1.Construction and validation of circadian rhythm genes-related prognostic risk model for lung adenocarcinoma
Yanqi CUI ; Hu ZHAO ; Yawei ZHANG ; Lin NI ; Duohuang LIAN ; Jingrong YANG ; Shixin YE ; Fengfeng XU ; Jincan ZHANG ; Zhiyong ZENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(04):550-558
Objective To explore the relationship between circadian rhythm genes and the occurrence, development, prognosis, and tumor microenvironment (TME) of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods The Cancer Genome Atlas data were used to evaluate the expression, copy number variation, and somatic mutation frequency of circadian gene sets in LUAD. Gene ontology, Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes, and gene set enrichment analysis were used to explore the potential mechanisms by which circadian rhythm genes affected LUAD progression. Cox regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, support vector machine recursive feature elimination, and random forest screened circadian genes and established prognostic models, and on this basis constructed nomogram to predict patients’ 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates. Kaplan-Meier survival curves, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and time-dependent ROC curves were drawn to evaluate the predictive ability of the model, and the external dataset of GEO further verified the prognostic value of the prediction model. In addition, we evaluated the association of the prognostic model with immune cells and immune checkpoint genes. Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis was used to explore the molecular characteristics between prognostically relevant circadian genes and different immune cell populations in TME. Results Differentially expressed circadian rhythm genes were mainly enriched in biological processes related to cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis, and JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Seven circadian rhythm genes: LGR4, CDK1, KLF10, ARNTL2, RORA, NPAS2, PTGDS were screened out, and a RiskScore model was established. According to the median RiskScore, samples were divided into a high-risk group and a low-risk group. Compared with patients in the low-risk group, patients in the high-risk group showed a poorer prognosis (P<0.001). Immunological characterization analysis showed that there were differences in the infiltration of multiple immune cells between the low-risk group and high-risk group. Most immune checkpoint genes had higher expression levels in the high-risk group than those in the low-risk group, and RiskScore was positively correlated with the expression of CD276, TNFSF4, PDCD1LG2, CD274, and TNFRSF9, and negatively correlated with the expression of CD40LG and TNFSF15. The scRNA-seq analysis showed that RORA and KLF10 were mainly expressed in natural killer cells. Conclusion The prognostic model based on seven feature circadian rhythm genes has certain predictive value for predicting survival of LUAD patients. Dysregulated expression of circadian genes may regulate the occurrence, progression as well as prognosis of LUAD through affecting TME, which provides a possible direction for finding potential strategies for treating LUAD from the perspective of mechanism by which circadian disorder affects immune cells.
2.Effects of Electrothermal Acupuncture on the HIF-1α/S1P/S1PR3 Pathway and Macrophage Polarization in Epididymal White Adipose Tissue of Obese Model Mice
Xiaobo GE ; Yuanyuan LI ; Jiangyan WEI ; Limin NIE ; Xin YANG ; Quan MIAO ; Mina WANG ; Yawei XI ; Luopeng ZHAO ; Yine SONG ; Xinru SUN ; Lu LIU ; Bin LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(20):2227-2235
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism underlying the weight loss effect of electrothermal acupuncture (ETA) in diet-induced obese (DIO) model mice based on the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 3 (S1PR3) signaling pathway-mediated macrophage polarization. MethodsAn obesity mouse model was established by continuously feeding at a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks. Twenty successfully modeled obese mice were randomly divided into a model group and an electrothermal acupuncture (ETA) group with 10 mice per group, both of which continued to receive the HFD till week 12. Another 10 mice were assigned to the normal group and fed a standard chow diet continuously for 12 weeks. Starting from week 9 of the experiment, mice in the ETA group received electrothermal acupuncture stimulation at Zhongwan (CV12), bilateral Tianshu (ST25), and bilateral Zusanli (ST36) for 30 minutes per session, with the instrument current set at (40±0.5)mA and a constant temperature of (40±0.5)℃. Mice in the normal group and the model group were restrained in the same manner for 30 minutes without acupuncture. All interventions were performed once every other day for a total of 4 weeks. Ten hours after the final intervention, the body weight, waist circumference, and body length of mice in each group were measured, and Lee's index was calculated. Serum biochemical analysis was performed to assess fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr). Serum leptin (LEP) and adiponectin (ADPN) levels, as well as sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) levels in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT), were detected by ELISA. Histomorphological changes in eWAT were monitored via HE staining. Flow cytometry was used to analyze macrophage subtype-related indexes in eWAT, including the total proportion of macrophages, the proportion of M1 macrophages, the proportion of M2 macrophages, and the M1/M2 ratio. Antibody array technology was used to determine the levels of differentially expressed inflammatory factors