1.Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy–Detected Fumarate Peak for Diagnosing Fumarate Hydratase Deficiency in Uterine Leiomyomas: A Prospective Study
Guiqin LIU ; Wenxin YU ; Shihang PAN ; Yuansheng LUO ; Jingli CHEN ; Mengying ZHU ; Zaoyu WANG ; Yang SONG ; Jin ZHANG ; Jianrong XU ; Yan ZHOU ; Jun MA ; Guangyu WU
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(5):440-451
Objective:
To evaluate the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in discriminating fumarate hydratase-deficient (FH-d) uterine leiomyomas (ULs) from FH-preserved ULs.
Materials and Methods:
This study consisted of three stages, with independent cohorts recruited for each stage: 1) sample-size estimation was retrospectively performed on UL specimens (diameter ≥3 cm; age, 20–40 years) from our database with immunohistochemistry (IHC) for 2-succinocysteine (2-SC) as the reference, without genetic testing, 2) MRS sequence optimization in confirmed FH germline mutation participants with ultrasound-detected ULs (diameter ≥3 cm), without IHC analysis, and 3) prospective diagnostic test accuracy was evaluated in consecutive participants with ultrasound-detected ULs (diameter ≥3 cm;age, 20–40 years), using IHC for 2-SC for determining the FH status and subsequent genetic testing in those with positive 2-SC results to identify whether FH mutations were germline or somatic in origin. The choline and fumarate peaks in MRS were classified as positive, negative, or technical failure (TF). TFs were analyzed separately and excluded from the primary diagnostic accuracy calculations. T1-, T2-, and diffusion-weighted images were interpreted as hyperintense or hypointense. The enhancement rate and apparent diffusion coefficient were also acquired. Diagnostic performance was compared between MRS and various magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features.
Results:
The optimal MRS parameters for the fumarate peak were echo time (TE) = 140 ms and an average of 256. Among the 360 prospective participants, 37 were confirmed to have FH-dULs. MRS showed positive fumarate peaks in 35 of 37 FH-dULs.After excluding six TFs, the positive fumarate peak on MRS showed 94.6% (35/37) sensitivity, 99.7% (316/317) specificity, and 99.2% (351/354) accuracy, all of which were significantly superior to those of other MRI features (P ≤ 0.002).
Conclusion
A positive fumarate peak on MRS may be a useful imaging biomarker for diagnosing FH-dULs.
2.Analysis of potentially inappropriate medication and influencing factors among the elderly in six nursing homes in Urumqi
Qianhui LI ; Jianhua WANG ; Shangjie YANG ; Biao WU ; Lina ZHU ; Dongling PENG ; Hui GAO ; Chunlin LUO ; Zhanlei QIN ; Eli GULMIRA ; Ningning WANG ; Aierken AIZEZIJIANG ; Yubo WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(12):1614-1620
OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) among the elderly in nursing homes in Urumqi based on three PIM screening tools, and to compare the applicability of different tools. METHODS A cross-sectional study design was adopted. Elderly individuals from six nursing homes in Urumqi were selected as the research subjects from May 2021 to September 2023. Demographic characteristics, disease burden and medication records of the elderly were collected. PIM screening was performed using the Chinese PIM criteria (2024 edition), the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers criteria (2023 edition), and the Screening Tool of Older Person’S Prescriptions(STOPP)/Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment(START) (2023 edition). Fleiss’s Kappa test was used to assess the consistency among the three screening tools, and multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of PIM. RESULTS The prevalence of PIM screened by the Chinese PIM criteria was 47.4% (323/682), by the AGS Beers criteria was 43.4% (296/682), and by the STOPP criteria was 50.9% (347/682). The consistency among the three screening tools was low (Fleiss’s Kappa=0.12, P <0.001). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that all three screening tools indicated that polypharmacy, aspirin use and psychotropic drug use were independent risk factors for PIM among elderly in nursing houses (all OR>1, P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of PIM among the elderly in nursing homes in Urumqi is relatively high. Polypharmacy, aspirin use and psychotropic drug use are common independent risk factors for PIM. There are differences in screening results among the three tools with low consistency. The Chinese PIM criteria can serve as a first-line tool for PIM screening in nursing homes.
