1.Effect of Yang-Reinforcing and Blood-Activating Therapy on the Long-Term Prognosis for Dilated Cardio-myopathy Patients with Yang Deficiency and Blood Stasis Syndrome:A Retrospective Cohort Study
Shiyi TAO ; Jun LI ; Lintong YU ; Ji WU ; Yuqing TAN ; Xiao XIA ; Fuyuan ZHANG ; Tiantian XUE ; Xuanchun HUANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):53-59
ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy on the long-term prognosis for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) of yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 371 DCM patients with yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. The yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy was defined as the exposure factor. Patients were categorized into exposure group (186 cases) and non-exposure group (185 cases) according to whether they received yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy combined with conventional western medicine for 6 months or longer. The follow-up period was set at 48 months, and the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess the cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in both groups. Cox regression analysis was used to explore the impact of yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy on the risk of MACE, and subgroup analysis was performed. Changes in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) score were compared between groups at the time of first combined use of yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy (before treatment) and 1 year after receiving the therapy (after treatment). ResultsMACE occurred in 31 cases (16.67%) in the exposure group and 47 cases (25.41%) in the non-exposure group. The cumulative incidence of MACE in the exposure group was significantly lower than that in the non-exposure group [HR=0.559, 95%CI(0.361,0.895), P=0.014]. Cox regression analysis showed that yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy was an independent factor for reducing the risk of MACE in DCM patients [HR=0.623, 95%CI(0.396,0.980), P=0.041], and consistent results were observed in different subgroups. Compared with pre-treatment, the exposure group showed decreased TCM syndrome score and MLHFQ score, reduced LVEDD, and increased LVEF and LVFS after treatment (P<0.05); in the non-exposure group, TCM syndrome score decreased, LVEF and LVFS increased, and LVEDD reduced after treatment (P<0.05). After treatment, the exposure group had higher LVEF and LVFS, smaller LVEDD, and lower TCM syndrome score and MLHFQ score compared with the non-exposure group (P<0.05). ConclusionCombining yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy with conventional western medicine can reduce the risk of MACE in DCM patients with yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome, meanwhile improving their clinical symptoms, cardiac function, and quality of life.
2.Research progress and clinical challenges in immunosuppressive regimens for xenotransplantation
Yu ZHANG ; Kun WANG ; Xuyuan ZHU ; Yuxiang CHEN ; Tao LI ; Xiaojie MA ; Hongtao JIANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):28-35
As a pivotal strategy to alleviate the shortage of organ donors, xenotransplantation has achieved remarkable advances in both pre-clinical and clinical studies in recent years, driven by continuous optimization of gene modification techniques and immunosuppressive regimens. Nevertheless, clinical translation still confronts formidable challenges, including rejection and heightened infection risks, which severely compromise long-term graft survival. Consequently, the role of immunosuppressive regimens in xenotransplantation has become increasingly prominent. This article summarizes the mechanisms underlying xenogeneic immune rejection, the latest developments in immunosuppressive regimens, cutting-edge strategies for inducing immune tolerance and the major hurdles facing clinical xenotransplantation. It delves into potential optimization strategies and directions for future clinical research, aiming to offer theoretical insights and practical guidance for the safe and effective application of clinical xenotransplantation.
3.Non-pharmacological management for post-stroke spasticity from 2004 to 2024: a bibliometric analysis
Junfeng ZHANG ; Hao CHEN ; Yuzheng DU ; Chen LI ; Tao YU ; Yuanqing YANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(1):45-58
ObjectiveTo analyze the research status and development trends of non-pharmacological therapies for post-stroke spasticity (PSS) over the past two decades. MethodsRelevant literatures on non-pharmacological rehabilitation of PSS published from January, 2004 to June, 2024 were retrieved from Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace 6.3.R6 and VOSviewer 1.6.18 were used for visualization analysis. ResultsA total of 780 publications were included. The annual number of publications showed an overall upward trend. China, the USA, and Italy contributed the highest number of publications. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and researcher Noureddin Nakhostin Ansari were identified as the most influential institution and author, respectively. High-frequency keywords and cluster labels included electric stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, robot and acupuncture. ConclusionOver the past 20 years, researches on non-pharmacological therapies for PSS have remained active, with hotspots focusing on diverse interventions such as electrical stimulation, magnetic stimulation and robot-assisted therapy.
