1.Effect of Serum Containing Zhenwutang on Apoptosis of Myocardial Mast Cells and Mitochondrial Autophagy
Wei TANG ; Meiqun ZHENG ; Xiaolin WANG ; Zhiyong CHEN ; Chi CHE ; Zongqiong LU ; Jiashuai GUO ; Xiaomei ZOU ; Lili XU ; Lin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):11-21
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of serum containing Zhenwutang on myocardial mast cell apoptosis induced by angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ) and the mechanism of the correlation between apoptosis and mitochondrial autophagy. MethodsIn this experiment, AngⅡ and serum containing Zhenwutang with different concentrations were used to interfere with H9C2 cardiomyocytes for 24 h, and the survival rate of H9C2 cardiomyocytes was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) to screen the optimal concentration for the experiment. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the content of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in cell culture supernatant, and immunofluorescence was used to detect the cell surface area to verify the construction of the myocardial mast cell model. Subsequently, the experiment was divided into a blank group (20% blank serum), a model group (20% blank serum + 5×10-5 mol·L-1 AngⅡ), low-, medium-, and high-dose (5%, 10% and 20%) serum containing Zhenwutang groups, an autophagy inhibitor group (1×10-4 mol·L-1 3-MA), and autophagy inducer group (1×10-7 mol·L-1 rapamycin). The apoptosis level of H9C2 cells and the changes of mitochondrial membrane potential were detected by flow cytometry. The lysosomal probe (Lyso Tracker) and mitochondrial probe (Mito Tracker) co-localization was employed to detect autophagy. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect Caspase-3, Caspase-9, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-related X protein (Bax), and cytochrome C (Cyt C) in apoptosis-related pathways and the relative mRNA expression of ubiquitin ligase (Parkin), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), and p62 protein in mitochondrial autophagy-related pathways. Western blot was used to detect cleaved Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-9, Bax, Bcl-2, and Cyt C in apoptosis-related pathways, phosphorylated ubiquitin ligase (p-Parkin), phosphorylated PTEN-induced kinase 1 (p-PINK1), p62, and Bcl-2 homology domain protein Beclin1 in mitochondrial autophagy-related pathways, and the change of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio. ResultsCCK-8 showed that when the concentration of AngⅡ was 5×10-5 mol·L-1, the cell activity was the lowest, and there was no cytotoxicity. At this concentration, the surface area of cardiomyocytes was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the content of BNP in the supernatant of culture medium was significantly increased (P<0.05). Therefore, AngⅡ with a concentration of 5×10-5 mol·L-1 was selected for the subsequent modeling of myocardial mast cells. Compared with the blank group, the model group and the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA group had a significantly increased apoptosis rate (P<0.01) and significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.01). The results of immunofluorescence co-localization showed that compared with the blank group, the model group had a significantly decreased number of red and green fluorescence spots. The results of Real-time PCR showed that compared with that in the blank group, the relative mRNA expression of Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Cyt C, and p62 in the model group was significantly up-regulated (P<0.01), while the relative mRNA expression of Bcl-2, Parkin, and PINK1 was significantly down-regulated (P<0.01). In addition, the relative protein expression of Bax, cleaved Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-9, Cyt C, and p62 was significantly up-regulated (P<0.01). The LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ was significantly decreased, and the relative protein expression of Bcl-2, p-Parkin, p-PINK1, and Beclin1 was significantly down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the serum containing Zhenwutang groups and the autophagy inducer group had significantly decreased apoptosis rate (P<0.01), and the decrease ratio of mitochondrial membrane potential is significantly lowered (P<0.01) in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, both red and green fluorescence spots became more in these groups. In the 3-MA group, the number of red and green fluorescence spots decreased significantly. The relative mRNA expression of Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Cyt C, and p62 was significantly down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), while that of Bcl-2, Parkin, and PINK1 was significantly up-regulated (P<0.01). In the serum containing Zhenwutang groups, the relative protein expression levels of Bax, cleaved Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-9, Cyt C, and p62 were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). The LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ was significantly increased, and the relative protein expression levels of Bcl-2, p-Parkin, p-PINK1, and Beclin1 were significantly up-regulated (P<0.01). ConclusionThe serum containing Zhenwutang can reduce the apoptosis of myocardial mast cells and increase mitochondrial autophagy. This is related to the inhibition of intracellular Bax/Bcl-2/Caspase-3 apoptosis pathway and regulation of Parkin/PINK1 mitochondrial autophagy pathway.
