1.Pathogenic Mechanisms of Spleen Deficiency-Phlegm Dampness in Obesity and Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment Strategies:from the Perspective of Immune Inflammation
Yumei LI ; Peng XU ; Xiaowan WANG ; Shudong CHEN ; Le YANG ; Lihua HUANG ; Chuang LI ; Qinchi HE ; Xiangxi ZENG ; Juanjuan WANG ; Wei MAO ; Ruimin TIAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):31-37
Based on spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness as the core pathogenesis of obesity, and integrating recent advances in modern medicine regarding the key role of immune inflammation in obesity, this paper proposes a multidimensional pathogenic network of "obesity-spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness-immune imbalance". Various traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs that strengthen the spleen, regulate qi, and resolve phlegm and dampness can treat obesity by improving spleen-stomach transport and transformation, promoting water-damp metabolism, and regulating immune homeostasis. This highlights immune inflammation as an important entry point to elucidate the TCM concepts of "spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness" and the therapeutic principle of "strengthening the spleen and eliminating dampness to treat obesity". By systematically analyzing the intrinsic connection between "spleen deficiency generating dampness, internal accumulation of phlegm dampness" and immune dysregulation in obesity, this paper aims to provide theoretical support for TCM treatment of obesity based on dampness.
2.Effects of Yangxin Tongmai Formula (养心通脉方) on Methylation Key Genes and the PERK/ATF4/CHOP Signaling Pathway in Myocardial Tissue of Coronary Heart Disease Model Rats with Blood Stasis Syndrome
Chun ZHANG ; Shumeng ZHANG ; Yan MAO ; Xing CHEN ; Huifang KUANG ; Yi YANG ; Lingli CHEN ; Jie LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):784-791
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Yangxin Tongmai Formula (养心通脉方, YTF) in trea-ting coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome based on DNA methylation. MethodsSeventy-two SD rats were randomly divided into a control group (n=12) and a modeling group (n=60). The modeling group was subjected to a high-fat diet, intragastric administration of vitamin D3, and subcutaneous injection of isoprenaline to establish the rat model of coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome. Forty-one successfully modeled rats were then randomly allocated into model group, YTF low-, medium-, and high-dose groups, and the atorvastatin calcium group, with 8 rats in each group and 1 rat reserved. The YTF low-, medium-, and high-dose groups received YTF at 6, 12, and 18 g/(kg·d) by gavage, respectively. The atorvastatin calcium group received atorvastatin calcium tablets at 1.8 mg/(kg·d) by gavage. The control group and the model group received 0.9% sodium chloride injection at 4 ml/(kg·d) by gavage. All administrations were performed once daily for 3 weeks. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, serum lipid levels including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), myocardial enzymes including cardiac troponin T (cTnT), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and inflammatory factors including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were detected by ELISA. Pathological changes in myocardial tissue were observed via HE staining. Whole blood DNA methylation sequencing was used to analyze differential methylation gene expression among the control group, model group, and YTF high-dose group. Western Blotting was used to verify the protein levels of the key genes and downstream signaling pathways. ResultsCompared to the control group, the model group showed increased levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, cTnT, CK-MB, LDH, and IL-1β, along with decreased levels of HDL-C and IL-10 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, all treatment groups exhibited decreased levels of TC, LDL-C, CK-MB, and LDH, along with increased IL-10 levels. Among these, the high-dose YTF group demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing cTnT levels compared to the other TCM groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). HE staining indicated that the YTF high-dose group ameliorated myocardial cell swelling, disordered arrangement, pyknosis, and disappearance of nuclei, thereby reducing myocardial cell damage. Whole blood DNA methylation sequencing identified 240 differentially methylated genes shared by the control group, model group, and YTF high-dose group, including 109 hypermethylated and 131 hypomethylated genes; eif2ak3 was identified as a key differentially methylated gene. Compared to the control group, the model group exhibited increased protein levels of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 3 (eIf2ak3), phosphorylated protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and Bax, along with a decreased level of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) protein (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the YTF high-dose group showed decreased protein levels of eIf2ak3, p-PERK, ATF4, CHOP, and Bax, and an increased level of Bcl-2 protein (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionYTF may regulate key differentially methylated genes such as eIf2ak3 and the PERK/ATF4/CHOP signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress, reducing myocardial cell apoptosis, and exerting therapeutic effects in coronary heart disease blood stasis syndrome.
