esophageal sphincter pressure gradient and gastric–esophageal pressure gradient were significantly higher in preceding-reflux belching than those in independent belching.
Conclusions
This study demonstrated that belching might trigger reflux by increasing intragastric pressure, elevating the gastric-sphincter pressure gradient, which enables gastric contents to pass through the esophagogastric junction.These findings have crucial clinical significance, suggesting that reducing the occurrence of belching might be a potential treatment for refractory reflux.
5.Methodological Considerations on Constructing Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Agent for Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment Based on Clinical Practice Guidelines
Feng ZHOU ; Tengfei CHEN ; Wandi ZHANG ; Haoyuan LI ; Xingyu ZONG ; Jiahao LIN ; Qingquan LIU ; Guozhen ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(17):1853-1857
Developing an intelligent agent for integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine diagnosis and treatment based on clinical practice guidelines is a key approach to advancing the standardization and intelligent deve-lopment of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and to supporting clinical decision-making. This paper argues for the necessity of building a knowledge base using guidelines as the sole data source, systematically identifies five core methodological challenges across the entire process, and proposes corresponding solutions. An ontology framework capable of distinguishing between TCM and western medicine concepts should be designed to address the difficulty of knowledge integration. A closed-loop "algorithm-based extraction-expert review" model is adopted to reduce data extraction errors. Expert consensus is incorporated to address decision gaps in specific clinical scenarios outlined in the guidelines, while a multi-stage, standardized output process for the AI system is established to eliminate model hallucinations. Furthermore, an evaluation framework reflecting clinical applicability is developed to enhance the AI system's accuracy and stability. Throughout the research process, it is essential to ensure the in-depth and continuous participation of multidisciplinary experts, strictly control the selection and quality evaluation of guidelines, and rely on the expert consensus method to address decision gaps in the knowledge base. Additionally, continuous validation and iterative optimization of intelligent agents are required to ensure the accuracy and stability of generated outputs. Limitations remain in the mechanisms for real-time knowledge synchronization in intelligent diagnostic and treatment systems, and further validation through large-scale real-world studies is warranted.
6.Clinical Efficacy of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Adolescent Depression and Its Mechanism Revealed by Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Serum Proteomics:A Multicenter,Double-Blind,Randomized Controlled Trial
Lihong LI ; Peiyun ZHANG ; Xingyu CHEN ; Lu HAN ; Fengling LIANG ; Jesús M. CORTÉS
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(17):1858-1867
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of adolescent depression and to explore its potential mechanisms based on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and serum proteomics. MethodsA randomized, double-blind, sham acupuncture-controlled trial design was conducted. A total of 100 adolescents with depression were enrolled and randomly assigned to an acupuncture group and a sham acupuncture group, with 50 participants in each group. In addition, 20 healthy subjects were recruited as healthy controls. Participants in the acupuncture group received acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Yintang (GV 29), Zhongwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6), bilateral Tianshu (ST 25), bilateral Neiguan (PC 6), bilateral Zusanli (ST 36), and bilateral Taichong (LR3). The sham acupuncture group received intervention using a blunt placebo needle without skin penetration. Both groups received 30-min treatments three times per week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was the reduction rate of the 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-24) score. Secondary outcomes included changes in HAMD-24 scores before and after treatment, covering nine factors (anxiety/somatization, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbance, psychomotor retardation, hopelessness, fatigue, weight change, diurnal mood variation, and suicidal ideation), response rate and remission rate after treatment, and symptom severity before and after treatment. Subgroup analyses of total HAMD-24 scores were performed according to concomitant medication use and the number of medications taken. During the study period, all adverse events were monitored and recorded to evaluate safety. Patients who volunteered and met the eligibility criteria for imaging examinations were selected to undergo brain fMRI scanning and serum proteomic analysis to investigate changes in functional connectivity among brain regions and differential proteins. ResultsA total of 49 participants in the acupuncture group and 50 participants in the sham acupuncture group were included in the efficacy analysis. Among them, 20 participants in the acupuncture group and 21 in the sham acupuncture group completed fMRI scans, while 19 participants in the acupuncture group and 21 in the sham acupuncture group completed serum proteomic analyses. After 4 weeks of treatment, the mean reduction rate of HAMD-24 score in the acupuncture group was significantly higher than that in the sham acupuncture group [(58±24)% vs.