This study systematically analyzed the global research landscape, technological composition, and core patents in the field of networks target and network pharmacology, and proposes further suggestions based on the IncoPat patent citation database and VOSviewer bibliometric network visualization tool. Using patent literature metrics and scientific knowledge mapping method, technological innovation pathways, research hotspots, and future directions in this field were further revealed. In particular, this field is moving towards data-driven, intelligent, and systematic approaches. Patent analysis indicated that most patent applications in this domain focused on traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), which have provided key engineering technical approaches to explore and solve complex problems of TCM. By integrating big data and artificial intelligence technologies, network targets and network pharmacology have conferred high-precision screening and quality control of key components and targets in herbal formulations and prescriptions, accelerating the clinical translation and industrialization of TCM-based new drugs and health products with medicine-food homology. Therefore, it is essential to optimize the patent protection system and establish integrated technology platforms in this field for ensuring the competitiveness of technological achievements in research and clinical application. These efforts will advance the widespread application and high-quality development of TCM modernization, precision medicine, and innovative drug discovery.
Bibliometrics ; Patents as Topic ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Network Pharmacology/trends* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*

OBJECTIVES: The study of medicine formulas is a core component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), yet traditional learning methods often lack interactivity and contextual understanding, making it challenging for beginners to grasp the intricate composition rules of formulas. To address this gap, we introduce Formula-S, a situated visualization method for TCM formula learning in augmented reality (AR) and evaluate its performance. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Formula-S in enhancing TCM formula learning for beginners by comparing it with traditional text-based formula learning and web-based visualization. METHODS: Formula-S is an interactive AR tool designed for TCM formula learning, featuring three modes (3D, Web, and Table). The dataset included TCM formulas and herb properties extracted from authoritative references, including textbook and the SymMap database. In Formula-S, the hierarchical visualization of the formulas as herbal medicine compositions, is linked to the multidimensional herb attribute visualization and embedded in the real world, where real herb samples are presented. To evaluate its effectiveness, a controlled study (n=30) was conducted.Participants who had no formal TCM knowledge were tasked with herbal medicine identification, formula composition, and recognition. In the study, participants interacted with the AR tool through HoloLens 2. Data were collected on both task performance (accuracy and response time) and user experience, with a focus on task efficiency, accuracy, and user preference across the different learning modes. Results The situated visualization method of Formula-S had comparable accuracy to other methods but shorter response time for herbal formula learning tasks. Regarding user experience, our new approach demonstrated the highest system usability and lowest task load, effectively reducing cognitive load and allowing users to complete tasks with greater ease and efficiency. Participants reported that Formula-S enhanced their learning experience through its intuitive interface and immersive AR environment, suggesting this approach offers usability advantages for TCM education. CONCLUSIONS The situated visualization method in Formula-S offers more efficient and accurate searching capabilities compared to traditional and web-based methods. Additionally, it provides superior contextual understanding of TCM formulas, making it a promising new solution for TCM learning.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Humans ; Learning ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Patients with glioma experience a high symptom burden and have diverse palliative care needs. However, the assessment scales used in palliative care remain non-standardized and highly heterogeneous. To evaluate the application patterns of the current scales used in palliative care for glioma, we aim to identify gaps and assess the need for disease-specific scales in glioma palliative care. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of five databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, EMBASE, and CINAHL for quantitative studies that reported scale-based assessments in glioma palliative care. We extracted data on scale characteristics, domains, frequency, and psychometric properties. Quality assessments were performed using the Cochrane ROB 2.0 and ROBINS-I tools. RESULTS: Of the 3,405 records initially identified, 72 studies were included. These studies contained 75 distinct scales that were used 193 times. Mood (21.7%), quality of life (24.4%), and supportive care needs (5.2%) assessments were the most frequently assessed items, exceeding half of all scale applications. Among the various assessment dimensions, the Distress Thermometer (DT) was the most frequently used tool for assessing mood, while the Short Form-36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) was the most frequently used tool for assessing quality of life. The Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) was the most common tool for cognitive assessment. Performance status (5.2%) and social support (6.8%) were underrepresented. Only three brain tumor-specific scales were identified. Caregiver-focused scales were limited and predominantly burden-oriented. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant heterogeneity, domain imbalances, and validation gaps in the current use of assessment scales for patients with glioma receiving palliative care. The scale selected for use should be comprehensive and user-friendly.
Humans ; Glioma/psychology* ; Palliative Care/methods* ; Quality of Life ; Psychometrics ; Brain Neoplasms/psychology*

