1.Sex-specific effects of Semen Cuscutae aqueous extract on behavior, proteomics, and gut microbiota in rats
Zihan ZHAO ; Yaling YANG ; Junhui ZHOU ; Jie REN ; Zhiqiang LUO ; Ruibin BAI ; Jian YANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):50-61
Background: Sex-based differences often influence the therapeutic efficacy and safety of medications. Semen Cuscutae is a traditional tonic botanical drug with sex-specific characteristics, traditionally indicated for conditions such as impotence (exclusive to males) and restless fetus (exclusive to pregnant females). However, most existing studies have focused on a single sex. Objective: To evaluate the sex-specific biological effects of Semen Cuscutae in rats and explore its molecular mechanisms, with the aim of uncovering its pharmacological characteristics through a multiomics approach. Methods: A traditional aqueous extract of Semen Cuscutae (SCA) was used as the experimental material. Forty adult Sprague-Dawley rats (equal numbers of males and females) were randomly divided into 4 groups: male control, male SCA treatment (240 mg/kg), female control, and female SCA treatment (240 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group. The biological effects were comprehensively evaluated using a combination of open field test, biochemical analyses, proteomics, and gut microbiota profiling. Results: As a tonic botanical drug, SCA appeared to directly affect the mental and behavioral state of rats. It significantly altered the time spent by rats in the center area during the open field test, showing a sex-dependent reversal of behaviors. Proteomic analysis of brain tissue identified 624 differentially expressed proteins across the groups, with 10 key differentially expressed proteins related to sex differences, including fibroblast growth factor receptor 3, transcription elongation factor A protein-like 1, 40S ribosomal protein S25, neural cell adhesion molecule, and anion exchange protein 2 (SLC4A2). Enrichment analysis revealed that in male rats, SCA upregulated proteins involved in biological processes such as ribosome function and energy derivation, supporting protein synthesis and enhancing energy supply, showing an overall gain effect. In contrast, in female rats, SCA downregulated proteins associated with processes such as positive regulation of target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling and vesicle transport, suggesting suppression of neuronal signaling and material transport, indicative of a shift toward a more restrained physiological state. Furthermore, SCA reduced gut microbiota diversity in female rats but increased it in males, including the abundance of Akkermansia, which may serve as a crucial mediator. Conclusion: Overall, the biological effects of SCA differ significantly between male and female rats, with evidence suggesting greater health benefits in males. These findings help elucidate the scientific basis of its traditional applications and provide guidance for the precise application of SCA as a functional health food.
2.5G-enabled remote robot-assisted thoracic surgery: Clinical outcomes, current challenges, and future perspectives
Wenlong CHEN ; Jiyong YANG ; Yaling LIU ; Zhuang ZUO ; Changhao QUE ; Li DOU ; Yunjiu GOU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(05):698-709
With the integration of 5G communication technology and robotic surgical systems, remote robot-assisted thoracic surgery is overcoming geographical barriers, offering an innovative approach to addressing the uneven distribution of medical resources. This study conducted a systematic literature review—using databases such as PubMed and CNKI, with the search period extending up to 2025—incorporating clinical studies, case reports, and review articles to comprehensively evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of 5G-enabled remote robot-assisted thoracic surgery (5G-RRATS). The analysis also examined current technological limitations and potential future development trajectories. Existing evidence indicates that, given adequate technical support, 5G-RRATS can achieve perioperative outcomes comparable to those of conventional local robotic surgeries across procedures including pulmonary wedge resection, lobectomy, and esophagectomy. Furthermore, it demonstrates potential advantages in minimizing surgical incisions and reducing intraoperative blood loss. Nevertheless, challenges related to network stability, latency control, interdisciplinary collaboration between medical and engineering teams, and legal, regulatory, and ethical considerations continue to hinder widespread clinical adoption. Looking ahead, the emergence of a "one-to-many" remote surgical model, combined with the integration of artificial intelligence and augmented reality technologies, as well as advancements in low-orbit satellite communications, may enable 5G-RRATS to further advance precision and efficiency in thoracic surgery, thereby facilitating equitable access to high-quality care for a broader patient population.