(26±19)%, P<0.01]. Compared to baseline, scores for anxiety/somatization, cognitive impairment, psychomotor retardation, and hopelessness, and the total HAMD-24 score significantly decreased in both groups. In addition, the acupuncture group showed significant reductions in sleep disturbance, fatigue, and suicidal ideation scores (P<0.01). After treatment, the response rate and remission rate were 67.35% (33/49) and 24.48% (12/49) in the acupuncture group, respectively, significantly higher than 6.00% (3/50) and 0 in the sham acupuncture group (P<0.01). The proportion of participants with moderate symptoms was lower, whereas the proportion with mild symptoms was higher in the acupuncture group than the sham acupuncture group (P<0.01). Among those receiving acupuncture alone, acupuncture combined with medication, or fewer than three medications, the total HAMD-24 scores decreased after treatment in both the acupuncture subgroup and the sham acupuncture subgroup, with significantly lower scores in the acupuncture subgroup (P<0.01). During the study period, four mild adverse events were reported, including one case in the acupuncture group and three cases in the sham acupuncture group; none of these events affected the continuation of treatment. fMRI results showed that acupuncture enhanced functional connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and cerebellar-limbic system-related brain regions. Proteomic analysis identified 24 differentially expressed proteins associated with acupuncture treatment, mainly enriched in pathways related to neuroinflammation and energy metabolism. ConclusionAcupuncture can significantly improve depressive symptoms in adolescents with depression. Its therapeutic effects may be achieved by modulating emotion-related brain networks and regulating pathways associated with neuroinflammation and energy metabolism.
7.Protective effect and mechanism of glycosides of cistanches on Parkinson's disease mouse via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway
Zhipeng XU ; Xingyu WANG ; Shuqing YAO ; Jiayi ZHANG ; Chaoran XU ; Fengyan LIU ; Dongsheng HUO
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(9):1603-1610
ObjectiveTo investigate the neuroprotective effect of glycosides of cistanches (GCs) in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced Parkinson’s disease (PD) model mice and its potential mechanism. MethodsForty mice were randomly divided into control group, PD group, GCs group and levodopa (L-DOPA) group, with 10 mice in each group. The control group received intraperitoneal injection of normal saline, while the other groups were intraperitoneally injected with MPTP (30 mg/kg) once daily for 5 consecutive days. After model establishment, the control group and PD group were intragastrically administered normal saline, and the GCs group and L-DOPA group received intragastric administration once daily for 28 consecutive days, at doses of 100 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, respectively. The open field test and rotarod test were used to evaluate motor function. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain. Transmission electron microscopy was adopted to observe the ultrastructure of mitochondria in the substantia nigra. Biochemical assays were used to determine the levels of glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in substantia nigra tissues. Western blot was applied to detect the protein expression of TH, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap-1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in substantia nigra tissues. ResultsCompared with the control group, mice in the PD group exhibited markedly impaired motor function, significantly decreased T-SOD activity, obvious reductions in the number of TH-positive neurons and GSH content, as well as elevated MDA and ROS levels in the substantia nigra (P<0.01). Compared with the PD group, mice in the GCs group showed improved motor function, increased T-SOD activity, higher number of TH-positive neurons and elevated GSH content, accompanied by decreased MDA and ROS levels (P<0.05). In the control group, mitochondria in the substantia nigra displayed normal morphology without obvious blurred membrane structures or vacuolar degeneration. The PD group presented mitochondrial swelling, disordered cristae and vacuolar changes, whereas these mitochondrial pathological alterations were alleviated in the GCs group. Compared with the control group, the protein levels of TH, Nrf2 and HO-1 were significantly downregulated, while Keap-1 protein expression was markedly upregulated in the PD group (P<0.01). Compared with the PD group, the GCs group showed significant upregulation of TH, Nrf2 and HO-1 protein levels and a notable reduction in Keap-1 protein level (P<0.05). ConclusionGCs ameliorate motor dysfunction and attenuate dopaminergic neuronal and mitochondrial damage in MPTP-induced PD model mice. These effects may be associated with modulation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway-related protein expression, enhancement of antioxidant capacity, and alleviation of oxidative stress.
