1.Herbal Textual Research on Cynanchi Atrati Radix et Rhizoma in Famous Classical Formulas
Xiaoqi JING ; Minna GUO ; Haihua WANG ; Juan LI ; Fusheng ZHANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):208-216
This article systematically reviews and verifies the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and other aspects of Cynanchi Atrati Radix et Rhizoma(CARR) by consulting relevant ancient and modern literature, in order to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. Through textual research, Baiwei has been the official name for CARR, though it also bears alternative names such as Chuncao, Popo Zhenxianbao, Longdan Baiwei. The mainstream base is the roots and rhizomes of Cynanchum atratum. Historical records indicate primary producing areas include Shandong, Anhui, Jiangsu, Shaanxi and Shanxi. Since the late Ming dynasty, varieties from Juxian, Yishui and Rizhao in Shandong have been highly regarded as authentic, commonly known as eastern Baiwei. Since modern times, its quality has been summarized as fine, slender, and straight fibrous roots, pale yellow exterior, whiter interior, and dryness with easy breakability are considered superior. The harvesting time before the Song dynasty was on the third day of the third lunar month, but after the Song dynasty, harvesting was possible in both spring and autumn. The initial processing methods of CARR in ancient times included drying in the shade, removing Lu(the little rhizomes which are on tap of roots), and removing mustaches, modern methods involve washing and sun-drying. During the Northern and Southern dynasties, processing methods included steaming. In the Song dynasty, drying and light stir-frying were predominant, while wine washing emerged in the Ming dynasty. Modern practices primarily involve using raw, stir-frying or honey processing. Regarding the medicinal properties of CARR, both ancient and modern texts agree it has a bitter and salty taste and is non-toxic. Records prior to the Qing dynasty predominantly describe its nature as extremely cold, while mainstream herbal texts after the Qing dynasty generally characterize it as cold. Before the Ming dynasty, there were no records of its meridian tropism. It was not until the Qing dynasty that it was recorded in the lung meridian. Modern records mainly refer to the stomach, liver, and kidney meridians. Throughout history, its main functions have been to clear heat, diuresis, nourish Yin, and replenish essence, primarily treating Yin deficiency and fever syndrome. Based on the research results, it is suggested that when developing famous classical formulas containing CARR, the dried roots and rhizomes of C. atratum can be selected as its medicinal source. If there are no specific processing requirements, raw products can be selected as medicine. If the processing requirements are specified, corresponding processed products can be selected as medicine according to the original formula requirements.
2.Herbal Textual Research on Piperis Longi Fructus in Famous Classical Formulas
Haihua WANG ; Xiaoqi JING ; Juan LI ; Dabang REN ; Fusheng ZHANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):210-219
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, origin, medicinal parts, producing area, harvesting and processing, nature, flavor and efficacy of Piperis Longi Fructus by referring to the materia medica, medical books, and prescription books of past dynasties, combined with the relevant modern literature, in order to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. According to the herbal textual research, the name of Piper longum first appeared in Nanfang Caomuzhuang, and it also has other aliases such as Biboli, Halou, and Hujiaohua. Historically, the origin of Piperis Longi Fructus has been P. longum of the Piperaceae family. In ancient times, both the fruit and root were used as medicine, and since the Republic of China, the fruit has been mainly used as medicine. The medicinal part is the dried, nearly ripe or ripe fruit spikes. Piperis Longi Fructus is native to India and has been introduced into China since the Tang dynasty. In the Ming dynasty, Bencao Pinhui Jingyao clearly stated that the genuine producing area was "Duanzhou", present-day Zhaoqing in Guangdong province. Nowadays, it is planted in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Yunnan and other regions. Historically and currently, harvesting occurs in autumn. The ancient processing method uniformly involved removing the stems, soaking in the sourest vinegar overnight, baking, and scraping off the peels and grains with a knife until clean. In modern times, impurities are removed, and it is dried in the sun and crushed when used. The properties, functions and applications of P. longum are basically the same in ancient and modern times. It tastes pungent, is warm in nature, and non-toxic. It has the effects of warming the middle-jiao to dispel cold, lowering Qi and relieving pain, and is used for cold pain in the epigastrium and abdomen, vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain, headache, and toothache. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Piperis Longi Fructus, the dried nearly ripe or ripe fruit spikes of P. longum should be used. If there are no clear processing requirements, it is recommended to use the raw products for medicinal use, and the specific processing methods can refer to the relevant requirements under Piperis Longi Fructus in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. If processing requirements such as soaking in vinegar and peeling are clearly specified, it is recommended to follow the ancient methods.
