1.Association of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes with blood lipid profiles and cardiovascular prognosis in post-percutaneous coronary intervention atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease patients: a prospective cohort study
Huangyu XU ; Qian LI ; Haozhe XIONG ; Weidong HONG ; Xinyi ZHOU ; Xiaoyan LU ; Xiaoli LIU ; Xinrong FAN
Digital Chinese Medicine 2026;9(1):91-102
Objective:
Patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are classified as very-high-risk individuals in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk stratification. The distribution pattern of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in this patient population, as well as its association with blood lipid profiles and clinical prognosis, remains unclear. The present prospective cohort study aims to investigate these correlations, thereby providing insights to enrich the research fields.
Methods:
We enrolled consecutive patients with ASCVD who underwent PCI at the Integrated Cardiology Unit of China-Japan Friendship Hospital between September 1, 2020 and December 31, 2022. Demographics and clinical characteristics, signs and symptoms defining each TCM syndrome, and fasting venous blood samples were collected at baseline and follow up or upon major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). We analyzed the correlation between TCM syndromes, blood lipid profiles, and MACEs, and developed a new joint prognostic model incorporating both TCM syndromes and blood lipids using logistic regression. The analyses were based on detailed baseline and one-year follow-up data.
Results:
A per-protocol analysis was performed on 586 patients with complete data ultimately. During the one-year follow-up, 174 patients (29.69%) experienced a MACE. We performed statistical analyses on comorbidities, medication, and biochemical indicators across groups defined by TCM syndrome differentiation. When comparing different TCM syndromes, no significant differences were found in age, body mass index (BMI), history of revascularization, comorbidities, family history of CVD, smoking or drinking, or statin intensity (P > 0.05). Patients with intertwined phlegm and blood stasis syndrome exhibited significantly higher levels of total cholesterol (TC, 5.27 ± 1.18 mmol/L, P < 0.001), triglyceride (TG, 1.96 ± 1.33 mmol/L, P = 0.008), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, 3.35 ± 0.79 mmol/L, P < 0.001), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, 1.24 ± 0.81 mmol/L, P < 0.001) compared with those with other TCM syndromes combined. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to predict MACEs. The model included TCM syndrome type [with intertwined phlegm and blood stasis as a predictor, adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.413, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.517 – 3.864, P = 0.501], age (adjusted OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.955 – 1.001, P = 0.057), male gender (adjusted OR = 0.698, 95% CI: 0.416 – 1.170, P = 0.173), TC (adjusted OR = 1.004, 95% CI: 0.513 – 1.965, P = 0.990), and LDL-C (adjusted OR = 5.825, 95% CI: 2.214 – 15.326, P < 0.001). This model demonstrated good discriminatory ability for MACEs in post-PCI ASCVD patients [the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) = 0.865, 95% CI: 0.816 – 0.914].
Conclusion
The intertwined phlegm and blood stasis TCM syndrome is associated with a distinct atherogenic lipid profile characterized by elevated levels of TC and LDL-C. The prognostic model that incorporates this TCM syndrome type along with conventional lipid parameters (TC and LDL-C) shows good discriminatory ability for predicting MACEs in ASCVD patients after PCI, underscoring the potential clinical utility of integrating TCM syndrome differentiation into CVD risk assessment.
2.Applications and prospects of prompt engineering in pharmaceutical popularization
Xinyi FAN ; Yan QIAN ; Mingyang ZHU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1485-1489
OBJECTIVE This study aims to establish a prompt engineering system for large language models in pharmaceutical popularization, and provide references for pharmacists to carry out efficient and standardized science popularization work. METHODS This study systematically expounded the principles and classifications of prompt engineering, as well as its effect on alleviating problems including model output hallucinations and poor interpretability. The design and optimization strategies of prompt engineering were defined for two core scenarios, namely text-to-text and text-to-image. Typical examples were adopted to compare the output effects before and after application. In addition, the limitations of prompt engineering applied in pharmaceutical popularization at the current stage were summarized. RESULTS In the two major scenarios of pharmaceutical popularization, well-designed prompt engineering improved the accuracy, readability and efficiency of outputs generated by large language models, and produced personalized popularization content adapted to clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS Prompt engineering can effectively improve the output quality of pharmaceutical popularization. The formulated standardized prompt engineering templates tailored for pharmaceutical popularization, can help pharmacists improve the efficiency and quality of popularization content creation.