3.Application and data analysis of the cardio-cerebrovascular events monitoring system in Yichang
Zhengchao FANG ; Jiajuan YANG ; Chi HU ; Chan WU ; Yaling DENG ; Zhiying YU ; Jie ZHU ; Ling ZHANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(6):95-98
Objective To analyze the monitoring data of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases prevention and control system in Yichang in 2022, and to provide data support and experience for the precise prevention and treatment of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. Methods Acute cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event data were collected from the Yichang Cardio-cerebrovascular Events Monitoring System from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. Descriptive analysis was conducted for the data collected. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 software, and a chi-square test was used to analyze the count data. Results A total of 37,217 cases of cardio-cerebrovascular events were monitored in Yichang in 2022. The crude incidence and the standardized incidence were 983.84/100,000 and 541.55/100,000, respectively. The incidence in males was higher than females (554.93/100,000 vs 428.91/100,000,χ2 =464.52,P<0.05). The top three diseases were cerebral infarction, acute myocardial infarction, and cerebral hemorrhage. The incidence of events increased with age, and 79.80% of the cases were over 60 years old. The main onset time was from May to August. Conclusion The use of the cardio-cerebrovascular events monitoring system in Yichang and the implementation of “mandatory reporting card” monitoring can timely obtain the epidemic characteristics of the diseases, provide support for the precise formulation of prevention and control strategies and measures, reduce underreporting rates, and improve the monitoring system, which is worthy of reference and promotion.
4.Cannabidiol inhibits neuronal endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in rats with multiple concussions by regulating the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP pathway.
Yujia YANG ; Lifang YANG ; Yaling WU ; Zhaoda DUAN ; Chunze YU ; Chunyun WU ; Jianyun YU ; Li YANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(6):1240-1250
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the effects of cannabidiol on endoplasmic reticulum stress and neuronal apoptosis in rats with multiple concussions (MCC).
METHODS:
SD rats were randomized into sham group, MCC group, 1% tween20 (TW) treatment group, and low-dose (10 mg/kg) and high-dose (40 mg/kg) cannabidiol treatment groups. In all but the sham group, MCC models were established using a metal pendulum percussion device, after which the rats received daily intraperitoneal injections of the corresponding agents for 2 weeks. The expressions of PERK, eIF2α, ATF4, CHOP, TRIB3, p-Akt and pro-caspase-3 in the brain tissue of the rats were detected with qRT-PCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. The core targets of cannabidiol in treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) were identified by network pharmacology analysis, and molecular docking was carried out to simulate the interaction of cannabidiol with the factors related to endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis.
RESULTS:
Compared with the sham-operated rats, the rat models of MCC showed significantly increased mRNA expressions of PERK, eIF2α and CHOP and protein expressions of PERK, eIF2α, ATF4, CHOP, TRIB3, p-AKT and pro-caspase-3 in the cerebral cortex. CBD treatment, especially at the high dose, obviously increased the expression of p-Akt and lowered the expression levels of the other factors tested in the rat models. Network pharmacology analysis indicated interactions of the core targets of CBD with the factors related to endoplasmic reticulum stress and TBI, and molecular docking study showed a high binding energy of CBD with multiple factors pertaining to endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis.
CONCLUSIONS
MCC induce endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in rat brain tissues, for which CBD, especially at a high dose, provides neuroprotective effects by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress and cell apoptosis.
Animals
;
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress/drug effects*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Activating Transcription Factor 4/metabolism*
;
Transcription Factor CHOP/metabolism*
;
Rats
;
Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-2/metabolism*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
eIF-2 Kinase/metabolism*
;
Cannabidiol/pharmacology*
;
Neurons/metabolism*
;
Brain Concussion/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Molecular Docking Simulation
5.A novel approach to assessing quality issues and component annotation in TCM prescription: Insights from 100 common TCM products.
