1.Herbal Textual Research on Bambusae Succus in Famous Classical Formulas
Yu SHI ; Feng ZHOU ; Yihan WANG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Ming YANG ; Zhiping CHEN ; Jiangshan ZHANG ; Conglong XU ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):231-239
This article systematically reviews and examines the historical evolution of Bambusae Succus as a medicinal material, covering aspects such as nomenclature, origin, geographical distribution, harvesting and processing methods, quality assessment, therapeutic effects and indications, by consulting ancient herbal texts, medical compendia, and modern literature. The aim is to provide a reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. Research indicated that Bambusae Succus was first documented in the Shennong Bencaojing during the Han dynasty, with Zhuli being the standard name used throughout history, alongside aliases like Zhuzhi, Zhuyou and Huoquan. Historically, the primary source of Bambusae Succus has been Phyllostachys nigra var. henonis(Danzhu), although other species such as Pleioblastus amarus and Bambusa emeiensis have also been used medicinally. Ancient records predominantly noted its origin in Yizhou(present-day Chengdu and surrounding areas in Sichuan) and the Wuling region(between present-day Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi and Jiangxi provinces), while contemporary sources are mainly from regions south of the Yangtze River and southwestern China. Traditionally, Bambusae Succus was harvested from bamboo that had grown for exactly one year, today, it can be collected year-round without strict age requirements. Ancient preparation methods included direct fire roasting or dry distillation, whereas modern industrial production employs dry distillation, reflux extraction, and percolation. In terms of quality evaluation, ancient texts considered a sweet taste to be superior, while today, clarity and transparency are prioritized. Historically, Bambusae Succus was characterized as sweet and cold nature, targeting the lung and stomach meridians, with uses evolving from clearing heat and resolving phlegm to nourishing Yin, moistening dryness, and relaxing tendons and unblocking meridians. Modern descriptions classify it as sweet, bitter, and cold in nature, affecting the heart, liver, and lung meridians, with functions including clearing heat, resolving phlegm, and facilitating orifices. It is indicated for conditions such as stroke with phlegm confusion, lung heat with phlegm congestion, convulsions, epilepsy, excessive phlegm in febrile diseases, high fever with thirst, irritability during pregnancy, and tetanus, with more clearly defined applications. Based on the results of the research, it is recommended that when developing and utilizing famous classical formulas containing Bambusae Succus, the one-year-old Phyllostachys nigra var. Henonis, which has been highly praised throughout history, should be selected as the source material. Industrial production should adopt the dry distillation method. Furthermore, in-depth research should be conducted on the modern technological characterization of the traditional quality control indicator of sweet taste, and reasonable modern quality control standards should be established.
2.Traditional Chinese medicine for recurrent pregnancy loss: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Zilin LONG ; Houyu ZHAO ; Fengqi LIU ; Meng ZHANG ; Junchang LIU ; Siyan ZHAN ; Feng SUN
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):87-95
Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss undermines the physical and mental health of women. Recent randomized controlled trials have reported some effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM); however, whether various TCM methods have different effectiveness remains unclear. Objective: To comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and adverse events of TCM for patients with RPL and to explore whether various TCM methods have different effectiveness. Methods: Ten databases were searched up to May 27, 2024. The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB2 tool. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated using the grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool. Pairwise and network analyses were conducted using Stata 18.0. Results: A total of 47 randomized controlled trials enrolling 6678 women with RPL were included. Pairwise analysis showed that use of TCM had a significantly lower miscarriage rate (RR 0.50 [95% CI 0.45, 0.55]), lower preterm birth rate (RR 0.81 [95% CI 0.67, 0.98), and lower adverse event rate (RR 0.46 [95% CI 0.37, 0.58]). Moreover, use of TCM was associated with a higher alive-fetus rate (RR 1.21 [95% CI 1.15, 1.26]), live-birth rate (RR 1.20 [95% CI 1.15, 1.25]), and full-term rate (RR 1.37 [95% CI 1.23, 1.53]) compared with nonuse of TCM. Network analysis demonstrated that Bushenshugan combined with conventional Western medicine was ranked the best for the reduction of miscarriage rate. Discussion: Use of TCM is more likely to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce adverse events compared with nonuse of TCM in patients with RPL. Different TCM methods have differences in reducing the miscarriage rate. The Bushenshugan method might be a potential optimal TCM therapy, but more high-quality evidence is needed to further validate and evaluate the efficacy and safety.
