1.Administration of Psoralea corylifolia L. (Buguzhi) during pregnancy causes mild liver injury in mouse mothers and weaned offspring
Chenyue LIU ; Jingzhuo TIAN ; Yan YI ; Chunying LI ; Yong ZHAO ; Jiayin HAN ; Lianmei WANG ; Suyan LIU ; Yushi ZHANG ; Chen PAN ; Shasha QIN ; Jing MENG ; Sulakkana NOIPRASERT ; Aihua LIANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(2):168-177
Background: Psoralea corylifolia L. (Buguzhi, BGZ), known for its efficacy in supporting pregnancy and preventing miscarriage, has been used in China for over 1000 years. Recently, BGZ has been identified as a potential cause of drug-induced liver injury. However, its safety during pregnancy remains unclear, which significantly hinders its routine clinical application. Objective: To investigate the effects of BGZ administration during pregnancy on the liver of mouse mothers and their weaned 21-day-old offspring. Methods: Mice were orally administered BGZ at doses of 2.5 and 10 g/kg during pregnancy, with BGZ withdrawal during the lactation period. Liver histopathology (hematoxylin-eosin staining), biochemical analysis, and evaluation of liver bile acid metabolism were performed after the lactation period. Results: BGZ administration at doses of 2.5 and 10 g/kg during pregnancy, followed by withdrawal during the lactation period, caused mild liver damage in both mothers and their 21-day-old offspring. Serum total bile acid (TBA) levels were elevated compared with those in the control group. Additionally, changes were observed in the levels and proportions of various bile acids (BAs) in the liver, suggesting mild effects on BA metabolism. Conclusion: BGZ administration during pregnancy caused mild liver damage and increased serum TBA levels in both mouse mothers and their 21-day-old offspring. This phenomenon may be associated with imbalanced BA metabolism in the liver. Based on the present study and the limited toxicological research on BGZ, pregnant women should avoid prolonged use of BGZ. If BGZ is administered during pregnancy, serum TBA levels should be monitored, and if elevated, BGZ should be discontinued.
2.Toxicological evaluation of aristolochic acid II following single and repeated oral administration over a 24-week period
Yan YI ; Chunying LI ; Yong ZHAO ; Jingzhuo TIAN ; Yuan WANG ; Yushi ZHANG ; Suyan LIU ; Chen PAN ; Lianmei WANG ; Shuangrong GAO ; Jianyin HAN ; Zhong XIAN ; Chenyue LIU ; Dunfang WANG ; Jing MENG ; Meiting LIU ; Aihua LIANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(4):366-377
Background: Aristolochic acid II (AAII), a major nephrotoxic and carcinogenic component of aristolochic acids (AAs), has been less studied compared with its well-characterized analog, aristolochic acid I (AAI). Although AAs are known to induce carcinogenesis via DNA adduct formation, the toxicity mechanisms, environmental prevalence, and long-term health impacts of AAII remain poorly understood. Objective: This study aimed to systematically evaluate AAII’s acute and chronic toxicity, carcinogenic mechanisms, and environmental exposure patterns using integrated murine models and phytochemical analyses to clarify its toxicological profile and associated health risks. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were used in the following experiments: (1) determination of AAII content in 3 commonly used Aristolochia medicinal materials via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry; (2) acute toxicity testing with single doses of 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg; and (3) chronic exposure with 1 or 10 mg/kg administered every other day for 24 weeks, followed by 21 to 40 weeks of postexposure monitoring. Histopathological examination, whole-exome sequencing, biochemical assays, and micronucleus tests were performed to assess multi-organ damage, tumorigenesis, genomic mutation signatures, and direct clastogenicity. Phytochemical analyses were used to evaluate environmental distribution. Results: (1) A single 40 mg/kg dose of AAII induced dose-dependent renal tubular degeneration without hepatotoxicity; (2) the 10 mg/kg group showed significant mortality (20%), tumor incidence (33.3%, primarily forestomach and bladder transitional cell carcinomas), persistent renal interstitial fibrosis, and subclinical hepatic injury. Chronic exposure to 1 mg/kg still induced 13.3% mortality and 15.5% tumor incidence over a 64-week period; (3) whole-exome sequencing revealed a predominance of C>T mutations and pathway enrichment in chemical carcinogenesis and cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism, indicating reactive metabolite-driven mechanisms distinct from classical AA-DNA adducts; and (4) no histopathological changes were observed in nontarget organs (brain, heart, and testes), and micronucleus assays confirmed the absence of direct clastogenicity. Conclusion: This study highlights the delayed carcinogenic risks of low-dose chronic AAII exposure and emphasizes the need to update regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe use of aristolochiaceae-containing herbal products.
