Functional dyspepsia （FD） is a prioritized disease category where traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） demonstrates distinct therapeutic advantages. The current western medicine treatment for FD is mainly based on proton pump inhibitors and prokinetic agents， with digestive enzymes， probiotics and antidepressants serving as adjuvant medication， yet such therapies still have certain limitations. TCM treatment for FD includes oral administration of Chinese herbal formulas and Chinese patent medicines， as well as external TCM therapies such as acupuncture and moxibustion， acupoint application， hot medicinal compress therapy， rubbing with ointment， medicinal iontophoresis， auricular acupoint therapy and tui na （Chinese medical massage）. The combined treatment of FD with integrated TCM and western medicine can significantly improve clinical effectiveness and reduce adverse reactions. The common mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of both TCM and western medicine revolve around the core pathological processes of FD， mainly focusing on restoring gastrointestinal motility， regulating the levels of brain-gut peptides， modulating intestinal microecology， and ameliorating inflammatory status. The differential mechanisms lie in the precise targeting feature of western medicine versus the holistic-regulating and multi-target characteristics of TCM， and the two approaches exert a synergistic effect to enhance efficacy. This paper proposes to leverage the advantages of TCM in holistic regulation and the strengths of western medicine in targeted treatment， so as to provide personalized and comprehensive treatment regimens for FD patients.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of Shenqi Yangxin decoction in the treatment of ischemic cardiomyopathy （ICM） with Qi and Yin deficiency and blood stasis syndrome and its effect on serum hydrogen sulfide （H₂S） and calcium ion （Ca²⁺）. MethodsA total of 64 ICM patients with Qi and Yin deficiency and blood stasis syndrome who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a control group （n=32） and a treatment group （n=32）. All patients received conventional Western medicine treatment. The treatment group was additionally given Shenqi Yangxin decoction. The TCM syndrome score， Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire （MLHFQ） score， left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）， N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP）， 6-minute walk test （6MWT）， New York Heart Association （NYHA） cardiac function classification， and serum H₂S and Ca²⁺ levels were compared between the two groups pre- and post-treatment. ResultsTwo cases dropped out from each group during the study. Finally， 30 patients in each group were included in the analysis. There were no significant differences in age， gender， course of coronary heart disease， underlying diseases， and laboratory tests between the two groups. Compared with baseline， the TCM syndrome score， MLHFQ score， and NT-proBNP in both treatment group and control group decreased significantly （P<0.01）， LVEF， 6MWT， and H₂S increased significantly （P<0.01）， and serum Ca²⁺ increased （P<0.05）. Compared with the control group after treatment， the MLHFQ score and NT-proBNP in the treatment group decreased （P<0.05）， the TCM syndrome score decreased significantly （P<0.01）， LVEF， 6MWT， and serum Ca²⁺ increased （P<0.05）， and H₂S increased significantly （P<0.01）. The improvement degree of the NYHA cardiac function classification in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group， but there was no significant difference. ConclusionShenqi Yangxin decoction is effective in treating ICM patients with Qi and Yin deficiency and blood stasis， which could significantly improve cardiac function and quality of life， and its therapeutic effect may be related to the regulation of serum H₂S and Ca²⁺ levels.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops within a profoundly immunosuppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), which limits the efficacy of immunotherapy. Polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) toward a pro-tumorigenic M2 phenotype is a major driver of immune escape. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent regulated cell death program, intersects with hepatic iron metabolism and immune regulation and thus offers promising points of therapeutic intervention. This review systematically elucidates the mechanistic role of TAM ferroptosis in HCC immune evasion and highlights a “bidirectional regulation” intervention strategy grounded in the Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principle of “fortifying healthy qi and eliminating pathogens” (Fuzheng Quxie). This strategy employs “eliminating pathogens” (Quxie) approaches to exploit the metabolic vulnerability of M2-like TAMs and precisely induce their ferroptosis. Moreover, it utilizes “fortifying healthy qi” (Fuzheng) approaches to protect M1-like TAMs and CD8⁺ T cells from oxidative damage. This parallel “induction-protection” paradigm demonstrates the unique advantages of TCM in systemically remodeling TIME through multitarget synergistic actions. Accordingly, precision regulation of TAM ferroptosis based on the Fuzheng Quxie theory represents a promising integrative Chinese-Western medicine strategy for overcoming current bottlenecks in HCC immunotherapy, although its clinical translational potential warrants further validation.