Huiting OU ; Chunxiang LIU ; Saiyi YE ; Lin YANG ; Qirui BI ; Wenlong WEI ; Hua QU ; Yaling AN ; Jianqing ZHANG ; De-An GUO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(10):101332-101332
The quality of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions (TCMPs) is critical to clinical efficacy; however, evaluating their consistency and identifying sources of variability remain challenging. This study proposes an integrated strategy to assess the quality of 100 widely sold TCMPs. A "one-for-all" chromatographic method was employed to analyze 645 sample batches. This large-scale data collection enabled statistical evaluations, such as hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and similarity heatmap, to identify quality inconsistencies. The introduction of a TCM-specific mass spectrometry (MS) database allowed for rapid, automated annotation of chemicals across 100 prescriptions and facilitated the tracing of raw material sources. Results indicate that 19% of prescriptions exhibited chemical inconsistencies, which are associated with high market value, low pricing, and substantial price disparities. The MS database allowed rapid annotation of 761 and 673 compounds in positive and negative modes, respectively, in 100 TCMPs, with 73 prescriptions reported for the first time. The tracing efforts succeeded in identifying >40% of the raw material sources for 51 prescriptions. P93 (Yinianjin (YNJ)) is a case in which the chromatographic profiles from three manufacturers displayed inconsistencies. Analysis using the database traced divergent peaks to Rhei Radix et R hizoma (RRER). Verification with self-prepared samples confirmed that manufacturers utilized three distinct botanical sources. This integrated strategy provides a scalable framework for quality control in TCMPs.
6.Relationship between post-traumatic growth and stress perception in patients with primary liver cancer: the chain-mediated role of psychological resilience and navigational social support
Yaling ZHANG ; Yang YIN ; Lei BAI ; Huanhuan WEI ; Yuanyuan LIU
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(27):2088-2095
Objective:To explore the relationship between post-traumatic growth and stress perception as well as the chain-mediated roles of psychological resilience and navigating social support in patients with primary liver cancer(PLC), in order to provide theoretical ideas for the nursing and intervention of PLC patients.Methods:Convenience sampling was used to select PLC patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital, Third Affiliated Hospital, and Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from October 2023 to May 2024 as the research subjects. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, the Chinese Perceived Stress Scale, Perceived Social Support Scale, and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale.Results:A total of 236 PLC patients were ultimately included, including 189 males and 47 females. Age distribution was as follows: 18-40 years years (7 cases), 41-60 years (128 cases), and ≥61 years (101 cases). Posttraumatic growth showed a significant negative correlation with perceived stress ( r=-0.512, P<0.01), while demonstrating positive correlations with psychological resilience and perceived social support ( r=0.605, 0.515, both P<0.01). Psychological resilience and perceived social support had mediating and chain mediating effects between perceived stress and posttraumatic growth, with mediating effects of -0.176 and -0.069, accounting for 29.24% and 11.46% of the total effect, respectively. The chain mediating effect value was 0.073, accounting for 12.13% of the total effect. Conclusions:The pathway of stress perception on post-traumatic growth in patients with PLC is indirect, and stress perception can contribute to the growth of post-traumatic growth in patients through psychological resilience, and navigating social support.
7.Novel Miniature Mobile Integrated Operating Cabin-Theatre: A Clinical Application
Jie ZHANG ; Ming LIANG ; Jingyang SUN ; Xiaozeng WANG ; Yang LI ; Chengfei PENG ; Zhenyang LIANG ; Quanmin JING ; Ning SUN ; Kai XU ; Fei LI ; Yaling HAN
Cardiology Discovery 2025;05(3):202-207
Objective::This study aimed to investigate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of using a miniature mobile integrated cabin-theatre equipped with angiography and surgical operating room capabilities, and to explore its therapeutic scope, effectiveness, and operational mode.Methods::A miniature mobile integrated operating cabin-theatre was deployed across 15 hospitals in 15 cities or counties in China from April 2012 to November 2024. The interventions and outcomes of interventional and minimally invasive surgical procedures were prospectively observed and evaluated; perioperative complications were documented, and the stability, adaptability, and mobility of the integrated system were assessed.Results::A total of 133 procedures were successfully performed, 130 of which were interventional and 3 minimally invasive. The angiography machine showed good imaging performance without any equipment failures, loosening, or damage, with normal chamber unfolding. One patient experienced a fever the day after laparoscopy, while none of the other patients exhibited perioperative complications such as infection, surgical site bleeding/hematoma, or reperfusion arrhythmia. The instrument was easily manipulated, aligning with the needs of clinical intervention and surgery, and was perceived by patients as being a comfortable environment, with no psychological or other obvious discomfort.Conclusions::The miniature mobile integrated cabin-theatre, comprising an angiography machine and an operating room, allows interventional or minimally invasive surgical procedures to be performed smoothly and safely. It can also provide rapid and efficient on-site treatment of acute and critical illnesses across multiple body systems, including the cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and gastrointestinal systems.