8.Overlapping Reflux Symptoms in Functional Dyspepsia Are Mostly Unrelated to Gastroesophageal Reflux
Songfeng CHEN ; Xingyu JIA ; Qianjun ZHUANG ; Xun HOU ; Kewin T H SIAH ; Mengyu ZHANG ; Fangfei CHEN ; Niandi TAN ; Junnan HU ; Yinglian XIAO
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2025;31(2):218-226
Background/Aims:
Reflux symptoms frequently present in patients diagnosed with functional dyspepsia (FD). This investigation sought to elucidate the contribution of gastroesophageal reflux in the overlap relationship.
Methods:
Consecutive patients presenting with reflux symptoms and/or FD symptoms were prospectively included. Comprehensive assessments, including symptoms evaluation, endoscopy, esophageal functional examinations (high-resolution manometry and reflux monitoring), and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment efficacy evaluation, were conducted in these patients.
Results:
The study enrolled 315 patients, 43.2% of which had concurrent FD symptoms and overlapping reflux symptoms. Notably, a mere 28.7% of patients in the overlap symptoms group had objective gastroesophageal reflux disease evidences (the grade of esophagitis≥ B or the acid exposure time ≥ 4.2%). Functional heartburn was demonstrated to be the main cause of overlapping reflux symptoms(55.1%). Reflux parameters analysis revealed that the reflux burden in the overlap symptoms group paralleled that of the FD symptoms group, with both registering lower levels than the reflux symptoms group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, PPI response rates were notably diminished in the overlap symptoms group (P < 0.001), even for those with objective gastroesophageal reflux disease evidences.
Conclusions
The study illuminated that overlapping reflux symptoms in FD was common. Strikingly, these symptoms primarily diverged from reflux etiology and exhibited suboptimal responses to PPI intervention. These findings challenge prevailing paradigms and accentuate the imperative for nuanced therapeutic approaches tailored to the distinctive characteristics of overlapping reflux symptoms in the context of FD.
9.Clinicopathological Characteristics of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Patients with BRCA1/2 Pathogenic Variants and Their Response to Neoadjuvant Targeted Therapy
Xingyu LIAO ; Huimin LIU ; Jie SUN ; Li HU ; Juan ZHANG ; Lu YAO ; Ye XU ; Yuntao XIE
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(6):491-495
Objective To analyze the proportion and clinicopathological characteristics of HER2-positive breast cancer patients with BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants, and their response to neoadjuvant anti-HER2 targeted therapy. Methods The clinicopathological data of 531 breast cancer patients with germline BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants (201 with BRCA1 variants and 330 with BRCA2 variants) were analyzed. Results Among the 201 BRCA1 and 330 BRCA2 variants, 17 (8.5%) and 42 (12.7%) HER2-positive breast cancer cases were identified, respectively, accounting for 11.1% of all BRCA1/2-mutated breast cancers. Compared with BRCA1/2-mutated HR-positive/HER2-negative patients, HER2-positive patients did not present any significant differences in clinicopathological features; however, compared with triple-negative breast cancer patients, HER2-positive patients had a later onset age and lower tumor grade. Among the 17 patients who received neoadjuvant anti-HER2 targeted therapy, 10 cases achieved pCR (58.8%), whereas 7 cases did not (41.2%). Conclusion HER2-positive breast cancer accounts for more than 10% of BRCA1/2-mutated patients. Approximately 40% of these patients fail to achieve pCR after neoadjuvant targeted therapy. This phenomenon highlights the possibility of combining anti-HER2 targeted agents with poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase inhibitors.
10.Key mediating factors of ABO glycosyltransferases affecting human diseases: ABH blood group antigens and von Willebrand factor
Yifan JIANG ; Jingjing LYU ; Tao JU ; Xingyu CHEN ; Guangyu ZHANG ; Jiang CHANG ; Chaolong WANG
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(5):880-887
Epidemiology research has found that ABO blood group and the gene coding ABO glycosyltransferases are associated with many human diseases. The activity of ABO glycosyltransferases varies with different blood types, mediating different glycosylation modifications. The variation in glycosylation level might be the risk factor of specific disease. Based on the literature retrieval and analysis, glycosylation levels regulated by ABO glycosyltransferases mainly affect the ABH blood group antigens and von Willebrand factor (vWF). By modulating key glycosylation components, ABO glycosyltransferases partly determine the activity or expression levels of the ABH antigens and vWF, thereby affecting the development and progression of diseases. Exploring the pathogenic mechanisms of ABO glycosyltransferases can improve the understanding of the molecular pathology of related diseases and provide reference for clinical research and application.

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