1.Zuogui Wan Improve Ovarian Inflammatory Microenvironment and Stemness of Ovarian Germline Stem Cells in Ovarian Aging via cGAS/STING Signaling Pathway
Yunling ZHENG ; Xinyi PAN ; Zuang LI ; Yixuan WANG ; Junyi AN ; Yuxin ZOU ; Mengting XIAO ; Zheng CHEN ; Ling ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):1-10
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Zuogui Wan (ZGW) in improving ovarian inflammatory microenvironment and stemness of ovarian germline stem cells (OSCs) for treating ovarian aging via the cyclic guanosine monophosphate/adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)/stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway. MethodsForty C57BL/6 female mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a low-dose ZGW group (2.7 g·kg-1), a high-dose ZGW group (5.4 g·kg-1), and an estradiol valerate group (0.15 mg·kg-1), with 8 mice in each group. Except the blank group, all other groups received a single intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide at 120 mg·kg-1 to establish an ovarian aging mouse model. After successful modeling, each group was continuously administered for 4 weeks, once daily. The physiological status of the mice was observed, and the ovarian index was calculated. The estrus cycle of the mice was monitored. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in ovarian tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum sex hormone levels. Serum inflammatory factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and mouse interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were detected using kits. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of ovarian cGAS, STING, p-STING, TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), p-TBK1, interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (Fragilis), and Vasa homolog protein (MVH). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in ovarian tissue. Immunofluorescence double labeling was performed to locate OSCs in ovarian tissues, and fluorescence intensities of OSCs markers MVH and octamer binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) were calculated. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed reduced body weight, ovarian wet weight, and ovarian index (P<0.01) and a disordered estrus cycle (P<0.01). In addition, the levels of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were increased (P<0.01), while anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and estradiol (E2) levels were decreased (P<0.01). The protein expression of cGAS, p-STING/STING, and p-TBK1/TBK1 in ovarian tissue was increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while that of OSCs stemness factors MVH and Fragilis was reduced (P<0.01). Immunofluorescence indicated a reduction in MVH and Oct4 expression in OSCs (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in ovarian tissue was increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the treatment groups exhibited improved body weight, ovarian wet weight, and ovarian index (P<0.05) and a reduced rate of estrus cycle disorder (P<0.05, P<0.01). The levels of serum FSH, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while AMH and E2 levels were increased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of cGAS, p-STING/STING, and p-TBK1/TBK1 in ovarian tissue were decreased (P<0.05), while the protein expression of MVH and Fragilis was increased (P<0.05), and the fluorescence intensities of MVH and Oct4 were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in ovarian tissue was decreased (P<0.05). ConclusionZGW alleviate ovarian inflammatory response, regulate ovarian microenvironment homeostasis, and maintain stemness of OSCs in ovarian aging mice probably by modulating the cGAS-STING signaling pathway, thereby improving ovarian function and delaying ovarian aging.
2.Short-Term Efficacy and Long-Term Recurrence Rate of Traditional Chinese Medicine Versus Western Surgical Treatment for Mixed Hemorrhoids:A Multi-Center Retrospective Cohort Study Based on Real-World Data
Kang DING ; Zhimin FAN ; Xiaojie ZHOU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Yuanyuan GE ; Huiting ZHU ; Yuxin ZHU ; Xia YANG ; Jun DU ; Shicai HUANG ; Yang ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):747-754
ObjectiveTo observe the short-term and long-term efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) surgical operations in treating mixed hemorrhoids. MethodsA multi-center retrospective cohort study was conducted, collecting clinical data from 17,831 mixed hemorrhoid surgery patients in 8 top-tier TCM hospitals in Jiangsu Province. Standardized and structured datasets were obtained through artificial intelligence models. Patients who underwent western surgical treatment were categorized into the western surgery group (11,646 cases), and those receiving TCM surgical operations were categorized into the TCM surgery group (6185 cases). Propensity score matching (1∶1 matching) was used to balance baseline data between groups. The primary outcome was the one-year recurrence rate, and secondary outcomes included the main symptoms (rectal bleeding, degree of prolapse) and secondary symptoms (anal distension, anal edema, wound secretion and exudation, anal stenosis, residual skin tags, perianal itching, and anal pain) measured on days 7, 28, and 60 after discharge. ResultsAfter matching, 2194 patients were included in each group. Symptom scores showed that at 28 days after discharge, the TCM surgical group had superior improvement in rectal bleeding [OR=5.786, 95%CI (3.092,10.827)], degree of prolapse [OR=4.510, 95%CI (1.649,12.333)], and anal edema [OR=3.188, 95%CI (1.295,7.845)] compared to the western surgical group. At 60 days post-discharge, the TCM group still showed advantages in improving rectal bleeding [OR=5.237, 95%CI (1.077,25.464)] and anal pain [OR=11.697, 95%CI (1.186,115.336)] (P<0.05). Long-term follow-up showed that the one-year recurrence rate in the TCM surgery group was 1.1% (8/726), while that in the western surgery group was 2.3% (10/444), with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionBased on real-world data, TCM surgical treatment for mixed hemorrhoids shows significant short-term symptom improvement, particularly in terms of hemostasis, reducing swelling, and alleviating prolapse of anal masses.