3.Herbal Textual Research on Zijingpi in Famous Classical Formulas
Shuyi YANG ; Linmin FENG ; Wuwei MENG ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Lei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):212-224
By consulting herbal texts, medical records, formula collections, and other relevant literature from various historical periods, as well as modern and contemporary research materials, different aspects of the historical evolution of Zijingpi, including its name, origin, scientific name verification, medicinal part, genuine producing areas, harvesting, processing, and preparation, properties and flavors, and primary indications, were systematically reviewed and verified, providing a basis for the development of famous classical formula preparations containing this medicinal material. According to the textual research, Cercis chinensis was first recorded under the name "Zijingmu" in the Rihuazi Bencao from the Five Dynasties period. From the Song Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, it was known by various names such as "Zijing", "Zijingpi", and "Zijingmupi". In modern and contemporary times, it has been officially named "Zijingpi", with aliases such as "Mantiaohong", "Zihuashu", and "Qingminghua". Historically, the mainstream source of Zijingpi was the dried bark of Cercis chinensis Bunge, a species of the legume family. However, there were also instances of confusion with the Lythraceae plant Lagerstroemia indica L. The producing areas of Zijingpi have no special geographical limitation, and the plant is currently distributed throughout most parts of China. There were no special requirements for harvesting time in ancient times, while modern records indicate harvesting time in spring, summer, and autumn. Ancient processing methods were rarely recorded, with only mentions of stir-frying Zijingpi. Modern practice mostly uses the raw material medicinally. Modern standards prefer it to be "dry, long strips, and thick". The functions of Zijingpi, mainly to promote blood circulation, relieve strangury, and detoxify, have remained consistent from ancient to modern times. Based on the textual research findings, it is recommended that when developing and exploiting the famous classical formulas containing Zijingpi, the bark of C. chinensis should be selected as the source. The processing method should be chosen according to the formula requirements, and if no specific requirements are indicated, it is suggested to use the raw material medicinally.
4.Atelocollagen Improves Bone-to-Tendon Interface Healing in a Rabbit Model of Chronic Rotator Cuff Tear Compared with Polydeoxyribonucleotide
Jian HAN ; Zhan-Feng ZHANG ; Shen-Yun FANG ; Yun-Mei CUI ; Sheng Chen HAN
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2026;18(1):167-175
Background:
Surgeons face challenges in selecting cost-effective and biologically active agents for rotator cuff healing, given the numerous commercial products available, such as polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) and atelocollagen (ATC). However, the precise efficacy of PDRN and ATC in rotator cuff healing remains debatable, and there is currently a lack of studies directly comparing the effects of the 2 agents on repaired cuff tendons. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of PDRN and ATC on bone-to-tendon interface (BTI) healing using a chronic rotator cuff tear (RCT) model in rabbits.
Methods:
Forty-eight rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups. To create chronic RCT models, transected tendons were left untreated for 6 weeks, and then were repaired in a transosseous manner with PDRN and ATC injection into the repair site according to group allocation (group A: saline, group B: PDRN, group C: ATC; n = 16 per group). Genetic and immunofluorescence analyses were performed at 4 weeks after surgery. Furthermore, genetic, histologic, and biomechanical analyses were performed at 12 weeks after surgery.