3.Development and application of albumin-binding indocyanine green for near-infrared fluorescence imaging of lung cancer
Hongliang WU ; Ze TAO ; Hao YANG ; Hong ZHU ; LU Xiaofeng LU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(07):1101-1110
Objective To develop albumin-binding indocyanine green (ICG) and assess its potential for near-infrared fluorescence imaging and intraoperative navigation in lung cancer. Methods ABD-tri was recombinantly expressed by genetic engineering. Its albumin-binding capability was determined using size-exclusion chromatography, and its albumin-dependent binding to lung cancer cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. ICG was conjugated to ABD-tri to generate the fluorescent probe ABD-tri-ICG. The potential of ABD-tri-ICG for near-infrared fluorescence imaging and imaging-guided tumor resection was evaluated in mice bearing subcutaneous tumor grafts of lung cancer. Results ABD-tri was highly expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and was purified to homogeneity via a simple affinity chromatography. ABD-tri bound both human and murine serum albumin, contributing to its binding to lung cancer cells. ICG was effectively conjugated to ABD-tri to produce the fluorescence probe ABD-tri-ICG after mixing and incubation at room temperature for 1 h. In mice bearing lung cancer tumor grafts, intravenously injected ABD-tri-ICG enabled clear visualization of tumors with diameters ranging from 5 to 7 mm within 0.5-24 h post-injection. The tumor grafts were resected under the guidance of ABD-tri-ICG-mediated near-infrared fluorescence imaging. Conclusion Intravenous injection of ABD-tri-ICG allows rapid and sustained visualization of lung cancer tumor grafts and enables intraoperative navigation in mice, warranting further evaluation on the clinical translation of ABD-tri-ICG.
4.Application value of simplified diagnosis and treatment strategies for chronic hepatitis C in human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus co-infection
Ying CAI ; Zhibin YANG ; Yang LUO ; Cong WANG ; Yongfen ZHU ; Ze LI ; Rusong YANG ; Qiang WU ; Wenbin DONG ; Shifu LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(6):1287-1293
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of simplified diagnosis and treatment strategies and regimens in the treatment of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection. MethodsThis multicenter prospective real-world study was conducted among 198 patients with HIV/HCV co-infection who received hepatitis C treatment in 10 designated primary hospitals for hepatitis C in Yuxi, China from July 2023 to June 2024, and according to whether genotype detection was performed, they were divided into genotype detection group with 122 patients and non-genotype detection group with 76 patients. The patients were observed in terms of sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR12), safety, and liver biochemical parameters. Propensity score matching was used to match the two cohorts, using caliper matching (caliper value = 0.02) at a ratio of 1∶1. The independent-samples t test or the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. ResultsAmong the 122 patients in the genotype detection group, 63.11% (77/122) had genotype 3, while the non-genotype detection group had 76 patients; both groups achieved an SVR12 rate of 100%. From baseline to 12 weeks after treatment, both groups had a significant increase in the serum level of albumin, significant reductions in the serum levels of total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alpha-fetoprotein, and a significant reduction in FibroScan value (all P<0.05). A total of 54 patients (27.27%) experienced at least one adverse reaction, and anemia was the most common adverse reaction (38 patients, 19.19%), with an incidence rate of 50.00% (33/66) in patients with liver cirrhosis. HIV viral load remained <50 IU/mL before and after treatment, and there was no significant change in CD4+ T lymphocyte count after treatment (Z=-0.969, P=0.202). Compared with the genotype detection group, the non-genotype detection group had a significantly shorter time from positive HCV RNA testing to treatment initiation (4±2 days vs 19±4 days, t=5.321, P<0.05) and significantly lower testing costs (618±97 yuan vs 789±129 yuan, t=3.661, P<0.05). ConclusionFor patients with HIV/HCV co-infection, the simplified diagnosis and treatment strategies can achieve a relatively high SVR12 rate, improve biochemical indicators, and effectively reduce time cost and economic burden, with a favorable safety profile.
5.Analysis of Pharmacodynamic Material Basis, Mechanisms, and Efficacy-related Quality Markers of Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix with Different Therapeutic Effect
Xiaowei MENG ; Zhenzhen YANG ; Wenting WU ; Ronghua LIU ; Yongmei GUAN ; Hui OUYANG ; Liping HUANG ; Yaqi WANG ; Qiong LI ; Huanhuan DONG ; Jianping GONG ; Weifeng ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):269-281
Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix are the dried roots of Pueraria lobata and Pueraria thomsonii of the Leguminosae family, respectively. Since their separate inclusion in the 2005 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, the two herbs have been individually recorded. Although they share the same functions and indications, the required content of puerarin differs by a factor of up to eightfold between them. The current quality standard relies solely on a single indicator, puerarin, which fails to reflect the correlation between chemical constituents and core therapeutic effects. This has resulted in prominent issues of mixed use in clinical practice and production, thereby constraining the high-quality development of the industry. Modern research has demonstrated that Puerariae Lobatae Radix contains a comprehensive range and higher content of isoflavonoid constituents, while Puerariae Thomsonii Radix is rich in starch and polysaccharides. Puerariae Lobatae Radix exhibits stronger effects in antipyresis, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection, and central analgesia, while Puerariae Thomsonii Radix demonstrates greater advantages in anti-inflammation, hypoglycemia, and peripheral analgesia. Based on this, the chemical material bases of Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix at both the macromolecule and micromolecule levels were systematically reviewed and compared. The pharmacodynamic material bases and mechanisms of action underlying their three core therapeutic effects, namely "relieving exterior syndrome and clearing heat", "promoting fluid production to quench thirst", and "dredging channels and activating collaterals", were summarized. The most highly correlated common metabolic pathway shared by both herbs for these three therapeutic effects is the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway, and their common core target is prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2). This review provided clinical application recommendations based on the therapeutic differences between the two herbs, elucidated the scientific connotation of their "same origin but different effects", and, grounded in the quality marker (Q-Marker), proposed the concept of efficacy-related Q-Marker based on "substance-efficacy-syndrome" association, as well as a novel strategy for efficacy-oriented quality evaluation. Preliminary screening of quality markers associated with different therapeutic effects was also conducted. This study aims to provide critical scientific evidence for the precise clinical application of Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix, the improvement of quality standards, and the high-quality development of the industry.
