1.Interpretation of 2024 ESC guidelines for the management of elevated blood pressure and hypertension
Yu CHENG ; Yiheng ZHOU ; Yao LÜ ; ; Dongze LI ; Lidi LIU ; Peng ZHANG ; Rong YANG ; Yu JIA ; Rui ZENG ; Zhi WAN ; Xiaoyang LIAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(01):31-40
The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) released the "2024 ESC guidelines for the management of elevated blood pressure and hypertension" on August 30, 2024. This guideline updates the 2018 "Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension." One notable update is the introduction of the concept of "elevated blood pressure" (120-139/70-89 mm Hg). Additionally, a new systolic blood pressure target range of 120-129 mm Hg has been proposed for most patients receiving antihypertensive treatment. The guideline also includes numerous additions or revisions in areas such as non-pharmacological interventions and device-based treatments for hypertension. This article interprets the guideline's recommendations on definition and classification of elevated blood pressure and hypertension, and cardiovascular disease risk assessment, diagnosing hypertension and investigating underlying causes, preventing and treating elevated blood pressure and hypertension. We provide a comparison interpretation with the 2018 "Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension" and the "2017 ACC/AHA guideline on the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults."
2.Comparison of the effect of reducing the diameter of back optical zone diameter of CRT and VST designed orthokeratology lens in controlling myopia progression
Sili JING ; Yaqun WAN ; Dan CHEN ; Yuanyuan CHEN ; Jue WANG ; Min YANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):475-480
AIM:To compare and analyze the effectiveness and safety of reducing the diameter of the back optical zone diameter(BOZD)of orthokeratology lens designed by CRT and VST in controlling the progression of myopia in children and adolescents.METHODS:Retrospective study. The study subjects were 400 myopia patients aged 8-16 years who were admitted to the orthokeratology fitting center of our hospital from June 2019 to May 2022, with 400 eyes(including right eye data analysis). The subjects were divided into CRT-S group(BOZD<6.0 mm), CRT group(BOZD=6.0 mm), VST-S group(BOZD<6.2 mm), VST group(BOZD=6.2 mm)according to the brand of orthokeratology lens and BOZD group, with 100 cases in each group. Uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA), corneal flat K value, axial length, spherical equivalent, and incidence of corneal injury were collected and analyzed at 1 d, 1 wk, 1 and 6 mo, 1 and 2 a, respectively.RESULTS:After wearing lenses for 1 d, the UCVA of the VST-S group improved the fastest, but after 1 wk, all groups reached a good UCVA, and there was no significant difference between groups. The corneal flat K value of the CRT-S group decreased the most after wearing lenses for 6 mo, and there was no significant difference in the corneal flat K value of all groups after 1 year of lens wearing. At each time point, the axial length growth decreased significantly after reducing the BOZD of the same brand of orthokeratology lens. At 6 mo, there was no significant difference in the axial length growth and defocus ring diameter between the CRT-S group and the VST-S group, but at 1 and 2 a, the VST-S group had significantly lower axial length growth and defocus ring diameter than the CRT-S group. The growth of the diopter sphere and spherical equivalent(SE)was significantly reduced when the BOZD of the same brand of orthokeratology lens was reduced at 2 a follow-up. The VST-S group had the smallest changes in the degree of SE and had the best myopia control effect. There was no significant difference in the change value of the diopter cylinder and the incidence of corneal injury among the four groups.CONCLUSION:Reducing the BOZD of the orthokeratology lens can effectively control the growth of the axial length and the progression of myopia degree. The myopia control effect of the VST lens is better than that of the CRT lens after reducing the BOZD. Reducing the BOZD of the orthokeratology lens does not increase the risk of additional corneal injury.