3.Syndrome Patterns Distribution and Risk Factors of Mixed Hemorrhoids in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Multicenter Real-world Study Using Large Language Models and Latent Class Analysis
Ruyue DENG ; Kang DING ; Yuxin ZHU ; Meng LI ; Huiting ZHU ; Lei DU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):755-763
ObjectiveTo develop a standardized classification model for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome patterns of mixed hemorrhoids using multi-center real-world data, and unveil their distribution patterns and core risk factors, thereby providing evidence-based support for standardizing TCM syndrome differentiation and implementing precision interventions. MethodsA multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling 13 283 mixed hemorrhoid patients from eight hospitals in Jiangsu Province between September 1st, 2023 and December 31st, 2024. DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Qwen-7B and LLaMA-3.3 large language models (LLM) were integrated with latent class analysis (LCA) to perform unsupervised learning and latent class modeling of TCM symptomatology. Potential risk factors were screened via univariate analysis, followed by logistic regression to identify independent risk factors for each syndrome pattern. ResultsThe model's performance indicators were stable and reliable across different clinical data types,i.e. in the outpatient records, past medical history (F1=99.7%), current medical history (F1=94.9%), and specialist examination (F1=90.7%); in inpatient records, past medical history (F1=98.2%), current medical history (F1=91.2%), specialist examination (F1=90.3%), and discharge status (F1=90.6%). Latent class mode-ling identified four core TCM syndrome patterns including spleen deficiency and qi sinking syndrome (915 cases, 6.89%), damp-heat pouring downward syndrome (10 820 cases, 81.46%), qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome (1252 cases, 9.43%), and wind injuring intestinal collaterals syndrome (296 cases, 2.22%), with respective latent class probabilities of 0.069, 0.815, 0.094, and 0.022. Logistic regression demonstrated that gender, age, disease duration, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, constipation, smoking history, and alcohol consumption were independent risk factors for pattern differentiation (P<0.05). The efficacy validation evaluation revealed that the cure rates for patients with spleen deficiency and qi sinking syndrome and qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome were higher than those for patients with damp-heat pouring downward syndrome (adjusted P<0.05), with no statistically significant differences among other syndrome patterns. ConclusionDamp-heat pouring downward syndrome is the predominant syndrome in mixed hemorrhoids. Gender, age, disease duration, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipi-demia, constipation, smoking history, and alcohol consumption are independent risk factors for the differentiation of syndrome types.
4.Construction and Application of a Multicenter Traditional Chinese Medicine Proctology Disease Data Platform Based on Multimodal Large Models
Yuxin ZHU ; Liping ZHAO ; Jiafa LU ; Huiting ZHU ; Xia YANG ; Lei DU ; Kang DING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):770-775
This paper has constructed a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) specialized disease dataset platform for mixed hemorrhoids based on a multimodal large model, and the preliminary application has been validated. The platform uses StarRocks to establish a four-level data warehouse system, enabling the aggregation, cleaning, and standardization of multi-source heterogeneous data. Using DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Qwen-7B as the base model, domain fine-tuning is performed through low-rank adaptation (LoRA) technology. Combined with LLaMA-3.3 natural language processing and reasoning chain techniques, the platform enables intelligent parsing and structured extraction of unstructured TCM medical records. It accurately identifies six major categories and 28 subcategories of entities, including symptoms and syndromes, with a fine-tuned model F1 score of 93.8%. The platform has established a high-quality specialized disease dataset containing more than 50,000 medical records and has been applied in a real-world study involving 17,831 patients, preliminarily verifying the efficacy of TCM heritage surgery.