8.A National Registry to Improve the Quality of Care for Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome and Diabetes: Protocol for the China Diabetes Cardiovascular (CDCV) Project
Na YANG ; Jing LIU ; Changsheng MA ; Dalong ZHU ; Smith Sidney C. ; Robert ECKEL ; Louise MORGAN ; Yongchen HAO ; Jun LIU ; Yan ZHOU ; Yaling HAN ; Dong ZHAO
Cardiology Discovery 2025;05(3):208-214
Evidence-based treatment strategies for patients with cardiovascular disease and diabetes have been updated in recent years. However, substantial gaps remain between guideline recommendations and clinical practice, which justify the urgent need to improve the quality of care for patients with these conditions. The Chinese Society of Cardiology and the Chinese Society of Diabetes, in collaboration with the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association, designed the China Diabetes Cardiovascular project. The China Diabetes Cardiovascular project is a nationwide registry study aimed at improving the quality of care for patients with acute coronary syndrome and diabetes in China. Launched in 2021, this project has enrolled 36 hospitals across mainland China. Patients with a primary discharge diagnosis of comorbid acute coronary syndrome and diabetes will be eligible to participate. Pre-defined performance measures will be adopted to evaluate the quality of care for these patients. Multiple quality improvement strategies will be adopted, including providing monthly quality reports based on these measures, conducting a series of training courses, and distributing educational materials. A comprehensive dataset, encompassing patients' characteristics, medical history, treatment before and during the current hospitalization, and discharge medications for secondary prevention, will be collected through a web-based data collection platform. This project has the potential to improve the quality of care and reduce the care disparities in the management of patients with these diseases. Moreover, with its comprehensive data collection, this project will provide a strong foundation for exploring key clinical questions.
9.Inhibitory activity and mechanism of tetrandrine against influenza A virus H1N1 in vitro and in vivo
Wenqian LI ; Yuanyuan JIAO ; Wen YANG ; Mingyu WANG ; Yaling XING ; Shengqi WANG
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2025;39(9):662-672
OBJECTIVE To investigate the activity and mechanism of tetrandrine(TET)against influenza A virus in vitro and in vivo.METHODS(1)Cell experiments.① Human non-small cell lung cancer cells(A549)were divided into TET 0(cell control),1.25,2.5,5,10,20 and 25 μmol·L-1 groups,and H1N1+TET 0,1.25,2.5,5,10,20 and 25 μmol·L-1 groups.The TET groups were treated with the corresponding concentrations of TET while the H1N1+TET groups were infected with H1N1 for 1 h before the corresponding concentrations of TET were added.After 48 h,cell viability was detected using the CCK-8 method.② The cells were divided into cell control,H1N1+TET 0,2.5,5,and 10 μmol·L-1 groups and treated as in ①.After 24 h of incubation,the mRNA expressions of matrix protein 1(M1),hemagglutinin(HA),interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interferon-β(IFN-β)were tested by the real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR).The expression levels of M1,HA,neuraminidase(NA),nucleoprotein(NP),and phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)protein were detected by Western blotting.(2)Animal experiments.① Male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the solvent control group,H1N1 group,H1N1+oseltamivir phosphate(Ose)20 mg·kg-1 group,and H1N1+TET 25,50 and 100 mg·kg-1 groups.The solvent control group and the H1N1 group were ig administered with 0.5%carboxymethyl cellulose sodium(CMC-Na),while the H1N1+Ose group and the H1N1+TET 25,50 and 100 mg·kg-1 groups were ig given suspensions of the respective concentrations of drugs in 0.5%CMC-Na.After three consecutive days of pretreatment,all these groups except the solvent control group were intranasally inoculated with H1N1 to establish an influenza-infected mouse model.The survival rate and body mass of mice were monitored and recorded for 15 consecutive days post-H1N1 infection.② The grouping and treatment were the same as ①.After infection,mice were sacrificed on day 3 and 5.The expression levels of M1,HA,TNF-α,IL-1βand IL-6in lung tissues were detected by RT-qPCR,and those of M1,HA,NA,NP,and phosphoryla-tion of STAT3 protein in mice lung tissues by Western blotting.Hematoxylin-Eosin(HE)staining was performed to observe the pathological changes of lung tissues in mice.The levels of IL-6,TNF-α and IFN-β in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays(ELISA).RESULTS(1)① The half maximal inhibitory concentration study showed a value of 18.06 μmol·L-1 for A549 effected by TET.Compared with the H1N1 group,TET 2.5,5 and 10 μmol·L-1 significantly increased cell viability.② The expression levels of M1,HA mRNA and M1,HA,NA protein in the TET 2.5,5 and 10 μmol·L-1 groups were significantly lowered compared with the H1N1 group.TET 5 μmol·L-1 significantly decreased H1N1-induced IL-6,TNF-α and IFN-β mRNA expression levels in A549 cells.TET 5 and 10 μmol·L-1 could significantly mitigate the phosphorylation of STAT3.(2)① Com-pared with the H1N1 group,TET 50 mg·kg-1 significantly improved the survival rate of H1N1-infected mice while TET 25 mg·kg-1 significantly elevated the body-weight of H1N1-infected mice.In the TET 50 mg·kg-1 group,expressions of HA and M1 mRNA,and HA,M1,NA and NP protein in the lung tissues of H1 N1-infected mice were significantly reduced compared with the H1N1 group.Compared with the H1N1 group,TET 50 mg·kg-1 significantly decreased the lung index,improved inflammatory lesions in lung tissues,inhibited the mRNA expressions of TNF-α,IL-6 and IFN-β in lung tissues,and down regu-lated the expressions of TNF-α,IL-6 and IFN-β proinflammatory cytokines in the BALF of the H1N1-infected mice.In addition,TET 50 mg·kg-1 also significantly inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation in lung tissues of mice infected with H1N1.CONCLUSION TET can inhibit H1N1 infection both in vivo and in vitro.The potential mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the IL-6/STAT3 pathway,which subse-quently suppresses the inflammatory response induced by H1N1.
10.Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with seated Taijiquan Yunshou in different sequences on cerebral cortical activation in stroke patients with hemiplegia:a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study
Qi XU ; Dingzhao ZHENG ; Zhenyuan NIU ; Yaling YANG ; Weiyou WEN ; Jingsheng XU ; Longqiang WU ; Fan WU ; Tiebin YAN
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(10):1121-1127
Objective To investigate the immediate effect of transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS)combined with seated Tai-jiquan Yunshou training under different sequences on cerebral cortical activation in stroke patients with hemiple-gia.Methods From September to December,2024,14 stroke inpatients with hemiplegia were enrolled from the Fifth Hospi-tal of Xiamen.Based on the routine medication and rehabilitation,the patients were randomly assigned to a spe-cific intervention sequence,receiving three interventions in a fixed order:tDCS followed by Yunshou(S-Y group),Yunshou followed by tDCS(Y-S group),and simultaneous tDCS and Yunshou(Sim group).Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was used to detect oxyhemoglobin(HbO?)concentration in bilateral sensorimotor cor-tex,premotor and supplementary motor cortex,and prefrontal cortex before and after each intervention.Results Three patients dropped out.In all the regions of interest,inter-group effects were significant in HbO? concentra-tions(F>3.697,P<0.05),and interaction effects were significant in some brain regions(F>3.276,P<0.05).Post-hoc test showed a general trend of Sim Group≥S-Y Group>Y-S Group(P<0.05),although some varia-tions existed across different brain regions.Conclusion Both simultaneous intervention(tDCS and Yunshou)and tDCS followed by Yunshou are more effective on immediate activation of key motor-related cortices in stroke patients with hemiplegia than Yunshou followed by tDCS intervention.


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