3.Comparison of the effect of reducing the diameter of back optical zone diameter of CRT and VST designed orthokeratology lens in controlling myopia progression
Sili JING ; Yaqun WAN ; Dan CHEN ; Yuanyuan CHEN ; Jue WANG ; Min YANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):475-480
AIM:To compare and analyze the effectiveness and safety of reducing the diameter of the back optical zone diameter(BOZD)of orthokeratology lens designed by CRT and VST in controlling the progression of myopia in children and adolescents.METHODS:Retrospective study. The study subjects were 400 myopia patients aged 8-16 years who were admitted to the orthokeratology fitting center of our hospital from June 2019 to May 2022, with 400 eyes(including right eye data analysis). The subjects were divided into CRT-S group(BOZD<6.0 mm), CRT group(BOZD=6.0 mm), VST-S group(BOZD<6.2 mm), VST group(BOZD=6.2 mm)according to the brand of orthokeratology lens and BOZD group, with 100 cases in each group. Uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA), corneal flat K value, axial length, spherical equivalent, and incidence of corneal injury were collected and analyzed at 1 d, 1 wk, 1 and 6 mo, 1 and 2 a, respectively.RESULTS:After wearing lenses for 1 d, the UCVA of the VST-S group improved the fastest, but after 1 wk, all groups reached a good UCVA, and there was no significant difference between groups. The corneal flat K value of the CRT-S group decreased the most after wearing lenses for 6 mo, and there was no significant difference in the corneal flat K value of all groups after 1 year of lens wearing. At each time point, the axial length growth decreased significantly after reducing the BOZD of the same brand of orthokeratology lens. At 6 mo, there was no significant difference in the axial length growth and defocus ring diameter between the CRT-S group and the VST-S group, but at 1 and 2 a, the VST-S group had significantly lower axial length growth and defocus ring diameter than the CRT-S group. The growth of the diopter sphere and spherical equivalent(SE)was significantly reduced when the BOZD of the same brand of orthokeratology lens was reduced at 2 a follow-up. The VST-S group had the smallest changes in the degree of SE and had the best myopia control effect. There was no significant difference in the change value of the diopter cylinder and the incidence of corneal injury among the four groups.CONCLUSION:Reducing the BOZD of the orthokeratology lens can effectively control the growth of the axial length and the progression of myopia degree. The myopia control effect of the VST lens is better than that of the CRT lens after reducing the BOZD. Reducing the BOZD of the orthokeratology lens does not increase the risk of additional corneal injury.
4.Nerve growth factor promotes chondrogenic differentiation and inhibits hypertrophic differentiation of rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Zhihang YANG ; Zuyan SUN ; Wenliang HUANG ; Yu WAN ; Shida CHEN ; Jiang DENG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(7):1336-1342
BACKGROUND:Nerve growth factor is a protein that induces nerve growth and regulates biological behaviors such as proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the promoting effect of nerve growth factor on chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. METHODS:Rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and cultured,and nerve growth factor was transfected into bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by lentiviral transfection.The effects of nerve growth factor on the proliferation,migration,hypertrophic differentiation,and chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were detected by CCK-8 assay,cell scratch assay,alizarin red staining,and western blot assay,using the transfected null-loaded virus as control.To further investigate the promoting effect of nerve growth factor on the chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,interleukin 1β was added in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells transfected with empty virus and nerve growth factor for 14 days.The expression of proteins related to chondrogenic differentiation and hypertrophic differentiation was detected by western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)CCK-8 assay results showed that nerve growth factor had no significant effect on the proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.(2)Compared with the control group,overexpression of nerve growth factor enhanced the migration ability of the cells,and the expression of cartilage-associated proteins type II collagen and SOX9 was up-regulated(P<0.05),while the expression of hypertrophic-associated proteins type X collagen and Runx2 was down-regulated(P<0.05).(3)Compared with the empty virus+interleukin 1β group,the expression of cartilage-associated proteins type II collagen and Sox9 was up-regulated(P<0.05),and the expression of hypertrophy-associated proteins type X collagen and Runx2 was down-regulated after overexpression of nerve growth factor(P<0.05).(4)The results indicated that nerve growth factor could promote the chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.