2.Construction of A Nomogram Prognostic Model Based on Pretreatment Inflammatory Indicator for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients Treated with Radical Radiotherapy
Shenbo FU ; Long JIN ; Jing LIANG ; Junjun GUO ; Yu CHE ; Chenyang LI ; Yong CHEN
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(2):142-150
Objective To describe the significance of the pretreatment inflammatory indicators in predicting the prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after undergoing radical radiotherapy. Methods The data of 246 ESCC patients who underwent radical radiotherapy were retrospectively collected. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to determine the optimal cutoff values for platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII). The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. We conducted univariate and multivariate analyses by using the Cox proportional risk regression model. Software R (version 4.2.0) was used to create the nomogram of prognostic factors. Results The results of the ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cutoff values of PLR, NLR, and SII were 146.06, 2.67, and 493.97, respectively. The overall response rates were 77.6% and 64.5% in the low and high NLR groups, respectively (P<0.05). The results of the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that the prognosis of patients in the low PLR, NLR, and SII group was better than that of patients in the high PLR, NLR, and SII group (all P<0.05). The results of the multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that gender, treatment modalities, T stage, and NLR were independent factors affecting the overall survival (OS). In addition, T stage and NLR were independent factors affecting the progression-free survival (PFS) (all P<0.05). The nomogram models of OS and PFS prediction were established based on multivariate analysis. The C-index values were 0.703 and 0.668. The calibration curves showed excellent consistency between the predicted and observed OS and PFS. Conclusion The pretreatment values of PLR, NLR, and SII are correlated with the prognosis of patients with ESCC who underwent radical radiotherapy. Moreover, NLR is an independent factor affecting the OS and PFS of ESCC patients. The NLR-based nomogram model has a good predictive ability.
3.Prevalence of menopausal syndrome among postmenopausal women in Pan'an County
YING Huizhen ; JI Li ; KONG Wenjuan ; WANG Yuan ; CHEN Xiaoxia ; HU Caihong ; FU Haiying ; LU Yuanyuan ; CHE Xiuli
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(3):312-315
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of menopausal syndrome among postmenopausal women in Pan'an County, Zhejiang Province, so as to provide the basis for guiding the health management of postmenopausal women.
Methods:
From May 2023 to April 2024, the postmenopausal women aged 40 to 69 years in Pan'an County were selected using the random cluster sampling method. Demographic information, lifestyle and prevalence of gynecological diseases were collected through questionnaire surveys. The prevalence of menopausal syndrome was assessed by modified Kupperman Score Scale. Factors affecting menopausal syndrome were analyzed by a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
A total of 816 postmenopausal women were surveyed, with an mean age of (57.63±2.92) years and a mean natural menopause age of (49.85±2.13) years. There were 574 cases with menopausal syndrome, with a prevalence of 70.34%. Flashes and sweating, insomnia and irritability were common symptoms, accounting for 62.87%, 47.43% and 41.18%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that monthly personal income of ≤5 000 yuan (<3 000 yuan, OR=3.124, 95%CI: 1.829-5.335; 3 000-5 000 yuan, OR=2.399, 95%CI: 1.370-4.201) and having gynecological diseases (OR=1.970, 95%CI: 1.292-3.004) were associated with a higher risk of menopausal syndrome, while average (OR=0.141, 95%CI: 0.072-0.276) or sufficient sleep quality (OR=0.095, 95%CI: 0.049-0.185) were associated with a lower risk of menopausal syndrome.
Conclusion
The prevalence of menopausal syndrome among postmenopausal women in Pan'an County is relatively high, and is mainly influenced by personal economic status, sleep quality and the presence of gynecological diseases.