3.An exploratory study on the effect of ultrasonic waves against Aedes albopictus larvae
Shuqing JIN ; Xinyi CAI ; Heyi WEN ; Jian FAN ; Hui CAO ; Tianyu SHA ; Hongxia LIU ; Yuan FANG ; Qiang GAO
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(7):550-555
ObjectiveTo evaluate the larvicidal effect of ultrasonic waves against Aedes albopictus larvae at various exposure parameters (distance and time), and to preliminarily investigate the effects of different containers (water volume and depth) and ultrasonic devices on the larvicidal efficacy, so as to provide experimental evidence for the application of ultrasound-based mosquito control technology. MethodsUnder controlled laboratory conditions, two commercially available ultrasonic devices [40 kHz/300 W and (50±5) kHz/70 W] were used to systematically examine the effects of exposure distance (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 cm), exposure duration (1, 3, 6, 15 and 60 min), larval instar(Ⅰ‒Ⅱ and Ⅲ‒Ⅳ), and container type on the immediate mortality of Aedes albopictus larvae collected from urban areas of Shanghai. Statistical analysis of the mortality rates of larvae among different experimental groups was performed using the chi-square test. ResultsUltrasonic exposure exerted a detectable larvicidal effect against Aedes albopictus larvae of all instars. For early-instar larvae, exposure time significantly affected mortality at all tested distances (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 cm), with χ² values ranging from 25.57 to 32.74 ( all P<0.001). No significant distance effect was observed in the first and second instar larvae after short-term exposure (1 and 3 min; P>0.05). However, a distance-dependent effect emerged from 6 min onward (P<0.05). During short-term exposure (1 min and 3 min) at close range (20 cm and 40 cm), the immediate mortality of the third and fourth instar larvae was higher than that of the first and second instar larvae. Conversely, during prolonged exposure (15 min and 60 min), the first and second instar larvae exhibited significantly higher mortality than that of the third and fourth instar larvae. These results indicated that larval mortality was jointly influenced by exposure duration and distance. Preliminary experiments indicated that larvicidal efficacy in shallow water was lower than that in deep water. No significant difference in larvicidal effect was observed between the two ultrasonic devices with different frequencies and power outputs. ConclusionUnder laboratory conditions, ultrasound can effectively kill Aedes albopictus larvae, and the larvicidal effect is jointly influenced by larval instar, exposure distance, and aquatic environment. Compact ultrasonic devices show potential for field application in biological mosquito control.
4.Peripheral Immune Response Patterns Under Vital Qi-Strengthening and Toxin-Eliminating Therapy and Their Value in Assessing Vital Qi Deficiency in Lung Cancer Metastasis: A Group-Based Trajectory Modeling
Fan XU ; Jianhui TIAN ; Yuan YAO ; Zhenyang CHENG ; Yanhong WANG ; Bin LUO ; Jialiang YAO ; Wang YAO ; Xinyi LU ; Yuchen BAO ; Xiaoyu YANG ; Youjun LIU ; Yiyang ZHOU ; Jianchun WU ; Minghua LI ; Wenfei SHI ; Yajing CUI ; Qingzhong LIU ; Yan LI ; Yun YANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(9):711-717
Objective On the basis of the theory of the tumor metastatic state, this work aims to explore the metastasis trajectories and peripheral immune response patterns in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving vital qi-strengthening and toxin-eliminating therapy (Fuzheng Juandu) and reveal the value of peripheral immunity in assessing vital qi deficiency during metastasis. Methods A retrospective study design was adopted. Patients with NSCLC admitted from January 1, 2018, to October 31, 2025 were enrolled. Data on metastasis status and peripheral immune indices were collected at the follow-up time points of one, two, three, and five years. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to fit metastasis trajectories, and the independent predictors of trajectory grouping were analyzed through multifactor and multiclassification logistic regression. Results A total of 184 patients with NSCLC were included, and three different groups of metastasis trajectories were identified, namely, the low-risk stable (46.74%, n=86), low-risk rising (13.59%, n=25), and high-risk stable (39.67%, n=73) groups. Univariate analysis revealed substantial differences in peripheral immune indices among the three trajectory groups. Multivariate analysis showed that TNM stage, absolute neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, absolute monocyte count, platelet volume, SAA:CRP ratio, and NLR were independent predictors of the low-risk rising group, whereas TNM stage, absolute monocyte count, basophil count, SII, and NLR were independent predictors of the high-risk stable group. Conclusion Under Fuzheng Juandu therapy, patients with NSCLC exhibit three distinct metastasis trajectories, each