5.Distribution of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Elements in Different Risk Populations of Heart Failure Complicated with Type 2 Diabetes: A Retrospective Study Based on Nomogram Model and Factor Analysis
Tingting LI ; Zhipeng YAN ; Yajie FAN ; Wenxiu LI ; Wenyu SHANG ; Yongchun LIANG ; Yiming ZUO ; Yuxin KANG ; Boyu ZHU ; Junping ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(11):1140-1146
ObjectiveTo analyze the distribution characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome elements in different risk populations of heart failure complicated with type 2 diabetes. MethodsClinical data of 675 type 2 diabetes patients were retrospectively collected. Lasso-multivariate Logistic regression was used to construct a clinical prediction nomogram model. Based on this, 441 non-heart failure patients were divided into a low-risk group (325 cases) and a high-risk group (116 cases) according to the median risk score of heart failure complicated with type 2 diabetes. TCM diagnostic information (four diagnostic methods) was collected for both groups, and factor analysis was applied to summarize the distribution of TCM syndrome elements in different risk populations. ResultsLasso-multivariate Logistic regression analysis identified age, disease duration, coronary heart disease, old myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, absolute neutrophil count, activated partial thromboplastin time, and α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase as independent risk factors for heart failure complicated with type 2 diabetes. These were used as final predictive factors to construct the nomogram model. Model validation results showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the modeling group and validation group were 0.934 and 0.935, respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test (modeling group P = 0.996, validation group P = 0.121) indicated good model discrimination. Decision curve analysis showed that the curves for All and None crossed in the upper right corner, indicating high clinical utility. The low-risk and high-risk groups each obtained 14 common factors. Preliminary analysis revealed that the main disease elements in the low-risk group were qi deficiency (175 cases, 53.85%), dampness (118 cases, 36.31%), and heat (118 cases, 36.31%), with the primary locations in the spleen (125 cases, 38.46%) and lungs (99 cases, 30.46%). In the high-risk group, the main disease elements were yang deficiency (73 cases, 62.93%), blood stasis (68 cases, 58.62%), and heat (49 cases, 42.24%), with the primary locations in the kidney (84 cases, 72.41%) and heart (70 cases, 60.34%). ConclusionThe overall disease characteristics in different risk populations of type 2 diabetes patients with heart failure are a combination of deficiency and excess, with deficiency being predominant. Deficiency and heat are present throughout. The low-risk population mainly shows qi deficiency with dampness and heat, related to the spleen and lungs. The high-risk population shows yang deficiency with blood stasis and heat, related to the kidneys and heart.
6.Development of the Chinese Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Quality of Life Scale
Yunling ZHENG ; Yuxin ZOU ; Yucheng LI ; Zhuoting CHEN ; Liuqian HUANG ; Xinyi PAN ; Ling ZHU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(5):1287-1296
Objective To develop a quality of life(QoL)scale for Premature Ovarian Insufficiency(POI)with high reliability and validity in accordance with China's national conditions.Methods The theoretical framework of the scale was constructed under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine theory with reference to the development method of the QoL scale.Literature analysis method,medical record review method,patient interview method,Delphi expert consultation method and clinical investigation were used to establish,improve and screen the scale items to form the final scale,and the characteristics and differentiation in terms of reliability and validity and feasibility of the final scale were evaluated.Results After screening the entries by the Delphi method and clinical surveys,the Chinese Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Quality of Life Scale was formed,which included three domains of physiology,psychology,and society,and eleven aspects such as menstruation,fertility,and physical symptoms,with 30 entries and two overall evaluations.The Cronbach's coefficient of this scale was 0.910,the fold-half coefficient was 0.956,and the re-test correlation coefficient was 0.868,which showed good internal consistency,fold-half and re-test reliabilities;the scale extracted 9 factors with characteristic root>1,and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 71.063%,the comparative fit index was 0.959,and the goodness-of-fit index was 0.919,and the degree of correlation was tested has showed that the content validity,structural validity and calibration correlation validity were good;the difference in the total scores of the scale between patients with POI and the healthy population was statistically significant,and the scale had a good degree of differentiation.Conclusion As confirmed by this study,the Chinese Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Quality of Life Scale has good reliability,validity,differentiation and feasibility,and can be used as a tool for evaluating the quality of life of POI patients in China as well as enriching the efficacy evaluation system of TCM in treating POI,and it is suitable for clinical popularization and application.