Objective: To identify early clinical predictors associated with dysphagia and delayed swallowing recovery in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled adult TBI patients admitted to the rehabilitation unit of a tertiary medical center between June 2019 and June 2023. Data on baseline characteristics, neurological status, imaging findings, and rehabilitation-related variables were collected. Swallowing function was assessed using two indicators: (1) nasogastric (NG) tube retention and (2) the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) scores at 1, 4, and 12 weeks post-injury. Regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors associated with dysphagia and swallowing recovery. Results: A total of 160 patients were included. At 1 week post-injury, longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay, poor initial sitting balance and use of sedative medication in ICU were associated with NG tube retention. At 4 weeks, lower initial Rancho Los Amigos Scale (RLAS) scores, immobility-related complications, longer hospitalization, and temporal lobe hematomas were associated with persistent NG tube dependence. By 12 weeks, older age, delayed ability to follow commands, and poor initial sitting balance remained associated with NG tube retention. FOIS outcomes were also associated with older age, delayed time to follow commands, impaired initial sitting balance, prolonged ICU stay, temporal lobe hematomas, lower initial RLAS scores, immobility-related complications, prolonged endotracheal tube placement and extended hospital stays. Conclusion Impaired cognitive status, poor physical function, immobility-related complications, and temporal lobe hematomas were key factors associated with dysphagia and delayed oral intake in individuals with TBI.

The antidepressant activity and molecular mechanisms of Yueju Wan volatile oil were investigated. The Yueju Wan volatile oil was extracted by using supercritical CO_2. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS) combined with network pharmacology identified 28 chemical constituents in Yueju Wan volatile oil, primarily terpenes and lactones. A total of 123 overlapping targets were associated with depression, including core targets of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), and caspase-3(CASP3). These targets were mainly involved in the prolactin, advanced glycation end products/receptor(AGE/RAGE), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt) signaling pathways. A reserpine-induced depression mouse model was established to evaluate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Yueju Wan volatile oil. The effects of Yueju Wan volatile oil on depression-like behavior in mice were evaluated by analyzing body mass, body temperature index, tail suspension immobility time, forced swimming immobility time, and sucrose preference. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining revealed neuronal protection of Yueju Wan volatile oil in the brain of mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) and Western blot were employed to detect the protein expression of AGEs, IL-1β, phosphorylated PI3K(p-PI3K), Akt, phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt), nuclear factor κB(NF-κB), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF). Behavioral evaluation showed that Yueju Wan volatile oil could effectively control the decline of body mass and body temperature of depressed mice, reduce tail suspension and swimming immobility time, and enhance their preference for sucrose. Histopathological examination showed that Yueju Wan volatile oil could alleviate the neuronal damage in CA1 and dentate gyrus(DG) of the hippocampus of mice. ELISA and Western blot results showed that Yueju Wan volatile oil could significantly increase the protein expression levels of PI3K, Akt, and BDNF and significantly decrease the protein expression levels of AGEs, IL-1β, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and NF-κB in the hippocampus of mice. Furthermore, the p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt ratios were significantly decreased at medium and high doses. These findings suggest that the aromatherapy of Yueju Wan volatile oil can significantly improve reserpine-induced depression-like behavior in mice, which may be related to reducing the expression of neuronal membrane protein AGEs, reducing the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt, inhibiting NF-κB entry into the nucleus, and alleviating the release of pro-inflammatory factors and nerve injury.
Animals ; Antidepressive Agents/chemistry* ; Mice ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/immunology* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/immunology* ; Oils, Volatile/chemistry* ; Male ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Depression/metabolism* ; Glycation End Products, Advanced/immunology* ; Humans

