1.Efficacy of Sanhua essential oil inhalation in patients with breast cancer-related depression undergoing chemotherapy: A randomized, single-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Xiaofei Li ; Zehui Xu ; Mengting Dong ; Yuelian Wang ; Xinyue Zhou ; Ke Jiang ; Jiayu Sheng
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(3):348-357
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of Sanhua essential oil inhalation as aromatherapy in patients with breast cancer-related depression.MethodsIn total, 144 patients with breast cancer-related depression who underwent postoperative chemotherapy were recruited. The participants in the control group (n = 52) were offered a placebo (sunflower oil) daily, whereas those in the essential oil group (n = 52) were administered Sanhua essential oil. This study evaluated depression improvement, Hamilton Depression Scale score, scores of symptoms in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Pittsburgh Sleepiness Quotient Index score, incidence of nausea and vomiting, and signal changes on functional magnetic resonance imaging.ResultsDepression improved by 48.1% and 21.2% in the essential oil and control groups, respectively (P = .010). The Hamilton Depression Scale score (P = .017), scores for symptoms in TCM (P = .002), and the incidence of nausea and vomiting in the acute and delayed phases were lower in the essential oil group than in the control group (nausea in the acute phase, P = .017; nausea in the delayed phase, P = .039; vomiting in the acute phase, P = .008; vomiting in the delayed phase, P = .081). The Pittsburgh Sleepiness Quotient Index score was lower in the essential oil group than in the control group (P = .005). Significant differences existed between the two groups in the left superior parietal gyrus, right precuneus, left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus, and right precentral gyrus according to functional connectivity on functional magnetic resonance imaging.ConclusionInhalation of Sanhua essential oil alleviated depression in patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, improved sleep quality, relieved TCM symptoms, reduced nausea and vomiting, and regulated activities in the brain regions.
2.Optimization and Mechanism Exploration of Tusizi Prescription for Ovarian Reserve Function Based on Uniform Design Method
Yuan LI ; Hanqian DU ; Jiashan LI ; Li GUO ; Zehui LI ; Na LIN ; Ying XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):53-62
ObjectiveTo optimize Tusizi prescription for ovarian reserve function based on the uniform design method combined with in vitro experiments and explore the underlying mechanisms of this prescription. MethodsThe uniform design method was adopted to design a 5-factor 11-level experiment on the water extract of Tusizi prescription. The cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was employed to measure the viability of human ovarian granulosa cells (KGN cells) treated with Tusizi prescription extracts 1-11, and multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine the optimal herb ratio in this prescription. The potential targets of active ingredients in the prescription were retrieved from traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP) and encyclopedia of traditional Chinese medicine (ETCM). The common targets shared by Tusizi prescription and diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) were selected and imported into search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes/proteins (STRING) to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and into gene function annotation database (DAVID) for gene ontology (GO) analysis. The CCK-8 assay was used to measure the viability of ovarian germline stem cells treated with hyperoside. The CCK-8 assay, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated nick-end labeling (TUNEL), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were employed to examine the proliferation, apoptosis, and estradiol (E2) secretion of KGN cells treated with the water extract 11 of Tusizi prescription (Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus-Dioscoreae Rhizoma-Poria-Nelumbinis Semen 4∶4∶2∶1∶1) and the optimal prescription screened by uniform design. On this basis, the optimal prescription composition for maximizing the effect on ovarian reserve function was determined and preliminary insights into the underlying mechanisms of this prescription were gained. ResultsA total of 147 common targets were obtained from 278 targets of Tusizi prescription and 1 721 targets of DOR. GO analysis revealed 194 biological processes, primarily involving cellular responses to exogenous compound stimuli, negative regulation of apoptotic process, and positive regulation of cell proliferation. It identified 84 cellular components, including cell membrane, mitochondria, and neuronal cell body, as well as 144 molecular functions such as enzyme binding, estrogen response element binding, and nuclear estrogen receptor binding. The multivariate regression analysis revealed that when Tusizi prescription was composed of Cuscutae Semen, Lycii Fructus, Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Poria, and Nelumbinis Semen in a ratio of 27∶30∶17∶12∶14, the water extract of Tusizi prescription had the best effect of enhancing the viability of KGN cells. CCK-8 results showed that compared with the normal group, the hyperoside group demonstrated increased viability of ovarian germline stem cells (P<0.01). The CCK-8, EdU, and ELISA results showed that compared with the normal group, the optimal prescription screened by uniform design and the water extract 11 of Tusizi prescription increased the proliferation and reduced the apoptosis of KGN cells (P<0.05, P<0.01). ELISA results showed that compared with the normal group, the water extract 11 of Tusizi prescription promoted the E2 secretion of KGN cells (P<0.05), while the optimal prescription screened by uniform design had no significant effect on the E2 secretion. ConclusionBoth the water extract 11 of Tusizi prescription (Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus-Dioscoreae Rhizoma-Poria-Nelumbinis Semen 4∶4∶2∶1∶1) and the optimal prescription screened by uniform design (Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus-Dioscoreae Rhizoma-Poria-Nelumbinis Semen 27∶30∶17∶12∶14) can improve the ovarian reserve function, and the former has better effect. Tusizi prescription can modulate biological processes (such as cell proliferation and apoptosis) and molecular functions (such as enzyme binding and estrogen response element binding) through active components like hyperoside to promote the proliferation and E2 secretion and inhibit the apoptosis of KGN cells, thereby protecting the ovarian reserve function.
3.Optimization and Mechanism Exploration of Tusizi Prescription for Ovarian Reserve Function Based on Uniform Design Method
Yuan LI ; Hanqian DU ; Jiashan LI ; Li GUO ; Zehui LI ; Na LIN ; Ying XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):53-62
ObjectiveTo optimize Tusizi prescription for ovarian reserve function based on the uniform design method combined with in vitro experiments and explore the underlying mechanisms of this prescription. MethodsThe uniform design method was adopted to design a 5-factor 11-level experiment on the water extract of Tusizi prescription. The cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was employed to measure the viability of human ovarian granulosa cells (KGN cells) treated with Tusizi prescription extracts 1-11, and multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine the optimal herb ratio in this prescription. The potential targets of active ingredients in the prescription were retrieved from traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP) and encyclopedia of traditional Chinese medicine (ETCM). The common targets shared by Tusizi prescription and diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) were selected and imported into search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes/proteins (STRING) to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and into gene function annotation database (DAVID) for gene ontology (GO) analysis. The CCK-8 assay was used to measure the viability of ovarian germline stem cells treated with hyperoside. The CCK-8 assay, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated nick-end labeling (TUNEL), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were employed to examine the proliferation, apoptosis, and estradiol (E2) secretion of KGN cells treated with the water extract 11 of Tusizi prescription (Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus-Dioscoreae Rhizoma-Poria-Nelumbinis Semen 4∶4∶2∶1∶1) and the optimal prescription screened by uniform design. On this basis, the optimal prescription composition for maximizing the effect on ovarian reserve function was determined and preliminary insights into the underlying mechanisms of this prescription were gained. ResultsA total of 147 common targets were obtained from 278 targets of Tusizi prescription and 1 721 targets of DOR. GO analysis revealed 194 biological processes, primarily involving cellular responses to exogenous compound stimuli, negative regulation of apoptotic process, and positive regulation of cell proliferation. It identified 84 cellular components, including cell membrane, mitochondria, and neuronal cell body, as well as 144 molecular functions such as enzyme binding, estrogen response element binding, and nuclear estrogen receptor binding. The multivariate regression analysis revealed that when Tusizi prescription was composed of Cuscutae Semen, Lycii Fructus, Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Poria, and Nelumbinis Semen in a ratio of 27∶30∶17∶12∶14, the water extract of Tusizi prescription had the best effect of enhancing the viability of KGN cells. CCK-8 results showed that compared with the normal group, the hyperoside group demonstrated increased viability of ovarian germline stem cells (P<0.01). The CCK-8, EdU, and ELISA results showed that compared with the normal group, the optimal prescription screened by uniform design and the water extract 11 of Tusizi prescription increased the proliferation and reduced the apoptosis of KGN cells (P<0.05, P<0.01). ELISA results showed that compared with the normal group, the water extract 11 of Tusizi prescription promoted the E2 secretion of KGN cells (P<0.05), while the optimal prescription screened by uniform design had no significant effect on the E2 secretion. ConclusionBoth the water extract 11 of Tusizi prescription (Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus-Dioscoreae Rhizoma-Poria-Nelumbinis Semen 4∶4∶2∶1∶1) and the optimal prescription screened by uniform design (Cuscutae Semen-Lycii Fructus-Dioscoreae Rhizoma-Poria-Nelumbinis Semen 27∶30∶17∶12∶14) can improve the ovarian reserve function, and the former has better effect. Tusizi prescription can modulate biological processes (such as cell proliferation and apoptosis) and molecular functions (such as enzyme binding and estrogen response element binding) through active components like hyperoside to promote the proliferation and E2 secretion and inhibit the apoptosis of KGN cells, thereby protecting the ovarian reserve function.
