1.Exploring Biological Characteristics of Rat Model of Atrial Fibrillation with Phlegm-heat and Blood Stasis Pattern Based on Metabolomics
Ailin HOU ; Yuxuan LIU ; Wenxi YU ; Xing JI ; Chan WU ; Dazhuo SHI ; Ying ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):245-255
ObjectiveTo establish an animal model of atrial fibrillation(AF) that accurately reflects the phlegm-heat and blood stasis(TRYZ) pathogenesis in traditional Chinese medicine. MethodsForty SPF-grade SD rats were randomly assigned using a random number table to the following groups:the control group, the TRYZ+AF group,the AF group and the TRYZ group, with ten rats in each group. The TRYZ+AF and TRYZ groups underwent a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide(LPS) injection to simulate the pathological alterations of TRYZ syndrome. Groups TRYZ+AF and AF were induced with acetylcholine-calcium chloride(Ach-CaCl2) via caudal vein injection to induce AF. The control group received no intervention and was maintained under normal conditions. The modeling period lasted 3 weeks. Electrocardiography was used to assess AF episodes and duration, echocardiography evaluated left atrial dimensions and cardiac function, fully automated biochemical analyzer measured the levels of total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides(TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), hemoreometer analyzed the whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, and whole blood reduced viscosity, a coagulation analyzer assessed prothrombin time(PT), activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT), thrombin time(TT), and fibrinogen(FIB), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to determine the levels of C-reactive protein(CRP), interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-17, tumour necrosis factor(TNF)-α, matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9), galectin-3(Gal-3), Collagen Ⅰ, and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and Masson's trichrome staining were used to analyze pathological changes in atrial myocardium, Western blot was employed to detect MMP-9, Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA protein expression in myocardial tissue, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) evaluated fibrous factor gene expression levels. Changes in the TRYZ syndrome were assessed via body weight, tongue color[red(R), green(G), and blue(B)], and rectal temperature. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was employed to detect differential metabolites between the control group and the TRYZ+AF group. ResultsFollowing three weeks of sustained modeling, compared with the control group, rats in the TRYZ+AF and the TRYZ groups exhibited reduced body weight, dry faeces, elevated rectal temperature, dark red tongue, decreased RGB values on the tongue surface, and markedly elevated TC and LDL-C levels(P<0.05, P<0.01). The TRYZ+AF, TRYZ, and AF groups exhibited significantly decreased TT, APTT and PT, along with markedly elevated whole blood viscosity and FIB(P<0.05, P<0.01). Rats in the TRYZ+AF and AF groups exhibited AF rhythm, markedly decreased heart rate, prolonged RR intervals, enlarged left atrium, and significantly reduced ejection fraction and shortening fraction(P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum levels of CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, MMP-9, Gal-3, Collagen Ⅰ, and α-SMA were elevated in rats from the TRYZ+AF, TRYZ, and AF groups compared to the control group, with the most pronounced increase observed in the TRYZ+AF group(P<0.05, P<0.01). Histopathology revealed that the collagen fiber deposition in the atrial of rats in the TRYZ+AF, TRYZ and AF groups was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05, P<0.01). Western blot and Real-time PCR results further demonstrated that the protein and mRNA expression levels of MMP-9, Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA in the myocardial tissue of the TRYZ+AF group were higher than those in the other three groups(P<0.05, P<0.01). Metabolomic analysis revealed 173 differentially expressed metabolites in the TRYZ+AF group and the control group, primarily enriched in pathways such as glycerophospholipid metabolism and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. ConclusionThis study successfully establishes a rat model of AF integrated with the TRYZ syndrome, demonstrating the pathological process where the interactions of phlegm, heat and stasis jointly trigger tremor, this provides a reliable experimental tool for in-depth research into the biological basis of this disease syndrome.
