1.Mechanistic Interpretation of Zheng’s San Qi San Powder in Treating Skeletal Muscle Injury via Bioinformatics Prediction, Chemical Analysis and Experimental Verification
Ding-Rui WANG ; Yun-Xin LIU ; Jun-Jie XU ; Liu YANG ; Jia-Hao LÜ ; Cheng-Yuan XING ; Lei LÜ ; Bei-Bei QIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1028-1047
ObjectiveZheng’s San Qi San (ZSQS) power, a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is used for treating soft tissue injuries involving muscles, tendons, and ligaments. However, its underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to screen and identify pharmaceutically active ingredients and their candidate biomolecule targets, and further elucidate the molecular mechanism of ZSQS in the treatment of skeletal muscle injury. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was employed to construct “ZSQS-component-target”, “protein-protein interaction (PPI)” and “active ingredient-core protein-pathway” networks to predict the key active ingredients and potential core targets of ZSQS for skeletal muscle injury. The predicted results were then validated via microarray data from the GEO database. Molecular docking was then performed to assess the binding ability between the screened active ingredients of ZSQS and the candidate core targets. Moreover, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for qualitative and quantitative analysis to verify the active components of the drug and ZSQS serum. Finally, an animal model of eccentric exercise-induced skeletal muscle injury and a myotube cell model of oxidative stress-induced injury were established to validate the effects of ZSQS and its interventional effects on the biological functions of critical targets, thereby demonstrating the potential therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. ResultsAmong the 111 active components identified in ZSQS and their corresponding 204 targets related to the skeletal muscle injury repair process, 14 core targets (including AKT1) and 4 core active components (quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and β‑sitosterol) were screened out, while the corresponding metabolites of quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol were detected in the ZSQS serum. Among these targets, 5 candidate genes (IL-6, CASP3, HIF1A, STAT3, and JUN) overlapped with the differential expression screening results with GEO data, and IL-6 was confirmed to be enriched in the PI3K/AKT pathway. Combined with the prediction results of the AKT expression levels, these findings suggest that the phosphorylation level of AKT1 plays a core role in the therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. Molecular docking analysis further revealed that the PH domain of AKT1 had high binding energy with all 4 core active components, as verified by LC-MS. Finally, animal model studies have shown the promoting effect of ZSQS administration on skeletal muscle injury repair and its possible antioxidant damage mechanism. Cell model studies further demonstrated that ZSQS-containing serum, core active ingredient combination therapy, and quercetin monomer could increase the phosphorylation level of AKT, promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, upregulate the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and GR), and inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α), thereby alleviating oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. ConclusionZSQS alleviates skeletal muscle injury mainly by activating the AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway, enhancing cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the clinical application and modernized development of ZSQS.
2.Association between insulin resistance and cardiovascular metabolic indicators in middle-aged adults
Rui TIAN ; Jie ZHANG ; Ting ZHENG ; Aixia ZHANG ; Xing LIU ; Hao KANG ; Qingfang DENG ; Sufang WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(7):1305-1310
ObjectiveTo investigate the association between insulin resistance (IR) and cardiovascular metabolic indicators, including blood pressure, blood lipids, and serum uric acid, in a middle-aged population. MethodsBased on the baseline survey of the Hong Sifang cohort of China National Salt Industry Group, a total of 575 participants were included. According to the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, the participants were divided into an IR group (n=116) and a non-IR group (n=459). Differences between the two groups were compared using the t-test and chi-square test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between IR and abnormalities in metabolic indicators. ResultsA total of 575 participants were included, including 390 men and 185 women, with a mean age of (48.58 ± 5.14) years and a mean body mass index (BMI) of (24.16 ± 2.97) kg/m². Blood pressure, serum uric acid, and blood lipid levels were significantly higher in the IR group than in the non-IR group (P<0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders including age, sex, and BMI, IR was independently associated with hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia, with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of 2.57 (1.61-4.09), 3.81 (2.36-6.17), and 2.68 (1.53-4.71), respectively (all P<0.001). ConclusionInsulin resistance is significantly associated with multiple cardiovascular metabolic risk factors in the middle-aged population. Monitoring IR may contribute to the early prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases.