3.Construction and Practice of AI-Based Triadic Interactive Teaching Model for Surgical Animal Surgery
Kaikai MAO ; Xiu LI ; Chen ZHOU ; Jianfeng SANG ; Meng WANG ; Guang ZHANG ; Xiaozhi ZHAO
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(2):288-296
ObjectiveIn the context of the digital transformation of education, this study aims to construct a triadic interactive teaching model for surgical animal surgery in clinical medicine using modern information technology. It explores the effectiveness of different teaching methods in improving students' practical skills, aseptic awareness, and teamwork abilities, providing a reference for the reform of clinical practice education. MethodsA quasi-experimental research design was adopted. A total of 80 students from the eight-year clinical medicine program at Nanjing University were selected, including the Class of 2020 (control group, n=40) and the Class of 2021 (experimental group, n=40). The control group received traditional teaching methods, while the experimental group implemented the "Teacher-Student-AI" triadic interactive teaching model. This model utilized a smart teaching platform for personalized pre-class preparation , as well as data-driven post-class review and feedback throughout the entire teaching process. The "assessment indicators and scoring criteria for the surgical animal surgery course" were used to evaluate teaching effectiveness, with independent samples t-tests used for statistical analysis. ResultsPre-course assessments revealed no statistically significant differences in baseline theoretical knowledge or practical skills between the two groups (P>0.05). Upon completion of the course, the experimental group achieved higher scores than the control group across three key dimensions: practical skills (47.98±1.34 vs 46.92±2.51, P=0.022), aseptic awareness (17.84±1.16 vs 16.94±2.29, P=0.029), and teamwork (16.82±1.44 vs 15.95±1.22, P=0.004). However, no statistically significant difference was observed in the scores for humane care awareness between the two groups (8.24±0.70 vs 8.16±0.53, P=0.589). ConclusionThe AI-based triadic interactive teaching model can, to some extent, address the limitations of traditional surgical animal surgery education. It plays a positive role in enhancing medical students' surgical skills, aseptic awareness, and collaborative abilities. This model facilitates the transition from traditional to personalized teaching and offers a practical framework for the digital reform of clinical practice education.
4.Comparative Analysis of Clinical Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Manipulative Reduction Combined with Small Splint Fixation Versus Surgical Treatment for Type A Distal Radius Fracture
Yang SHAO ; Zihan WANG ; Jianwei WANG ; Guoda DAI ; Hengyan CUI ; Zhen HUA ; Tingchen ZHU ; Shaoshuo LI ; Jun MAO ; Fenghua CHEN ; Shuai TAO ; Mao WU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1078-1085
ObjectiveTo compare the clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) manipulative reduction combined with small splint fixation versus surgical treatment for type A distal radius fracture (DRF) and to explore the factors influencing the choice of treatment. MethodsA multi-center retrospective study was conducted, collecting data from 1237 type A DRF patients treated in 11 hospitals in Jiangsu province from September, 2023 to April, 2025. Among them, 851 patients in the TCM group received manipulative reduction combined with small splint fixation, and 386 patients in the surgical group underwent open reduction and internal fixation. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain and radiographic indicators including palmar tilt, ulnar deviation, and radial height were compared before treatment, 5-7 days after treatment, and 4-6 weeks after treatment. The wrist joint function scores including Dienst and Gartland-Werley scores at 12 weeks after treatment were recorded. Subgroup analysis was conducted for the excellent rate of Dienst and Gartland-Werley scores, stratified by age (<50, 50-59, 60-69, ≥70 years old) and AO subtypes (A1, A2, A3). A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify independent factors influencing treatment choice. ResultsOn 5-7 days after treatment, the surgical group had lower VAS scores than the TCM group, while 4-6 weeks after treatment, the TCM group showed lower VAS scores than the surgical group (P<0.01). In terms of radiographic indicators, except for the palmar tilt before treatment being higher in the surgical group than in the TCM group (P<0.01), there were no significant differences in palmar tilt, ulnar deviation, and radial height at other timepoints (P>0.05). Twelve weeks after treatment, the surgical group had a higher average Gartland-Werley score and the excellent rate than the TCM group (P<0.01). Subgroup analysis showed that in patients with A2 type DRF aged 50-59 and 60-69 years old, the excellent rates of Dienst and Gartland-Werley scores in the TCM group were higher than those in the surgical group (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age, palmar tilt, ulnar deviation, and the degree of swelling on the affected side were independent factors influencing the choice of treatment (P<0.05). ConclusionBoth TCM manipulative reduction combined with small splint fixation and surgical treatment for type A DRF can achieve good therapeutic effects. TCM manipulative reduction combined with small splint fixation has certain advantages in medium- and long-term pain relief, especially in elderly patients, where wrist joint function recovery is more stable. Age, palmar tilt, ulnar deviation, and swelling degree are the main factors influencing the treatment choice.