5.Herbal Textual Research on Houttuyniae Herba in Famous Classical Formulas
Dan ZHAO ; Changgui YANG ; Chuanzhi KANG ; Chenghong XIAO ; Zhikun WU ; Hongliang MA ; Jiwen WANG ; Xiufu WAN ; Sheng WANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):250-259
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, medicinal parts, origin, harvesting, processing and other aspects of Houttuyniae Herba(HH) by referring to the medical books, prescription books and other documents of the past dynasties, combined with the research materials related to modern and contemporary times, in order to provide a basis for the development of famous classical formulas containing this herb. In ancient literature, HH was often referred to as "Ji" and "Jicai", the name of "Ji" was first recorded in Mingyi Bielu during the Han and Wei dynasties, and the name of Yuxingcao was first seen in Lyuchanyan Bencao during the southern Song dynasty and has continued to this day. The origin of HH used throughout history is consistent, all of which are the whole herb or aboveground parts of Houttuynia cordata in Saururaceae family. HH recorded throughout history has a wide range of production areas, mostly self-produced self-marketing. In ancient times, fresh HH was often used as medicine by pounding its juice without involving any processing steps. Both fresh and dried products can be used as medicine, the fresh products uses the whole plant, while the dried products uses the aboveground parts, which are cleaned, selected and processed before use. Fresh products are harvested regardless of season, while dried products are harvested in both summer and autumn, with summer as the best. In ancient times, there were no specific requirements for the quality of HH, while in modern times, "intact stems and leaves with a strong fishy smell" are preferred. In addition, the medicinal properties of HH have undergone significant changes from ancient to modern times. In the early period, it was believed that its medicinal property was slightly warm, until the 1977 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia officially changed it to slightly cold. Both ancient and modern literature states that HH can be used for the treatment of carbuncle and malignant sores, Lyuchanyan Bencao for the first time introduced HH fresh juice can relieve summer heat, since Diannan Bencao recorded that it can be used for lung carbuncle, and gradually developed into the first choice for the treatment of lung carbuncle. Based on the research results, it is suggested that fresh herb or dried aboveground parts of H. cordata are used as medicine when developing famous classical formulas.
6.Effect of Modified Chaihu Shugansan on CaMKⅡ/CREB Signaling Pathway in Rats with Myocardial Ischemia and Depression
Fen WAN ; Xiaohong LI ; Ying CHEN ; Yangyu PAN ; Yanna LUO ; Fangge LU ; Chuncheng ZHENG ; Pengyun KONG ; Chengxiang WANG ; Liqiang YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):1-11
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of modified Chaihu Shugansan on the calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ(CaMKⅡ)/cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway in the hippocampus and heart tissue of a rat model with myocardial ischemia and depression and explore the mechanism by which this formula prevents and treats coronary heart disease combined with depression. MethodsThe model of myocardial ischemia combined with depression was established by high-fat diet, intraperitoneal injection of isoproterenol (ISO), and chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). A total of 108 SD male rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, high (23.4 g·kg-1), medium (11.7 g·kg-1), and low (5.85 g·kg-1) dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan, CaMKⅡ inhibitor (KN93) group, and KN93 + high, medium, and low dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan, with 12 rats in each group. From the first day of modeling to the end of modeling, drugs were administered once a day. In the seventh and eighth weeks, the KN93 group and the KN93 + high, medium, and low dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan were intraperitoneally injected with KN93 three times weekly. At the end of the eighth week, behavioral tests including sucrose preference, open field, and elevated plus maze were conducted. Electrocardiogram (ECG) lead Ⅱ changes were observed in each group of rats, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe changes in heart tissue. Serum levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured by using an enzyme-labeled instrument. Creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) were detected by ultraviolet spectrophotometry, while serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect mRNA expression of CaMKⅡ and CREB in hippocampal and heart tissue, and Western blot was performed to assess protein expression of CaMKⅡ, phosphorylated (p)-CaMKⅡ, CREB, and p-CREB. ResultsCompared to the normal group, the model group showed significant reductions in sucrose preference rate, total activity distance in the open field, number of entries into the center area of the open field, and percentage of entries into the open arms of the elevated plus maze (P<0.01). The ECG showed ST-segment elevation, and HE staining showed serious degeneration of myocardial fibers, disordered arrangement, and infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells. In addition, serum TC and LDL levels increased (P<0.01), and HDL level decreased (P<0.01). CK, CK-MB, LDH, and MCP-1 levels significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression of CaMKⅡ and CREB and the protein expression of p-CaMKⅡ and p-CREB decreased in the hippocampal tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), but those increased in the heart tissue (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the high, medium, and low dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan showed improvements in these abnormalities. The KN93 group had reduced sucrose preference, total activity distance in the open field, number of entries into the center area of the open field, and percentage of entries into the open arms of the elevated plus maze (P<0.01), as well as decreased serum CK, CK-MB, LDH, and MCP-1 levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). KN93 also reduced ST-segment elevation, alleviated the degeneration degree of myocardial fibrosis, and lowered inflammatory cell infiltration. The mRNA expression of CaMKⅡ and CREB and the protein expression of p-CaMKⅡ and p-CREB in both the hippocampal and heart tissue were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). The KN93 + high, medium, and low dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan showed further improvements in these abnormalities compared to the KN93 group. ConclusionThe modified Chaihu Shugansan exerts antidepressant and myocardial protective effects in rats with myocardial ischemia and depression, possibly related to bidirectional regulation of the CaMKⅡ/CREB signaling pathway, with the high-dose modified Chaihu Shugansan showing the best effects.