Moringa oleifera, widely utilized in Ayurvedic medicine, is recognized for its leaves, seeds, and velamen possessing traditional effects such as vātahara(wind alleviation), sirovirecaka(brain clearing), and hridya(mental nourishment). This study aims to identify the medicinal part of ■ in the Sārasvata ghee formulation as described in the Bower Manuscript, while investigating the ameliorative effects of different medicinal parts of M. oleifera on learning and memory deficits in mice and elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms. A total of 144 male ICR mice were randomly assigned to the following groups: control, model(scopolamine hydrobromide, Sco, 2 mg·kg~(-1)), donepezil(donepezil hydrochloride, Don, 3 mg·kg~(-1)), M. oleifera leaf low-, medium-, and high-dose groups(0.5, 1, 2 g·kg~(-1)), M. oleifera seeds low-, medium-, and high-dose groups(0.25, 0.5, 1 g·kg~(-1)), and M. oleifera velamen low-, medium-, and high-dose groups(0.31, 0.62, 1.24 g·kg~(-1)). Learning and memory abilities were assessed using the passive avoidance test and Morris water maze. Nissl and HE staining were employed to examine histopathological changes in the hippocampus. Transcriptomics and targeted metabolomics were used to screen differential genes and metabolites, with MetaboAnalyst 6.0 and O2PLS methods applied to identify key disease-related targets and pathways. RESULTS:: demonstrated that M. oleifera leaf(1 g·kg~(-1)) significantly ameliorated Sco-induced learning and memory deficits, outperforming M. oleifera seeds(0.25 g·kg~(-1)) and M. oleifera velamen(1.24 g·kg~(-1)). This was evidenced by improved behavioral performance, reversal of neuronal damage, and reduced acetylcholinesterase(AChE) activity. Multi-omics analysis revealed that M. oleifera leaf upregulated Tuba1c gene expression through the synaptic vesicle cycle, enhancing glutamate(Glu), dopamine(DA), and acetylcholine(ACh) release via Tuba1c-Glu associations for neuroprotection. M. oleifera seeds targeted the dopaminergic synapse pathway, promoting memory consolidation through Drd2-ACh associations. M. oleifera velamen was associated with the cocaine addiction pathway, modulating dopamine metabolism via Adora2a-DOPAC, with limited relevance to learning and memory. In conclusion, M. oleifera leaf exhibits superior efficacy and mechanistic advantages over M. oleifera seeds and velamen, suggesting that the ■ in the Sārasvata ghee formulation is likely M. oleifera leaf, providing scientific evidence for its identification in ancient texts.
Animals ; Moringa oleifera/chemistry* ; Male ; Mice ; Seeds/chemistry* ; Plant Leaves/chemistry* ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Memory Disorders/psychology* ; Transcriptome/drug effects* ; Memory/drug effects* ; Learning/drug effects* ; Metabolomics ; Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Maze Learning/drug effects*

The emergence of new-generation artificial intelligence technology has brought numerous innovations to the healthcare field, including telemedicine and intelligent care. However, the artificial intelligent medical device sector still faces significant challenges, such as data privacy protection and algorithm reliability. This study, based on invention patent analysis, revealed the technological innovation trends in the field of artificial intelligent medical devices from aspects such as patent application time trends, hot topics, regional distribution, and innovation players. The results showed that global invention patent applications had remained active, with technological innovations primarily focused on medical image processing, physiological signal processing, surgical robots, brain-computer interfaces, and intelligent physiological parameter monitoring technologies. The United States and China led the world in the number of invention patent applications. Major international medical device giants, such as Philips, Siemens, General Electric, and Medtronic, were at the forefront of global technological innovation, with significant advantages in patent application volumes and international market presence. Chinese universities and research institutes, such as Zhejiang University, Tianjin University, and the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, had demonstrated notable technological innovation, with a relatively high number of patent applications. However, their overseas market expansion remained limited. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the technological innovation trends in the artificial intelligent medical device field and offers valuable information support for industry development from an informatics perspective.
Artificial Intelligence ; Patents as Topic ; Humans ; Inventions ; China ; Brain-Computer Interfaces ; Telemedicine ; Equipment and Supplies ; Robotics ; Algorithms

The rapid development of artificial intelligence technology is driving profound changes in medical practice, particularly in the field of medical device application. Based on data from the U.S. clinical trials registry, this study analyzes the global registration landscape of clinical trials involving artificial intelligence-based medical devices, aiming to provide a reference for their clinical research and application. A total of 2 494 clinical trials related to artificial intelligence medical devices have been registered worldwide, with participation from 66 countries or regions. The United States leads with 908 trials, while for other countries or regions, including China, each has fewer than 300 trials. Germany, the United States, and Belgium serve as central hubs for international collaboration. Among the sponsors, 63.96% are universities or hospitals, 22.36% are enterprises, and the remainder includes individuals, government agencies and others. Of all trials, 79.99% are interventional studies, 94.67% place no restrictions on participant gender, and 69.69% exclude children. The targeted diseases are primarily neurological and mental disorders. This study systematically reveals the global distribution characteristics and research trends of artificial intelligence medical device clinical trials, offering valuable data support and practical insights for advancing international collaboration, resource allocation, and policy development in this field.
Artificial Intelligence ; Humans ; Clinical Trials as Topic/statistics & numerical data* ; Equipment and Supplies ; Registries ; United States

In recent years, the research on artificial intelligence medical devices has risen markedly along with the expanding application scenarios, exhibiting prominent interdisciplinary characteristics. From 2000 to 2024, the variety of research in artificial intelligence medical devices has significantly increased, while the balance of disciplines has slightly declined, and Simpson's diversity index has continuously increased. Medicine and biology are the main research themes and supportive disciplines in this field. Knowledge from computer science, engineering technology, and mathematics is widely involved and shows an upward trend, while content from the humanities and social sciences is less involved in the research. Compared to the United States and the United Kingdom, China has relatively less biological and chemical knowledge content in the research of this field, but more content related to computer science, engineering technology and material science is involved. This study analyzes the current state and trends of interdisciplinary on artificial intelligence medical devices from the perspective of macro-categories of disciplines, aiming to provide references for research planning, talent training and interdisciplinary cooperation in the field.
Artificial Intelligence ; Humans ; Equipment and Supplies ; Interdisciplinary Research

Objective:To compare the clinical and imaging characteristics of eyes with idiopathic focal choroidal excavation (FCE) and acquired FCE, and to preliminarily analyze the association of FCE with different fundus diseases.Methods:A retrospective clinical study. A total of 90 patients (93 eyes) diagnosed with FCE at the Ophthalmology Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from March 2021 to May 2024 were included in the study. All affected eyes underwent best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, ophthalmoscope, fundus color photography, and swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). SS-OCT was used to measure subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), choroidal thickness at the temporal, nasal, and inferior margins of the FCE, as well as the maximum width and depth of the FCE. Based on the presence of concomitant fundus diseases, FCE cases were divided into an idiopathic FCE group (51 eyes) and an acquired FCE group (42 eyes). Clinical characteristics at the initial and final visits were compared between the two groups. Clinical features were also analyzed for acquired FCE eyes with different associated fundus diseases. A logistic regression model was used to identify potential risk factors for FCE coexisting with other fundus diseases.Results:Compared to the idiopathic FCE group, the acquired FCE group had significantly decreased BCVA ( Z=?8.290), significantly increased FCE width ( Z=?2.762), and significantly higher incidence rates of saucer-shaped FCE ( χ2=8.352) and ellipsoid zone disruption ( χ2=7.999). These differences were all statistically significant ( P<0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups in age, gender distribution, IOP, foveal involvement, proportion of conforming FCE, retinal pigment epithelium-Bruch’s membrane rupture, presence of hyperreflective material under the excavation, presence of surrounding thick vessels, FCE depth, SFCT, or choroidal thickness at the inferior, temporal, and nasal margins of the FCE ( P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that FCE width (odds ratio=1.002, 95% confidence interval: 1.001-1.004, P=0.005) was the sole risk factor for FCE coexisting with other fundus complications. In both the idiopathic and acquired FCE groups, FCE depth and width remained relatively stable during follow-up. BCVA improved in the acquired FCE group after treatment. Conclusions:FCE can coexist with various fundus diseases. FCE width is the only risk factor for the development of other fundus complications in FCE-affected eyes. Treating retinal or choroidal diseases associated with acquired FCE can provide visual benefits to patients.