4.Expert recommendations on vision friendly built environments for myopia prevention and control in children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):1-5
Abstract
The prevention and control of myopia in Chinese children and adolescents has become a major public health issue. While maintaining increased outdoor activity as a cornerstone intervention, there is an urgent need to explore new complementary approaches that can be effectively implemented in both indoor and outdoor settings. In recent years, environmental spatial frequency has gained increasing attention as one of the key environmental factors influencing the development and progression of myopia. Both animal studies and human research have confirmed that indoor environments lacking mid to high spatial frequency components, often characterized as "visually impoverished", can promote axial elongation and myopia through mechanisms such as disruption of retinal neural signaling, impaired accommodative function, and altered expression of related molecules. Based on the scientific consensus, it is recommended that "enriching of environmental spatial frequency" should be integrated into the myopia prevention and control framework. Following the principles of schoolled organization, family cooperation, community involvement, and student participation, specific measures are put forward in three areas:optimizing school visual settings, improving home spatial environments, and promoting healthy visual behavior. The aim is to create "visually friendly" indoor environments as an important supplement to outdoor activity, thereby providing a novel perspective and strategy for comprehensively advancing myopia prevention and control among children and adolescents.
5.Association between takeout fast foods and sugar sweetened beverage consumption with co-occurrence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among first year junior high school students in Yunnan Province
HU Dongyue, ZHANG Zhengwu, XU Zenglei, TAO Lei, ZENG Anna, GUAN Liao, CHANG Litao,〖JZ〗 HUANG Xin, CHEN Weiwei, LI Jiangli, XU Honglü ;
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):23-26
Objective:
To explore the association between takeout fast foods and sugar sweetened beverage consumption with co-occurrence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among first year junior high school students in Yunnan Province, so as to provide theoretical basis for the prevention of anxiety and depressive symptoms co-occurrence among adolescents.
Methods:
A random cluster sampling involving 8 500 first year junior high school students in 11 counties in Yunnan Province was conducted by a questionnaire survey from October to December 2022. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was applied to assess anxiety and depressive symptoms in first year junior high school students. Chi-square test was used to compare the anxiety-depression co-occurrence symptoms of first year junior high school students with different demographic characteristics. The association between takeout fast foods and sugar sweetened beverage consumption with co-occurrence of anxiety and depressive symptoms of adolescents was analyzed by binary Logistic regression models.
Results:
The detection rate of co-occurrence of anxiety and depression symptoms among first year junior high school students in Yunnan Province was 26.92%. After controlling for demographic variables and other confounders, takeout fast foods and sugar sweetened beverage consumption( OR=1.50, 95%CI =1.27-1.77) was associated with anxiety-depression co-occurrence symptoms among first year junior high school students in Yunnan Province ( P <0.01). Stratified analysis showed that both Han ( OR=1.37, 95%CI =1.07-1.77) and ethnic minorities ( OR=1.60, 95%CI =1.29-2.00) exhibited statistically significant associations between takeout fast foods and sugar sweetened beverage consumption with co-occurrence of anxiety and depressive symptoms(both P <0.05).
Conclusions
Takeout fast foods and sugar sweetened beverage consumption increases the risk of co-occurrence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among first year junior high school students in Yunnan Province. It is recommended to strengthen guidance on the consumption of such products among junior high school students to prevent co-occurrence of anxiety and depressive symptoms.
6.Artificial intelligence-based quality control of hand hygiene for hospital-acquired infection
Xuchen YANG ; Jingwen LI ; Wan ZHANG ; Shasha FENG ; Min ZENG ; Jianan SHI ; Youqiong CHEN ; Tao ZHENG ; Xun YAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(02):241-247
Objective To explore an artificial intelligence (AI)-based method for automated hand hygiene monitoring and to compare the effectiveness of three algorithms (UniFormerV2, TDN, C3D) in recognizing hand hygiene steps in surgical settings, thereby aiding hospital infection control. Methods From April to October 2024, we non-invasively collected 641 video recordings of healthcare staff performing hand hygiene at four-bay scrub sinks in two tertiary hospitals using overhead HD cameras. The dataset was annotated by five trained experts for model training and validation. Results Following training on 385 samples, internal validation (n=119) showed the C3D model achieved 81% accuracy, 87% recall, and an 83% F1-score. The TDN model achieved 93%, 91%, and 92% for the same metrics. The UniFormerV2 model outperformed both, with an accuracy, recall, and F1-score of 93%—an improvement of over 10 percentage points compared to traditional CNNs (TDN, C3D). It also achieved an 84% accuracy in external validation, demonstrating strong generalization. Conclusion The UniFormerV2 model is more accurate than CNN-based models for hand hygiene step recognition and shows robust performance in external validation. It presents a viable tool for healthcare facilities to enhance hand hygiene management, ultimately improving medical quality and patient safety.