3.Clinicopathological characteristics and genetic alterations of undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver in children
Jinyue ZHENG ; Chang ZHAO ; Jing LIANG ; Yuhang PAN ; Wen HU ; Luying TANG ; Chunkui SHAO ; Jianning CHEN
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2025;54(11):1156-1162
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and genetic alterations of undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver (UESL).Methods:Three cases of UESL diagnosed in the Department of Pathology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from 2020 to 2023 were retrospectively collected. The clinical, histomorphological, immunohistochemical, and genetic profiles were reviewed and analyzed.Results:The cohort comprised of three patients, including one male and two females, aged 7, 9, and 15 years, respectively. Tumor locations were in the right lobe of the liver in two cases, and in both the right and left lobes in one case. One case exhibited tumor rupture with hemorrhage. Gross examination revealed solid tumors in gray-red fleshy appearance, with areas of hemorrhage and necrosis. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of irregularly shaped spindle and polygonal cells arranged in bundles or sheets with varying density, scattered within a myxoid matrix containing giant tumor cells and eosinophilic globules. The tumor cells were positive for Vimentin, CD56, CD68, and bcl-2, with a Ki-67 index of 30%-80%. INI1 expression was retained, while p53 exhibited a mutant pattern. CKpan, CK7, CK19, EMA, HepPar-1, Arginase-1, AFP, CD34, S-100, Myogenin, and MyoD1 were negative. All three cases harbored TP53 missense mutations. Case 1 also showed MDM2 copy number amplification (class Ⅰ mutation), and case 2 exhibited a frameshift mutation in exon 10 of TSC2 (class Ⅱ mutation). Additionally, several class Ⅲ mutations were identified in all three cases. Germline testing for tumor-related genetic variants in case 2 revealed a missense mutation in exon 12 of DICER1, an in-frame insertion mutation in exon 8 of MSH2, and a missense mutation in exon 30 of TSC2.Conclusion:UESL is a rare malignant mesenchymal tumor of the liver, predominantly affecting children, with distinctive clinicopathological features and genetic alterations. TP53 mutations may play a key role in the pathogenesis of this tumor.
4.Etiologic and epidemiological characteristics of respiratory tract infections after COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary hospital in Shanghai
Pan-pan LYU ; Ming-liang CHEN ; Zhen ZHAO
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(2):242-248
Objective To investigate the epidemiological and demographic characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae(Mp),respiratory syncytial virus(RSV),influenza A(FluA),and influenza B(FluB)in a single center in Minhang District,Shanghai after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods A retrospective analysis of data from Apr 2023 to Jul 2024 of patients who underwent testing for Mp,RSV,FluA,and FluB due to respiratory tract infections in Minhang Hospital,Fudan University was conducted.Differences in pathogen infections were analyzed among different seasons and age groups.Results A total of 39 103 individuals of respiratory tract infections with simultaneous testing for all four pathogens were included in this analysis,with a total detection rate of 44.7%(17 490/39 103).The detection rates were as follows:Mp 25.2%,FluA 13.1%,FluB 10.9%,and RSV 1.5%.Co-infections accounted for 5.9%,predominantly with Mp and FluA.The detection rate of Mp was>38%in children under 14 years old,gradually decreasing with age.In the child group(≤14 years),both FluA and FluB had the highest detection rates in the 7-14 years age group(FluA,16.5%;FluB,10.4%).In the adult group(≥15 years),the highest detection rates for FluA and FluB were found in the 15-24 years age group(12.5%)and the 35-44 years age group(15.9%),respectively.The detection rates of pathogens varied significantly across different months(P<0.001),with an increasing trend in the total number and overall detection rate of the four pathogens after Sept 2023(P<0.001).Conclusion After the end of the COVID-19 pandemic,there was an abnormal increase in Mp in a single center in Minhang District,Shanghai.Mp,along with influenza viruses,became the main pathogens causing respiratory tract infections.Targeted prevention and control measures based on the epidemiological characteristics of infections should be implemented to guide clinical diagnosis and treatment.