6.Research progress on chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of hemp seed oil
Sinan WU ; Yaqian WANG ; Yang LIU ; Jincan XIE ; Mengxiao JIA ; Xiali ZHU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(17):2344-2348
Hemp seed oil serves as the core pharmacodynamic part of hemp seed, containing various active constituents including fatty acids and their esters (such as linoleic acid, methyl linolenate, etc.), tocopherols (such as α -tocopherol, β -tocopherol, etc.), polyphenols (such as caffeic acid, quercetin, etc.), and cannabinoids (such as cannabidiolic acid, cannabinol, etc.). Pharmacological studies demonstrate that hemp seed oil exerts anti-oxidation and anti-aging, blood-lipid-lowering and anti-atherosclerotic, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory effects, as well as functions in regulating intestinal microecology and improving intestinal mucosal barrier function. Its mechanisms are related to scavenging free radicals, activating endogenous antioxidant enzymes, improving the function of central cholinergic system, mitigating neuroinflammatory responses, regulating the balance of inflammatory factors, interfering with inflammatory signaling pathways, and optimizing the structure of intestinal microbiota. In future studies, a correlation network of “chemical component group-multi-target pharmacodynamic effect” can be constructed according to the chemical characteristics of hemp seed oil, and its pharmacodynamic evaluation for chronic diseases can be expanded, so as to promote its in-depth development and clinical transformation.
7.Exploring Content and Distribution Patterns of 22 Ginsenosides in Stems and Leaves of Panax ginseng with Different Stem Colors by UHPLC-QqQ-MS
Tianxin ZHANG ; Yang YANG ; Jiabing ZHANG ; Lixia WANG ; Xiaoxu CHEN ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Dade YU ; Hongwei WU ; Zhuju WANG ; Kaiyang LIU ; Liying TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):198-209
ObjectiveTo systematically elucidate the accumulation characteristics of secondary metabolites in the stems and leaves of Panax ginseng with different stem colors. MethodsUltra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ-MS) was employed to determine the of 22 ginsenosides in the stems and leaves of 2- to 5-year-old P. ginseng plants with green and purple stems. Principal component analysis (PCA), orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed to explore the distribution patterns of ginsenosides from three dimensions: tissue distribution, growth duration, and stem color. Results① Tissue distribution: Leaves served as the primary organ for ginsenoside accumulation, exhibiting significantly higher total ginsenoside content than stems, which indicated distinct tissue-specific distribution of ginsenosides. ② Growth duration: Ginsenoside levels in stems generally peaked in the 2-year-old plants before stabilizing, while those in leaves displayed a declining-rebounding pattern, indicating that the 2-year-old plants (harvest stage) was a critical time point for the resurgence of leaf ginsenosides. ③ Stem color: A stage-specific correlation was observed between stem color and ginsenoside accumulation. In stems, the early-growth stage (2-year-old) of purple-stemmed plants exhibited higher content of specific ginsenosides (e.g., ginsenoside Rk1 and notoginsenoside R1), which may be associated with its stronger early-stage stress resistance. In leaves, the content of core ginsenosides (e.g., ginsenosides Re and Rd) in 5-year-old plants with green stems showed a surpassing trend, demonstrating higher potential of resource development. ConclusionThe accumulation of ginsenosides in P. ginseng stems and leaves is multidimensionally regulated by tissue type, growth duration, and stem color phenotypes. Purple-stemmed plants exhibit early-stage specific ginsenoside accumulation and stress resistance potential, whereas green-stemmed plants are more advantageous for core leaf ginsenoside development at the harvest stage. The findings confirm that aboveground stem color can serve as a biomarker for directed breeding and efficient resource utilization of P. ginseng.
