1.Altered Lymphocyte Subsets in Perioperative Cancer Patients Before and After Septic Shock: Characteristics and Prognostic Implications
Miao WEI ; Lili YANG ; Xiaoyan LI ; Huifang LYU ; Yan DUAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):86-97
To investigate the changes in peripheral blood immune cells before and after the onset of septic shock in patients with malignant tumors, and to analyze the relationship between these immune cells and patient prognosis. A retrospective study was conducted, enrolling perioperative tumor patients who were transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to septic shock at Shanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital between October 2018 and December 2019.Changes in lymphocyte counts and subsets were compared before and after septic shock (measured prior to septic shock onset and within 72 hours after onset).A multivariate Logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between these immune indicators and the 28-day mortality risk in tumor patients following septic shock. A total of 47 tumor patients transferred to the ICU due to septic shock were included.There were 32 males and 15 females, with a mean age of (63.9±11.2) years.Gastrointestinal tumors were the most common tumor type (76.60%, 36/47), and abdominal/pelvic infection (65.96%, 31/47) was the primary source of infection.Within 28 days after ICU transfer, 12 patients died and 35 survived. Compared to pre-septic shock levels, lymphocyte counts significantly decreased after septic shock[530(300, 830) cells/μL Perioperative tumor patients experience acute depletion of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets following septic shock.Among various immune indicators, regulatory T cell count serves as an independent predictor of short-term mortality risk.Evaluating baseline immune function in such patients may help optimize treatment strategies and improve overall prognosis.
2.Research progress on the intervention of energy metabolism disorders in chronic heart failure by active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine through regulating circadian rhythms
Ruiqi GUO ; Sutong WANG ; Zhaohui LYU ; Yan LI ; Renwei GUAN ; Xiao LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):670-675
The onset and progression of chronic heart failure (CHF) are closely associated with myocardial energy metabolism disorders, and this pathological process significantly affects patient prognosis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), grounded in time-based medical theories such as the correspondence between humans and nature and the theory of circadian flow of meridians (Ziwu Liuzhu), exhibits intrinsic consistency with modern circadian rhythm theory, providing a unique theoretical framework for understanding and intervening in CHF from a temporal perspective. This article systematically explores the impact of circadian rhythms on energy metabolism and the potential mechanisms by which TCM active ingredients intervene in CHF through a review of relevant literature. It is found that various TCM active ingredients, including flavonoids (such as nobiletin), alkaloids (such as berberine), and polyphenols (such as resveratrol), can improve mitochondrial function, promote fatty acid oxidation, enhance glucose uptake and utilization efficiency, maintain metabolic balance, and alleviate oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in myocardial cells by regulating the expression and rhythms of core circadian clock genes such as CLOCK, BMAL1, PER, and CRY. These actions thereby correct energy metabolism disorders and improve cardiac function. Further exploration of the interaction mechanisms between these components and the circadian rhythms holds promise for providing novel theoretical foundations and potential intervention strategies for the prevention and treatment of CHF.
3.Research hotspots and visual analysis on the medical artificial intelligence ethics at home and abroad
Mengze LYU ; Hongji LIN ; Ya’nan BA ; Yan ZHANG ; Jin XIE ; Yun LIU
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(3):287-299
To conduct a bibliometric and keyword analysis on the domestic and international literature of medical artificial intelligence (AI) ethics, explore the research frontiers, hotspots, and development trends in this field, and provide references for promoting the construction of China’s ethical governance system on medical AI. Utilizing CiteSpace software, a comparative analysis was conducted between the reviewed domestic and international literature regarding their publication volume, author and institutional collaboration networks, as well as keyword co-occurrence, clustering, timeline graph, and burst, to explore the research hotspots and development trends in the field. A total of 2 393 Chinese and English publications were included. In recent years, research topics in medical AI ethics both domestically and internationally focused on three aspects, encompassing their theoretical research, emerging domains and their ethical risks, as well as the ethical governance and regulation of medical AI. International research hotspots included federated learning, computer-aided detection, informed consent, and other aspects, whereas domestic research hotspots were smart healthcare, responsibility ethics, ethical values, and other aspects. Internationally, greater attention was placed on ethical issues concerning population health and healthcare in the public health domain, whereas domestic research topics tended to focus more on theoretical discussions and the establishment of ethical principles. The ethical governance of medical AI represents a shared global challenge, necessitating enhanced research into both the variances and commonalities in this field.