7.Propensity score matching analysis of the impact of left behind experience on the mental health of secondary vocational school students
ZHOU Quanxiang, SHE Fuqiang, WAN Yan, HE Xuehua, YANG Jingyuan, CAO Xianming, XU Xiangyang
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):353-357
Objective:
To understand the impact of left behind experience on the mental health of secondary vocational school students, so as to provide theoretical basis for the psychological health education of secondary vocational school students.
Methods:
From September to December in 2019, a total of 3 401 students from Duyun, Guiding and Pingtang County were selected by multi stage cluster random sampling method. Self designed questionnaire and Symptom Check List-90(SCL-90) were used to investigate mental health status. A total of 1 415 left behind students and 1 415 non left behind students were matched by using propensity score matching (PSM). Wilcoxon test and Logistic regression analysis were conducted.
Results:
Before the matching of propensity score, there were statistically significant differences in the distribution of family structure, mother s educational level, family residence,family harmony and children s past health among the students with or without left behind experience ( χ 2=28.17, 52.40, 96.31, 29.75 , 19.10, P <0.05). After the matching, there were no statistically significant differences in the distribution of the above variables among the students with or without left behind experience ( χ 2=0.02-4.32, P >0.05). Before the matching of propensity scores, there were significant differences in the scores of 10 dimensions of SCL-90, including somatization (1.67,1.58), interpersonal sensitivity (2.00,1.89), anxiety (1.90,1.70), obsessive compulsive symptoms (2.20, 2.10), depression (2.00, 1.85), hostility (1.83, 1.67), terror (1.85, 1.71), paranoia (1.83, 1.67), psychotic (1.70, 1.60) and other (1.85, 1.71) dimensions among secondary vocational school students with or without left behind experience ( Z=-5.15 to -2.84, P <0.05). After propensity score matching, there were significant differences in scores remained only in three factors for interpersonal sensitivity [(2.00(1.56,2.67),2.00(1.44,2.56)], paranoia [1.83(1.33,2.50),1.83(1.33,2.33)] and psychoticism [1.70(1.30,2.30),1.70(1.20,2.20)] in SCL- 90 among secondary vocational students with or without left behind experience ( Z=-2.45, -2.12, -2.23, P <0.05).
Conclusion
The impact of left behind experience on the mental health of vocational school students is mainly reflected in interpersonal sensitivity, paranoia, and psychoticism, which should be identified as key areas of psychological education for secondary vocational school students.
8.Reflections on Constructing a Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Element Differentiation System for Coronary Artery Disease Based on Disease Progression
Yumeng YANG ; Dayang WANG ; Yandi WAN ; Xian WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(9):906-911
With the evolving understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD), current syndrome differentiation systems in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are increasingly insufficient in capturing the dynamic progression of the disease and often overlook clinical prognosis. This paper proposes the establishment of a TCM syndrome element differentiation system for CAD based on disease progression. Syndrome elements are categorized into core elements, fundamental elements, and evolutionary elements. The core element is blood stasis, which is regarded as the primary pathogenic factor in the onset of CAD. The fundamental elements, qi stagnation, cold congealment, phlegm turbidity, qi deficiency, yin deficiency, and yang deficiency, are commonly coexisting factors throughout the course of CAD. The evolutionary elements, collateral wind and latent toxin, are key pathogenic factors driving the transformation from chronic to acute stages of the disease. This new system aims to emphasize the evolution of disease over time, with a focus on improving long-term clinical outcomes.