2.Empirical study of input, output, outcome and impact of community-based rehabilitation stations
Xiayao CHEN ; Ying DONG ; Xue DONG ; Zhongxiang MI ; Jun CHENG ; Aimin ZHANG ; Didi LU ; Jun WANG ; Jude LIU ; Qianmo AN ; Hui GUO ; Xiaochen LIU ; Zefeng YU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(1):83-89
ObjectiveTo investigate the present situation of input, output, outcome and impact of all registered community-based rehabilitation stations in Inner Mongolia in China, and analyze how the input predict the output, outcome and impact. MethodsFrom March 1st to April 30th, 2025, a questionnaire survey was conducted on all registered community-based rehabilitation stations in Inner Mongolia, covering four dimensions: input, output, outcome and impact. A total of 1 365 questionnaires were distributed. The input included four items: laws and policies, human resources, equipment and facilities, and rehabilitation information management. The output included two items: technical paths and benefits/effectiveness. The outcome included three items: coverage rates, rehabilitation interventions and functional results. The impact included two items: health and sustainability. Each item contained several questions, all of which were described in a positive way. Each question was scored from one to five. A lower score indicated that the situation of the community-based rehabilitation station was more in line with the content described in the question. Regression analysis was performed using the total score of each item of input dimension as independent variables, and the total scores of the output, outcome and impact dimensions as dependent variables. ResultsA total of 1 262 valid questionnaires were collected. The mean values of input, output, outcome and impact of community-based rehabilitation stations were 1.827 to 1.904, with coefficient of variation of 45.892% to 49.239%. The regression analysis showed that, rehabilitation information management, human resources, and laws and policies significantly predicted the output dimension (R² = 0.910, P < 0.001). Meanwhile, all four items in the input dimension predicted both the outcome (R² = 0.850, P < 0.001) and impact dimensions (R² = 0.833, P < 0.001). ConclusionInput, output, outcome and impact of the community-based rehabilitation stations in Inner Mongolia were generally in line with the content of the questions, although some imbalances were observed. Additionally, the input of community-based rehabilitation stations could significantly predict their output, outcome and impact.
3.Herbal Textual Research on Quisqualis Fructus in Famous Classical Formulas
Xiuping WEN ; Shiying CHEN ; Ying TAN ; Guanwen ZHENG ; Huilong XU ; Wen XU ; Chengzi YANG ; Zehao HUANG ; Yu LIN ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):225-237
This article systematically analyzed the historical evolution of the origin, scientific name, producing area, quality evaluation, harvesting and processing, and other aspects of Quisqualis Fructus by consulting the ancient materia medica, medical books, prescription books, local literature and combining with the modern literature and standards, summarized and explored the development rules of its medicinal properties and efficacy along with their underlying causes, in order to provide support for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. According to the textual research, Shijunzi was first recorded as Liuqiuzi in Nanfang Caomuzhuang of the Jin dynasty, and the name of Shijunzi was first used in Kaibao Bencao of the Song dynasty, which has been consistently used throughout subsequent dynasties, and there were also aliases such as Junziren, Sijunzi, and Dujilizi. The mainstream source of Quisqualis Fructus used in the past dynasties has been the dried mature fruits of Quisqualis indica, a plant belonging to the family Combretaceae. In modern times, its variety Q. indica var. villosa has also been recorded as the medicinal material of Quisqualis Fructus. In 2007, the Flora of China(English edition) designated Q. indica var. villosa as a synonym of Q. indica. Today, the accepted name of Shijunzi is updated to Combretum indicum. According to ancient herbal records, the producing areas of Quisqualis Fructus were Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao, Guangxi, Hainan, Sichuan and Fujian, and then gradually expanded to Yunnan, Taiwan, Jiangxi and Guizhou. Since the Song dynasty, two major production regions have gradually emerged in Sichuan, Chongqing and Fujian. Currently, it is primarily cultivated in Chongqing, Guangxi and other areas, with Chongqing yielding the highest output. Since modern times, superior quality has been defined by large size, a purple-black surface, plump grains, and a yellowish-white kernel. According to ancient herbal records, the harvesting period of Quisqualis Fructus was the July and August of the lunar calendar, mostly used raw after shelling or with the shell intact, it underwent processing methods such as cleaning, slicing, mixing, steaming, roasting, stewing, and frying. Currently, the harvesting period is autumn, followed by sun-drying or low-heat drying, with processing methods including cleaning, stir-frying, and stewing. In ancient and modern literature, the records of the properties, functions and indications of Quisqualis Fructus are basically the same, that is, sweet in taste, warm in nature, predominantly non-toxic, belonging to the spleen and stomach meridians. It possesses effects of insecticide, decontamination and invigorating spleen for ascariasis, enterobiasis, abdominal pain due to worm accumulation and infantile malnutrition.The contraindications for use primarily include avoiding consumption by individuals without parasitic infestations, limiting use for those with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold, refraining from drinking hot tea during medication, and avoiding excessive intake. Based on the textual research, it is suggested that the dried mature fruits of Q. indica should be used as the medicinal material for the development of famous classical formulas containing Quisqualis Fructus. Processing methods may be chosen according to prescription requirements, and the raw products is recommended for medicinal use if not specified.