5.Interpretation of the Multidisciplinary Expert Consensus on Diagnosi and Treatment of Multiple Lung Cancers by the Chinese Anti-Cancer Association
Jianqi MAO ; Xiaoqiu YUAN ; Jing WANG ; Zhuowei LI ; Yukun CHEN ; Kezhong CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(3):626-636
With the widespread application of low-dose computed tomography (CT), the detection rate of multiple lung cancers (MLCs) is gradually increasing. The diagnosis and treatment of MLCs have become a major challenge in clinical practice in thoracic surgery and oncology. In April 2025, the Lung Cancer Professional Committee of the China Anti-Cancer Association (CACA) organized multidisciplinary experts from both domestic and international fields to release the first edition of the CACA Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Multiple Lung Cancers, providing systematic recommendations for the diagnostic system, molecularassessment strategies, and surgical and non-surgical management of MLCs. This article provides a detailed interpretation of the core content of this consensus and, by incorporating the latest research progress in the field, delves into the pathogenesis, precise diagnostic strategies, and individualized treatment pathways for multiple lung cancers, aiming to offer a more comprehensive reference for clinical practice.
6.Incidence and risk factors of sarcopenia in non-dialysis patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease
Feng LI ; Changqing MAO ; Hui JIA ; Yanling MAO ; Ying LI ; Tengfei CHEN ; Dong LI ; Chunxia SHAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(3):493-498
Objective To explore the incidence and risk factors of sarcopenia in non-dialysis patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods Non-dialysis stage 5 CKD patients in Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences from October 2023 to October 2024 were enrolled and divided into the non-sarcopenia group and the sarcopenia group according to lean tissue index (LTI) and handgrip strength (HGS). Demographic data of patients were collected and biochemical indicators were detected. Serum advanced glycation end products (AGEs) were detected by competitive ELISA. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the risk factors of sarcopenia in these patients. The diagnostic efficacy of the risk factors was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results A total of 102 non-dialysis stage 5 CKD patients with (68.52±7.39) years, were enrolled, including 61 male (59.8%). Among them, 24 were diagnosed with sarcopenia (23.5%). Compared with patients in non-sarcopenia group, patients in sarcopenia group were older and had higher interleukin-6 (IL-6) and AGEs, lower body mass index (BMI) and lower serum albumin (sAlb; P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression showed that advanced age (OR=1.153, 95%CI 1.045–1.273, P=0.005), higher IL-6 (OR=1.165, 95%CI 1.042–1.302, P=0.007)、lower sAlb (OR=0.675, 95%CI 0.542–0.840, P=0.001), and higher serum AGEs (OR=1.105, 95%CI 1.013–1.206, P=0.024) were independent risk factors of sarcopenia in non-dialysis CKD 5 patients. The areas under the curve (AUC) for the age, IL-6, sAlb, and serum AGEs were 0.896, 0.643, 0.658, and 0.724, respectively. Conclusions Sarcopenia is common in non-dialysis stage 5 CKD patients, and the risk of sarcopenia is higher in non-dialysis stage 5 CKD patients with advanced age, higher IL-6, lower sAlb, and higher serum AGEs.