5.Analysis of related indicators and interventions in apheresis platelet donors with low ferritin
Jie PAN ; Liang GUAN ; Danhong WANG ; Yunming LIN ; Wanping CHEN ; Kai ZHANG ; Mengsha XIANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(11):1586-1591
Objective: To analyze characteristics of iron-deficient blood donors, implement targeted interventions, and evaluate their effectiveness, thereby providing a reference for formulating blood donor recruitment and care strategies. Methods: Based on serum ferritin (SF) test results, the apheresis platelet donors were divided into the low SF group (n=90; 45 males and 45 females) and the normal SF group (n=651; 510 males and 141 females). The results of related indicators of the two groups were compared and analyzed. Interventions for the low SF group included extending the blood donation interval to at least 45 days (group A) and oral iron supplementation combined with the extended donation interval implemented in group A (group B). Pre-intervention and post-intervention SF results were compared. Results: For both male and female donors, serum iron levels were significantly lower in the low SF group than those of the normal SF group, while the levels of transferrin, unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were higher in the low SF group compared to the normal SF group. Some indicators related to red blood cells showed changes, with more evident alterations in females than in males. Twenty-eight donors in group A and 39 donors in group B completed the study after intervention. SF value in group A was (18.32±8.09) μg/L at baseline and (26.21±17.30) μg/L after intervention. Similarly, SF value in group B was (15.87±7.69) μg/L at baseline and (26.24±15.55) μg/L after intervention. In both groups, SF values after intervention were significantly higher than baseline values. However, the magnitude of change did not significantly differ between groups A and B. Conclusion: Other related indicators in blood donors with low ferritin have also experienced some changes, suggesting that some blood donors may have entered the stage of iron-deficient erythropoiesis. Extending blood donation interval facilitates the recovery of iron storage in low-ferritin apheresis platelet donors. Blood stations should develop care strategies for apheresis platelet donors, including, at a minimum, the prolonged blood donation interval for donors with low ferritin.
6.Disease burden and clinical status of congenital heart disease combined with heart failure in China: a survey and analysis
Zixian SHENG ; Yuxing YUAN ; Fangjie WANG ; Zhi CHEN ; Ying GUO ; Xing SHEN ; Xuecun LIANG ; Lingjuan LIU ; Jiajin LI ; Xiaoli YAN ; Bo PAN ; Jie TIAN
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(2):148-156
Objective:To investigate the disease burden, clinical characteristics and independent risk factors affecting in-hospital outcomes of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) combined with heart failure (HF) in China.Methods:(1) Descriptive study: based on the global burden of disease study 2021, available data on children under 15 years of age with CHD and HF in China from 1990 to 2021 were collected. The prevalence and trends in different age subgroups (<1 year, 1-<2 years, 2-<5 years, 5-<10 years, 10-<15 years) were analyzed, and the annual percentage change (EAPC) was estimated using linear regression. (2) Retrospective cohort study: a total of 1 062 children with CHD and HF from a multicenter study on pediatric HF in China were included. The children were divided into two groups:<2 years group and 2-<18 years group. Data on demographics, clinical features, diagnosis, treatments, and in-hospital outcomes were analyzed. Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test were used for group comparisons.Multivariable Logistic regression was applied to identify factors influencing outcomes (in-hospital mortality and adverse cardiovascular events). Results:(1) From 1990 to 2021, the number of children with CHD and HF in China increased from 333 000 (95% uncertainty interval ( UI) 271 000-405 000) to 368 000 (95% UI 296 000-459 000), a growth of 10.8% (95% UI 5.0%-16.6%). Concurrently the prevalence rate increased from 104.5 (95% UI 85.1-127.3) per 100 000 to 142.0 (95% UI 114.0-176.8) per 100 000, a growth of 35.9% (95% UI 28.7%-43.0%), with an EAPC of 1.5% (95% CI 1.2%-1.8%). Although the number of cases in the<1 year and 1-<2 years groups decreased by 41.0% and 25.6%, respectively, the prevalence in all age groups showed an upward trend:<1 year EAPC 0.6% (95% CI 0.5%-0.7%); 1-<2 years EAPC 0.9% (95% CI 0.8%-1.0%); 2-<5 years EAPC 1.2% (95% CI 1.0%-1.4%); 5-<10 years EAPC 1.5% (95% CI 1.2%-1.8%); 10-<15 years EAPC 2.1% (95% CI 1.9%-2.3%). (2) The multicenter study revealed that among 1 062 hospitalized children, 528 (49.7%) were male and 534 (50.3%) were female, with the age at admission of 5.4 (2.2,18.2) months. The majority of the children (77.9%, 827/1 062) were under 2 years of age, whereas 22.1% (235/1 062) were aged between 2-<18 years. Children with complex congenital heart defects accounted for the highest proportion (48.6%, 516/1 062), while those with isolated CHD made up 31.5% (335/1 062). Statistically significant differences were observed in several variables in demographics, clinical features, diagnosis, treatments, and outcomes between the two age groups (all P<0.05). The use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (41.1%, 436/1 062) and beta-blockers (8.7%, 92/1 062) was lower in hospitalized children with CHD and HF. Logistic regression identified complex CHD ( OR=7.73, 95% CI 2.24-26.63; OR=3.17, 95% CI 1.92-5.23), pulmonary hyperperfusion ( OR=2.15, 95% CI 1.01-4.18; OR=2.00, 95% CI 1.35-2.97), left ventricular ejection fraction<55% ( OR=2.13, 95% CI 1.08-4.21; OR=2.80, 95% CI 1.45-5.56), arterial oxygen partial pressure ( OR=0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.99; OR=0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.99), and serum calcium levels ( OR=0.31, 95% CI 0.17-0.58; OR=0.42, 95% CI 0.28-0.62) as independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality and cardiovascular events. Conclusions:The disease burden of CHD combined with HF in China has shown a continuous upward trend from 1990 to 2021, with higher growth rates in older age groups. Complex CHD, pulmonary hyperperfusion, left ventricular ejection fraction <55%, arterial oxygen partial pressure, and serum calcium concentration are independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality and cardiovascular events.