7.Study on the correlation between spinal cord atrophy and disease severity in multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Xiaoqin ZHU ; Yunyun DUAN ; Zhizheng ZHUO ; Jun SUN ; Decai TIAN ; Ningnannan ZHANG ; Yuxin LI ; Kuncheng LI ; Yongmei LI ; Xuemei HAN ; Muhua HUANG ; Jia SUN ; Ya′ou LIU
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(1):57-63
Objective:To investigate the structural changes in the spinal cord in multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and their relationship with clinical disability.Methods:This study was cross-sectional. A retrospective analysis of clinical and imaging data from 124 patients with MS (MS group), 101 patients with aquaporin-4 antibody-positive NMOSD (NMOSD group), and 110 healthy controls (HC group) from seven medical centers were conducted from January 2018 to October 2021. All subjects underwent 3D T 1WI, and the upper cervical spinal cord cross-sectional area (MUCCA) was segmented and measured. All patients completed the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) assessments at baseline and during follow-up, as well as the baseline 25-foot walk test (T25FW) and the nine-hole peg test (NHPT). Patients were classified into EDSS progression and non-progression groups based on follow-up EDSS scores. Comparisons of MUCCA among the three groups were conducted using analysis of covariance, controlling for age and sex as covariates. Pairwise comparisons between groups were performed using the HSD test. Univariate linear regression and logistic models were employed to identify candidate predictors of baseline clinical disability status or EDSS progression in the MS and NMOSD groups. L1 regularized multivariable linear regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors of baseline clinical disability status or EDSS progression. Independent predictors were then combined to establish a logistic regression model, and the model′s performance in predicting EDSS progression was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic analysis and the area under the curve (AUC). Results:A total of 144 patients completed follow-up EDSS assessments, with a follow-up duration of 3.30 (1.10, 6.42) years, including 82 patients in the MS group and 62 patients in the NMOSD group. Controlling for sex and age as covariates, the overall difference in MUCCA among the MS, NMOSD, and HC groups was statistically significant ( P=0.001). The MUCCA in the MS group was lower than that in the HC group, with a significant difference ( t=-2.54, P=0.007); the MUCCA in the NMOSD group was also lower than that in the HC group, with a significant difference ( t=-2.80, P=0.002). However, the difference in MUCCA between the MS and NMOSD groups was not statistically significant ( t=-0.40, P=0.882). In the MS group, MUCCA was an independent predictor of baseline EDSS score (β=-0.03), baseline T25FW score (β=-0.09), and baseline NHPT score (β=-0.30). In the NMOSD group, MUCCA (β=-0.08), age (β=0.06), and baseline EDSS score (β=-0.43) were independent predictors of EDSS progression, and the logistic regression model incorporating these three factors predicted EDSS progression with an AUC of 0.82. Conclusions:Significant spinal cord atrophy occurs in patients with both MS and NMOSD. Atrophy of the upper cervical spinal cord can predict the degree of disability in MS patients and the progression of clinical disability in NMOSD patients.
8.Systematic review of readiness assessment tools for advance care planning in older adults
Yingjie PENG ; Aihong LIU ; Wenli ZHU ; Yuxin MEI ; Meng ZHOU ; Wenjing GUAN
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(9):1146-1152,后插1
Objective To systematically evaluate the advance care planning readiness assessment tools applicable to the elderly and to provide a reliable assessment tool for the development of advance care planning.Methods PubMed,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,Embase,CINAHL,Yimaitong,Wanfang Database,China National Know-ledge Network,VIP Database,and China Biomedical Literature Database were systematically searched.The search time limit is from database establishment to April 30,2024.Pre-established medical care plan readiness assessment tools that meet the inclusion criteria were screened,and the"consensus based standards for the selection of health measurement instruments"was used to evaluate the methodological quality and measurement attributes of the inclusion assessment tools.The improved version of the evidence quality evaluation and recommendation strength grading method is used to grade the evidence of the assessment tool and form the final recommendation opinion.Results A total of 14 articles were included,including 10 advance care planning readiness assessment tools suitable for the elderly.None of the articles reported cross-cultural validity,measurement error,and responsiveness.The content validity and internal consistency of the Chinese Advance Care Planning Readiness Scale and the Advance Care Planning Readiness Scale for Chronic Disease Patients were both"adequate",with A-level recommendations,and the remaining assessment tools were all B-level recommendations.Conclusion There are various types of advance care planning readiness assessment tools for the elderly,but the methodological quality needs to be improved and the measurement properties need to be further evaluated.It is temporarily recommended to use the Chinese Advance Care Planning Readiness Scale and the Advance Care Planning Readiness Scale for Chronic Disease Patients.