9.Randomized Controlled Clinical Observation on the Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation of Cold-Dampness Obstruction Type with Hot Ironing of Haitongpi Formula (海桐皮方) Combined with Three Movements Technique of Qinggong Spinal Manipulation
Fajie LI ; Yue ZHANG ; Tianhao WAN ; Manhong YANG ; Di XIA ; Qing ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(10):1023-1030
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of hot ironing with Haitongpi Formula (海桐皮方, HF) in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) of cold-dampness obstruction type. MethodsA total of 70 patients with cold-dampness obstruction type LDH were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 35 cases in each group. Both groups received three movements technique of Qinggong Spinal Manipulation (QSM) as the basis for treatment. In addition, the treatment group received hot ironing with HF, while the control group applied Diclofenac Sodium Gel externally. The treatment duration for both groups was 14 days. The clinical efficacy was compared between groups. Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, pain pressure threshold (PPT) for lumbar positive response points, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores were compared, on day 7, and day 14 of treatment, as well as on day 7 and day 14 of follow-up. The lumbar curvature index (LCI) was also compared before treatment and on day 14 of treatment. Adverse reactions during the study were recorded for both groups. ResultsA total of 35 patients in the treatment group and 34 patients in the control group were included for final analysis. The clinical total effective rate of the treatment group (91.43%, 32/35) was significantly higher than that of the control group (82.35%, 28/34, P<0.05). Both the JOA score and PPT of the two groups increased on day 7 and day 14 of treatment, and on day 7 and day 14 of follow-up. VAS scores and TCM symptom scores both decreased. The LCI of both groups increased on day 14 of treatment (P<0.01). Compared with the control group at the same time points, on day 14 of treatment and day 7 and day 14 of follow-up, the treatment group had higher JOA scores and PPT, and lower VAS scores and TCM symptom scores. The LCI of the treatment group increased on day 14 of treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). One case in the control group showed mild skin allergy, with no other adverse reactions observed in either group. ConclusionBased on three movements technique of QSM, hot ironing with HF shows better clinical efficacy than external Diclofenac Sodium Gel in the treatment of cold-dampness obstruction type LDH. It can significantly reduce lumbar pain, increase pain pressure threshold, improve clinical symptoms, lumbar function, and lumbar curvature, with good safety.
10.Digital therapeutics in Korea: current status, challenges, and future directions – a narrative review
Hee Jun SHIN ; Ik Tae CHO ; Wan Suk CHOI ; Hong Rae KIM ; Min Bong KANG ; Won Jong YANG
Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science 2025;42(1):8-
Digital therapeutics (DTx) are emerging as a transformative innovation in healthcare offering evidence-based digital interventions for the treatment, management, and prevention of various diseases and disorders. In Korea, DTx have gained significant attention as potential solutions to the increasing burden of chronic diseases and mental health conditions. However, the Korean DTx market faces several challenges that hinder its widespread adoption and integration into the national healthcare system. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the DTx market in Korea, identifies the key challenges impeding its growth, and proposes strategies for overcoming these obstacles. This study utilized a literature review and market analysis approach to examine the latest research, industry reports, and regulatory documents related to DTx. The analysis focused on three primary areas: (1) the current regulatory landscape, (2) technological advancements and challenges, and (3) economic and commercial factors influencing DTx adoption in Korea. A comparative analysis of global regulatory practices was also conducted to identify best practices. The findings revealed that while Korea has made significant strides in supporting DTx development, the market remains in its early stages. The key challenges include underdeveloped regulatory frameworks, issues with data quality and security, and a lack of established reimbursement pathways. We recommend developing tailored regulatory frameworks for DTx, enhancing policy support for small and medium-sized enterprises involved in DTx development, and increasing investments in technological infrastructure. By addressing these challenges, Korea could position itself as a leader in the global DTx market, delivering innovative and effective treatments to enhance patient care and outcomes.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail