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.Effect of Optimized New Shengmai Powder (优化新生脉散方) on Exercise Tolerance in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure of Qi Deficiency,Blood Stasis and Fluid Retention Syndrome:A Randomized,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Trial
Xianliang WANG ; Jingyi ZHANG ; Zhao GE ; Tongzuo LIU ; Maozhe ZHANG ; Shuai WANG ; Zhiqiang ZHAO ; Yingfei BI ; Ruijuan ZHOU ; Ying ZHENG ; Jingyuan MAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):425-431
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects and safety of the optimized new Shengmai Powder (优化新生脉散方) on exercise tolerance in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) of qi deficiency, blood stasis, and fluid retention syndrome. MethodsA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. A total of 78 CHF patients with qi deficiency, blood stasis, and fluid retention syndrome were recruited and randomly assigned to a treatment group (39 cases) and a control group (39 cases). On the basis of conventional western medical therapy, patients in the treatment group additionally received the optimized new Shengmai Powder granules, while the control group was given an oral placebo of optimized new Shengmai Powder granules. Patients in both groups took 30.6 g each time, twice a day, mixed with water for administration, with a total treatment course of 4 weeks. The primary outcomes were 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and peak oxygen uptake (Peak VO2) measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Secondary outcomes included New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, cardiac function indexes including left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventri-cular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) scores, and scores of four diagnostic information of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). All indicators were assessed once before and after treatment respectively. Safety indicators were evaluated, and adverse events during the trial were recorded. ResultsAll patients in both groups were included in the full ana-lysis set (FAS) and safety set (SS). Compared with baseline, the 6MWD and Peak VO₂ of cardiopulmonary exercise test in the treatment group significantly increased after treatment, while the MLHFQ scores, serum BNP levels and scores of TCM four diagnostic information significantly decreased, and the NYHA cardiac function grade significantly improved (P<0.01). After treatment, the 6MWD and Peak VO₂ of cardiopulmonary exercise test, as well as their changes from baseline in the treatment group were higher than those in the control group; the MLHFQ scores, serum BNP levels and scores of TCM four diagnostic information in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group; and the improvement of NYHA cardiac function grade in the treatment group was superior to that in the control group (P<0.01). There was no statistically significant differences in all indicators after treatment in the control group (P>0.05). The incidence of adverse events was 5.1% (2/39) in the treatment group and 2.6% (1/39) in the control group, with no statistically significant difference between groups (P>0.05). ConclusionOn the basis of conventional western medicine treatment, the addition of the optimized new Shengmai Powder can further improve exercise tolerance, cardiac function and quality of life in patients with CHF of qi deficiency, blood stasis and fluid retention syndrome, and show good safety.
3.Annual review of clinical research on lung transplantation worldwide in 2025
Linxi LIU ; Jingchen XU ; Rui YANG ; Xinchen JIANG ; Ting DENG ; Ling ZHOU ; Kaiyue YANG ; Xiaohan JIN ; Zhiqiang DENG ; Xiangyun ZHENG ; Dong TIAN
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(4):574-581
Lung transplantation is currently the only effective treatment for end-stage lung disease. However, the field of lung transplantation still faces numerous challenges, including donor shortage, primary graft dysfunction, rejection, infection and others. In 2025, scholars worldwide have made remarkable progress in clinical research on lung transplantation. This article systematically reviews the cutting-edge developments in clinical research on lung transplantation in 2025, focusing on the application of novel evaluation tools in donor lung screening, optimization of lung perfusion techniques, exploration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery, as well as mechanistic research and intervention strategies for primary graft dysfunction, acute kidney injury and chronic lung allograft dysfunction. Meanwhile, hot topics such as the management of special populations, prevention and control of postoperative infections, and improvement of quality of life are summarized. This review aims to conclude the important annual research findings and provide references for the clinical practice and research development of lung transplantation in China.
4.Clinical characteristic analysis of refractory Helicobacter pylori infection of 637 patients
Baojun SUO ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Cailing LI ; Liya ZHOU ; Zhiqiang SONG
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;64(3):220-224
Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of empiric eradication therapy recommendations and medication principles for refractory infections based on the 2022 Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) infection treatment guidelines in China in clinical practice. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted to evaluate the eradication efficacy of H. pylori and the safety and treatment compliance among of 637 patients with refractory H. pylori infection in our center over the past 10 years. Risk factors affecting efficacy of H. pylori eradication were evaluated. Results:The overall eradication rate, incidence of adverse reactions and medication percentage of 14-day bismuth quadruple therapy were 92.3%, 40.3% and 92.2%, respectively. The eradication rate, incidence of adverse reactions, and proportion of administered treatments were as follows: 87.3%, 36.4% and 92.7% for amoxicillin+metronidazole; 91.1%, 39.2% and 93.7% for amoxicillin+tetracycline; 92.9%, 23.8% and 94.0% for amoxicillin+furazolidone; 92.1%, 47.1% and 90.0% for tetracycline+metronidazole; 94.5%, 41.7% and 92.0% for tetracycline+furazolidone, and 91.3%, 46.3% and 92.5% for furazolidone+metronidazole. Poor compliance was a risk factor for the failure of eradication therapy (94.7% vs. 64.0%, P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference ( P>0.05) in the eradication rate among patients in terms of sex, age, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol consumption, previous eradication frequency, eradication interval, or eradication regimens. Conclusion:The empirical treatment regimens and medication principles recommended in the 2022 H. pylori infection treatment guidelines in China achieve good eradication efficacy, safety, and compliance.
5.Practice of " 6 New" inpatient multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of a tertiary hospital
Jiawei GU ; Jingwei ZHANG ; Haijun HUANG ; Yucheng ZHOU ; Zhiqiang WU ; Yuexia WU ; Yang GAO
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2025;41(3):186-190
The multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment (MDT) mode plays a positive role in diagnosing and treating difficult and complicated diseases, improving service quality, and promoting the construction of an integrated medical system. In March 2023, Zhejiang Provincial People′s Hospital had launched the " 6 New" MDT management practice to further improve the hospital′s inpatient MDT service level, including new concepts, new architectures, new standards, new processes, new models, and new quality control. This practice had improved the quality and efficiency of MDT management and promoted interdisciplinary integration by strengthening top-level design, establishing MDT leadership and quality control teams, developing relevant standards and specifications, enhancing the level of information management throughout the entire process, implementing diversified MDT models, and implementing quality control measures. As of July 2024, the hospital had established 80 MDT teams covering 30 clinical departments, conduct 120 MDT discussions for hospitalized cases per month, and with the continuous promotion of inpatient MDT work, the number of MDT teams and cases continued to increase. This practice had achieved good results and could provide references for other public hospitals in China to improve the level of inpatient MDT services.
6.A Retrospective Cohort Study on the Correlation Between Helicobacter pylori Infection and Recurrence After Colorectal Adenoma Resection
Zhihao YIN ; Lingmei MENG ; Yan XUE ; Zhiqiang SONG ; Liya ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery 2025;25(8):457-463
Objective To evaluate the effect of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection on colorectal adenoma(CRA)recurrence after polypectomy and to study other potential prognosis factors associated with CRA recurrence.Methods This single-centered retrospective cohort study included 808 patients with CRA who underwent colonoscopy,polypectomy,and gastroscopy between January 2005 and October 2022.The patients were classified into three groups based on H.pylori infection status:persistently negative(group A,n=626),initially positive but turned negative(group B,n=141),and persistently positive(group C,n=41).The CRA recurrence and high-risk CRA or colorectal cancer(CRC)occurrence were assessed,and potential prognosis factors for recurrence were analyzed.Results During a median follow-up period of 1.6(1.1,2.4)years,the recurrence rate was 56.4%(456/808),including 124 cases(15.3%)of high-risk CRA/CRC[of which 5 cases(0.6%)were CRC]and 332 cases(41.1%)of low-risk CRA.The recurrence rates in the three groups were 55.4%(347/626),60.3%(85/141),and 58.5%(24/41),respectively,with no statistically significant difference(log-rank χ2=0.525,P=0.769).The high-risk CRA/CRC recurrence rates in the three groups were 14.9%(93/626),17.7%(25/141),and 14.6%(6/41),respectively,showing no significant intergroup differences(log-rank χ2=0.340,P=0.844).Multivariate analysis identified increasing age(HR=1.011,95%CI:1.002-1.021,P=0.020)and baseline high-risk CRA(HR=1.428,95%CI:1.183-1.724,P<0.001)as independent prognosis factors for CRA recurrence.Conclusions This study did not find a significant correlation between H.pylori infection and CRA recurrence after polypectomy.Increasing age and baseline high-risk CRA are prognosis factors for CRA recurrence.
7.Investigation of 90Sr radioactivity levels in drinking water and food around the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant from 2012 to 2022
Lei ZHOU ; Yiyao CAO ; Hua ZOU ; Rui WANG ; Hong REN ; Peng WANG ; Shunfei YU ; Zhiqiang XUAN ; Zhongjun LAI
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(5):449-453
Objective:To investigate the radioactivity levels and variation trends of 90Sr in drinking water and food around the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant in operation. Methods:From 2012 to 2022, the source, factory, and tap water was collected within 30 km around the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant during the wet and dry seasons (i.e., May and October, respectively) each year to determine the 90Sr concentration in water. According to the dietary habits of local residents, four kinds of food, including rice, cabbage, mullet, and crucian carp, were collected to determine and analyze the 90Sr radioactivity concentration in food using the bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid extraction chromatographic method. Results:From 2012 to 2022, the 90Sr radioactivity concentrations in the source, factory, and tap water around the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant ranged from 3.73 to 11.89 mBq/L, 2.95 to 9.83 mBq/L, and 3.12 to 8.70 mBq/L, respectively, showing nonsignificant fluctuations over the years. The 90Sr radioactivity concentrations in rice, cabbage, mullet, and crucian carp ranged from 0.02 to 0.46 Bq/kg (dry weight), 0.26 to 1.07 Bq/kg (fresh weight), 0.38 to 1.05 Bq/kg (fresh weight), and 0.08 to 1.32 Bq/kg (fresh weight), respectively, all below the national standard limits. Conclusions:From 2012 to 2022, the 90Sr radioactivity levels in drinking water and food around the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant were at the background level and remained stable.
8.Clinical study of intracranial hypotension targeted body posture combined with pharmacotherapy in the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma
Jiayu CHEN ; Zhe WANG ; Di ZANG ; Ruizhe ZHENG ; Xiangru YE ; Zengxin QI ; Zeyu XU ; Zhiqiang LI ; Chengfeng SUN ; Liangjun SHEN ; Luoping SHENG ; Fulin XU ; Ruyong YE ; Kaiyu ZHOU ; Weijun TANG ; Yueqing HU ; Dapeng SHI ; Yuquan WANG ; Xizhen WU ; Ying WANG ; Qilin ZHANG ; Feili LIU ; Guo YU ; Yiping LU ; Yirui SUN ; Ning ZHANG ; Feng HUANG ; Xialong GU ; Han ZHANG ; Jian DING ; Yongyan BI ; Haolan DU ; Jing ZHANG ; Hailong JI ; Ding DING ; Wei ZHANG ; Xuehai WU
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2025;63(3):212-218
Objective:To compare the efficacy of body posture combined with pharmacotherapy and pharmacotherapy alone in the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma(CSDH).Methods:Firstly, retrospective case series study was conducted. Thirty cases of CSDH that had received body posture combined with pharmacotherapy at Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University from December 2016 to October 2020 were studied retrospectively. Twenty-seven patients were male, and 3 patients were female. The age of patients ( M(IQR)) was 66(16) years (range:28 to 84). Nineteen patients had unilateral hematoma, and 11 patients had bilateral hematoma. All patients received pharmacotherapy and body posture therapy that was to raise their lower limbs 20 to 30 cm with leg lift pad and get abdominal compressed with customized abdominal belt in supine position. Patients were required to maintain the body posture as much as possible, with the maximum to 16 to 18 hours per day. Patients with unilateral hematoma should tilt the head to the affected side and avoid tilting it to the opposite side. For patients with bilateral hematoma, there was no need for head lateralization. Patient were treated with oral dexamethasone and atorvastatin simultaneously. The preliminary efficacy of body posture combined with pharmacotherapy was determined by hematoma improvement rate which was analyzed by Clopper-Pearson method. Then, the multi-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial had carried out in 9 medical centers from August 2020 to November 2021. The stratified block randomization method was adopted. Patients were randomized in a ratio of 1∶1 to either receive pharmacotherapy alone(the control group) or body posture combined with pharmacotherapy(the experiment group) for 3 months and followed up for 6 months. Effective treatment was defined as complete absorption of hematoma, or the hematoma volume decreased by more than 10 ml and Markwalder grading scale score had improved by more than 1 point compared to the baseline. The efficacy rate and surgery conversion rate at 3 months and recurrence at 6 months were observed. Comparison between groups was performed with paired sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test, corrected χ2 test, or Fisher exact probability method. Logistic regression was used to compare the effective rate and operation rate between the two groups. Results:In the respective study, 30 patients completed follow-up 13 to 353 days after treatment. At the last follow-up, the incidence of almost complete absorption or significantly absorption of hematoma (hematoma volume was significantly reduced accompanied by symptom improvement) was 93.3%. The 95% CI for the incidence that analyzed by the Clopper-Pearson method was 77.9% to 99.2%. One hundred and six patients were enrolled in the multicenter study. Fifty-five patients underwent body posture combined with pharmacotherapy. The age was 74(17) years (range:26 to 92). Thirty-nine patients were males and 16 were females. Fifty-one patients underwent pharmacotherapy alone. The age was 69(12) years (range:48 to 84). Thirty-seven patients were males and 14 were females. The length of body posture recorded in diary card was (15.7±2.3) hours(range:7.6 to 19.3 hours). The efficacy rate in the body posture combined with pharmacotherapy group and pharmacotherapy alone group were 83.6% (46/55) and 56.9% (29/51), respectively at 3 months. The result of the logistic regression analysis showed that the efficacy of body posture combined with pharmacotherapy group was better than that of pharmacotherapy alone group ( OR=3.88,95% CI:1.57 to 9.58, P=0.003). Surgery rate in the body posture combined with pharmacotherapy group and pharmacotherapy alone group were 5.5% (3/55) and 21.6% (11/51) respectively. The result of Logistic regression showed that the pharmacotherapy alone group was more likely to be converted to surgery ( OR=0.21,95% CI:0.05 to 0.80, P=0.023). At the 6 months, no recurrence of cases was found in the body posture combined with pharmacotherapy group. However, the recurrence rate of pharmacotherapy alone group was 6.3% (3/48), there was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The effect of body posture combined with pharmacotherapy for chronic subdural hematoma is better than that of pharmacotherapy alone.
9.Clinical characteristic analysis of refractory Helicobacter pylori infection of 637 patients
Baojun SUO ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Cailing LI ; Liya ZHOU ; Zhiqiang SONG
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;64(3):220-224
Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of empiric eradication therapy recommendations and medication principles for refractory infections based on the 2022 Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) infection treatment guidelines in China in clinical practice. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted to evaluate the eradication efficacy of H. pylori and the safety and treatment compliance among of 637 patients with refractory H. pylori infection in our center over the past 10 years. Risk factors affecting efficacy of H. pylori eradication were evaluated. Results:The overall eradication rate, incidence of adverse reactions and medication percentage of 14-day bismuth quadruple therapy were 92.3%, 40.3% and 92.2%, respectively. The eradication rate, incidence of adverse reactions, and proportion of administered treatments were as follows: 87.3%, 36.4% and 92.7% for amoxicillin+metronidazole; 91.1%, 39.2% and 93.7% for amoxicillin+tetracycline; 92.9%, 23.8% and 94.0% for amoxicillin+furazolidone; 92.1%, 47.1% and 90.0% for tetracycline+metronidazole; 94.5%, 41.7% and 92.0% for tetracycline+furazolidone, and 91.3%, 46.3% and 92.5% for furazolidone+metronidazole. Poor compliance was a risk factor for the failure of eradication therapy (94.7% vs. 64.0%, P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference ( P>0.05) in the eradication rate among patients in terms of sex, age, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol consumption, previous eradication frequency, eradication interval, or eradication regimens. Conclusion:The empirical treatment regimens and medication principles recommended in the 2022 H. pylori infection treatment guidelines in China achieve good eradication efficacy, safety, and compliance.
10.Practice of " 6 New" inpatient multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of a tertiary hospital
Jiawei GU ; Jingwei ZHANG ; Haijun HUANG ; Yucheng ZHOU ; Zhiqiang WU ; Yuexia WU ; Yang GAO
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2025;41(3):186-190
The multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment (MDT) mode plays a positive role in diagnosing and treating difficult and complicated diseases, improving service quality, and promoting the construction of an integrated medical system. In March 2023, Zhejiang Provincial People′s Hospital had launched the " 6 New" MDT management practice to further improve the hospital′s inpatient MDT service level, including new concepts, new architectures, new standards, new processes, new models, and new quality control. This practice had improved the quality and efficiency of MDT management and promoted interdisciplinary integration by strengthening top-level design, establishing MDT leadership and quality control teams, developing relevant standards and specifications, enhancing the level of information management throughout the entire process, implementing diversified MDT models, and implementing quality control measures. As of July 2024, the hospital had established 80 MDT teams covering 30 clinical departments, conduct 120 MDT discussions for hospitalized cases per month, and with the continuous promotion of inpatient MDT work, the number of MDT teams and cases continued to increase. This practice had achieved good results and could provide references for other public hospitals in China to improve the level of inpatient MDT services.

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