8.Exploring Content and Distribution Patterns of 22 Ginsenosides in Stems and Leaves of Panax ginseng with Different Stem Colors by UHPLC-QqQ-MS
Tianxin ZHANG ; Yang YANG ; Jiabing ZHANG ; Lixia WANG ; Xiaoxu CHEN ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Dade YU ; Hongwei WU ; Zhuju WANG ; Kaiyang LIU ; Liying TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):198-209
ObjectiveTo systematically elucidate the accumulation characteristics of secondary metabolites in the stems and leaves of Panax ginseng with different stem colors. MethodsUltra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ-MS) was employed to determine the of 22 ginsenosides in the stems and leaves of 2- to 5-year-old P. ginseng plants with green and purple stems. Principal component analysis (PCA), orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed to explore the distribution patterns of ginsenosides from three dimensions: tissue distribution, growth duration, and stem color. Results① Tissue distribution: Leaves served as the primary organ for ginsenoside accumulation, exhibiting significantly higher total ginsenoside content than stems, which indicated distinct tissue-specific distribution of ginsenosides. ② Growth duration: Ginsenoside levels in stems generally peaked in the 2-year-old plants before stabilizing, while those in leaves displayed a declining-rebounding pattern, indicating that the 2-year-old plants (harvest stage) was a critical time point for the resurgence of leaf ginsenosides. ③ Stem color: A stage-specific correlation was observed between stem color and ginsenoside accumulation. In stems, the early-growth stage (2-year-old) of purple-stemmed plants exhibited higher content of specific ginsenosides (e.g., ginsenoside Rk1 and notoginsenoside R1), which may be associated with its stronger early-stage stress resistance. In leaves, the content of core ginsenosides (e.g., ginsenosides Re and Rd) in 5-year-old plants with green stems showed a surpassing trend, demonstrating higher potential of resource development. ConclusionThe accumulation of ginsenosides in P. ginseng stems and leaves is multidimensionally regulated by tissue type, growth duration, and stem color phenotypes. Purple-stemmed plants exhibit early-stage specific ginsenoside accumulation and stress resistance potential, whereas green-stemmed plants are more advantageous for core leaf ginsenoside development at the harvest stage. The findings confirm that aboveground stem color can serve as a biomarker for directed breeding and efficient resource utilization of P. ginseng.
9.Analysis of parental expectations for the development and related factors of children with autism spectrum disorder
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(9):1312-1316
Objective:
To assess parental expectations for the development of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and identify factors associated with these expectations, so as to provide references for improving rehabilitation outcomes and long term development in children with ASD.
Methods:
From June 2024 to January 2026, a total of 877 children with ASD and their parents were recruited from 27 rehabilitation institutions in Hefei. The children had been diagnosed by chief physicians at tertiary level hospitals. Demographic characteristics and data on parental expectations were collected by the Parental Expectations Questionnaire. Differences in parental expectations between groups were assessed using the Mann-Whitney U- test and Kruskal-Wallis H-test, and associated factors were examined using quantile regression.
Results:
The mean item score for overall parental expectations among parents of children with ASD was (4.55±0.47), and scores for all dimensions were higher than those among parents of typically developing children ( t =11.11-31.14, all P <0.01). Child age, school enrollment, and maternal personality were associated with daily living expectation scores, learning and special talents and strengths expectation scores, and special talents and strengths expectation scores, respectively ( H =6.16-8.18, all P <0.05). Parents of preterm children had higher expectations for social interaction, physical and mental well being, and daily living than parents of non-preterm children ( Z =-2.56, -2.48, -2.39, all P <0.05). Multivariate quantile regression analysis showed that children’s age was associated with the expected level of self care ability; school enrollment status was associated with the expected level of learning and specialty strengths; maternal personality was associated with the expected levels of social competence, physical and mental health, self care ability, and specialty strengths; parental age was associated with the expected levels of physical and mental health and specialty strengths; and parental educational attainment was associated with the expected level of self care ability ( β =-0.36-0.41, all P <0.05).
Conclusion
Parents of children with ASD in Hefei generally have high expectations for their children s development across the domains of learning, daily living, social interaction, and physical and mental well being.
10.Professor WU Rongzu's Clinical Experience in Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation Using Fuyang Tongmi Decoction (扶阳通秘汤)
Yihao YANG ; Junran ZHU ; Wendi WU ; Liyun JIANG ; Yueqiu DONG ; Yueqing CAI ; Ruibin ZHOU ; Yunjiao XU ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1049-1051
This paper introduces professor WU Rongzu's clinical experience in using Fuyang Tongmi Decoction (扶阳通秘汤, FTD) to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). It is believed that yang qi depletion, water cold, earth dampness, and wood constraint are the key pathogenesis.The treatment principle is warming water, drying the earth and venting wood, with the basic formula FTD adjusted according to the symptoms. This approach aims to transport the qi movement of the middle jiao (焦) and support the recovery of intestinal function of directing turbidity downward, providing a treatment strategy for IBS-C caused by yang deficiency.


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