7.Study on artificial intelligence-based ultrasound diagnosis and auxiliary decision-making for ovarian tumors
Chunli QIU ; Yanlin CHEN ; Yuanji ZHANG ; Haotian LIN ; Xiaoyi PAN ; Siying LIANG ; Xiang CONG ; Xin LIU ; Zhen MA ; Cai ZANG ; Xin YANG ; Dong NI ; Guowei TAO
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(7):608-615
Objective:To apply artificial intelligence(AI)in classifying ovarian tumors on ultrasound images,and compare the diagnostic results of several sonographers with varying seniority levels.Methods:A total of 645 patients diagnosed with adnexal masses via gynecological ultrasound examination at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from January 2021 to December 2024 were enrolled. Three deep learning architectures,i.e.,Alexnet,Densenet121,and Resnet50 were developed and used to internally test the classification effectiveness of ovarian tumors,while the optimal model was selected for external testing. Two junior sonographers and two senior sonographers were recruited to independently diagnose ovarian tumors in the external test dataset. Subsequently,the benign and malignant results of the model's predictions were disclosed to each sonographer,and their revised diagnoses on the same external test data in combination with the best AI model were recorded.Results:The optimal model achieved an accuracy of 0.941,sensitivity of 0.936,and specificity of 0.944 on the internal test dataset,and maintained robust performance on the external test dataset with accuracy of 0.891,sensitivity of 0.880,and specificity of 0.907. Compared to junior sonographers,the optimal model demonstrated significantly higher sensitivity in discriminating benign from malignant ovarian tumors(0.880 vs. 0.723,0.602;all P<0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed in diagnostic accuracy between the optimal model and senior sonographer 1( P=0.05). With assistance from the optimal model,junior sonographers achieved significant improvements in both sensitivity and specificity(sensitivity:0.723 vs. 0.843,0.602 vs. 0.819;specificity:0.778 vs. 0.833,0.685 vs. 0.741;all P<0.05). Conclusions:The optimal model achieves comparable performance to that of senior sonographers in ovarian tumor classification. With model assistance,the diagnostic performance of junior sonographers is significantly improved.
8.Effectiveness of two types of micro-focused ultrasound devices in combination with botulinum toxin for facial rejuvenation
Haijie WANG ; Danyang CHEN ; Pan PENG ; Ling ZHOU ; Min WANG ; Lili YE ; Yulin CAO ; Wei ZHOU ; Jia GUO ; Liang GUO
Chinese Journal of Medical Aesthetics and Cosmetology 2025;31(2):131-137
Objective:To investigate the efficacy of two types of micro-focused ultrasound devices combined with botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injection for facial rejuvenation.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted, including 60 female patients aged 28-70 (41.3±7.9) years, who received facial rejuvenation treatment at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, from April 2023 to April 2024. Patients were divided into two groups based on the treatment method: the control group (received only micro-focused ultrasound treatment, n=30) and the combined group (received both micro-focused ultrasound and BoNT-A injection, n=30). Additionally, patients were further categorized into four subgroups based on the type of micro-focused ultrasound device used: Peninsula Microultra? (PM) device group ( n=15), Intelligent Ultrasound? (IU) device group ( n=15), PM device + BoNT-A injection group ( n=15), and IU device + BoNT-A injection group ( n=15). The severity of facial wrinkles was assessed using the wrinkle severity rating scale (WSRS), the Merz aesthetic scale (MAS), and the global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) at baseline and 6 months post-treatment. Adverse event rates were also recorded. Results:At 6 months post-treatment, the combined group showed significantly lower WSRS and MAS scores than the control group (both P<0.001). No significant differences were found between the PM and IU device groups, or between the PM + BoNT-A and IU + BoNT-A groups regarding WSRS and MAS scores (all P>0.05). Self-reported GAIS improvement was 56.7% (17/30) for the control group and 80.0% (24/30) for the combined group, with the combined group showing superior results ( P=0.015). The physician-assessed GAIS improvement was 70.0% (21/30) for the control group and 96.7% (29/30) for the combined group, again with the combined group showing superior results ( P=0.007). No significant differences were found in self-reported or physician-assessed GAIS improvement between the PM and IU device groups, or between the PM + BoNT-A and IU + BoNT-A groups (all P>0.05). No severe adverse reactions, such as blisters, scabbing, purpura, bruising, scarring, peripheral facial paralysis, allergies, muscle weakness, dysphagia, or dysphonia, were observed in any patient. Conclusion:The combination of micro-focused ultrasound and BoNT-A injection for facial rejuvenation is more effective than micro-focused ultrasound alone, while there are no significant differences in efficacy between the two micro-focused ultrasound devices.