9.Academic Characteristics and Current Status of Active Inheritance of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Schools in Northern Zhejiang
Yuxin LIU ; Yuting JIN ; Gaofeng ZHU
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University 2025;49(7):851-855
[Objective]To explore the academic characteristics and the current status of active inheritance of the acupuncture and moxibustion schools in northern Zhejiang.[Methods]Through literature search,data query,personnel interview and other ways,collect the relevant records of acupuncture and moxibustion in northern Zhejiang,sort out the representative schools and summarize their common academic characteristics.[Results]Upon reviewing the literature,it was discovered that the acupuncture and moxibustion schools in northern Zhejiang had a long and storied history,holding a significant position within the academic system of the"Xiushui medical school".Through historical medical research and interviews,it was summarized that the acupuncture and moxibustion in northern Zhejiang possessed five major academic characteristics:precise acupoint selection,diligent study of classics,skillful application of techniques,compassionate medical practice and emphasis on moxibustion therapy.However,the schools faced challenges such as slow transmission,traditional methods and limited dissemination scope during the process of inheritance.[Conclusion]The acupuncture and moxibustion schools in northern Zhejiang have demonstrated distinct academic characteristics and potential for intergenerational innovation in acupoint theory,manual skills and humanistic care.Their inheritance practices have deepened the academic connotations of the"Xiushui medical school".In the future,it is essential to enhance the current status of active inheritance through modern technology and communication methods to promote the widespread dissemination and sustainable development of the academic ideas of northern Zhejiang acupuncture and moxibustion.
10.Analysis and prediction of periodontal disease burden among the elderly in China from 1990 to 2021
Mingzhe XIN ; Lei ZHU ; Yuxin QIAN ; Zelong HU ; Lei JIN
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2025;60(12):1386-1395
Objective:To assess the trends in the burden of periodontal disease among individuals aged 60 years and above in China from 1990 to 2021, thereby providing a scientific foundation for the development of targeted prevention and control strategies for periodontal disease in the elderly.Methods:Utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021), key indicators including incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) rates were analyzed. Age-standardized rates were determined using the global standard population. Trends in the disease burden of periodontal disease among the elderly population in China from 1990 to 2021 were analyzed using Joinpoint regression analysis, and an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was applied to forecast the disease burden from 2022 to 2036.Results:The annual average percentage changes (AAPC) in the number of incident cases, prevalent cases, and DALYs due to periodontal disease among individuals aged 60 years and above in China from 1990 to 2021 were 3.215% (95% CI: 3.149%-3.281%, P<0.05), 3.161% (95% CI:3.037%-3.286%, P<0.05), and 3.091%(95% CI: 2.887%-3.296%, P<0.05), respectively. The results indicated that the average annual change trends of the number of incident cases, number of prevalent cases, and number of DALYs were real upward trends. Compared with other age groups, the number of incident cases, prevalent cases, and DALYs were the highest among the population aged 60-69 years. The AAPC for age-standardized incidence rate, prevalence, and DALY rates were -0.012% (95% CI:-0.031%-0.008%, P>0.05), 0.023% (95% CI:-0.070%-0.116%, P>0.05), and 0.013% (95% CI:-0.089%-0.115%, P>0.05), respectively. This indicated that the average annual change trends of the age-standardized incidence rate, age-standardized prevalence rate, and age-standardized DALY rate might be caused by random fluctuations. Males exhibited higher prevalence and DALY rates than females across all age groups ( P<0.05), whereas the incidence rates showed minimal differences between males and females across all age groups. The ARIMA forecast model indicated that the age-standardized incidence rate among males in the elderly population in China was relatively stable, while that among females showed a downward trend; the age-standardized prevalence and DALY rates followed a pattern of "decline-rise-decline". Conclusions:The disease burden of periodontal disease among Chinese adults aged 60 and above showed an overall upward trend from 1990 to 2021, with males and individuals aged 60-69 identified as high-risk groups. With the exacerbation of aging, the prevention and control situation remains severe, necessitating the implementation of gender-differentiated interventions to reduce the disease burden.

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