in eWAT between the model and blank groups, as well as between the ETA and model groups. Western blot and qPCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α and S1PR3 in the eWAT, respectively. ResultsCompared to the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased body weight, Lee's index, waist circumference, and FBG, TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, AST, and ALT levels, upgraded LEP and S1P levels, decreased ADPN level and ADPN/LEP ratio, elevated proportion of M1 macrophages and the M1/M2 ratio, reduced proportion of M2 macrophages, and upregulated protein and mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α and S1PR3 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). With the exception of HDL-C, all the abovementioned indicators in the ETA group were significantly improved compared to the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Analysis of differentially expressed inflammatory cytokines revealed that, compared to the normal group, the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-12p70 (IL-12p70) in the eWAT of the model group were elevated; conversely, the levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17), interleukin-5 (IL-5), IL-6, and interleukin-23 (IL-23) in the eWAT of the ETA group decreased compared to the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionETA exerts a weight-reducing effect in obese model mice, and the mechanism may involve inhibition of the HIF-1α/S1P/S1PR3 signaling pathway activation, which shifts macrophage polarization from the M1 to M2 phenotype, thereby alleviating chronic inflammation.
3.Anti-osteoporosis Effect of Isorhamnetin: A Review
Shilong MENG ; Xu ZHANG ; Yawei XU ; Yang YU ; Wei LI ; Yanguang CAO ; Xiaolin SHI ; Wei ZHANG ; Kang LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):347-352
Osteoporosis is a common senile bone metabolism disease, clinically characterized by decreased bone mass, destruction of bone microstructure, increased bone fragility, and easy fracture. It tends to occur in the elderly and postmenopausal women, seriously threatening the quality of life and physical and mental health of the elderly. At present, the treatment of osteoporosis is mainly based on oral western medicines, such as calcium, Vitamin D, and bisphosphonates. Still, there are drawbacks such as a long medication cycle and many adverse reactions. In recent years, due to the advantages of multi-component, multi-pathway, and multi-target, some traditional Chinese medicines and effective ingredients can regulate the osteogenic and osteoclastic differentiation process in both directions and are widely used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Hippophae rhamnoides is a commonly used herbal medicine, and its fruits are rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, fatty acids, vitamins, and trace elements, which have been proven to have a good anti-osteoporosis effect. Isorhamnetin is the main effective ingredient of Hippophae rhamnoides fruits, which has many pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, anti-aging, and anti-tumor. Studies have shown that isorhamnetin can participate in the regulation of bone metabolism and has a good anti-osteoporosis effect. However, the pharmacological effects and related mechanisms of isorhamnetin against osteoporosis have not been systematically summarized. Therefore, this paper reviewed the pharmacological effects and related mechanisms of isorhamnetin against osteoporosis by referring to relevant literature to provide more basis for the development and application of isorhamnetin.
4.A Randomized Controlled Trial of Stone Needle Thermocompression and Massage for Treating Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in the Shoulder and Back:A Secondary Analysis of Muscle Elasticity as a Mediator
Jingjing QIAN ; Yuanjing LI ; Li LI ; Yawei XI ; Ying WANG ; Cuihua GUO ; Jiayan ZHOU ; Yaxuan SUN ; Shu LIU ; Guangjing YANG ; Na YUAN ; Xiaofang YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(9):935-940
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of stone needle thermocompression and massage compared to flurbiprofen gel patch in relieving chronic musculoskeletal pain in the shoulder and back, and to explore the potential mediating mechanism through muscle elasticity. MethodsA total of 120 patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain in the shoulder and back were randomly assigned to either stone needle group or flurbiprofen group, with 60 patients in each. The stone needle group received stone needle thermocompression and massage for 30 minutes, three times per week; the flurbiprofen group received flurbiprofen gel patch twice daily. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks. Pain improvement, as the primary outcome, was assessed using the Global Pain Scale (GPS) at baseline, after 2 weeks of treatment, and again 2 weeks post-treatment. To explore potential mechanisms, a mediator analysis was conducted by measuring changes in superficial and deep muscle elasticity using musculoskeletal ultrasound at baseline and after the 2-week treatment period. ResultsThe stone needle group showed significantly greater pain relief than the flurbiprofen group 2 weeks post-treatment. After adjusting for confounders related to pain duration, the between-group mean difference was -8.8 [95% CI (-18.2, -0.7), P<0.05]. Part of the therapeutic effect was mediated by changes in deep muscle elasticity, with a mediation effect size of -1.5 [95% CI (-2.0, -0.9), P = 0.024], accounting for 17.9% of the total effect. ConclusionStone needle thermocompression and massage can effectively relieve chronic musculoskeletal pain in the shoulder and back, partly through a mediating effect of improved deep muscle elasticity.