OBJECTIVE: To compare the biomechanical properties of four internal fixation methods in a lower cervical spine injury model using the finite element method. METHODS: Cervical CT data of a 28-year-old healthy adult male were utilized to establish a finite element model of the normal cervical spine and a lower cervical spine three-column injury model. Four internal fixation methods were then applied to the three-column injury model, resulting in four groups:Group A, anterior cervical locked-plate(ACLP) fixation system model(anterior approach);Group B, posterior cervical pedicle screw fixation model (posterior approach);Group C, combined anterior and posterior cervical pedicle screw fixation model; Group D, Novel composite anterior cervical internal fixation model. A 75 N axial compressive load and a 1.0 N·m pure moment were applied to the upper surface of the cervical spine model to simulate flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral bending movements. The intervertebral range of motion(ROM) and stress distribution of the internal fixators under different motion conditions were compared across all models. RESULTS: Compared with the normal model, the reductions in overall intervertebral ROM for each group under flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral bending were as follows:Group A, 24.04°, 23.12°, 6.24°, and 9.06°;Group B, 24.42°, 24.34°, 6.48°, and 9.20°;Group C, 25.43°, 25.29°, 7.17°, and 9.57°;Group D, 24.75°, 25.5°, 6.71°, and 9.12°. The peak stress values of the internal fixators in each group were:Group A, 53.9 MPa, 79.9 MPa, 61.4 MPa, and 80.3 MPa;Group B, 218.3 MPa, 105.4 MPa, 206.6 MPa, and 186.8 MPa;Group C, 40.8 MPa, 97.2 MPa, 47.1 MPa, and 39.4 MPa;Group D, 93.0 MPa, 144.0 MPa, 64.8 MPa, and 106.3 MPa. CONCLUSION The biomechanical properties of the novel composite anterior cervical internal fixation method are similar to those of the combined anterior-posterior fixation method, and superior to both the anterior cervical ACLP plate-screw fixation and posterior cervical pedicle screw fixation methods.
Humans ; Finite Element Analysis ; Cervical Vertebrae/physiopathology* ; Male ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Adult ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods* ; Range of Motion, Articular

The aim of this study was to investigate the trend in testicular volume changes after orchiopexy in children with cryptorchidism. The clinical data of 854 children with cryptorchidism who underwent orchiopexy between January 2013 and December 2016 in Shenzhen Children's Hospital (Shenzhen, China) were retrospectively analyzed. The mean (standard deviation) age of the patients was 2.8 (2.5) years, and the duration of follow-up ranged from 1 year to 5 years. Ultrasonography was conducted preoperatively and postoperatively. The variables analyzed included age at the time of surgery, type of surgical procedure, laterality, preoperative testicular position, preoperative and postoperative testicular volumes, and the testicular volume ratio of them. The average testicular volumes preoperatively and at 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and 5 years postoperatively were 0.27 ml, 0.38 ml, 0.53 ml, 0.87 ml, and 1.00 ml, respectively ( P < 0.001). The corresponding testicular volume ratios were 0.67, 0.76, 0.80, 0.83, and 0.84 ( P < 0.001). The mean volume of the undescended testes was significantly smaller than the mean normative value ( P < 0.001, lower than the 10 th percentile). The postoperative testicular volumes in children with cryptorchidism were generally lower than those in healthy boys but were still greater than the 10 th percentile and exhibited an increasing trend. The older the child is at the time of surgery, the larger the gap in volume between the affected and normal testes. Although testicular volume tends to gradually increase after orchiopexy for cryptorchidism, it could not normalizes. Earlier surgery results in affected testicular volumes closer to those of healthy boys.
Humans ; Male ; Cryptorchidism/diagnostic imaging* ; Orchiopexy ; Child, Preschool ; Testis/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies ; Organ Size ; Ultrasonography ; Infant ; Child ; Postoperative Period ; Follow-Up Studies

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the characteristics and clinical significance of anorectal manometry measurements in children with tethered cord syndrome (TCS) before and after surgery. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 44 children with TCS treated at the Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2022 to September 2023. These patients were divided into effective subgroup (n=34) and non-effective subgroup (n=10) based on postoperative symptom improvement. Additionally, 34 children with functional constipation were selected as a control group. Baseline data and manometry measurements were compared between the preoperative TCS group and the control group, as well as between the non-effective and effective subgroups. RESULTS: The TCS group had lower short contraction time and defecation relaxation rate compared to the control group (P<0.05), while defecation residual pressure and maximum rectal tolerable threshold were higher than the control group (P<0.05). The length of the anal canal in the high-pressure zone in the effective subgroup was greater postoperatively than preoperatively (P<0.05), and the initial rectal sensation threshold decreased postoperatively (P<0.05). The non-effective subgroup had lower preoperative maximum rectal expulsion pressure compared to the effective subgroup (P<0.05). Postoperative rectal anal inhibition reflex values in the effective subgroup were higher than those in the non-effective subgroup (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS There are some differences in anorectal dynamics between children with TCS and those with functional constipation. Maximum rectal expulsion pressure may be a key predictor of surgical outcomes. Surgery can alter certain defecation functions in some children.
Humans ; Male ; Anal Canal/physiopathology* ; Female ; Rectum/physiopathology* ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Retrospective Studies ; Manometry ; Neural Tube Defects/physiopathology* ; Infant ; Defecation ; Adolescent ; Constipation/physiopathology* ; Clinical Relevance