7.Polygonati Rhizoma Polysaccharides Improve Cognitive and Emotional Functions of Ovariectomy-AD Model Rats Through Modulating ERα/PI3K/Akt Pathway
Gengchao ZHANG ; Li YANG ; Yuan ZHANG ; Tao ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):154-162
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the effectiveness and mechanisms of Polygonati Rhizoma polysaccharides (PRP) on improving cognitive and emotional functions in the ovariectomy (OVX)-Alzheimer's disease (AD) model rats. MethodsAfter being randomly divided into blank group, model group, estradiol group (0.18 mg·kg-1·d-1), low-PRP group (200 mg·kg-1), medium-PRP group (400 mg·kg-1), and high-PRP group (800 mg·kg-1), 60 SPF female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were subjected to OVX. One week later, vaginal smear examination as well as D-galactose intraperitoneal injection (150 mg·kg-1·d-1, once daily, for eight weeks) were adopted to establish the OVX-AD model, and drug intervention was initiated nine weeks after surgery. Upon completion of the treatment course, cognitive and emotional functions, as well as hippocampal CA3 region damage were assessed in all rats by open-field test, new object recognition test, Morris water maze test, and transmission electron microscopy. Indicators of inflammation [interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor-necrosis-factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β)), oxidative-stress (superoxide-dismutase (SOD), glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-Px)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and biochemical methods. The mRNA and protein expression levels of estrogen-receptor α (ERα)/phosphoinositide 3kinase (PI3K)/protein-kinase-B (Akt) signaling pathway, apoptosis [Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2)] and the indicators of pathological sedimentary proteins [amyloid β-protein1-42 (Aβ1-42), microtubule-associated protein Tau, phosphorylated site 404 of microtubule-associated protein Tau [p-Tau (Ser404)] were detected by using real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and western blot analysis. ResultsCompared with those in blank group, the rats in model group exhibited marked ultra-structural damage to hippocampal CA3 neurons, along with the reduction of activity time and shuttle frequency in central area, the index and exploration frequency of new object recognition, and the platform crossings and time spent in target quadrant, as well as the prolonged latency (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, the contents and expression levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, Bax, Aβ1-42, Tau, and p-Tau (Ser404) were significantly increased, and the activity and expression of SOD, GSH-Px, ERα, PI3K, Akt, and Bcl-2 were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared to those in model group, the rats in estradiol group and groups with different doses of PRP noticeably presented with amelioration of neuronal damage, along with increased activity time and shuttle frequency in the central zone, elevated new object recognition index and exploration frequency, shortened latency, prolonged activity time, and increased platform crossings in the target quadrant (P<0.05, P<0.01). What is more, the contents and expression levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, Bax, Aβ1-42, Tau, and p-Tau (Ser404) were significantly reduced, whereas the activity and expression levels of SOD, GSH-Px, ERα, PI3K, Akt, and Bcl-2 were markedly elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionPRP can improve the cognitive and emotional functions of AD model rats, and its mechanisms are probably related to modulating the ERα/PI3K/Akt pathway as well as inhibiting Aβ, Tau, neuro-inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, resulting in alleviation of neuronal damage.
8.Effect of mesaconate combined with LR on prolonging the golden treatment time window and its resuscitation efficacy for hemorrhagic shock rats under high-altitude conditions
Yuanqun ZHOU ; Xinming XIANG ; Xingnan OUYANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Qinghui LI ; Liangming LIU ; Tao LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(6):720-726
OBJECTIVE To observe the effects of endogenous metabolite mesaconate combined with Sodium lactate Ringer’s injection (LR) on prolonging the golden treatment time window and its resuscitation efficacy in rats with hemorrhagic shock under high-altitude conditions. METHODS Rats were divided into the shock group, LR group, and 5, 20, 50 mg/kg mesaconate+LR groups, with 20 rats in each group, to investigate the effect of additional use of mesaconate on the golden treatment time window. After establishing a model of uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock under high-altitude conditions in all groups by housing in a hypobaric hypoxia chamber combined with splenic artery transection, rats in the shock group received no resuscitation, while rats in the LR group and mesaconate+LR groups underwent low-pressure resuscitation with LR or mesaconate combined with LR. Blood pressure control, fluid infusion volume, blood loss rate and survival status were observed in each group. Rats were further divided into the normal group, shock group and mesaconate (50 mg/kg)+LR group, with 10 or 20 rats in each group, to evaluate the resuscitation effects after extending the golden treatment time window by additionally using mesaconate. Except for the normal group, the other groups underwent the same procedure to establish an uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock model under high-altitude conditions. Rats in the shock group received no resuscitation. In the mesaconate+LR group, after 3 h of low-pressure resuscitation, bleeding control was performed by ligation of the spleen artery, and the infusion volume and blood loss rate were recorded; subsequently, the rats received LR resuscitation with twice the volume of blood loss. Then, blood gas indicators of the mesaconate+LR group were measured at different time points. Survival rates, indicators related to sublingual microcirculatory perfusion, liver and kidney blood flow, indicators related to the function of vital organs, and lung and brain water content were observed in all groups. RESULTS LR infusion alone could effectively maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP) within 50-60 mmHg for approximately 1 h. The administration of mesaconate combined with LR during hypotensive resuscitation could maintain MAP within 50-60 mmHg for over 3 h, with significantly reduced fluid infusion volume and blood loss rate in 50 mg/kg mesaconate+LR group, compared to the LR group ( P <0.05). In the LR group, rats maintained low pressure for up to 1 hour with a survival rate of 52.94%, and no rats survived beyond 2 h. In the 5, 20 and 50 mg/kg mesaconate+LR groups, rats maintained low pressure for up to 1 h with a survival rate exceeding 80%; in the 20 and 50 mg/kg mesaconate+LR groups, rats maintained low pressure for up to 3 h with a survival rate exceeding 70%. After complete resuscitation with mesaconate combined with LR, the 72 h survival rate of rats was 43.75%, and significant improvements in blood gas parameters were observed compared to the end of the shock phase ( P <0.05). Compared to the shock group, the mesaconate+LR group showed significant recovery in sublingual microcirculatory indicators, and liver/kidney blood flow after complete resuscitation ( P <0.05), with significant reductions in heart, liver and kidney function-related indicators and lung water content ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Mesaconate combined with LR significantly extends the golden treatment time window for hemorrhagic shock in rats under high-altitude conditions, improves blood gas parameters, sublingual microcirculatory perfusion, and liver/kidney blood flow, mitigates vital organ impairment and pulmonary edema, and increases the survival rate of shocked rats.