3.Conflicts Between the Application of Artificial Intelligence and the Inheritance of Traditional Chinese Medicine Academic Thought and the Corresponding Strategies
Jinxiao LIANG ; Rui LI ; Ruixia ZHAO ; Hongyan CUI ; Xing YANG ; Xuehan WANG ; Rui REN ; Zhongqi JIANG ; Mingyi SHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(19):2037-2041
Under the current upsurge of cross-disciplinary research between artificial intelligence (AI) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the inheritance of academic thought in TCM is confronted with the deep-seated predicament of cognitive paradigm dislocation. The existing AI model is based on the classical reasoning mode of formal logic and statistical probability, which is difficult to adapt to the nonlinear and holistic cognitive logic of TCM with image-based thinking and syndrome-differentiated treatment as the core, resulting in systematic misreading and loss of the core essence in digital inheritance. Based on this, this paper proposes to construct a new cognitive model oriented towards the context of TCM. Its essence is not to have AI imitate the thinking of TCM, but to establish an auxiliary understanding framework based on semantic mapping and relational reasoning. It is advocated that the role of AI should be reconstructed from a knowledge substitute to a clinical interactor, and its application boundary in the inheritance of TCM wisdom should be clarified. By establishing the theoretical framework and practical path of human-computer collaboration, this paper aims to provide a scientific basis for realizing the deep integration of AI technology and the academic thought in TCM.
4.Conflicts Between the Application of Artificial Intelligence and the Inheritance of Traditional Chinese Medicine Academic Thought and the Corresponding Strategies
Jinxiao LIANG ; Rui LI ; Ruixia ZHAO ; Hongyan CUI ; Xing YANG ; Xuehan WANG ; Rui REN ; Zhongqi JIANG ; Mingyi SHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(19):2037-2041
Under the current upsurge of cross-disciplinary research between artificial intelligence (AI) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the inheritance of academic thought in TCM is confronted with the deep-seated predicament of cognitive paradigm dislocation. The existing AI model is based on the classical reasoning mode of formal logic and statistical probability, which is difficult to adapt to the nonlinear and holistic cognitive logic of TCM with image-based thinking and syndrome-differentiated treatment as the core, resulting in systematic misreading and loss of the core essence in digital inheritance. Based on this, this paper proposes to construct a new cognitive model oriented towards the context of TCM. Its essence is not to have AI imitate the thinking of TCM, but to establish an auxiliary understanding framework based on semantic mapping and relational reasoning. It is advocated that the role of AI should be reconstructed from a knowledge substitute to a clinical interactor, and its application boundary in the inheritance of TCM wisdom should be clarified. By establishing the theoretical framework and practical path of human-computer collaboration, this paper aims to provide a scientific basis for realizing the deep integration of AI technology and the academic thought in TCM.
5.Evidence-based guideline for diagnosis and early fixation of severe open tibiofibular fractures (version 2025)
Yongjun RUI ; Yongqing XU ; Qingtang ZHU ; Xin WANG ; Zhao XIE ; Shanlin CHEN ; Jingyi MI ; Xianyou ZHENG ; Juyu TANG ; Xiaoheng DING ; Aixi YU ; Tao SONG ; Jianxi HOU ; Jian QI ; Xinyu FAN ; Jun FEI ; Lin GUO ; Xingwen HAN ; Weixu LI ; Aiguo WANG ; Yun XIE ; Tao XING ; Meng LI ; Baoqing YU ; Yan ZHUANG ; Xiaoqing HE ; Tao SUN ; Pengcheng LI ; Jihui JU ; Hongxiang ZHOU ; Haidong REN ; Guangyue ZHAO ; Gang ZHAO ; Yongwei WU ; Jun LIU ; Yunhong MA ; Yapeng WANG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(11):1021-1034
Severe open tibiofibular fractures account for approximately 28.1% of all open fractures. Among them, Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB/C fractures present significant clinical challenges due to associated bone and soft tissue defects, high infection rates, and risk of amputation. Inadequate preoperative assessment may lead to suboptimal emergency surgical planning or intraoperative complications. Historically, external fixation was often preferred, but this approach has been associated with limitations such as restricted joint mobility, delayed bone union, joint stiffness, and disuse osteoporosis, resulting in poor functional recovery. With advancements of debridement techniques, standardization of antibiotic use, and popularization of early soft tissue coverage, early internal fixation has gained broader acceptance. Nevertheless, controversies persist regarding the choice of fixation method, timing of definitive fixation, use of reamed versus unreamed intramedullary nailing, and necessity of fibular fixation. To standardize the diagnosis and early management of severe open tibiofibular fractures, reduce complication rates, and improve functional recovery, the Society of Microsurgery of the Chinese Medical Association organized a panel of domestic experts to develop the Evidence-based guideline for the diagnosis and early fixation of severe open tibiofibular fractures ( version 2025), using evidence-based methodology. The guidelines provided 12 recommendations covering diagnostic and early fixation strategies of severe open tibiofibular fractures, aiming to provide clinicians with scientifically grounded and standardized guidance.