4.Epidemiological characteristics and disease burden of liver cancer in Guangdong Province
Ying ZHANG ; Yixuan CHEN ; Rong CAO ; Yue GAO ; Yutong HAN ; Ye WANG ; Ruilin MENG ; Xueyan ZHENG ; Yu LIAO ; Zhuanping ZENG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):68-72
Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and disease burden of liver cancer in Guangdong Province in 2020, and to provide a scientific foundation for the development of regionalized prevention and control strategies for liver cancer. Methods According to the cancer registry data of Guangdong Province, the incidence, mortality and age-standardized rate by Chinese standard population in 2020 were calculated to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of liver cancer. The disability adjusted life years (DALYs), year of life loss (YLL), year of lived with disability (YLD), and cause-eliminated life expectancy were used to assess the disease burden of liver cancer. Results In 2020, the crude incidence rate and the age-standardized incidence rate of liver cancer in Guangdong Province were 27.79/100 000 and 20.84/100 000,respectively, and the crude mortality rate and the age-standardized mortality rate of liver cancer were 25.49/100,000 and 17.64/100 000, respectively. The total DALY and DALY rate of liver cancer in Guangdong Province were 515 311 person-years and 513.83/100 000, respectively. After eliminating the causes of death from liver cancer, the life expectancy in Guangdong Province increased from 84.60 years to 84.99 years. All indicators consistently demonstrated that the burden of liver cancer was higher in males than that in females, and the burden of liver cancer was higher in rural areas than that in urban areas. Conclusion Liver cancer in Guangdong Province exhibits a high incidence, mortality and disease burden level in 2020. There are obvious differences of gender, age and region in cancer burden. It is necessary to strengthen liver cancer screening and diagnosis and treatment in men, the elderly and those in rural areas to reduce the burden of liver cancer gradually in Guangdong Province.
5.Treatment of Recurrent Pediatric Cough and Asthma Based on the Theory of "Mutual Dependence of Ascending and Descending" from the Perspectives of Deficiency,Phlegm,and Blood Stasis
Yu LIU ; Ying DING ; Yongbin YAN ; Xuran GUO ; Linlin LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(9):963-967
Guided by the theory of "mutual dependence of ascending and descending", recurrent pediatric cough and asthma are considered to result from the imbalance of the ascending and descending of zang-fu organ qi, which is closely associated with deficiency, phlegm, and blood stasis. In clinical practice, the disease is treated based on differentiation during the initial stage, progression stage, and stable stage. In the initial stage, the pathogenesis is attributed to lung deficiency complicated by external pathogens and liver qi rising to attack the lung; the treatment should focus on restraining the lung and calming the liver, using the self-formulated Longchai Yuchuan Fomulation (龙柴愈喘方). During the progression stage, the disorder is due to the spleen failing to ascend clear qi and the kidney failing to grasp qi, leading to phlegm formation from deficiency; treatment should focus on tonifying spleen yang, supplementing kidney qi, and resolving phlegm and fluid retention, using a modified combination of Linggui Zhugan Decoction (苓桂术甘汤) and Jinkui Shenqi Pill (金匮肾气丸). In the stable stage, qi deficiency leads to poor consolidation, with phlegm turbidity and blood stasis; the treatment should aim at tonifying qi, transforming phlegm, and dispelling blood stasis, using a modified version of Guizhi Fuling Pill (桂枝茯苓丸).
6.Visualization Analysis of Research Hotspots and Trends in Field of Tumor Therapy Based on CiteSpace and VOSviewer
Yuhang FANG ; Chuchu ZHANG ; Bailu SUI ; Yan WANG ; Runxi WANG ; Yu CHEN ; Xinhe YUAN ; Hongjun YANG ; Ying ZHANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(4):297-304
Objective To explore the research hotspots and development trends in the field of cancer treatment in the past decade. Methods The CNKI and Web of Science Core Collection databases were searched for Chinese and English articles related to cancer treatment published over the last 10 years. Bibliometric research methods were employed, including keyword cluster analysis of published literature. Results A total of 45 455 Chinese articles and 866 958 English articles were retrieved. Combining the visualization analysis results and the current research dilemma of tumor treatment revealed that the current research hotspots of tumor treatment domestically and internationally can primarily focus on four key areas. In the realm of targeted therapy, efforts are directed towards the discovery of new drug targets, overcoming resistance to targeted therapy, and the development of monoclonal antibodies and antibody–drug conjugates. In the field of immunotherapy, the emphasis lies in enhancing the response rate to immune checkpoint inhibitors, determining the mechanisms behind resistance to immunotherapy, and improving the safety of treatment. The research in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) covers evidence-based evaluation studies on TCM treatment, the identification of populations that can gain the most benefit from TCM, and strategies for improving the quality of life. In the area of novel drug development, cutting-edge technologies, such as organoid-based screening for anticancer drugs, synthetic biology, and artificial intelligence, are under investigation. Conclusion New targeted drugs, immune efficacy improvement, multidisciplinary integration, nano-delivery, and TCM innovation are the key research directions in the field of tumor therapy in the future.
7.Eye Movement and Gait Variability Analysis in Chinese Patients With Huntington’s Disease
Shu-Xia QIAN ; Yu-Feng BAO ; Xiao-Yan LI ; Yi DONG ; Zhi-Ying WU
Journal of Movement Disorders 2025;18(1):65-76
Objective:
Huntington’s disease (HD) is characterized by motor, cognitive, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Oculomotor impairments and gait variability have been independently considered as potential markers in HD. However, an integrated analysis of eye movement and gait is lacking. We performed multiple examinations of eye movement and gait variability in HTT mutation carriers, analyzed the consistency between these parameters and clinical severity, and then examined the associations between oculomotor impairments and gait deficits.
Methods:
We included 7 patients with pre-HD, 30 patients with HD and 30 age-matched controls. We collected demographic data and assessed the Unified Huntington’s Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) score. Examinations, including saccades, smooth pursuit tests, and optokinetic (OPK) tests, were performed to evaluate eye movement function. The parameters of gait include stride length, walking velocity, step deviation, step length, and gait phase.
Results:
HD patients have significant impairments in the latency and velocity of saccades, the gain of smooth pursuit, and the gain and slow phase velocities of OPK tests. Only the speed of saccades significantly differed between pre-HD patients and controls. There are significant impairments in stride length, walking velocity, step length, and gait phase in HD patients. The parameters of eye movement and gait variability in HD patients were consistent with the UHDRS scores. There were significant correlations between eye movement and gait parameters.
Conclusion
Our results show that eye movement and gait are impaired in HD patients and that the speed of saccades is impaired early in pre-HD. Eye movement and gait abnormalities in HD patients are significantly correlated with clinical disease severity.
8.Residual Inflammatory Risk and Intracranial Atherosclerosis Plaque Vulnerability: Insights From High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Ying YU ; Rongrong CUI ; Xin HE ; Xinxin SHI ; Zhikai HOU ; Yuesong PAN ; Mingyao LI ; Jiabao YANG ; Zhongrong MIAO ; Yongjun WANG ; Rong WANG ; Xin LOU ; Long YAN ; Ning MA
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(2):207-216
Background:
and Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association between residual inflammatory risk (RIR) and vulnerable plaques using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS).
Methods:
This retrospective study included 70%–99% symptomatic ICAS patients hospitalized from January 2016 to December 2022. Patients were classified into four groups based on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C): residual cholesterol inflammatory risk (RCIR, hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), RIR (hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L), residual cholesterol risk (RCR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), and no residual risk (NRR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L). Vulnerable plaque features on HRMRI included positive remodeling, diffuse distribution, intraplaque hemorrhage, and strong enhancement.