Results:
At 4 weeks after surgery, ATC-injected shoulders showed the highest mRNA expression levels of collagen type I alpha 1 and aggrecan compared to the other 2 groups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Meanwhile, there was more preliminary fibrocartilaginous matrix formation in the ATC-injected group. At 12 weeks after surgery, ATC-injected shoulders demonstrated better collagen fiber continuity and orientation, denser collagen fibers, a more mature bone-to-tendon junction, and greater fibrocartilage layer formation compared to the other 2 groups (all p < 0.001). Furthermore, ATC-injected shoulders also demonstrated a significantly higher load-to-failure value (40.4 ± 4.5 N/kg) than the remaining groups (group A, 26.7 ± 3.0 N/kg; group B, 32.8 ± 4.2 N/kg; p < 0.001).
Conclusions
ATC demonstrated superior efficacy in promoting BTI healing following surgical repair in a chronic RCT model of rabbits.
5.Analysis of risk factors for early failure of internal mammary artery grafts after coronary artery bypass grafting and construction of a prediction model
Weihao BAO ; Chunyuan WANG ; Pengbin ZHANG ; Wei FENG ; Zhan HU ; Yan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(08):1267-1274
Objective To explore the independent risk factors for early failure of internal mammary artery grafts after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and to construct and preliminarily evaluate a risk prediction model for the decline of internal mammary artery bridges, optimizing postoperative risk stratification and management strategies for patients. Methods Patients who underwent CABG at Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2016 to January 2020 were retrospectively enrolled. The primary endpoint was the failure of the internal mammary artery bridge one year after surgery, and the secondary endpoint was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) within five years after surgery, including all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and revascularization. Patients were divided into a failure group and a non-failure group based on whether there was early failure of the internal mammary artery bridge after surgery. Independent risk factors for the failure of the internal mammary artery bridge were explored through the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and multivariate logistic regression, and a failure risk prediction model was constructed and cross-validated. Patients were stratified for MACCE risk according to the total score of independent risk factors, and the 5-year cumulative MACCE-free rate was drawn using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results A total of 657 patients were included, among whom there were 54 patients in the failure group, including 38 males and 16 females, with an average age of (61.85±8.03) years; there were 603 patients in the non-failure group, including 467 males and 136 females, with an average age of (60.45±8.23) years. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that non-left main lesion [OR=3.28, 95%CI (1.41, 7.62), P=0.006], pulsatility index (PI)>3.0 [OR=2.63, 95%CI (1.20, 5.75), P=0.016], quantitative flow ratio (QFR)>0.80 [OR=5.57, 95%CI (2.98, 10.41), P<0.001] and in-hospital complications [OR=4.02, 95%CI (1.59, 10.19), P=0.003] were independent risk factors for the failure of internal mammary artery grafts after CABG. Compared with the prediction model in previous literature [area under receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.632, 95%CI (0.588, 0.688)], the risk prediction model constructed with QFR>0.80, PI>3.0, non-left main lesion and in-hospital complications had a higher predictive ability for early failure of internal mammary artery grafts [area under curve: 0.758, 95%CI (0.707, 0.817); net reclassification index: 0.272, 95%CI (0.180, 0.370); comprehensive discriminative improvement index: 0.109, 95%CI (0.059, 0.158); P<0.05]. The risk score of independent risk factors for internal mammary artery graft failure demonstrated significant MACCE risk stratification efficiency in the 5-year patient follow-up, with the high-risk group showing a significantly higher incidence of MACCE compared to the medium and low-risk groups (P=0.001). Conclusion QFR>0.80, PI>3.0, non-left main lesions, and in-hospital complications are independent risk factors for early failure of internal mammary artery grafts after CABG. The constructed risk prediction model based on this has preliminary capabilities in predicting the risk of internal mammary artery graft failure and MACCE risk stratification, which is beneficial for the postoperative management of CABG patients and improving their mid-long term prognosis.