6.Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique (version 2025)
Sihao HE ; Junchao XING ; Tongwei CHU ; Zhengqi CHANG ; Xigao CHENG ; Fei DAI ; Xiaobing JIANG ; Jie HAO ; Jiang HU ; Jinghui HUANG ; Tianyong HOU ; Fei LUO ; Bo LIAO ; Changqing LI ; Lei LIU ; Guodong LIU ; Peng LIU ; Sheng LU ; Weishi LI ; Yang LIU ; Zhen LIU ; Wei MEI ; Peifu TANG ; Bing WANG ; Bing WANG ; Ce WANG ; Hongli WANG ; Liang WANG ; Shengru WANG ; Xiaobin WANG ; Yang WANG ; Yingfeng WANG ; Zheng WANG ; Jianzhong XU ; Guoyong YIN ; Haiyang YU ; Qiang YANG ; Zhaoming YE ; Bin ZHANG ; Chengmin ZHANG ; Jun ZOU ; Qiang ZHOU ; Min ZHAO ; Rui ZHOU ; Xiaojun ZHANG ; Yongfei ZHAO ; Zhongrong ZHANG ; Zehua ZHANG ; Yingze ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(11):1035-1047
For middle-aged and elderly patients with conditions such as spinal fractures and degenerative spinal diseases, spinal internal fixation is a core surgical procedure for reconstructing spinal stability, heavily relying on the biomechanical stability provided by pedicle screw systems. Whereas, these patients are often complicated by osteoporosis that can significantly compromise the stability of the bone-pedicle screw interface, leading to a marked increase in pedicle screw loosening and surgical failure rates. The bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique, which involves injecting bone cement into the vertebral body or screw trajectory to optimize the mechanical properties of the bone-pedicle screw composite, has been proven to significantly enhance fixation strength and effectively prevent screw-related failures, thereby reducing the incidence of internal fixation failure in high-risk populations undergoing spinal fusion. However, the widespread clinical application of this technique has faced challenges such as inaccurate clinical decision-making (indication and contraindication selection), non-standardized operative practices, and insufficient awareness of complication prevention, resulting in considerable variability in clinical outcomes and even severe complications. To address this, Prof. Luo Fei from First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University initiated the project and the Chinese Association Orthopaedic Surgeons organized relevant experts to develop the Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique ( version 2025), based on current evidence. The guidelines put forward 8 recommendations regarding the clinical value, scope of application, and operational standards of the technique, aiming to provide evidence-based medical support and technical standardization for clinical decision-making.
7.Comparison of efficacy and safety of crisaborole ointment 2% versus pimecrolimus cream 1% in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children: a multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial
Xing XIAO ; Shan WANG ; Huan YANG ; Hong SHU ; Yanping GUO ; Jinping CHEN ; Yao LU ; Qinfeng LI ; Yuan LIANG ; Mutong ZHAO ; Xiaoyan LUO ; Limin MIAO ; Rui XU ; Xuemei LI ; Sha LAI ; Jianhong LI ; Zhen LUO ; Lu YU ; Lu XING ; Meitan WANG ; Xiaoli LI ; Haitao XU ; Ping LI ; Hua WANG ; Lin MA
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(5):425-430
Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of crisaborole ointment 2% versus pimecrolimus cream 1% in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children aged 2 years or older.Methods:A multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 120 pediatric patients aged 2 - 17 years with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis were enrolled from departments of dermatology of 8 hospitals in China between March 2022 and February 2023. The participants were randomly assigned in a 1∶1 ratio to the crisaborole group and the pimecrolimus group, and received the treatment with crisaborole ointment 2% and pimecrolimus cream 1% respectively, twice a day for 4 weeks. Visits were scheduled at baseline/on day 1, as well as on days 8, 15, and 29. The primary efficacy outcome was the percentage of patients achieving the Investigator's Static Global Assessment (ISGA) success (defined as clear [0] or almost clear [1] on the ISGA scale, combined with ≥ 2‐grade improvement from baseline) on day 29. The secondary efficacy outcomes included changes in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) total scores from baseline to day 29, percentages of patients achieving ISGA improvement (defined as clear [0] or almost clear [1] on the ISGA scale), as well as changes in the Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) /Infants' Dermatology Life Quality Index (IDLQI) /Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) scores, and in the Dermatitis Family Impact (DFI) scores. Drug safety was evaluated according to the incidence of adverse events. Categorical data were compared using the chi-square test. Since measurement data did not follow a normal distribution, the rank sum test was used for comparisons of measurement data between groups.Results:A total of 106 children with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis were included in the per-protocol analysis set, with 52 in the crisaborole group (26 males and 26 females) and 54 in the pimecrolimus group (27 males and 27 females). There were no significant differences in age, disease duration, ISGA and EASI