5.Key Information Research and Modern Clinical Application of Famous Classical Formula Yanghetang
Weilu NIU ; Mengjie YANG ; Chengqi LYU ; Shunxi WANG ; Ziwen WANG ; Huangchao JIA ; Liyun WANG ; Xuewei LIU ; Mingsan MIAO ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Yawei YAN ; Chunyong LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):238-246
Through data collection and collation combined with bibliometrics, this study conducted a series of textual research on Yanghetang, such as the name and origin, the evolution of prescription composition and modern clinical application. Yanghetang was first recorded in Bencao Yidu of WANG Ang in the Qing dynasty. In addition to Yanghetang, there were 3 bynames of Jiawei Yanghetang, Quanshengji Yanghetang and Zhenjun Yanghetang. Regarding the composition of the formula, a total of 4 versions of Yanghetang were collected. The first version is the 5 medicines version of Cervi Cornus Colla, Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, Cinnamomi Cortex, Zingiberis Rhizoma and Ephedrae Herba in Bencao Yidu. The second version is the 7 medicines version of Waike Zhengzhi Quanshengji, changing Zingiberis Rhizoma to Zingiberis Rhizoma Praeparatum Carbonisata(ZRPC) and adding Sinapis Semen and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma(GRR) on the basis of Bencao Yidu, and most of the Yanghetang is of this version. The third version is the 6 medicines version of Wushi Yifang Huibian, that is, on the basis of Bencao Yidu, Zingiberis Rhizoma is changed into ZRPC, and Sinapis Semen is added. The fourth version is the 6 medicines version in Yifang Jiedu, that is, on the basis of Bencao Yidu, Zingiberis Rhizoma is changed into Zingiberis Rhizoma Praeparatum, and GRR Praeparata cum Melle is added. Regarding the dose of Yanghetang, the doses of the medicines in Waike Zhengzhi Quanshengji was converted into the modern doses as follows:37.3 g of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, 1.87 g of Ephedrae Herba, 11.19 g of Cervi Cornus Colla, 7.46 g of Sinapis Semen, 3.73 g of Cinnamomi Cortex, 3.73 g of GRR, and 1.87 g of ZRPC. The origins of the above medicines are consistent with the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The processing specification of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata is steaming method, ZRPC is ginger charcoal, Sinapis Semen is the fried products, and the rest of the medicines are raw products. The decoction method was verified by the decoction method in Chonglou Yuyao, which is similar in the time, and it is recommended that the above medicines should be added with 600 mL of water, decocted to 100 mL, and taken warmly 30 min after meal. For each dose, it is recommended to use 1-3 doses per day according to the doctor's advice in combination with clinical practice. The diseases involved in the ancient applications involved 42 diseases in 11 departments, including orthopedics, dermatology and gynecology, which were dominated by Yin-cold syndrome. However, the diseases involved in modern research also include 148 related diseases in 10 departments, such as orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology, which is consistent with the ancient books. In recent years, the research hotspots of Yanghetang have focused on more than 10 fields, including osteoblasts, malignant tumors, wound healing, traditional Chinese medicine fumigation and so on, which are widely used. It is suitable for comprehensive research and development because of its rational formula composition, clear origin, processing and decoction method, and wide clinical application.