9.Zishen Huoxue Prescription Alleviates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hippocampal Neurons of 2-VO Rats via GRP78/PERK/ATF4 Signaling Pathway
Yao SU ; Feng QIU ; Tao YI ; Hanquan LI ; Le XIE ; Xiuli ZHANG ; Dahua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):93-102
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which the Zishen Huoxue prescription (ZSHXP) ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in rats with vascular dementia (VD) induced by the bilateral common carotid artery ligation (2-VO model rats) through regulating the glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78)/protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) signaling pathway. MethodsA VD rat model was established via the 2-VO method. A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: Sham group, Model group, donepezil hydrochloride group (0.45 mg·kg-1), and ZSHXP groups at low (8.90 g·kg-1), medium (17.80 g·kg-1), and high (35.60 g·kg-1) doses,with 12 rats in each group. The Morris Water Maze test was utilized to assess spatial learning and memory abilities of rats, and the Novel Object Recognition test was used to evaluate cognitive performance. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining were applied to observe the histological and morphological changes in hippocampal tissues. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the morphological changes of endoplasmic reticulum in rat hippocampal neurons. Immunofluorescence staining was adopted to detect the colocalization of neuronal nuclei antigen (NeuN) with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with gasdermin D (GSDMD) in hippocampal neurons. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins including GRP78, PERK, ATF4, phosphorylated protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1 and GSDMD. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed a significantly prolonged escape latency (P<0.01), a significant decrease in the number of platform crossings and the residence time in the target quadrant (P<0.01), and a markedly reduced recognition index (P<0.01). Histological observations revealed that the hippocampal neurons in the model group were disorderly arranged with reduced quantity, deformed and shrunken cell bodies, and pyknotic and hyperchromatic nuclei. The number of Nissl bodies decreased significantly. The number of endoplasmic reticula reduced obviously, accompanied by abnormal dilation and swelling, and the loss of normal folding structure. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly increased in the model group. The protein expression levels of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK, ATF4, CHOP, NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 in the model group were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the donepezil hydrochloride group and the ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups had a significantly shortened escape latency (P<0.01) and an increased number of platform crossings (P<0.05, P<0.01). The residence time in the target quadrant was increased in the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), with a significantly improved recognition index (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups, the number of hippocampal neurons increased with a more compact arrangement and reduced nuclear hyperchromasia. The number of Nissl bodies increased with morphological structures tending to be normal. In the ZSHXP high-dose group, the number of endoplasmic reticula increased and the folding structure was restored. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly weakened in the treatment groups. In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the protein expressions of GRP78, ATF4 and CHOP were increased (P<0.01), while the expression of p-PERK/PERK was decreased (P<0.05). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the expressions of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK and CHOP were elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups showed a significant decrease in the protein expressions of p-PERK/PERK, ATF4 and CHOP (P<0.01), and the high-dose group had a markedly reduced GRP78 protein expression (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the Caspase-1 protein expression was increased (P<0.01) and the NLRP3 protein expression was decreased (P<0.01). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the GSDMD expression was elevated (P<0.01) while the NLRP3 protein expression was reduced (P<0.01). After treatment with medium and high doses of ZSHXP, the protein expression levels of NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe ameliorative effect of ZSHXP on cognitive function in 2-VO model rats may be associated with its regulation of the GRP78/PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway, which ameliorates ERS and inhibits neuronal pyroptosis.
10.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.


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