scores at baseline between the two groups (all P > 0.05). On day 29, 22 patients (42.31%) in the crisaborole group and 25 (46.30%) in the pimecrolimus group achieved ISGA success, with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 0.17, P = 0.68) ; 35 patients (67.31%) in the crisaborole group and 45 (83.33%) in the pimecrolimus group achieved ISGA improvement, also with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 3.68, P = 0.06) ; additionally, there were no significant differences in the EASI, pruritus NRS, DLQI/IDLQI/CDLQI, or DFI scores between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Adverse reactions to the two topical agents were mainly local reactions such as mild to moderate pain, itching, or worsening of itching, and no obvious systemic adverse reactions occurred. The incidence of drug-related adverse reactions was 46.15% (24 cases) in the crisaborole group and 37.04% (20 cases) in the pimecrolimus group, with no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 0.91, P = 0.34) . Conclusion:The efficacy of crisaborole ointment 2% was comparable to that of pimecrolimus cream 1% in the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children aged ≥ 2 years, and it yielded early and rapid improvement in the quality of life of patients and their families, with good safety and tolerability profiles.
8.A cross-sectional study on knowledge, treatment needs, and optimization of chronic disease management pathways regarding biologics in patients with psoriasis
Fan WANG ; Xiaoyi XING ; Rui WANG ; Huan LIU ; Qian LIU ; Chen YU
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(11):1059-1063
Objective:To explore the cognitive characteristics, influencing factors, and treatment needs regarding biologic agents among patients with psoriasis.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients with psoriasis attending the Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University were selected from October to December 2022, and from June to December 2023. A self-designed electronic questionnaire was used for investigation, covering demographic characteristics, psoriasis history (disease types, disease duration, previous treatments, etc.), biologics knowledge (sources of awareness, core cognitive dimensions), and treatment needs.Results:The valid questionnaire response rate reached 93.2% (439/471). The ages of enrolled patients were 35.95 ± 12.57 years, and the disease duration was 7.90 ± 3.26 years. Psoriasis vulgaris was the predominant type (363 cases, 82.69%). The overall awareness rate of biologics slightly increased from 68.62% (105/153) in 2022 to 72.38% (207/286) in 2023 ( P > 0.05). Primary information sources included new media (WeChat/internet) platforms (168 cases, 53.84%) and peer-to-peer sharing (115 cases, 36.86%), while physician counseling merely accounted for 9.29% (29 cases) ( P < 0.001). Insufficient knowledge of biologics was manifested primarily as poor awareness of comorbidities (47.60%, 209/439) and treatment monitoring protocols (22.32%, 98/439). Core concerns regarding biologic therapy included safety (73.34%, 322/439), economic burden (65.14%, 286/439), and long-term efficacy (63.55%, 279/439) ; 60.13% (264/439) of the patients expected rapid improvement of skin symptoms. As for treatment modalities, 90.20% (396/439) of the patients preferred regimens with extended dosing intervals. Conclusions:The patients with psoriasis demonstrated an imbalance in their cognitive structure regarding biologic agents. Their treatment needs exhibited multidimensional characteristics, emphasizing not only rapid clearance of skin lesions but also greater importance of treatment safety and cost-effectiveness.
9.Laparoscopic surgery for kidney grade Ⅳ rupture combined with renal vein thrombosis and liver rupture: a case report
Rui ZHAO ; Ruijian LIU ; Zhiqiang XING ; Wei YAN ; Hongwei WANG ; Ruidong ZHANG ; Lulin MA
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(2):143-144
A 34-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital on October 6, 2023 due to fall from a high place. Physical examination showed blood pressure 96/53 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), heart rate of 105 beats/min, slight bulge in the right kidney area, and positive percussion pain in the right kidney area. CT examination showed complete rupture of the lower pole of the right kidney, thrombosis of the right renal vein, and contusion and laceration of the right posterior lobe of the liver. According to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma renal injury classification, he was diagnosed as grade Ⅳ renal rupture. After blood transfusion and fluid infusion, vital signs were stable. Laparoscopic nephrectomy plus renal vein thrombectomy plus liver rupture repair were performed. The operation took 90 minutes, and about 300 ml of blood clots and fresh blood were aspirated during the operation. The patient's vital signs were stable after the operation, and he could get out of bed 3 days after the operation. CT reexamination 1 month after the operation showed right kidney resected and the liver healed well. This operation is feasible if the patient's vital signs are stable, with the advantages of small surgical incision, short operation time, less bleeding, fast postoperative recovery and good surgical effect.
10.Predictive analysis of NLR and TNF-α level for the efficacy of TACE combined with microwave ablation therapy in patients with massive liver cancer
Hui XING ; Ying TAN ; Xiuzhen WANG ; Rui LI ; Xia LIU
Journal of International Oncology 2025;52(2):101-106
Objective:To explore the predictive value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and tumor necrosis factor -α (TNF-α) level on the therapeutic effect of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with microwave ablation in patients with massive liver cancer.Methods:The medical records of 106 patients with massive liver cancer who underwent TACE combined with microwave ablation treatment in the Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University from February 2020 to February 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The efficacy was evaluated 6 weeks after surgery, and the patients were divided into remission group and non-remission group according to the therapeutic effect. The levels of NLR and TNF-α in the two groups were detected before surgery, 3 days after surgery and 7 days after surgery. Point two column correlation was used to analyze the relationship between the levels of NLR and TNF-α in different time periods and the therapeutic effect of TACE combined with microwave ablation in patients with massive liver cancer. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to analyze the predictive value of NLR and TNF-α levels in different time periods for the therapeutic effect of TACE combined with microwave ablation in patients with massive liver cancer.Results:Six weeks after surgery, out of 106 patients with massive liver cancer, 13 achieved complete remission, 48 achieved partial remission, 20 experienced disease progression, and 25 remained stable. The overall remission rate was 57.55% (61/106). Before surgery, the levels of NLR [ (2.26±0.13) vs. (2.43±0.12), t=6.87, P<0.001] and TNF-α [ (36.20±4.38) pg/ml vs. (42.74±5.74) pg/ml, t=6.66, P<0.001] in the remission group ( n=61) were lower than those in the non-remission group ( n=45), with statistically significant differences. At 3 days after surgery, there were no statistically significant difference in the levels of NLR [ (6.16±3.22) vs. (6.22±3.30), t=0.09, P=0.925] or TNF-α [ (48.84±7.22) pg/ml vs. (49.13±7.34) pg/ml, t=0.20, P=0.840] between the remission group and the non-remission group. At 7 days after surgery, the levels of NLR [ (2.60±0.18) vs. (2.82±0.26), t=5.15, P<0.001] and TNF-α [ (38.20±6.30) pg/ml vs. (45.57±5.79) pg/ml, t=6.16, P<0.001] in the remission group were lower than those in the non-remission group, with statistically significant differences. There were statistically significant differences in NLR and TNF-α levels before surgery, 3 days and 7 days after surgery between the remission group and the non-remission group ( F=82.43, P<0.001; F=54.45, P<0.001; F=76.23, P<0.001; F=15.61, P<0.001). Further pair-to-pair comparison showed that the levels of NLR and TNF-α were higher in both groups 3 and 7 days after surgery than before surgery, but the levels of NLR and TNF-α were lower in both groups 7 days after surgery than 3 days after surgery, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.005). Point two column correlation analysis showed that NLR level, TNF-α level and the efficacy of TACE combined with microwave ablation in patients with massive liver cancer were significantly positively correlated before and 7 days after surgery ( r=0.42, P<0.001; r=0.49, P<0.001; r=0.43, P<0.001; r=0.46, P<0.001). ROC curve showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of NLR and TNF-α alone in predicting the efficacy of TACE combined with microwave ablation in patients with massive liver cancer before and 7 days after surgery was 0.750 (95% CI: 0.656-0.844), 0.788 (95% CI: 0.699-0.877), 0.751 (95% CI: 0.652-0.850), 0.788 (95% CI: 0.700-0.876), respectively. The AUC of combined prediction of NLR and TNF-α before and 7 days after surgery were 0.818 (95% CI: 0.736-0.900) and 0.813 (95% CI: 0.730-0.897), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the AUC values of NLR and TNF-α alone or in combination for predicting the therapeutic effect of TACE combined with microwave ablation in patients with massive liver cancer before and 7 days after surgery (all P>0.05) . Conclusions:The levels of NLR and TNF-α before and 7 days after surgery are related to the effect of TACE combined with microwave ablation in patients with massive liver cancer, and the combination of NLR and TNF-α levels before and 7 days after surgery has certain value in predicting the effect of TACE combined with microwave ablation in patients with massive liver cancer.

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