OBJECTIVE: To explore and verify the effect and potential mechanism of Brucea javanica Seed Oil Emulsion Injection (YDZI) and Shengmai Injection (SMI) on peripheral microcirculation dysfunction in treatment of gastric cancer (GC). METHODS: The potential mechanisms of YDZI and SMI were explored through network pharmacology and verified by cellular and clinical experiments. Human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs) were cultured for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured for tube formation assay. Twenty healthy volunteers and 97 patients with GC were enrolled. Patients were divided into surgical resection, surgical resection with chemotherapy, and surgical resection with chemotherapy combining YDZI and SMI groups. Forearm skin blood perfusion was measured and recorded by laser speckle contrast imaging coupled with post-occlusive reactive hyperemia. Cutaneous vascular conductance and microvascular reactivity parameters were calculated and compared across the groups. RESULTS: After network pharmacology analysis, 4 ingredients, 82 active compounds, and 92 related genes in YDZI and SMI were screened out. β-Sitosterol, an active ingredient and intersection compound of YDZI and SMI, upregulated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2, P<0.01), downregulated the expression of caspase 9 (CASP9) and estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1, P<0.01) in HMECs under oxaliplatin stimulation, and promoted tube formation through VEGFA. Chemotherapy significantly impaired the microvascular reactivity in GC patients, whereas YDZI and SMI ameliorated this injury (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS YDZI and SMI ameliorated peripheral microvascular reactivity in GC patients. β-Sitosterol may improve peripheral microcirculation by regulating VEGFA, PTGS2, ESR1, and CASP9.
Humans ; Microcirculation/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Stomach Neoplasms/physiopathology* ; Emulsions ; Male ; Plant Oils/administration & dosage* ; Brucea/chemistry* ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Drug Combinations ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/metabolism* ; Seeds/chemistry* ; Injections ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism* ; Aged ; Network Pharmacology

Cosmetics may be an important source of human exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFASs),posing risks to human health.In this study,a nontarget screening method for PFASs in cosmetics was developed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS)based on the Kendrick mass defect(KMD).The sample was extracted by ultrasonic assisted extraction prior to being analyzed by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS.Acquisition of HRMS data was achieved in both full scan and data-dependent(Full MS/dd MS2)mode.The data collected by HRMS were imported into an in-lab built R script for processing.Samples retained the mass spectra peaks with KMD values in the range of 0.85-1 or 0-0.15 for in-and out-of-library matching;when KMD deviation(δKMD)<0.001 and CF 2 mass error(δMS)<15 ppm,it was considered as a potential PFASs homologues.According to matches of parent ions(MS),fragment ions(MS2)and retention time(RT)with the in-house built PFASs database,the screened and identified potential PFASs were categorized to 5 confidence levels(CL1-CL5).A total of 15 kinds of PFASs homologues with confidence level of CL3 and above were screened from 13 cosmetics products and 8 cosmetic raw materials,including perfluoroalkyl alcohol,hydroperfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid,chloroperfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid,etc.with concentrations ranging from 1.9 ng/g to 98.1 ng/g.The nontarget screening method could be used to screen and identify PFASs homologues feasibly and therefore provided data basis for management and control of PFASs addition in cosmetics.

Objective To investigate the feasibility of mimics software in analyzing a new type of complex anterior cervical fixation—anterior transpedicular screw fixation+zero notch internal fixation.Methods From January 2021 to September 2022,50 normal pedestrians who underwent cervical spine CT scanning were selected for C1-C7 segment scanning,including 27 males and 23 females,aged from 25 to 65 years old with an average of(46.0±9.0)years old.The dicom format is exported and engraved into the CD,and use the mimics software to perform 3D reconstruction of each segment.A simulated screw is placed on the image according to the critical value of zero notch screw(head and tail angle 44°,internal angle 29°).The posi-tion of zero notch screw in each segment is observed to determine the feasibility of anterior transpedicular screw fixation plus zero notch internal fixation.Results For the upper zero notch screws the three-dimensional images of the cervical spine across all 50 subjects within the C3-C7 segments demonstrated safe position,wwith no instances of intersection with ATPS.For the lower zero notch screw,in C3-C4 and C4-C5,4 out of 50 subjects are in the safe position in the three-dimensional images of cervical ver-tebrae,and 46 cases could achieve secure screw placement when the maximum caudal angle is(32.3±1.9)° and(36.1±2.2)°,respectively.In C5-C6 and C6-C7 segments,no lower zero notch screws intersected with ATPS,and all screws are in safe posi-tions.Conclusion Lower cervical anterior pedicle screw fixation plus zero notch internal fixation can achieve successful nail placement through the selected entry point and position.