Results:
Among 336 included patients, 21, 60, 58, and 197 were assigned to the RCIR, RIR, RCR, and NRR groups, respectively. Patients with RCIR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.606; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.346–9.662; P=0.011) and RIR (aOR, 3.361; 95% CI, 1.774–6.368, P<0.001) had higher risks of strong enhancement than those with NRR. Additionally, patients with RCIR (aOR, 2.965; 95% CI, 1.060–8.297; P=0.038) were more likely to have intraplaque hemorrhage compared with those with NRR. In the sensitivity analysis, RCR (aOR, 2.595; 95% CI, 1.201–5.608; P=0.015) exhibited an additional correlation with an increased risk of intraplaque hemorrhage.
Conclusion
In patients with symptomatic ICAS, RIR is associated with a higher risk of intraplaque hemorrhage and strong enhancement, indicating an increased vulnerability to atherosclerotic plaques.
9.Association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and incidence of inflammatory bowel disease: a nationwide population‑based cohort study
Ying-Hsiang WANG ; Chi-Hsiang CHUNG ; Tien-Yu HUANG ; Chao-Feng CHANG ; Chi-Wei YANG ; Wu-Chien CHIEN ; Yi-Chiao CHENG
Intestinal Research 2025;23(1):76-84
Background/Aims:
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disease with severe inflammatory processes associated with numerous gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, we investigated the relationship between NAFLD and IBD and the possible risk factors associated with the diagnosis of IBD.
Methods:
This longitudinal nationwide cohort study investigated the risk of IBD in patients with NAFLD alone. General characteristics, comorbidities, and incidence of IBD were also compared.
Results:
Patients diagnosed with NAFLD had a significant risk of developing IBD compared to control individuals, who were associated with a 2.245-fold risk of the diagnosis of IBD and a 2.260- and 2.231-fold of increased diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, respectively (P< 0.001). The cumulative risk of IBD increased annually during the follow-up of patients with NAFLD (P< 0.001).
Conclusions
Our results emphasize that NAFLD significantly impacts its incidence in patients with NAFLD. If patients with NAFLD present with risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, these conditions should be properly treated with regular follow-ups. Furthermore, we believe that these causes may be associated with the second peak of IBD.
10.Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of penpulimab in first-line treatment of advanced squamous non-small-cell lung cancer
Dongxue HU ; Ying ZHENG ; Qian GAO ; Shiyuan HU ; Danfeng WANG ; Fangzhu YU ; Lei DONG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(11):1364-1369
OBJECTIVE To estimate the cost-effectiveness of penpulimab combined with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone in first-line treatment of advanced squamous non-small-cell lung cancer (sq-NSCLC). METHODS From the perspective of Chinese health system, cost-utility analysis was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of penpulimab combined with chemotherapy (paclitaxel + carboplatin) versus chemotherapy (paclitaxel + carboplatin) in first-line treatment of sq-NSCLC. A three-health states Markov model was constructed with R packages, and clinical data used in the model were derived from the AK105-302 clinical trial. Costs and utilities were collected from the open-access database and published literature. The quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) was used as the utility index, and the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold was set at three times China’s per capita GDP in 2024, equivalent to 287 247 yuan/QALY. The cost-effectiveness of the schemes was evaluated by comparing the incremental cost- utility ratios (ICER) of the two schemes with the WTP threshold. One-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) were used to verify the stability of the basic analysis results. RESULTS Compared with chemotherapy, penpulimab combined with chemotherapy increased 0.73 QALY with an incremental cost of 150 681.93 yuan, and the ICER was 206 413.60 yuan/QALY. One-way sensitivity analysis showed that the utility of progression-free survival was the most sensitive factor on ICERs. At the WTP threshold of 3 times China’s per capita GDP, the economic probability of this scheme was 98.80%. At the WTP threshold of 1 times China’s per capita GDP, the probability of ICER being cost-effective was less than 0.01%. CONCLUSIONS For patients with advanced sq-NSCLC, penpulimab combined with chemotherapy is a cost-effective first-line treatment option when WTP threshold is 3 times China’s per capita GDP.


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