7.Analysis of iodine nutrition status of pregnant women in Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2021
Guangming MAO ; Zhe MO ; Simeng GU ; Yuanyang WANG ; Fanjia GUO ; Yujie JIANG ; Yahui LI ; Xueqing LI ; Zhijian CHEN ; Xiaofeng WANG ; Xiaoming LOU ; Chenyang LIU
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(3):221-226
Objective:To investigate the iodine nutrition status of pregnant women in Zhejiang Province, explore the impact of salt industry system reform on iodine nutrition level of pregnant women, and provide scientific basis for prevention and treatment of iodine deficiency disorders.Methods:From 2016 to 2021, a multi-stage stratified sampling method was used to select 100 pregnant women from 90 counties (cities, districts) in Zhejiang Province each year as survey subjects. Salt samples were collected from pregnant women's families, and one random urine sample was taken for salt iodine and urinary iodine level testing, respectively.Results:A total of 56 581 samples of household edible salt were collected from pregnant women, with a median salt iodine level of 23.20 mg/kg. Among them, 7 961 were non iodized salt, 45 803 were qualified iodized salt, and 2 817 were unqualified iodized salt. The iodized salt coverage rate was 85.93% (48 620/56 581), and the qualified iodized salt consumption rate was 80.95% (45 803/56 581). The proportion of non iodized salt increased from 10.05% (897/8 928) in 2016 to 15.09% (1 461/9 679) in 2021 (χ 2trend = 95.16, P < 0.001). A total of 56 581 urine samples were collected from pregnant women, with a median urinary iodine level of 130.50 μg/L. Among them, the proportions of urinary iodine levels < 150, 150 - 249, 250 - 499, and ≥500 μg/L were 58.32% (32 996/56 581), 27.24% (15 410/56 581), 12.24% (6 926/56 581), and 2.21% (1 249/56 581), respectively. The median urinary iodine level of pregnant women in inland areas was significantly higher than that in coastal areas ( Z = 19.15, P < 0.001). Furthermore, urinary iodine levels exhibited a non-linear decline as age increased (χ 2regression = 12.65, P < 0.001; χ 2partial = 22.65, P < 0.001) and as pregnancy progressed (χ 2regression = 37.28, P < 0.001; χ 2partial = 18.89, P < 0.001). Conclusions:The overall iodine nutrition status of pregnant women in Zhejiang Province is in a state of iodine deficiency (< 150 μg/L), and there is a greater risk in coastal areas compared to inland areas. However, in the context of the reform of the salt industry system, it is still necessary to strengthen the quality supervision of iodized salt, provide scientific iodine supplementation education, promote specialized iodized salt for pregnant women, and strengthen interventions for prevention and control of iodine deficiency disorders.
8.Occupational Health Risk Management Measures for Personnel Handling Non-Human Primate Laboratory Animals:An Overview
Qian LI ; Jiaqi CHEN ; Lihong LI ; Feiyan ZHANG ; Huaming MAO ; Longbao LÜ
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(2):197-205
Owing to their high genetic and physiological similarities to humans,non-human primates(NHPs)have become pivotal animal models in life sciences research and biomedical development.NHP laboratory animals are not only an ideal platform for exploring the mechanisms of neurological diseases and infectious diseases,but they are also widely used in preclinical safety evaluations of macromolecular drugs,which are considered the"gold standard".Nevertheless,this biological similarity increases the risk of zoonotic disease transmission to personnel working with NHP laboratory animals,their tissues,and body fluids.In light of recent domestic and international outbreaks of zoonotic diseases as well as the implementation of the Biosafety Law,this study examines the occupational risk factors encountered by personnel working with NHPs.This includes biological,chemical,and physical factors.This paper also covers common zoonoses,classification of the corresponding pathogens,transmission routes,risk severity levels,and protocols for post-exposure management.A multidimensional prevention and control framework is proposed,which includes the following components.(1)Risk Assessment and Emergency Response:Regularly identify hazards through an Occupational Health and Safety Committee(OHSC)and develop post-exposure emergency protocols.(2)Optimization of Management Systems:Improve facility design,optimize the allocation of personal protective equipment,and enhance health surveillance and vaccination programs.(3)Technical Training and Standardized Operations:Provide specialized training in NHP laboratory animal ethology and biosafety practices.Additionally,implement intelligent monitoring technologies to reduce the occurrence of aggressive incidents.This paper outlines measures designed to enhance health and safety awareness among personnel working with NHP laboratory animals.It emphasizes the need for strengthened guidance on the use of personal protective equipment(PPE)and the standardization of professional operational practices.The goal is to safeguard personnel health and safety,reduce occupational exposure rates,and effectively prevent occupational diseases related to laboratory animals.