5.Environment and reproductive health: Bridging research and practice—Minutes of the Twentieth National Postgraduates Symposium on Environmental and Occupational Medicine
Jun FAN ; Jiao CHEN ; Yuan WANG ; Chenchen ZHANG ; Xinyi GU ; Di YI ; Xiaoyu WANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(9):1146-1148
From July 22 to 24, 2026, the 2nd International Symposium on Environment and Reproductive Health and the 20th National Postgraduates Symposium on Environmental and Occupational Medicine were successfully held in Shanghai. The conference brought together experts, scholars, young researchers, and graduate students from Harvard University, National University of Singapore, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Peking University, Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and other domestic and foreign universities and scientific research institutions to carry out in-depth exchanges on cutting-edge issues such as environment and reproductive health, environmental exposure and health effects, occupational health, disease risks, and toxicological mechanisms. The conference featured a main hall, multiple sessions, an editorial board memebers & experts forum, excellent paper reports, a postgraduate parallel forum, and keynote presentations. This postgraduate symposium, themed "Research and practice: Healing the schism", attracted a total of 113 papers. This year marked the first time that the National Postgraduates Symposium on Environmental and Occupational Medicine was jointly held with an international academic conference. It further expanded the high-level platform for academic exchange and young talent cultivating, and promoted the deep integration of scientific research innovation, achievement dissemination, and public health practice.
6.The mechanism of Laggerae Herba in improving chronic heart failure by inhibiting ferroptosis through the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway
Jinling XIAO ; Kai HUANG ; Xiaoqi WEI ; Xinyi FAN ; Wangjing CHAI ; Jing HAN ; Kuo GAO ; Xue YU ; Fanghe LI ; Shuzhen GUO
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):343-353
Objective:
To investigate the role and mechanism of the heat-clearing and detoxifying drug Laggerae Herba in regulating the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2(Nrf2)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway to inhibit ferroptosis and improve chronic heart failure induced by transverse aortic arch constriction in mice.
Methods:
Twenty-four male ICR mice were divided into the sham (n=6) and transverse aortic arch constriction groups (n=18) according to the random number table method. The transverse aortic arch constriction group underwent transverse aortic constriction surgery to establish models. After modeling, the transverse aortic arch constriction group was further divided into the model, captopril, and Laggerae Herba groups according to the random number table method, with six mice per group. The captopril (15 mg/kg) and Laggerae Herba groups (1.95 g/kg) received the corresponding drugs by gavage, whereas the sham operation and model groups were administered the same volume of ultrapure water by gavage once a day for four consecutive weeks. After treatment, the cardiac function indexes of mice in each group were detected using ultrasound. The heart mass and tibia length were measured to calculate the ratio of heart weight to tibia length. Hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to observe the pathological changes in myocardial tissue. Masson staining was used to observe the degree of myocardial fibrosis. Wheat germ agglutinin staining was used to observe the degree of myocardial cell hypertrophy. Prussian blue staining was used to observe the iron deposition in myocardial tissue. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and glutathione (GSH) contents in mice serum. Colorimetry was used to detect the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in mice serum. Western blotting was used to detect the Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) protein expressions in mice cardiac tissue.