6.Study on Tumor Microenvironment With Pump-probe Photoacoustic Tomography Based on a Fast Acquisition Sequence
Jian-Feng GUO ; Zhan-Jun ZHANG ; Xing-Yu CUI ; Bo WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2497-2506
ObjectiveOxygen partial pressure (pO2) is a critical indicator of the tumor microenvironment and plays an essential role in regulating tumor progression and therapeutic response, particularly for oxygen-dependent treatments such as photodynamic therapy (PDT). Although photoacoustic imaging (PAI) has shown great potential for functional and molecular imaging, conventional oxygenation imaging approaches based on hemoglobin absorption mainly provide relative oxygen saturation information and cannot directly quantify tissue oxygen partial pressure. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a fast laser sequence-based pump-probe photoacoustic tomography (PP-PAT) system for quantitative, non-invasive, and dynamic monitoring of oxygen partial pressure in tumor tissues. MethodsThe proposed PP-PAT system was developed based on the oxygen-sensitive triplet-state lifetime characteristics of methylene blue (MB). Upon optical excitation, MB molecules undergo transitions from the ground state to an excited state and subsequently form metastable triplet states through intersystem crossing. The lifetime of the triplet state is strongly affected by surrounding oxygen concentration due to dynamic oxygen quenching, providing a direct correlation between triplet-state kinetics and local oxygen partial pressure. A dual-wavelength pump-probe excitation scheme was implemented to selectively interrogate MB triplet-state dynamics. The pump pulse was used to initiate the triplet-state population, while the delayed probe pulse was applied to detect the transient triplet-state response. By optimizing the temporal interval between the pump and probe pulses, transient triplet-state differential (TTD) signals were extracted to enhance the specificity of oxygen-dependent molecular information and suppress background interference from conventional photoacoustic signals. The performance of the PP-PAT system was systematically evaluated through phantom and in vivo experiments. First, a single-tube phantom containing MB solution was used to investigate signal stability, reproducibility, and the influence of signal averaging on imaging quality. Subsequently, a dual-tube phantom model was established to simulate oxygen consumption during PDT, where one MB-containing tube was exposed to laser irradiation and the other served as a control. Finally, in vivo experiments were performed using a subcutaneous tumor model in nude mice. MB was locally injected into the tumor region before imaging to evaluate the feasibility of tumor oxygen partial pressure mapping using the proposed PP-PAT system. ResultsPhantom experiments demonstrated that the extracted TTD signals exhibited high stability and effectively reflected MB triplet-state dynamics while reducing non-specific background contributions. Signal averaging significantly improved the signal-to-noise ratio, and 50 repeated acquisitions provided an optimal compromise between image quality and acquisition efficiency. In the dual-tube phantom experiments, continuous PDT irradiation induced progressive oxygen depletion in the treated sample. The corresponding TTD decay rate gradually decreased, accompanied by an increase in the calculated triplet-state lifetime, indicating reduced oxygen quenching and decreased oxygen partial pressure. In contrast, the control sample showed relatively stable TTD kinetics and oxygenation levels during the same period. These results demonstrated that PP-PAT could quantitatively characterize oxygen consumption dynamics associated with photochemical reactions. In vivo experiments further demonstrated the capability of PP-PAT for spatially resolved oxygen partial pressure imaging in MB-injected tumor tissues. The reconstructed pO2 maps revealed heterogeneous oxygen distributions within tumors, showing relatively hypoxic regions in the tumor core and higher oxygenation levels near the tumor boundary. This spatial oxygen distribution pattern was consistent with the typical physiological characteristics of solid tumors, where abnormal vascular structures and limited oxygen diffusion result in intratumoral oxygen gradients. ConclusionThis study presents a fast laser sequence-based PP-PAT system capable of quantitative and non-invasive imaging of tissue oxygen partial pressure. By utilizing the oxygen-dependent triplet-state lifetime of MB and extracting TTD signals, the proposed method provides molecularly specific information related to oxygen dynamics beyond conventional photoacoustic oxygenation imaging. The system enables dynamic monitoring of oxygen consumption during PDT and reveals spatial oxygen heterogeneity within tumors. This technique provides a promising imaging approach for tumor hypoxia characterization, evaluation of oxygen-dependent therapeutic responses, and precision-guided cancer treatment.