9.Wenshen Tongdu Recipe Promotes the Recovery of Rats with Spinal Cord Injury by Activating Autophagy through the Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway and Regulating Microglial Polarization
Haoheng ZHANG ; Sixian CHEN ; Yang GUO ; Ruihua ZHAO ; Muzhe LI ; Xiaoxian SUN ; Yong MA ; Yunfei YU ; Mao WU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(7):904-913
OBJECTIVE To study the mechanism of Wenshen Tongdu Recipe in promoting the recovery of motor function in rats with spinal cord injury.METHODS A total of 144 SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,predni-sone group,low-dose Wenshen Tongdu Recipe group,medium-dose Wenshen Tongdu Recipe group,high-dose Wenshen Tongdu Recipe group,3BDO group,and 3BDO+Wenshen Tongdu Recipe group(medium dose).The rat spinal cord injury model was estab-lished by modified Allen's method.Intervention began 1 day after modeling,and the drug was administered continuously for 14 days.During the drug administration period,the motor function of the rats in each group was evaluated by Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan(BBB)score and inclined plane test.On the 3rd,7th and 14th days after modeling,the pathological changes of the spinal cord tissues of the rats in each group were observed by HE staining;the expression levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β,IL-6,IL-4 and IL-10 in the serum of the rats in each group were detected by ELISA;the expression of Beclin 1,LC3B and p62 proteins was detected by immu-nohistochemistry;the expression of CD16 and CD206 proteins was detected by immunofluorescence staining;the expression of autoph-agy-related molecules(Beclin 1,LC3B)and Akt/mTOR pathway-related proteins in the spinal cord tissues was detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the BBB score and angle of the inclined board test of rats in the medium-dose Wenshen Tongdu Recipe group were increased,and the disordered arrangement of spinal cord tissue,spinal cord vacuoles and inflam-matory infiltration were significantly improved,especially on the 14th day.Compared with the sham operation group,the expression levels of serum IL-1β and IL-6 in the model group increased(P<0.01),and the expression levels of IL-4 and IL-10 decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01);compared with the model group,the levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in the Wenshen Tongdu Recipe group were signifi-cantly decreased(P<0.01),and the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01);compared with the Wenshen Tongdu Recipe group,the serum IL-1β and IL-6 concentrations of mice in the 3BDO group increased(P<0.01),and the level of IL-10 decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the sham operation group,the M1/M2 ratio,P62 protein expression,p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR ratios in the spinal cord tissue of the rats in the model group were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the relative protein expression of Beclin1 was decreased(P<0.01);compared with the model group,the M1/M2 ratio,p-Akt/Akt and p-p70S6K/p70S6K ratios in the Wenshen Tongdu Recipe group were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the Beclin1 protein level in the 3BDO group was decreased,and the p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR ratios were increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the Wenshen Tongdu Recipe group,the M1/M2 ratio in the 3BDO group and the 3BDO+Wen-shen Tongdu Recipe group increased(P<0.01),the positive rates of Beclin1 and LC3B proteins in the 3BDO group decreased signifi-cantly(P<0.01),and the p-p70S6K/p70S6K ratio in the 3BDO+Wenshen Tongdu Recipe group increased significantly(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Wenshen Tongdu Recipe may regulate microglial polarization through Akt/mTOR signaling pathway to acti-vate autophagy,promote the secretion of anti-inflammatory factors,reduce the release of pro-inflammatory factors,alleviate neuroin-flammatory response,and thus promote spinal cord injury repair.
10.Epidemiological characteristics of respiratory human adenovirus infections in hospitalized children in Ningbo from 2019 to 2024
Bibo MAO ; Wenbo LU ; Zhuoling LI ; Chengbo ZHOU ; Changshui CHEN ; Haiyan QIU ; Wenyuan LIU
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(19):2960-2964
OBJECTIVE To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of respiratory human adenovirus(H AdV)infections in hospitalized children in Ningbo,and to provide data for formulating infection prevention and control strategies for HAdV.METHODS A total of 65 022 children hospitalized with respiratory infections at the Women and Children's Hospital of Ningbo University from Jul.2019 to Dec.2024 were selected as the study sub-jects.Multiple reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)and capillary electrophoresis were used to detect 11 non-bacterial pathogens.Basic and clinical information of the children was collected for analysis.RESULTS A total of 65 022 specimens were tested,with 4 292 cases tested positive for HAdV positivity,yielding a positive rate of 6.60%.The lowest positive rate was observed in 2023(3.22%),while the highest was in 2024(13.97%).Compared to the years 2019-2023,the overall HAdV positive rate was high in 2024,peaking at 26.80%in Jun.,indicating an outbreak.The total HAdV positive rate was higher in boys(6.82%)than in girls(6.32%)(P=0.006).The highest HAdV positive rate was observed in the 2 to<6 age group(9.00%),while the lowest was in the 0 to<1 age group(2.33%).Among the HAdV-positive specimens,2 658 cases(61.93%)were single infections,and 1 634 cases(38.07%)were co-infections.The non-bacterial respiratory pathogens with the highest co-infection rates were human rhinovirus(34.09%),Mycoplasma pneumoniae(20.44%)and human parainfluenza virus(5.75%).CONCLUSIONS A n outbreak of HAdV infections is observed among hospitalized children in Ningbo in 2024.Higher positive rates are found in boys aged 2 to<6 years,with a certain proportion of co-infections.

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