Results:
Compared with the sham group, in the model group, the ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) of mice decreased, the left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) increased, the left ventricular anterior wall end-systolic thickness (LVAWs) and left ventricular posterior wall end-systolic thickness (LVPWs) decreased, the ratio of heart weight to tibia length increased, the myocardial tissue morphology changed, myocardial fibrosis increased, the cross-sectional area of myocardial cells increased, iron deposition appeared in myocardial tissue, the serum NT-proBNP and MDA levels increased, the GSH level decreased, and Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1 protein expressions in cardiac tissue decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, in the captopril and Laggerae Herba groups, the EF, FS, and LVAWs increased, the LVESV and LVESD decreased, the ratio of heart weight to tibia length decreased, the myocardial cells were arranged neatly, the degree of myocardial fibrosis decreased, the cross-sectional area of myocardial cells decreased, the serum NT-proBNP level decreased, and the GSH level increased. Compared with the model group, the LVPWs increased, the iron deposition in myocardial tissue decreased, the serum MDA level decreased, and Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1 protein expressions in cardiac tissue increased (P<0.05) in the Laggerae Herba group.
Conclusion
Laggerae Herba improves the cardiac function of mice with chronic heart failure caused by transverse aortic arch constriction, reduces the pathological remodeling of the heart, and reduces fibrosis. Its mechanism may be related to Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway-mediated ferroptosis.
7.Targeting farnesoid X receptor as aging intervention therapy.
Lijun ZHANG ; Jing YU ; Xiaoyan GAO ; Yingxuan YAN ; Xinyi WANG ; Hang SHI ; Minglv FANG ; Ying LIU ; Young-Bum KIM ; Huanhu ZHU ; Xiaojun WU ; Cheng HUANG ; Shengjie FAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(3):1359-1382
Environmental toxicants have been linked to aging and age-related diseases. The emerging evidence has shown that the enhancement of detoxification gene expression is a common transcriptome marker of long-lived mice, Drosophila melanogaster, and Caenorhabditis elegans. Meanwhile, the resistance to toxicants was increased in long-lived animals. Here, we show that farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist obeticholic acid (OCA), a marketed drug for the treatment of cholestasis, may extend the lifespan and healthspan both in C. elegans and chemical-induced early senescent mice. Furthermore, OCA increased the resistance of worms to toxicants and activated the expression of detoxification genes in both mice and C. elegans. The longevity effects of OCA were attenuated in Fxr -/- mice and Fxr homologous nhr-8 and daf-12 mutant C. elegans. In addition, metabolome analysis revealed that OCA increased the endogenous agonist levels of the pregnane X receptor (PXR), a major nuclear receptor for detoxification regulation, in the liver of mice. Together, our findings suggest that OCA has the potential to lengthen lifespan and healthspan by activating nuclear receptor-mediated detoxification functions, thus, targeting FXR may offer to promote longevity.
8.A Multicenter Controlled Study on the Evaluation of Aseptic Compounding Operations Ability of PIVAS Personnel by Media Fill Test
Fan ZHANG ; Yuanyuan MA ; Xinyi WANG ; Donghui LAO ; Yongguang SHANG ; Xiaohong ZHU ; Yuzhen ZOU ; Lei JIAO ; Weiyan TANG ; Jianzhong ZHANG ; Wei YANG ; Mei DONG ; Cuilian ZHANG ; Lulu SUN ; Bin ZHAO
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(11):1848-1853
Objective To evaluate the practical application of the Media Fill Test(MFT)in assessing aseptic compounding competency of personnel in Pharmacy Intravenous Admixture Services(PIVAS).Methods A multicenter controlled study was conducted across six tertiary hospitals(center ①-⑥)in China.Participants were divided into an inexperienced group(Group A,n=118)and an experienced group(Group B,n=118),each performing five MFT operations.Positive controls validated medium efficacy.Contamination rates and pass rates were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests.Results Valid samples included 584 for Group A and 588 for Group B.The sample pass rate was 66.78%(390/584)in Group A and 91.67%(539/588)in Group B,while personnel pass rates were 46.15%(54/117)and 80.51%(95/118),respectively,with significant intergroup differences(both P<0.01).All centers except Center ⑥ showed significantly higher pass rates in Group B(all P<0.05).Conclusion MFT effectively differentiates technical proficiency levels and is suitable for training evaluation of novice PIVAS staff.