7.Herbal Textual Research on Picrorhizae Rhizoma in Famous Classical Formulas
Feng ZHOU ; Yihan WANG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Xiaoqin ZHAO ; Kaizhi WU ; Cheng FENG ; Wenyue LI ; Wei ZHANG ; Wentao FANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):228-239
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, origin, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and other aspects of Picrorhizae Rhizoma by referring to the medical books, prescription books, and other documents of the past dynasties, combined with relevant modern research materials, in order to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb. The research results indicate that Picrorhizae Rhizoma was first recorded in New Revised Materia Medica from the Tang dynasty. Throughout history, Huhuanglian has been used as its official name, and there are also aliases such as Gehu Luze, Jiahuanglian and Hulian. The main source of past dynasties is the the rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurrooa and P. scrophulariiflora. In ancient times, Picrorhizae Rhizoma was mainly imported by foreign traders via Guangzhou and other regions, and also produced in China, mainly in Xizang. In ancient times, it was harvested and dried in early August of the lunar calendar, while in modern times, it is mostly harvested from July to September, with the best quality being those with thick and crispy rhizomes without impurities, and bitter taste. Throughout history, Picrorhizae Rhizoma was collected, washed, sliced, and dried before being used as a raw material for medicine, it has a bitter and cold taste, mainly used to treat bone steaming, hot flashes, infantile chancre fever, and dysentery. There is no significant difference in taste and efficacy between ancient and modern times. Based on the research results, it is recommended that the rhizomes of P. scrophulariiflora in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, or the rhizomes of P. kurrooa, can be used in famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb, which can be processed according to the processing requirements marked by the original formula. For those without clear processing requirements, the dried raw products are used as medicine.
8.Study of application of Common Data Model of Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership in China
Meng ZHANG ; Peng SHEN ; Zhike LIU ; Van Zandt MUI ; Jing LI ; Chao LI ; Yexiang SUN ; Junqing XIE ; Hripcsak GEORGE ; Yong CHEN ; Hongbo LIN ; Siyan ZHAN ; Feng SUN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(5):907-913
Objective:To comprehensively evaluate the application of Common Data Model (CDM) of Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) in China, and provide reference for the implementation of data standardization and evidence sharing in China.Methods:PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, WanFang and SinoMed databases were used for literature retrieval to collect the research papers of OMOP CDM application for data standardization in China until March 15, 2023. The information about institutions, types and numbers of patients were extracted.Results:A total of 14 research papers, including 9 in English and 5 in Chinese, were selected. The research papers published since 2018 were collected, which focused on patients with hypertension, diabetes, and depression. A total of 12 institutions or platforms transformed data into OMOP CDM. Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital was the first one to apply the CDM and demonstrated its feasibility in China. Additionally, the regional information system in Yinzhou District of Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, standardized the multi-dimensional data of patients with diabetes and hypertension. Based on this platform, a series of prediction models for complications in patients with diabetes were constructed. Another major database in Beijing Anding Hospital applied OMOP CDM to analyze the characteristics of patients with late-life depression and dementia.Conclusions:This study analyzed the application of OMOP CDM in China. Through in-depth analysis of specific cases, the study provided guidance for the future cross-regional evidence sharing and collaboration.