4.Investigation on influencing factors of depression,anxiety and comorbid depression-anxiety symptoms among college freshmen
Ruiyao MA ; Xinyang YU ; Yue WANG ; Jiatong CUI ; Zijing SHAO ; Yinliang ZHAO ; Teng XU ; Zehui YAN ; Lingling ZHAI
Journal of Shenyang Medical College 2025;27(2):129-134
Objective:To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of depression,anxiety and comorbid depression-anxiety symptoms among college freshmen,providing a theoretical basis for promoting their mental health.Methods:From Jan to Feb 2022,an online questionnaire survey was conducted,involving 483 online questionnaires from college freshmen(184 males,299 females).The depression-anxiety-stress self-rating scale,smartphone dependence self-rating scale for adolescents,and Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)were used for online surveys.The influencing factors of depression,anxiety,and their comorbidity among college freshmen were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression analysis.Results:The detection rates of smartphone dependence,sleep disorders,depression,anxiety and comorbid depression-anxiety symptoms among college freshmen were 26.1%,12.8%,26.3%,32.1%,and 23.6%,respectively.The detection rates of depression,anxiety and comorbid depression-anxiety symptoms in male students were significantly higher than those in female students(P<0.05).Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that self-perceived poor mental health,smartphone dependence and sleep disorders were risk factors for depression,anxiety and comorbid depression-anxiety symptoms.Low satisfaction with college life was a risk factor for depression.Medical specialty was a risk factor for anxiety and comorbid depression-anxiety symptoms(P<0.05).Conclusions:Male college freshmen show higher rates of depression,anxiety,and their comorbidity.Low satisfaction with college life,self-perceived poor mental health,high academic pressure,smartphone dependence,medical specialty,and sleep disorders may be risk factors for depression,anxiety and comorbid depression-anxiety symptoms among college freshmen.
5.A qualitative study on digital-intelligent equipment empowering"generalized"development of traditional Chinese medicine inspection
Chen ZHAO ; Aomeng ZHANG ; Zehui YE ; Jiaying LUO ; Qiang SHI ; Ying YU ; Xiaoyu ZHANG ; Yin JIANG ; Zhicong ZENG ; Fengxia LIN ; Yinghui JIN ; Xue XU ; Xiaowei ZHANG ; Liangzhen YOU ; Yipin FAN ; Dameng YU ; Shaoyang MEN ; Jian DU ; Rui XU ; Ruijin QIU ; Yingjie ZHI ; Zhineng CHEN ; Xuan ZHANG ; Hongcai SHANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(8):1052-1061
Objective This study investigated feasible cases and their significance in promoting the"generalized"development of inspection through digital-intelligent equipment.Methods A qualitative research approach was used,involving interviews conducted between February 2025 and March 2025 with experts in traditional Chinese medicine diagnostics,clinical research methodology,medical engineering integration,and related disciplines,using both online and offline methods.In accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research,feasible cases involving the specific application of digital equipment in various parts of observation were collected through item enrichment.The significance of extending observation capabilities via these cases was analyzed,along with the overall implications of integrating digital technologies with traditional inspection method.Results Interviews were completed with 11 experts from domestic universities and research institutes in the fields of traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis,medical engineering integration,and related disciplines.A total of 78 feasible cases of digital-intelligent inspection were identified,along with 69 insights regarding the significance of enhancing the inspection capabilities.These insights were synthesized into two dimensions and 23 holistic meanings.The first dimension is to expand the scope of inspection,including obtaining internal environmental characteristics,observing external environmental characteristics,expanding thermodynamic characteristic data,and crossing time and space.The second dimension is to improve the quality of observation and diagnosis information collection and analysis,including 19 specific meanings,such as standardized collection environment,objective quantification,and refined observation.Conclusion Digital-intelligent equipment plays a significant role in expanding the scope of inspection content and achieving high-quality acquisition and analysis of extensive inspection information.These advancements extend and enrich the capabilities of traditional inspection method in traditional Chinese medicine.