9.Microscopic Identification of Micro-Traits and Microscopic Identification of Peucedani Radix and Its Common Varieties
Lisi ZOU ; Liang NI ; Jie RAN ; Yi YAO ; Yanan PAN ; Rouxing CHEN
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(7):946-960
OBJECTIVE To study the characteristics,micro-traits and microscopic characteristics of Peucedani radix and seven kinds of its common varieties and summarize the key identification characteristics so as to provide a reference for the effective identifica-tion of Peucedani radix and its common varieties.METHODS The key identification features and high-definition images of Peucedani radix and its common varieties were obtained by using the identification methods of traits,microtraits and microscopy,combined with the techniques of depth-of-field extended imaging and image stitching,and some of the features were digitally extracted and statistical-ly analyzed by SPSS26.0 software.RESULTS The high-definition color image data of Peucedani radix and its common varieties were obtained.Its specific identification features were:root head length and annular sparseness,skin pore shape and area,root texture,and fracture surface oil spot density,etc.under the property identification;the diameter and number of oil chambers,the number of cathe-ters,the presence or absence of bast fibers and wood fibers,etc.under the microscopic identification.The results of statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences in skin pore area,oil chamber diameter and density,and conduit density among different varieties of Peucedani radix(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Micro-traits and microidentification methods can be comprehensively ap-plied to distinguish Peucedani radix and its common varieties.In particular,the microscopic features of polarized light holographic col-or images in cross section have significant distinguishing significance,and some of the features are digitally extracted and statistically analyzed,which makes up for the shortcomings of subjective factors in the traditional empirical identification research,and provides a reference for the circulation,testing,clinical medication,and standard drafting of Peucedani radix.
10.Expert consensus on surgical treatment and rehabilitation for competitive sports athletes returning to sports after anterior cruciate ligament injury (version 2025)
Kai HUANG ; Lunhao BAI ; Qing BI ; Hong CHEN ; Jiwu CHEN ; Xuesong DAI ; Wenyong FEI ; Weili FU ; Zhizeng GAO ; Lin GUO ; Yinghui HUA ; Jingmin HUANG ; Suizhu HUANG ; Xuan HUANG ; Jian LI ; Qiang LI ; Shuzhen LI ; Yanlin LI ; Yunxia LI ; Zhong LI ; Ning LIU ; Yuqiang LIU ; Wei LU ; Hongbin LYU ; Haile PAN ; Xiaoyun PAN ; Chao QI ; Weiliang SHEN ; Luning SUN ; Jin TANG ; Zimin WANG ; Bide WANG ; Ru WANG ; Shaobai WANG ; Licheng WEI ; Weidong XU ; Yongsheng XU ; Jizhou YANG ; Liang YANG ; Rui YANG ; Hongbo YOU ; Tengbo YU ; Jiakuo YU ; Bing YUE ; Hua ZHANG ; Hui ZHANG ; Qingsong ZHANG ; Xintao ZHANG ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Lilian ZHAO ; Qichun ZHAO ; Song ZHAO ; Jiapeng ZHENG ; Jiang ZHENG ; Zhi ZHENG ; Jingbin ZHOU ; Jinzhong ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(4):325-338
With the rapid development of competitive sports, the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is on the rise. Such injuries may shorten athletes′ career and lead to other long-term adverse consequences. Although athletes generally recover well after ACL reconstruction, many still struggle to return to their pre-injury performance levels. Advances in the understanding of ACL anatomy and injury mechanisms, along with the evolution of surgical techniques and rehabilitation methods, have provided more individualized and tailored options for athletes following ACL injuries. However, there is currently no consensus in China regarding surgical and rehabilitation strategies for competitive athletes aiming to return to sports after ACL injuries. To this end, the Sports Medicine Committee of the Chinese Research Hospital Association and the Editorial Board of the Chinese Journal of Trauma jointly formulated the Expert consensus on surgical treatment and rehabilitation for competitive sports athletes returning to sports after anterior cruciate ligament injury ( version 2025), and presented 14 recommendations covering surgical indications, preoperative rehabilitation, surgical timing, surgical strategies and postoperative rehabilitation strategies, aiming to improve the surgical treatment and rehabilitation system for ACL injuries in competitive athletes and facilitate their return to high-level sports performance after injury.

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