4.Exploration of an Intelligent Evidence Achieve Mode of Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine:Take Systematic Review of Coronary Heart Disease Syndrome Research as an Example
Qianzi CHE ; Qingyang ZENG ; Tian SONG ; Lin CHEN ; Jing WAN ; Nannan SHI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(15):1597-1603
ObjectiveTo construct an intelligent model for literature screening, retrieval, and data extraction with a systematic review of coronary heart disease syndromes as an example, so as to improve the efficiency of evidence-based Chinese medicine research. MethodsBased on China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP and Wanfang Data Resource System, the articles related to coronary heart disease syndrome research published from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2023 were retrieved. Automated tools were used to batch retrieve paper metadata. Using text similarity algorithms, papers were merged, deduplicated, and subjected to preliminary screening based on titles and abstracts. Further screening was performed using object detection and image processing technologies on the full texts and statistical tables. Natural language processing (NLP) techniques and pre-trained models were applied to extract information. ResultsThe initial search retrieved 56 255 coronary heart disease syndrome-related articles. By artificial intelligence-assisted preliminary and secondary screening, the manual verification scope was narrowed to 1075 articles. Ultimately, 646 coronary heart disease syndrome related studies were included manually. With accuracy verification showing over 90% consistency in semantic recognition and element decomposition processes, we achieved data extraction and standardization processing for both basic literature information and 38 syndrome element statistics. ConclusionBy incorporating natural language processing, pre-trained models, artificial intelligence image processing and other technologies, this study enabled efficient retrieval, screening and standardized data extraction of Chinese medicine research literature.
5.Interpretation of the Guideline for Multi-dimensional and Multi-criteria Comprehensive Evaluation of Chinese Patent Medicine:weighting of evaluation indicators
Haili ZHANG ; Bin LIU ; Weili WANG ; Wenjie CAO ; Yijiu YANG ; Ziteng HU ; Yaxin CHEN ; Ning LIANG ; Huizhen LI ; Qianzi CHE ; Xingyu ZONG ; Zhao CHEN ; Yanping WANG ; Nannan SHI
China Pharmacy 2024;35(7):773-777
OBJECTIVE To provide a detailed report and interpretation of the method and results for determining the weights of the technical indicators from the “multi-dimensional and multi-criteria comprehensive evaluation index system (first edition)” stated in Guideline for Multi-dimensional and Multi-criteria Comprehensive Evaluation of Chinese Patent Medicine. METHODS Normalization calculations were performed on the comprehensive weight values calculated by the analytic hierarchy process and expert weighting method to obtain the objective weights of the indicators. RESULTS The weight results of the six primary dimensions in the current comprehensive evaluation indicator system of Chinese patent medicine showed effectiveness dimension> safety dimension>standard dimension>application dimension>scientific dimension>economic dimension, with weight values of 0.281 0, 0.268 5, 0.195 8, 0.107 3, 0.096 1 and 0.051 3 respectively, consistent with the results of most researches currently. CONCLUSIONS The process of weight determination in this indicator system is scientifically reasonable, with clear methods and clear interpretations, and is worthy of further optimization and widespread application.
6.Comparative effectiveness research of different testing methods in functional quality inspection of precision surgical instruments
Fenglian CHE ; Liming QIAN ; Weiwei CHEN ; Lele ZHENG ; Yu CHEN ; Huiyuan PAN
China Medical Equipment 2024;21(3):129-132
Objective:To compare the testing effects of different testing methods in the functional inspection of precision surgical scissors and needle holders.Methods:By consulting relevant literature and professional books,three testing methods and materials for precision surgical scissors and needle holders were selected.The cutting performance of the precision surgical scissors were tested by gauze cloth,cotton wool,and silicone film method in the Interlock surgical instrument testing set.The clamping performance of precision needle holder was tested by using light,needle clips,and thread clamping method in the Interlock surgical instrument testing set.100 pieces of precision surgical scissors and needle holders which were qualified for cleaning and disinfection in the hospital were selected for effectiveness testing,and a self-made satisfaction questionnaire to investigate the satisfaction of surgeons with the use of instruments.Results:After 100 precision surgical scissors tested using three methods of gauze,cotton wool,and silicone film,the qualified number of cutting performance was 94,76,and 58,respectively,the difference was statistically significant(x2=36.526,P<0.05).The satisfaction rate of surgeons with the use of precision surgical scissors passed the silicone film test was the highest at 100%,followed by cotton wool cloth at 82.0%,and the gauze method at the worst at 67.0%,the difference was statistically significant(x2=48.439,P<0.05).After 100 precision needle holders were tested by using three methods of light irradiation,needle clamping,and wire clamping,the qualified number of clamping performance was 96,78,and 62,respectively,the difference was statistically significant(x2=38.160,P<0.05).The satisfaction rate of surgeons with the precision needle holders passed the clamp line test was the highest at 100.0%,followed by the clamp needle at 79.0%,and the worst under light at 62.0%,the difference was statistically significant(x2=57.705,P<0.05).Conclusion:The function and quality of precision surgical scissors and needle holders tested by the test objects in Interlock Surgical Instrument Test Suite can objectively and accurately reflect the functional status of surgical scissors and needle holders,provide reference for regular maintenance and upkeep of instruments,and ensure safe use of instruments.
7.Methodology for Developing Rapid and Living Guidelines of Traditional Chinese Medicine (RALIG-TCM) (Part 2): Development Process and Key Steps during Preparation Stage
Yujing ZHANG ; Lijiao YAN ; Ziteng HU ; Yaxin CHEN ; Xiaoling LI ; Qianzi CHE ; Jingya WANG ; An LI ; Nannan SHI ; Yanping WANG ; Ning LIANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(3):275-280
It is necessary to develop rapid and living guidelines in order to improve the evidence translation and guidance for clinical practice in emergency situations, and to enhance the participation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in management of emergencies. This paper introduced the process of developing rapid and living guidelines of TCM and divided it into three stages, that is preparation, rapid development and dynamic updating, which highlights the features of rapid development, high quality, and dynamic updating and the integration with the predominance of TCM. By comparing with general guidelines on composition, personnel number, timing to formulate and communication patterns of the guideline working groups, as well as the content and number of clinical questions, this paper mainly gave suggestions on how to formulate a concise but authoritative team during the preparation stage, how to efficiently manage the guideline team and promote the development process from conflict of interest management, working and communication mode adjustment, and how to formulate and update the important and prioritized clinical questions, all of which may provide reference for the development of TCM rapid and living guidelines.
8.Methodological Consideration on Combination Model of TCM Clinical Practice Guidelines and Real-world Study
Guozhen ZHAO ; Huizhen LI ; Ning LIANG ; Haili ZHANG ; Bin LIU ; Qianzi CHE ; Feng ZHOU ; He LI ; Xiaowen CHEN ; Long YE ; Jiahao LIN ; Xingyu ZONG ; Dingyi WANG ; Nannan SHI ; Yanping WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):87-93
The clinical practice guidelines of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have problems such as limited clinical application and unclear implementation effects, which may be related to the lack of clinical practice evidence. To provide reliable and precise evidence for clinical practice, this article proposes a model of combining TCM guidelines with real-world study, which includes 4 steps. Firstly, during the implementation process of the guidelines, a high-quality research database is established. Secondly, the recommendations in the guidelines are evaluated based on the established database in multiple dimensions, including applicability, effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness, and thus their effectiveness in practical applications can be determined. Thirdly, based on the established database, core prescriptions are identified, and the targeted populations and medication plans are determined. That is, the best treatment regimen is established based on the analysis of abundant clinical data regarding the effects of different medication frequencies, dosages, and duration on efficacy. Fourthly, the guidelines are updated according to the real-world evidence. The research based on this model can provide real-world evidence for ancient and empirical prescriptions, improving their application in clinical practice. Moreover, this model can reduce research costs and improve research efficiency. When applying this model, researchers need to pay attention to the quality of real-world evidence, ensuring that it can truly reflect the situation in clinical practice. In addition, importance should be attached to the clinical application of guideline recommendations, ensuring that doctors can conduct standardized diagnosis and treatment according to the guidelines. Finally, full-process participation of multidisciplinary experts is encouraged to ensure the comprehensiveness and scientificity of the study. In conclusion, the application of this model will contribute to the development of TCM guidelines responsive to the needs of clinical practice and achieve the goal of promoting the homogenization of TCM clinical diagnosis and treatment.