6.Research progress of digital twin technology in medicine and nursing
Zehui XUAN ; Jingyi XU ; Yuxin WANG ; Yirou NIU ; Yanling WANG ; Jie ZHAO ; Hong CHANG ; Qian XIAO
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(19):2529-2534
With the rapid development of digital technology, digital twin technology shows great potential for application in the medical and nursing fields. This paper reviews the main elements and key aspects of digital twins, their application scenarios and effects in medicine and nursing, and application challenges faced, with a view to providing innovative solution ideas for healthcare professionals and promoting the application and development of digital twins in medicine and nursing.
7.Investigation on influencing factors of depression,anxiety and comorbid depression-anxiety symptoms among college freshmen
Ruiyao MA ; Xinyang YU ; Yue WANG ; Jiatong CUI ; Zijing SHAO ; Yinliang ZHAO ; Teng XU ; Zehui YAN ; Lingling ZHAI
Journal of Shenyang Medical College 2025;27(2):129-134
Objective:To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of depression,anxiety and comorbid depression-anxiety symptoms among college freshmen,providing a theoretical basis for promoting their mental health.Methods:From Jan to Feb 2022,an online questionnaire survey was conducted,involving 483 online questionnaires from college freshmen(184 males,299 females).The depression-anxiety-stress self-rating scale,smartphone dependence self-rating scale for adolescents,and Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)were used for online surveys.The influencing factors of depression,anxiety,and their comorbidity among college freshmen were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression analysis.Results:The detection rates of smartphone dependence,sleep disorders,depression,anxiety and comorbid depression-anxiety symptoms among college freshmen were 26.1%,12.8%,26.3%,32.1%,and 23.6%,respectively.The detection rates of depression,anxiety and comorbid depression-anxiety symptoms in male students were significantly higher than those in female students(P<0.05).Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that self-perceived poor mental health,smartphone dependence and sleep disorders were risk factors for depression,anxiety and comorbid depression-anxiety symptoms.Low satisfaction with college life was a risk factor for depression.Medical specialty was a risk factor for anxiety and comorbid depression-anxiety symptoms(P<0.05).Conclusions:Male college freshmen show higher rates of depression,anxiety,and their comorbidity.Low satisfaction with college life,self-perceived poor mental health,high academic pressure,smartphone dependence,medical specialty,and sleep disorders may be risk factors for depression,anxiety and comorbid depression-anxiety symptoms among college freshmen.