6.Historical Evolution and Modern Clinical Application of Huoxiang Zhengqisan
Weilu NIU ; Mengjie YANG ; Chengqi LYU ; Cuicui SHEN ; Congcong LI ; Huangchao JIA ; Liyun WANG ; Xuewei LIU ; Mingsan MIAO ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Yawei YAN ; Chunyong LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):156-167
In this study, bibliometric methods were used to systematically investigate the name and origin, the evolution of prescription composition, dose evolution, origin and processing method, decoction method, ancient application, modified application, modern application and other information of Huoxiang Zhengqisan. After research, Huoxiang Zhengqisan, also known as Huoxiang Zhengqitang, was first recorded in Taiping Huimin Hejijufang. The original formula is composed of 41.3 g of Arecae Pericarpium, 41.3 g of Angelicae Dahuricae Radix, 41.3 g of Perilla frutescens(actually Perillae Folium), 41.3 g of Poria, 82.6 g of Pinelliae Rhizoma, 82.6 g of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, 82.6 g of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium(actually Citri Exocarpium Rubbum), 82.6 g of Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex, 82.6 g of Platycodonis Radix, 123.9 g of Pogostemonis Herba, and 103.25 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. In this formula, Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex is processed according to the specifications for ginger-processed products, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is processed according to the specifications for stir-fried products, and other herbs are used in their raw products. The botanical sources of the herbs are consistent with the 2020 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. The above herbs are ground into a fine powder with a particle size passing through a No. 5 sieve. For each dose, take 8.26 g of the powdered formula, add 300 mL of water, along with 3 g of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens and 3 g of Jujubae Fructus, and decoct until reduced to 140 mL. The decoction should be administered hot, with three times daily. To induce sweating, the patient should be kept warm under a quilt, and an additional dose should be prepared and taken if needed. This formula is traditionally used to relieve the exterior and resolve dampness, regulate Qi and harmonize the middle, which is mainly used to treat a series of diseases of digestive and respiratory systems. However, potential adverse reactions, including allergies, purpura and disulfiram-like reactions, should be considered during clinical use. Huoxiang Zhengqisan features a rational composition, extensive clinical application, and strong potential for further research and development.
7.Prognostic value of ultrasound carotid plaque length in patients with coronary artery disease.
Wendong TANG ; Zhichao XU ; Tingfang ZHU ; Yawei YANG ; Jian NA ; Wei ZHANG ; Liang CHEN ; Zongjun LIU ; Ming FAN ; Zhifu GUO ; Xianxian ZHAO ; Yuan BAI ; Bili ZHANG ; Hailing ZHANG ; Pan LI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(14):1755-1757
8.Historical Evolution and Modern Clinical Application of Huoxiang Zhengqisan
Weilu NIU ; Mengjie YANG ; Chengqi LYU ; Cuicui SHEN ; Congcong LI ; Huangchao JIA ; Liyun WANG ; Xuewei LIU ; Mingsan MIAO ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Yawei YAN ; Chunyong LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):156-167
In this study, bibliometric methods were used to systematically investigate the name and origin, the evolution of prescription composition, dose evolution, origin and processing method, decoction method, ancient application, modified application, modern application and other information of Huoxiang Zhengqisan. After research, Huoxiang Zhengqisan, also known as Huoxiang Zhengqitang, was first recorded in Taiping Huimin Hejijufang. The original formula is composed of 41.3 g of Arecae Pericarpium, 41.3 g of Angelicae Dahuricae Radix, 41.3 g of Perilla frutescens(actually Perillae Folium), 41.3 g of Poria, 82.6 g of Pinelliae Rhizoma, 82.6 g of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, 82.6 g of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium(actually Citri Exocarpium Rubbum), 82.6 g of Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex, 82.6 g of Platycodonis Radix, 123.9 g of Pogostemonis Herba, and 103.25 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. In this formula, Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex is processed according to the specifications for ginger-processed products, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is processed according to the specifications for stir-fried products, and other herbs are used in their raw products. The botanical sources of the herbs are consistent with the 2020 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. The above herbs are ground into a fine powder with a particle size passing through a No. 5 sieve. For each dose, take 8.26 g of the powdered formula, add 300 mL of water, along with 3 g of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens and 3 g of Jujubae Fructus, and decoct until reduced to 140 mL. The decoction should be administered hot, with three times daily. To induce sweating, the patient should be kept warm under a quilt, and an additional dose should be prepared and taken if needed. This formula is traditionally used to relieve the exterior and resolve dampness, regulate Qi and harmonize the middle, which is mainly used to treat a series of diseases of digestive and respiratory systems. However, potential adverse reactions, including allergies, purpura and disulfiram-like reactions, should be considered during clinical use. Huoxiang Zhengqisan features a rational composition, extensive clinical application, and strong potential for further research and development.
9.Feasibility and safety of laparoscopic purse-string suture clamps and multi-functional seal caps for total laparoscopic radical total gastrectomy
Yawei QIAN ; Zhongyuan HE ; Fengyuan LI ; Pengyu LI ; Weizhi WANG ; Linjun WANG ; Diancai ZHANG ; Hao XU ; Zekuan XU ; Li YANG
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2025;28(8):908-915
Objective:To investigate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic purse- string suture clamps combined with multi-functional seal caps for esophagojejunal Roux-en-Y anastomosis during total laparoscopic radical total gastrectomy (TLTG).Methods:This was a retrospective descriptive study of 42 patients with primary gastric malignancies who underwent TLTG at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University that utilized laparoscopic purse-string suture clamps and multi-functional seal caps for esophagojejunal anastomosis between May, 2024 and January, 2025. The cohort included 33 males and 9 females, with a mean age of (67.7 ±9.5) years and a mean body mass index (BMI) of (23.9±2.9) kg/m 2. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classifications were I - II in 40 patients and III in 2 patients, and all patients were definitively diagnosed preoperatively via gastroscopy, dual-energy CT, and/or MRI. Tumor locations included the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) in 28 cases (Siewert type II - III), the upper third of the stomach in 12 cases, and the middle third in 2 cases. The median distance of esophageal invasion was 1.3 cm, though in 10 cases this was ≥2 cm. Preoperative TNM staging was I-II in 17 patients and III in 25 patients. Surgical outcomes including operative time, anastomosis time, intraoperative blood loss, pathological results, and postoperative recovery were retrospectively analyzed. Results:All 42 operations were successful. The mean operative time was(212.5±26.4) minutes, and the average time from multi-functional seal cap placement to completion of the esophagojejunal anastomosis was (54.2±7.5) minutes. Mean intraoperative blood loss was (79.9±21.3) ml. Postoperative pathology confirmed R0 resection in all specimens, with a mean proximal esophageal margin distance of (2.1±1.6) cm. Furthermore, (51.9±15.1) lymph nodes on average were harvested from each patient; the mean time to oral intake was (149.5±41.4) hours; and the mean hospital stay was (11.3±5.4) days. Postoperative complications occurred in 6 patients: anastomotic leakage ( n=2), residual intra-abdominal infection ( n=1), pulmonary infection ( n=3), and Clavien-Dindo grade III or higher complications occurred in 2 patients. No recurrence, mortality, or anastomosis-related complications were observed within a median follow-up of 5.8 months (range 3.5-11.2). Conclusion:We find the application of the laparoscopic purse-string suture clamps and multi-functional seal caps for esophagojejunal anastomosis in TLTG to be safe and feasible, with satisfactory short-term outcomes.
10.Application status and development prospect of digital intelligence technology in the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases
Yujie YANG ; Leyuan QI ; Yanbo CAO ; Xiaotian WEN ; Jicong LIU ; Bixiao CHEN ; Yawei LIU ; Guohua HE ; Yu TIAN
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(8):972-985
Rare diseases pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges,carrying a high disease burden,their management critically reflects a nation's public health resilience.Currently,China faces key challenges such as scarce treatments,fragmented services,and low drug accessibility in rare disease care,which urgently require systemic solutions.Digital-intelligent technology as a key breakthrough are expected to resolve the challenges in this field.Although its application in the field of rare diseases is gradually expanding,there is a lack of systematic compilation of studies to elucidate how to precisely enhance the precision,synergy and sustainability of diagnosis and treatment.The key challenges in rare disease care concentrate in four areas:inefficiency in prenatal screening,uneven distribution of medical resources,low efficiency in social organization collaboration,and ineffective information dissemination.The"4C"strategy,based on digital-intelligent technology,can address these issues:①coordination,boost prenatal screening awareness and capacity via digital-intelligent platforms to strengthen prevention;②cooperation,deepen collaboration within specialist networks,empowering institutions to enhance diagnostic capacity;③co-creation,empower support organizations to optimize resources,efficiency;④cognition,minimize information dissipation through efficient platforms,improving patient and family quality of life.This establishes an integrated digital-intelligent rare disease model encompassing"screening-diagnosis-treatment-care".

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