9.Methods and Challenges for Identifying and Controlling Confounding Factors in Traditional Chinese Medicine Observational Studies
Guozhen ZHAO ; Ziheng GAO ; Chen ZHAO ; Huizhen LI ; Ning LIANG ; Bin LIU ; Qianzi CHE ; Haili ZHANG ; Yixiang LI ; Feng ZHOU ; He LI ; Bo LI ; Nannan SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):120-126
As a supplement to randomized controlled trials, observational studies can provide evidence for the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment measures. They can also study influencing factors of diseases, etiology, and prognosis. However, there is a confounding effect due to the lack of randomization, which seriously affects the causal inference between the study factors and the outcome, resulting in confounding bias. Therefore, identifying and controlling confounding factors are key issues to be addressed in TCM observational studies. According to the causal network and the characteristics of TCM theory, confounding factors can be categorized into measured and unmeasured confounding factors. In addition, attention must be paid to identifying confounding factors and intermediate variables, as well as the interaction between confounding factors and study factors. For methods of controlling confounding factors, measured confounding factors can be controlled by stratification, multifactor analysis, propensity scores, and disease risk scores. Unmeasured and unknown confounding factors can be corrected using instrumental variable methods, difference-in-difference methods, and correction for underlying event rate ratios. Correcting and controlling confounding factors can ensure a balance between groups, and confounding bias can be reduced. In addition, methods such as sensitivity analysis and determination of interactions make the control of confounding factors more comprehensive. Due to the unique characteristics of TCM, observational studies of TCM face unique challenges in identifying and controlling confounding factors, including the ever-changing TCM treatment measures received by patients, the often-overlooked confounding effects in the four diagnostic information of TCM, and the lack of objective criteria for TCM evidence-based diagnosis. Some scholars have already conducted innovative explorations to address these issues, providing a methodological basis for conducting higher-quality TCM observational studies, so as to obtain more rigorous real-world evidence of TCM and gradually develop quality evaluation criteria for OS that are consistent with the characteristics of TCM.
10.Analysis of the efficacy of flow diverter device and traditional stent in the treatment of unruptured ophthal-mic segment aneurysms
Kuihong CHENG ; Gang ZHAO ; Xiwu ZHANG ; Zhuang CHEN ; Che JIANG ; Xiaona WU ; Gaoquan LUO ; Chengshu XU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(7):979-983
Objective Discuss the safety and effectiveness of flow diverter device and traditional stent inthetreatment of unruptured ophthalmic segment aneurysms.Methods A retrospective analysis from January 2017 to January 2023 was performed on the clinical data of 70 cases of unruptured aneurysms in the Department of Neurosurgery of Southern Theater General Hospital treated with stent-assisted embolization.According to the type of implanted stents,theywere divided into flow diverter device group(n = 21)and traditional stent group(n = 49),and the postoperative clinical effects and complications of the two groups were compared.Results The two groups of patients followed 3 to 24 months,with an average of(14.4±1.82)months.The results of periopera-tive and follow-up showed that the inclusion rate was higher in the flow diverter device group and the traditional stent group(93.3%vs.87.9%),with no significant difference(P>0.05),and the incidence of perioperative and short-term complications was lower(0 vs.6.1%)in the flow diverter device group than in the traditional stent group,and there currencies rate in the flow diverter device group was lower than that in the traditional stent group(0 vs.6.1%),but the difference was not significant(P>0.05).Conclusion Flow diverter devices and traditional stents in the treatment of unruptured ophthalmic segment aneurysmsare feasible,safe and effective.Preliminary results suggest that the incidence of short-term complications and retreatment is lower after treatment with flow diverter devices,and the operation time is short,but further studies are needed to validate long-term complica-tions in patients.


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