8.A qualitative study on digital-intelligent equipment empowering"generalized"development of traditional Chinese medicine inspection
Chen ZHAO ; Aomeng ZHANG ; Zehui YE ; Jiaying LUO ; Qiang SHI ; Ying YU ; Xiaoyu ZHANG ; Yin JIANG ; Zhicong ZENG ; Fengxia LIN ; Yinghui JIN ; Xue XU ; Xiaowei ZHANG ; Liangzhen YOU ; Yipin FAN ; Dameng YU ; Shaoyang MEN ; Jian DU ; Rui XU ; Ruijin QIU ; Yingjie ZHI ; Zhineng CHEN ; Xuan ZHANG ; Hongcai SHANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(8):1052-1061
Objective This study investigated feasible cases and their significance in promoting the"generalized"development of inspection through digital-intelligent equipment.Methods A qualitative research approach was used,involving interviews conducted between February 2025 and March 2025 with experts in traditional Chinese medicine diagnostics,clinical research methodology,medical engineering integration,and related disciplines,using both online and offline methods.In accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research,feasible cases involving the specific application of digital equipment in various parts of observation were collected through item enrichment.The significance of extending observation capabilities via these cases was analyzed,along with the overall implications of integrating digital technologies with traditional inspection method.Results Interviews were completed with 11 experts from domestic universities and research institutes in the fields of traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis,medical engineering integration,and related disciplines.A total of 78 feasible cases of digital-intelligent inspection were identified,along with 69 insights regarding the significance of enhancing the inspection capabilities.These insights were synthesized into two dimensions and 23 holistic meanings.The first dimension is to expand the scope of inspection,including obtaining internal environmental characteristics,observing external environmental characteristics,expanding thermodynamic characteristic data,and crossing time and space.The second dimension is to improve the quality of observation and diagnosis information collection and analysis,including 19 specific meanings,such as standardized collection environment,objective quantification,and refined observation.Conclusion Digital-intelligent equipment plays a significant role in expanding the scope of inspection content and achieving high-quality acquisition and analysis of extensive inspection information.These advancements extend and enrich the capabilities of traditional inspection method in traditional Chinese medicine.
9.Research progress of digital twin technology in medicine and nursing
Zehui XUAN ; Jingyi XU ; Yuxin WANG ; Yirou NIU ; Yanling WANG ; Jie ZHAO ; Hong CHANG ; Qian XIAO
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(19):2529-2534
With the rapid development of digital technology, digital twin technology shows great potential for application in the medical and nursing fields. This paper reviews the main elements and key aspects of digital twins, their application scenarios and effects in medicine and nursing, and application challenges faced, with a view to providing innovative solution ideas for healthcare professionals and promoting the application and development of digital twins in medicine and nursing.
10.The long-term efficacy of virtual reality exposure therapy for acrophobia
Sichu WU ; Zehui ZHANG ; Meilin GUO ; Aoran XU ; Jingya KONG ; Guojia ZHANG ; Chun WANG
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2024;33(12):1074-1079
Objective:To explore the long-term efficacy of virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) for acrophobia.Method:Sixty patients with acrophobia who visited the Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from October 2018 to January 2021 were selected and randomly divided into VRET group ( n=30) and imaginary exposure therapy (IET) group ( n=30) using a block random number table method. The VRET group received VRET treatment, while the IET group received IET treatment. Both groups received treatment twice a week for 3 weeks. At baseline and after treatment, the acrophobia questionnaire (AQ) and attitude towards high questionnaire (ATHQ) were used to assess the patients' acrophobia symptoms, and the behavioral avoidance test (BAT) was used to assess the patients' level of avoidance when facing high altitude situations. During the 2-year follow-up after treatment, AQ and ATHQ were used to evaluate the patients' acrophobia symptoms. The repeated measures ANOVA and covariance analysis were used to analyze the data using SPSS 27.0 software. Result:(1) Repeated measures ANOVA showed that there was no significant interaction effect of AQ-anxiety, AQ-avoidance, and ATHQ scores between the two groups before and after treatment ( F=1.37, 1.95, 0.21, all P>0.05), while the time main effect of AQ-anxiety ( F=43.29) and ATHQ score ( F=13.35) was significant (both P<0.05), and the time main effect and group main effect of AQ-avoidance score were significant ( Ftime=62.84, Fgroup=5.65, both P<0.05). The AQ-avoidance scores of the VRET group(6.19±3.60, 8.25±3.80) were significantly lower than those of the IET group (9.60±3.74, 12.00±4.57)after treatment and during the follow-up period (both P<0.05).(2)After controlling for the baseline initial values of BAT in the two groups, the VRET group had a lower corrected BAT score (1.51 ± 0.72) than the IET group (4.39 ± 0.75) ( F=55.81, P<0.001), indicating that the efficacy of the VRET group was significantly better than that of the IET group. Conclusion:VRET significantly reduces acrophobia symptoms and behavioral avoidance level in patients with acrophobia, demonstrating superior efficacy compared to IET in both immediate and long-term effects.


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