9.Reassessing the scope of real-world data applications and the value of real-world evidence
Feng SUN ; Meng ZHANG ; Houyu ZHAO ; Zhirong YANG ; Junli ZHU ; Jing LI ; Linong JI ; Jiefu YANG ; Siyan ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(6):1079-1084
In the past decade, real-world data (RWD) research has undergone significant transformations due to data aggregation and processing technologies. However, there is still a lack of consensus regarding the scope of RWD applications and the value of real-world evidence (RWE). This study briefly outlined the origins of the concept of RWD study and its early research scope to promote further development in this area. We also reviewed the understanding of RWD applications and research models from the five perspectives of healthcare professionals, medical institutions, decision-making departments, cross-regional cooperation model, and the practice of the One-Health model. Finally, we systematically summarized the renewed understanding of the value of RWE while looking ahead to the challenges and future developments in this field.
10.Trends in adenoidectomy in children in Beijing tertiary hospitals from 2013 to 2022
Jieqiong LIANG ; Zhongyuan ZHANG ; Ruikun WANG ; Qian WANG ; Yimin ZHANG ; Mengyao LI ; Xiaojun ZHAN ; Yingxia LU ; Moning GUO ; Feng LU ; Minjiang GUO ; Qinglong GU
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(11):1946-1951
To examine the evolution of surgical techniques and trends in overall inpatient burden for pediatric adenoidectomy in Beijing tertiary hospitals from 2013 to 2022. A retrospective observational study was conducted using the regional health information platform of Beijing. Data from children aged ≤14 years who underwent adenoidectomy between 2013 and 2022 were extracted, including total hospitalization cost, length of stay(LOS), surgical material cost, surgical fee, operative technique, perioperative antimicrobial drugs cost, coagulation factor cost, and blood transfusion cost. The Mann-Kendall trend test was used to assess temporal changes in total hospitalization expenses and the structure of cost components. The results showed that over the 10-year period from 2013 to 2022, a total of 25 989 children underwent adenoidectomy in tertiary hospitals. The proportion of children aged ≤6 years increased from 59.83% to 76.11%, showing a significant upward trend ( Z=2.15, P=0.032). Only one case required surgical hemostasis due to postoperative bleeding. During the ten-year period, the median hospitalization cost for adenoidectomy in tertiary hospitals was ¥12 425.82 (¥11 307.43, ¥14 955.42).Overall hospitalization cost demonstrated a fluctuating downward pattern, decreasing from ¥15 229.73 in 2013 to ¥13 927.52 in 2022, this declining trend was not statistically significant( Z=-0.54, P=0.592). In contrast, the surgical costs showed an upward trend over the decade increasing from ¥1 856.22 in 2013 to ¥3 726.45 in 2022, which was statistically significant ( Z=3.22, P=0.001), while the cost of surgical materials showed no significant increase ( Z=1.79, P=0.074).Concurrently, the average LOS decreased remarkably from 10.56 days in 2013 to 3.26 days in 2022 ( Z=-3.94, P<0.001). The cost of perioperative antimicrobial drugs decreased ( Z=-3.94, P<0.001), while the cost of coagulation factors and blood transfusion remained unchanged ( Z=0.54, P=0.592; Z=0.56, P=0.578). Comparison between 2013-2017 and 2018-2022 showed a significant increase in the use of coblation from 28.9% to 42.5% ( χ2=638.7, P<0.001).Furthermore, in the coblation group, total hospitalization cost decreased by 27.73%, surgical cost increased by 94.98%, surgical material cost decreased by 10.33%, LOS shortened by 56.24%, and antimicrobial drug cost increased by 43.03%. In contrast, the non-coblation group showed a 23.94% increase in total hospitalization cost, a 57.08% increase in surgical procedure cost, a 33.88% increase in material cost, and a 30.14% reduction in LOS and a 26.0% decrease in antimicrobial drugs cost. In conclusion,from 2013 to 2022, total hospitalization cost for pediatric adenoidectomy in Beijing tertiary hospitals remained stable. Compared to non-coblation techniques, coblation was associated with a shorter LOS, lower total costs, a higher proportion of surgical fees, and a decreased proportion of material costs, without a significant increase in overall healthcare costs.

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