9.A Multicenter Controlled Study on the Evaluation of Aseptic Compounding Operations Ability of PIVAS Personnel by Media Fill Test
Fan ZHANG ; Yuanyuan MA ; Xinyi WANG ; Donghui LAO ; Yongguang SHANG ; Xiaohong ZHU ; Yuzhen ZOU ; Lei JIAO ; Weiyan TANG ; Jianzhong ZHANG ; Wei YANG ; Mei DONG ; Cuilian ZHANG ; Lulu SUN ; Bin ZHAO
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(11):1848-1853
Objective To evaluate the practical application of the Media Fill Test(MFT)in assessing aseptic compounding competency of personnel in Pharmacy Intravenous Admixture Services(PIVAS).Methods A multicenter controlled study was conducted across six tertiary hospitals(center ①-⑥)in China.Participants were divided into an inexperienced group(Group A,n=118)and an experienced group(Group B,n=118),each performing five MFT operations.Positive controls validated medium efficacy.Contamination rates and pass rates were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests.Results Valid samples included 584 for Group A and 588 for Group B.The sample pass rate was 66.78%(390/584)in Group A and 91.67%(539/588)in Group B,while personnel pass rates were 46.15%(54/117)and 80.51%(95/118),respectively,with significant intergroup differences(both P<0.01).All centers except Center ⑥ showed significantly higher pass rates in Group B(all P<0.05).Conclusion MFT effectively differentiates technical proficiency levels and is suitable for training evaluation of novice PIVAS staff.
10.Establishment and evaluation of an animal model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction integrating disease and syndrome based on the "deficiency-blood stasis-toxin" pathogenesis
Xiaoqi WEI ; Xinyi FAN ; Feng JIANG ; Wangjing CHAI ; Jinling XIAO ; Fanghe LI ; Kuo GAO ; Xue YU ; Wei WANG ; Shuzhen GUO
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(4):501-515
Objective:
This study aimed to construct an animal model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) that integrates disease and syndrome based on the "deficiency-blood stasis-toxin" pathogenesis and to evaluate it comprehensively.
Methods:
The HFpEF mouse model was constructed using a combination of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and a high-fat diet. According to the random number table method, SPF-grade male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to the control, L-NAME, high-fat diet, and model groups, 10 in each group. Comprehensive observations and data collection on macroscopic signs (e.g., fur condition, mental state, stool and urine, oral and nasal condition, paw and body condition, etc.) and cardiac function were performed after 10 and 16 weeks of model induction. Additionally, the syndrome evolution was elucidated based on diagnostic criteria for clinical syndromes of heart failure. Furthermore, pathological and molecular biological examinations of myocardial tissue were performed to assess the stability and reliability of the model.
Results:
Mice in the model group showed typical characteristics of syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis, as well as syndrome of internal heat accumulation, including lethargy, slow response, dull paw color and oral/nasal color, exercise intolerance, abnormal platelet activation, dry feces, and dark yellow urine. The time window for these syndromes was between 10 and 16 weeks post-modeling. Cardiac function assessments revealed severe diastolic dysfunction, concentric myocardial hypertrophy, and myocardial fibrosis in the model group. Pathological examinations showed a significantly increased collagen deposition in the myocardial interstitium, enlarged cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes, and sparse coronary microvasculature in the model group. Molecular biological analyses indicated marked activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammatory pathway and significantly elevated inflammation levels in the myocardial tissue of the model group. Although mice in the L-NAME and high-fat diet groups also showed certain manifestations of qi deficiency syndrome, the substantial cardiac damage was relatively limited compared to the control group.
Conclusion
This study has constructed an animal model of HFpEF that integrates disease and syndrome based on the "deficiency-blood stasis-toxin" pathogenesis. The macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of this model are consistent with the manifestations of syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis, toxin syndrome, and syndrome of internal heat accumulation. Moreover, it can stably simulate the HFpEF state and reflect phenotypic changes in human disease. This model provides a suitable experimental platform to explore the pathogenesis of HFpEF, evaluate the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment regimens, and promote in-depth research on TCM syndromes of heart failure.


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