3.Herbal Textual Research on Piperis Longi Fructus in Famous Classical Formulas
Haihua WANG ; Xiaoqi JING ; Juan LI ; Dabang REN ; Fusheng ZHANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):210-219
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, origin, medicinal parts, producing area, harvesting and processing, nature, flavor and efficacy of Piperis Longi Fructus by referring to the materia medica, medical books, and prescription books of past dynasties, combined with the relevant modern literature, in order to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. According to the herbal textual research, the name of Piper longum first appeared in Nanfang Caomuzhuang, and it also has other aliases such as Biboli, Halou, and Hujiaohua. Historically, the origin of Piperis Longi Fructus has been P. longum of the Piperaceae family. In ancient times, both the fruit and root were used as medicine, and since the Republic of China, the fruit has been mainly used as medicine. The medicinal part is the dried, nearly ripe or ripe fruit spikes. Piperis Longi Fructus is native to India and has been introduced into China since the Tang dynasty. In the Ming dynasty, Bencao Pinhui Jingyao clearly stated that the genuine producing area was "Duanzhou", present-day Zhaoqing in Guangdong province. Nowadays, it is planted in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Yunnan and other regions. Historically and currently, harvesting occurs in autumn. The ancient processing method uniformly involved removing the stems, soaking in the sourest vinegar overnight, baking, and scraping off the peels and grains with a knife until clean. In modern times, impurities are removed, and it is dried in the sun and crushed when used. The properties, functions and applications of P. longum are basically the same in ancient and modern times. It tastes pungent, is warm in nature, and non-toxic. It has the effects of warming the middle-jiao to dispel cold, lowering Qi and relieving pain, and is used for cold pain in the epigastrium and abdomen, vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain, headache, and toothache. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Piperis Longi Fructus, the dried nearly ripe or ripe fruit spikes of P. longum should be used. If there are no clear processing requirements, it is recommended to use the raw products for medicinal use, and the specific processing methods can refer to the relevant requirements under Piperis Longi Fructus in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. If processing requirements such as soaking in vinegar and peeling are clearly specified, it is recommended to follow the ancient methods.
4.Ionizing Radiation-induced Lens Injury: Epidemiology, Dose-effect Relationship, and Molecular Mechanisms
Cheng-Hao HU ; Shao-Han REN ; Hai-Tao ZHANG ; Jing-Ming ZHAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):688-696
The crystalline lens of the eye is recognized as one of the most radiosensitive tissues in the human body. While the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has classified ionizing radiation (IR)-induced cataracts as a tissue reaction (deterministic effect) and subsequently reduced the occupational equivalent dose limit for the lens, significant uncertainties remain regarding the precise dose threshold and the complex biological pathways driving lens opacification. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge concerning radiation-induced lens damage, integrating epidemiological exposure characteristics with dose-response modeling and mechanistic molecular insights. First, we analyze exposure characteristics through four epidemiological dimensions: dose, time, space, and population. Clinical evidence suggests that radiation cataracts—particularly posterior subcapsular opacities—exhibit a distinct latency period that is inversely correlated with dose. We highlight that risk is not confined to acute high-dose scenarios (such as in atomic bomb survivors) but is increasingly relevant in chronic low-dose occupational settings (e.g., interventional radiology) and medical diagnostics (e.g., CT scans). Crucially, individual susceptibility is modified by genetic background, age, and environmental co-factors, complicating risk assessment. Second, we critically examine the dose-effect relationship. Although the ICRP suggests a threshold of 0.5 Gy, emerging data challenge the traditional threshold model, with some studies advocating for a linear non-threshold (LNT) relationship. We further discuss the critical roles of radiation quality and dose rate. High linear energy transfer (LET) radiation demonstrates a significantly higher relative biological effectiveness (RBE) for cataractogenesis compared to low-LET radiation. Paradoxically, and unlike many other tissues, the lens may exhibit an “inverse dose-rate effect,” where fractionated or protracted exposures potentially enhance biological damage—a finding that challenges classical radiobiological paradigms. Third, drawing upon the “cataractogenic load” hypothesis and the unique physiological constraints of the lens, this review elucidates the multidimensional molecular mechanisms driving radiation-induced opacification. Key mechanisms include four aspects. (1) DNA damage and repair: IR induces DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) that, due to the lens’ limited repair capacity (modulated by genes such as ATM, Ptch1, and Ercc2), lead to the accumulation of damage. (2) Antioxidant defense system: dysfunction of the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant axis results in redox imbalances, triggering NF-κB-mediated inflammation and protein aggregation. (3) Cell proliferation and senescence: IR disrupts cell cycle regulation, causing a dichotomy of effects—driving premature senescence in some cell populations (evidenced by ATM nuclear foci) while inducing aberrant proliferation via growth factor upregulation (FGF2, TGFβ) in others. (4) Cell migration and adhesion: activation of the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway and alterations in the E-cadherin complex promote the abnormal migration of epithelial cells to the posterior capsule, a hallmark of radiation-induced cataracts. In conclusion, radiation-induced cataractogenesis is a multifactorial process in which genetic susceptibility and environmental stressors converge to overwhelm the lens’ homeostatic thresholds. Future research must prioritize longitudinal cohort studies to refine dose thresholds and employ multi-omics approaches to map the crosstalk between DNA damage responses and matrix remodeling. Establishing a robust mechanistic model is essential for developing targeted radioprotective strategies and optimizing radiation protection standards for occupational and medical safety.