4.Mechanistic study of mitochondrial dysfunction in renal injury induced by maternal bone lead mobilization during pregnancy in rats
Ling LI ; Lin ZHANG ; Li LI ; Yuting WEI ; Man LYU ; Zeshi ZHANG ; Li MA ; Anxin LU ; Yin LIN ; Shaohua WANG ; Chonghuai YAN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(3):286-292
Background Lead is a typical persistent environmental pollutant that can accumulate in bones for decades. During pregnancy, alterations in calcium metabolism promote the mobilization of bone lead, resulting in secondary exposure; however, the mechanisms by which pregnancy-associated bone lead mobilization affects maternal renal function remain unclear. Objective To investigate the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in pregnancy-related bone lead mobilization-induced renal injury. Methods Newly weaned female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to a control or a lead-exposed group administered either 0.05% sodium acetate or 0.05% lead acetate in drinking water. Following a 4-week lead exposure and a 4-week washout period, the females were co-housed with healthy age-matched males for mating. Rats were sacrificed at early (gestational day 3) and late (gestational day 17) pregnancystages, respectively. Renal histopathology was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining staining. Mitochondria-related indicators, including oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and energy metabolism, were measured. Differential metabolites were identified using serum metabolomics. Results Renal injury in the lead-exposed pregnant rats progressed in a time-dependent manner, characterized by degeneration of proximal tubular epithelial cells, glomerular hyaline changes, and interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration. Repeated measures ANOVA indicated a significant interaction between the treatment factor (lead exposure) and the temporal factor (gestational stage) on renal injury (P<0.001). Further analysis of mitochondrial function-related indicators in late-pregnancy renal tissue revealed that the lead exposure group exhibited significantly increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) (P<0.05), accompanied by a reduction in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) activities (P<0.05); regarding inflammatory markers, levels of interleukin-18 (IL-18) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were elevated (P<0.01), whereas interleukin-33 (IL-33) was decreased in the lead-exposed group (P<0.05); energy metabolism-related indicators, including adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level, Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activities, and mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I, III, and V activities, were significantly reduced (P<0.05) in the lead-exposed gorup. The typical differential metabolite N-methylisoleucine, identified through serum metabolomics analysis, was negatively correlated with blood lead levels, kidney injury scores, and IL-1β, while positively correlated with catalase (CAT) activity and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase. Conclusions Mitochondrial dysfunction may play a critical role in renal injury induced by bone lead mobilization during late gestation.
5.Analysis of blood entry component of Yinchenhao decoction in vivo and study on the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma mechanism by network pharmacology
Linfeng ZHANG ; Yuheng SUN ; Dongyao WANG ; Dan LI ; Yan CAO ; Diya LYU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(4):200-208
Objective To improve the analysis method of the blood components of Yinchenhao decoction (YCHD) in vivo and explore its anti-hepatocellular carcinoma mechanism. Methods Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) was used to collect and analyze blood samples from mice. The mice were given a single dose of YCHD with a concentration of 0.1 g/ml and a dose of 25 ml/kg, and then the samples were collected 2 h post–administration, which was to systematically study the chemical components of YCHD in vivo. Network pharmacological methods were used to screen the components and targets of YCHD, and the targets of hepatocellular carcinoma; The common targets of YCHD and hepatocellular carcinoma were identified for GO enrichment and KEGG enrichment. Molecular docking was performed on the main targets to verify the binding ability between the active ingredients and the core targets. The relative mRNA expression levels of serine/threonine-protein kinase(AKT1) and tumor protein p53(TP53) in liver tissues were analyzed via qPCR, including the following mouse groups: mice with concanavalin A(Con-A)-induced acute liver injury without preventive administration, mice with Con-A-induced acute liver injury that received 14 d preventive oral administration of YCHD, and untreated control mice. Results ①The active ingredients of YCHD in the blood were identified by retrieving the data from the in vitro component analysis. They were chrysophanol, herniarin, aloe-emodin, and monotropein. ②The mechanism of action of the blood components against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was further analyzed using network pharmacological methods, and a total of 30 components of YCHD were screened for 213 targets and 215 HCC targets. ③There were 17 intersection targets between YCHD and hepatocellular carcinoma, including AKT1, TP53, receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-2 (ERBB2), myelocytomatosis oncogene (MYC), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), etc. The GO enrichment results indicated that these components were primarily involved in DNA replication,chromosome segregation,leukocyte mediated immunity,leukocyte cell-cell adhesion. The KEGG enrichment results demonstrated that these components were predominantly associated with diverse cancer pathways. Additionally, the results indicated involvement in the citrate cycle (TCA cycle), pyruvate metabolism, and p53 signaling pathway, ect. ④The results of molecular docking showed that chrysophanol, herniarin, and aloe - emodin had strong binding abilities with AKT1, TP53, ERBB2, MYC, and IL-1β. ⑤The relative expression of AKT1 and TP53 mRNA was significantly higher in the modelling group than in the control group. The relative expression of AKT1 and TP53 mRNA was significantly lower in the drug administration group than in the modelling group. Conclusion There were 4 blood components in YCHD, among which chrysophanol, herniarin, and aloe-emodin may act on AKT1, TP53, ERBB2, MYC, IL-1β and then participated in the regulation of cancer signaling pathways and p53 signaling pathway to play a role in the treatment of HCC.
6.Clinical and Neuroelectrophysiological Characteristics of Split Face Phenomenon in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Dong ZHANG ; Wenqing WANG ; Jingwen XU ; Xiaoqing LYU ; Yuying ZHAO ; Chuanzhu YAN
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(2):184-190
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a chronic, progressive degenerative disease affecting both upper and lower motor neurons, primarily characterized by skeletal muscle weakness and atrophy. Notably, the same muscle group may exhibit asynchronous involvement. This study aims to investigate the involvement patterns of the orbicularis oculi (OOc) and orbicularis oris (OOr) in ALS patients, compare the findings with healthy controls (HCs) and myasthenia gravis (MG) patients, and explore the characteristics and clinical significance of facial muscle involvement in ALS. Clinical and neuroelectrophysiological data were collected and analyzed in ALS patients (ALS group), HCs (HCs group) and MG patients (MG group). Clinical data included age, gender, clinical symptoms and signs, and the revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) score. Split-face (SF) phenomenon was defined as OOc muscle strength being greater than OOr muscle strength. The negative peak amplitudes of compound motor action potential (CMAP) recorded from OOc and OOr, namely CMAPOOc and CMAPOOr, were collected for electrophysiological evaluation. Number of patients enrolled in each group: 137 in the ALS group, 42 in the HCS group, and 33 in the MG group.Of the 137 ALS patients, 74 presented clinical SF manifestation. The CMAPOOc amplitude in the ALS group was 2.00 (1.66, 2.40) mV, showing no significant difference compared with 2.20 (1.86, 2.58) mV in the HCs group ( More than half of ALS patients have SF phenomenon, and neuroelectrophysiological indicators can provide objective evidence for SF. SF is correlated with bulbar onset, severe bulbar symptoms and rapid disease progression, and can serve as a potential indicator for the differential diagnosis between ALS-BO and MG.
7.Progress on the hazards and control of ship-borne vector organisms
Yun-chuan HE ; Hui-ling HAO ; Bin SUN ; Hong-yan LYU ; Deng-yong HOU ; Xiao-meng REN
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):144-151
In the context of burgeoning economic trade, there has been a remarkable increase in the number of ships travelling between domestic and international ports. Inbound and outbound cargo ships, cruise liners, ferries, and other types of vessels have emerged as critical vehicles for the dispersal of vector organisms and the spread of infectious disease agents. Public health concerns associated with these vessels represent a significant threat to human welfare. In this paper, we comprehensively review the hazards posed by vector organisms on ships, the latest advances in prevention and control strategies, and proposes appropriate countermeasures. The aim is to provide effective guidance for the prevention and control of public health security issues caused by ship-borne vector organisms.
8.Convergent modulation of default mode network effective connectivity by modified Suanzaoren Decoction and estazolam in patients with chronic insomnia disorder
Ke WANG ; Yiding HAN ; Haohao YAN ; Xingyan GUO ; Wuhong LIN ; Ping YAO ; Min LIU ; Min CHEN ; Longbiao CUI ; Wenbin GUO ; Dongsheng LYU
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(4):356-366
BackgroundBoth modified Suanzaoren Decoction and estazolam serve as effective treatments for chronic insomnia disorder (CID). Default mode network (DMN) dysfunction is recognized as the primary pathophysiological mechanism underlying CID. However, it remains unclear whether the two treatments exert their therapeutic effects via convergent modulation of DMN functional connectivity. ObjectiveTo investigate the convergent remodeling characteristics of bidirectional effective connectivity (EC) of core DMN nodes with both the intra-network and the remaining whole-brain regions in CID patients with Yin-deficiency and fire-hyperactivity syndrome following the treatment with modified Suanzaoren Decoction or estazolam, so as to provide neuroimaging evidence for the convergent neural mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of both therapies in treating CID. MethodsEighty-two patients diagnosed with CID according to the International Classification of Sleep Disorder, third edition (ICSD-3) were consecutively recruited from the outpatient clinic of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Mental Health Center from October 2020 to September 2023. Based on treatment preference, patients were assigned to receive a 6-week intervention in either the modified Suanzaoren Decoction group (n=52) or the estazolam group (n=30). Ultimately, 66 patients completed follow-up assessments (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group, n=41; estazolam group, n=25). All CID patients underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning before and after treatment. Core DMN nodes including medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), bilateral inferior parietal lobule (IPL), and precuneus (PCUN) were selected as seed regions. Granger causality analysis (GCA) was employed to assess bidirectional EC between the seed regions and both the other intra-DMN nodes and the remaining whole-brain regions. Hepatic and renal function indices were detected pre- and post-treatment to evaluate the safety profiles of both treatments. ResultsAt baseline, significant between-group differences were identified in EC from the left IPL to the left middle fronto-orbital gyrus/gyrus rectus (t=5.24, Z=4.84, voxel-level P<0.001, cluster-level P<0.05, GRF-corrected), with the modified Suanzaoren Decoction group exhibiting stronger EC than the estazolam group. No significant between-group differences were observed in EC between other core DMN nodes and remaining whole-brain regions (P>0.05). Within-group pre- to post-treatment comparisons demonstrated consistent connectivity alterations in both groups. Specifically, EC from the left IPL to the supplementary motor area (SMA) decreased after treatment (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group: t=-6.28, Z=5.208; estazolam group: t=-5.58, Z=4.425). Conversely, EC from the SMA to the left IPL increased (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group: t=5.89, Z=4.968; estazolam group: t=6.15, Z=4.720). Furthermore, both groups demonstrated reduced EC from the PCUN to the left IPL (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group: t=-5.85, Z=4.94; estazolam group: t=-5.75, Z=4.515), and elevated EC from the left IPL to the PCUN (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group: t=5.29, Z=4.579; estazolam group: t=4.55, Z=3.826) (voxel-level P<0.001, cluster-level P<0.05, GRF-corrected). No significant pre- to post-treatment differences were observed in hepatic or renal function indices in either group (P>0.05). ConclusionIn CID patients with Yin-deficiency and fire-hyperactivity syndrome, both modified Suanzaoren Decoction and estazolam induce convergent bidirectional remodeling of EC between the left IPL and the SMA and the PCUN. [Funded by Natural Science Fund Project of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (number, 2019MS08099); ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT06452953]
9.Syndrome-Based Treatment Strategy for Hypertension Using the Method of Raising Yang and Promoting Descent
Xiaotong LYU ; Linping ZHU ; Jingshun YAN ; Zejun DU ; Xueying WU ; Zongpei XU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(13):1345-1349
Guided by the theories of yin-yang and collateral disease, this paper identifies the dysregulation of yang qi ascent and descent as the core pathomechanism of hypertension. Based on clinical experience, a treatment approach centered on the method of raising yang and promoting descent was proposed. Clinically, three major syndrome types were identified. Firstly, deficiency of zong qi (ancestral qi) with blood stasis, obstruction of phlegm-turbidity and blood stasis, and hyperactivity of liver yang. Corresponding empirical formulation, Yizong Huoxue Decoction (益宗活血汤) was applied to tonify zong qi, invigorate blood, and raise yang. Secondly, Lizong Huoxue Decoction (理宗活血汤) was used to resolve phlegm, promote yang qi circulation, and regulate qi and blood. Thirdly, Qinggan Tongluo Decoction (清肝通络饮) was used to clear the liver, dredge collaterals, and subdue hyperactive yang. For special types such as non-dipper hypertension, time-specific syndrome differentiation and treatment can be applied based on a thorough understanding of the underlying pathomechanism, aiming to provide new insights into clinical diagnosis and treatment of hypertension.
10.Key Information Research and Modern Clinical Application of Famous Classical Formula Yanghetang
Weilu NIU ; Mengjie YANG ; Chengqi LYU ; Shunxi WANG ; Ziwen WANG ; Huangchao JIA ; Liyun WANG ; Xuewei LIU ; Mingsan MIAO ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Yawei YAN ; Chunyong LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):238-246
Through data collection and collation combined with bibliometrics, this study conducted a series of textual research on Yanghetang, such as the name and origin, the evolution of prescription composition and modern clinical application. Yanghetang was first recorded in Bencao Yidu of WANG Ang in the Qing dynasty. In addition to Yanghetang, there were 3 bynames of Jiawei Yanghetang, Quanshengji Yanghetang and Zhenjun Yanghetang. Regarding the composition of the formula, a total of 4 versions of Yanghetang were collected. The first version is the 5 medicines version of Cervi Cornus Colla, Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, Cinnamomi Cortex, Zingiberis Rhizoma and Ephedrae Herba in Bencao Yidu. The second version is the 7 medicines version of Waike Zhengzhi Quanshengji, changing Zingiberis Rhizoma to Zingiberis Rhizoma Praeparatum Carbonisata(ZRPC) and adding Sinapis Semen and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma(GRR) on the basis of Bencao Yidu, and most of the Yanghetang is of this version. The third version is the 6 medicines version of Wushi Yifang Huibian, that is, on the basis of Bencao Yidu, Zingiberis Rhizoma is changed into ZRPC, and Sinapis Semen is added. The fourth version is the 6 medicines version in Yifang Jiedu, that is, on the basis of Bencao Yidu, Zingiberis Rhizoma is changed into Zingiberis Rhizoma Praeparatum, and GRR Praeparata cum Melle is added. Regarding the dose of Yanghetang, the doses of the medicines in Waike Zhengzhi Quanshengji was converted into the modern doses as follows:37.3 g of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, 1.87 g of Ephedrae Herba, 11.19 g of Cervi Cornus Colla, 7.46 g of Sinapis Semen, 3.73 g of Cinnamomi Cortex, 3.73 g of GRR, and 1.87 g of ZRPC. The origins of the above medicines are consistent with the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The processing specification of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata is steaming method, ZRPC is ginger charcoal, Sinapis Semen is the fried products, and the rest of the medicines are raw products. The decoction method was verified by the decoction method in Chonglou Yuyao, which is similar in the time, and it is recommended that the above medicines should be added with 600 mL of water, decocted to 100 mL, and taken warmly 30 min after meal. For each dose, it is recommended to use 1-3 doses per day according to the doctor's advice in combination with clinical practice. The diseases involved in the ancient applications involved 42 diseases in 11 departments, including orthopedics, dermatology and gynecology, which were dominated by Yin-cold syndrome. However, the diseases involved in modern research also include 148 related diseases in 10 departments, such as orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology, which is consistent with the ancient books. In recent years, the research hotspots of Yanghetang have focused on more than 10 fields, including osteoblasts, malignant tumors, wound healing, traditional Chinese medicine fumigation and so on, which are widely used. It is suitable for comprehensive research and development because of its rational formula composition, clear origin, processing and decoction method, and wide clinical application.


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