5.Correlation analysis between hair fluorine level and hypertension of permanent residents in high altitude areas of Tibet Autonomous Region
Xingmin LIU ; Lijun LIU ; Zhiying ZHANG ; Jing WANG ; Siwei FENG ; Haoshuang ZHAN ; Lifeng MA ; Longli KANG
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(1):1-5
Objective:To study the correlation between hair fluorine level and hypertension of permanent residents in high altitude areas of Tibet Autonomous Region (Tibet).Methods:A random cluster sampling method was used to select 5 villages in the high altitude areas of Tibet from June to August 2021 and June to August 2022, respectively, and questionnaire survey, physical examination, and biochemical indicator testing were conducted on permanent Tibetan residents in the above mentioned villages. At the same time, hair samples were collected, the hair fluorine level was determined by ion selective electrode method, and the correlation between various indicators and hair fluorine level and hypertension was analyzed.Results:A total of 227 individuals were included, with hair fluorine level of (15.06 ± 0.16) mg/kg. Correlation analysis showed that there was no correlation between the study subjects' systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, pulse, neck circumference, chest circumference, uric acid level and hair fluorine level ( P > 0.05). Abdominal circumference, hip circumference, and hemoglobin level were positively correlated with hair fluorine level ( r = 0.23, 0.14, 0.29, P < 0.05), while blood glucose level and finger pulse oxygen were negatively correlated with hair fluorine level ( r = - 0.23, - 0.24, P < 0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that age ( OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01 - 1.06), chest circumference ( OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01 - 1.20), and hair fluorine level ( OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.02 - 1.46) had an impact on hypertension ( P < 0.05). Conclusion:There is a certain correlation between hair fluoride level and hypertension in the population of high altitude areas in Tibet.
6.Potential utility of albumin-bilirubin and body mass index-based logistic model to predict survival outcome in non-small cell lung cancer with liver metastasis treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Lianxi SONG ; Qinqin XU ; Ting ZHONG ; Wenhuan GUO ; Shaoding LIN ; Wenjuan JIANG ; Zhan WANG ; Li DENG ; Zhe HUANG ; Haoyue QIN ; Huan YAN ; Xing ZHANG ; Fan TONG ; Ruiguang ZHANG ; Zhaoyi LIU ; Lin ZHANG ; Xiaorong DONG ; Ting LI ; Chao FANG ; Xue CHEN ; Jun DENG ; Jing WANG ; Nong YANG ; Liang ZENG ; Yongchang ZHANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(4):478-480
7.Integrated evidence chain-based effectiveness evaluation of traditional Chinese medicines (Eff-iEC): A demonstration study.
Ye LUO ; Xu ZHAO ; Ruilin WANG ; Xiaoyan ZHAN ; Tianyi ZHANG ; Tingting HE ; Jing JING ; Jianyu LI ; Fengyi LI ; Ping ZHANG ; Junling CAO ; Jinfa TANG ; Zhijie MA ; Tingming SHEN ; Shuanglin QIN ; Ming YANG ; Jun ZHAO ; Zhaofang BAI ; Jiabo WANG ; Aiguo DAI ; Xiangmei CHEN ; Xiaohe XIAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):909-918
Addressing the enduring challenge of evaluating traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), the integrated evidence chain-based effectiveness evaluation of TCMs (Eff-iEC) has emerged. This paper explored its capacity through a demonstration study that evaluated the effectiveness evidence of six commonly used anti-hepatic fibrosis Chinese patent medicines (CPMs), including Biejiajian Pill (BP), Dahuang Zhechong Pill (DZP), Biejia Ruangan Compound (BRC), Fuzheng Huayu Capsule (FHC), Anluo Huaxian Pill (AHP), and Heluo Shugan Capsule (HSC), using both Eff-iEC and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The recognition of these CPMs within the TCM academic community was also assessed through their inclusion in relevant medical documents. Results showed that the evidence of BRC and FHC received higher assessments in both Eff-iEC and GRADE system, while the assessments for others varied. Analysis of community recognition revealed that Eff-iEC more accurately reflects the clinical value of these CPMs, exhibiting superior evaluative capabilities. By breaking through the conventional pattern of TCMs effectiveness evaluation, Eff-iEC offers a novel epistemology that better aligns with the clinical realities and reasoning of TCMs, providing a coherent methodology for clinical decision-making, new drug evaluations, and health policy formulation.
8.Impact of 5G remote robotic cholecystectomy on postoperative rehabilitation and quality of life in patients with gallstones
Yuqi MA ; Ming HU ; Yuan DENG ; Jing YANG ; Jin GUO ; Zeping ZHANG ; Wutang JING ; Weipeng ZHAN ; Hui CAI ; Yuntao MA
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;40(7):528-532
Objective:To evaluate the effect of 5th generation mobile communication technology(5G) remote robot-assisted cholecystectomy on postoperative recovery and quality of life in patients with gallstones.Methods:Clinical data of patients who underwent 5G remote robotic cholecystectomy(20 cases) vs traditional robotic cholecystectomy(20 cases) at Gansu Provincial People's Hospital from May to September 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Intraoperative and postoperative related indexes were compared between the two groups, and changes in pain analog scores before, 12 hours, and 24 hours after surgery, and global quality of life (GIQLI) scores before and 3 months after surgery were evaluated.Results:There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of intraoperative and postoperative conditions (intraoperative blood loss, operative time, time to exhaustion, and length of hospital stay). Patients' pain analog scores at 12 and 24 hours postoperatively were lower than preoperatively, but the differences were not statistically significant( P>0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference in recovery indicators between the two groups compared to the control group ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The postoperative recovery metrics of 5G tele-robotic-assisted cholecystectomy were consistent with the results of conventional robotic surgery.
9.Neurobiological mechanisms in anorexia nervosa:A meta-analysis using activation likelihood estimation(ALE)
Yanbo WANG ; Yulian BU ; Tianxiao SHEN ; Yibing ZHANG ; Shikun ZHAN ; Bomin SUN ; Jing ZHANG ; Kejia HU
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2025;51(6):363-369
Objective To explore the differences in neural activity between patients with anorexia nervosa(AN)and healthy controls(HC),as well as the association between these differences and symptoms in AN patients,using activation likelihood estimation(ALE)meta-analysis.Methods The literature search covered the period from 2000 to March 2025.From a pool of 588 identified studies,4 studies focusing on the neural activity differences between AN patients and HC were selected for inclusion.These studies comprised 106 participants and 21 sets of coordinates.The ALE meta-analysis method was employed,and the GingerALE software was used to systematically analyze the reported brain region changes and their peak coordinates,aiming to investigate the differences in brain functional activity between AN patients and HC.Results Compared to the HC group,AN group showed significantly enhanced activation in the left parahippocampal gyrus/amygdala(ALE value=0.39×10-2),right parahippocampal gyrus/amygdala(ALE value=0.39×10-2)and suboccipital gyrus(ALE value=0.39×10-2),along with a significant reduction in activation in Brodmann area 17(ALE value=0.61×10-2)(P<0.01,FWE corrected).Conclusion Key brain regions in AN patients including the parahippocampal gyrus,inferior occipital gyrus,and amygdala demonstrate significant functional activation abnormalities.
10.Analysis of the therapeutic effect of precise disconnection of pargastric varices guided by endoscopic ultrasound for the treatment of esophagogastric variceal bleeding(20 cases)
Fulong ZHANG ; Jing XU ; Xiao LI ; Yan SHI ; Zongyuan ZHAN ; Yongzhen HU ; Chunhua ZHOU ; Qun ZHU ; Hai WANG ; Chaojun HUANG ; Hongyan YUAN ; Yuhong JIANG ; Yuandong ZHU
China Journal of Endoscopy 2025;31(8):85-90
Objective To explore the therapeutic effect of precise disconnection of pargastric varices guided by endoscopic ultrasound in the treatment of esophagogastric variceal bleeding.Method A retrospective analysis was conducted on 20 patients with cirrhosis esophagogastric variceal bleeding treated with endoscopic ultrasound-guided precise disconnection of pargastric varices from January 1,2024 to December 31,2024.The efficacy was analyzed.Result All 20 patients successfully completed the precise disconnection of pargastric varices under the guidance of endoscopic ultrasound.The injection of tissue gel combined with the placement of spring coils(14 cases)and the injection of tissue gel alone(4 cases)successfully blocked the pargastric varices.All patients did not experience perforation,esophageal and cardia stenosis,massive bleeding,septicemia,or ectopic embolization.One patient who received tissue gel alone had slight bleeding from the pargastric varices after surgery and improved after 3 days of treatment to reduce portal vein pressure.Another one patient who received tissue gel alone had a low-grade fever and normal body temperature after 3 days of anti-infection treatment.Conclusion Precise disconnection of pargastric varices under the guidance of endoscopic ultrasound has a good therapeutic effect on esophagogastric variceal bleeding,with fewer complications such as ectopic embolization,massive bleeding,infection,and perforation.However,close follow-up observation is still needed to address the issue of pargastric varices.

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