1.Analysis of Quality Changes of Small Packaged Alismatis Rhizoma Decoction Pieces Under Different Packaging and Storage Conditions
Gaoting YANG ; Rui XIAN ; Zimin WANG ; Zongyi ZHAO ; Zhiqiong LAN ; Xiaoli PAN ; Min LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):179-188
ObjectiveTo screen suitable packaging and storage conditions for small packaged Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces, laying the foundation for developing standardized storage, maintenance techniques and determining shelf life. MethodsUsing the accelerated stability test method, the small packaged decoction pieces of Alismatis Rhizoma were placed in polyethylene plastic bags, aluminum foil polyethylene composite bags, and cowhide coated paper bags under temperature of (40±2) ℃ and relative humidity of (75±5)% conditions, the quality testing was conducted at the end of the 0th, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th month, respectively. Using long-term stability test method, an orthogonal experiment was designed to investigate storage conditions, packaging materials, and packaging methods. At the end of the 0th, 1st, 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 18th, and 24th month, the quality of small packaged Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces was tested under different packaging and storage conditions(including 2 packaging methods:vacuum packaging and sealed packaging, 3 storage conditions:room temperature, cool, and modified atmosphere, 3 packaging materials:cowhide coated paper bag, aluminum foil polyethylene composite bag, and polyethylene plastic bag). Then, the G1-entropy weight method combined with orthogonal experiment was used to analyze the quality changes of the decoction pieces under different packaging and storage conditions to identify optimal packaging and storage conditions. The quality testing indicators for Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces were expanded beyond those specified in the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. In addition to the existing indicators(characteristics, moisture content, extractives, and the total content of 23-acetyl alisol B and 23-acetyl alisol C), new indicators including color value, water activity, total triterpenoid content, and alisol B content have been added. ResultsThe accelerated stability test results indicated that the quality of small packaged Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces was more stable when packaged in aluminum foil-polyethylene composite materials compared to cowhide-coated paper bags and polyethylene plastic bags. Analysis of the long-term stability test results using the G1-entropy weight method combined with orthogonal experiment revealed that storage conditions had the greatest impact on both raw and salt-processed products, followed by packaging materials, while the packaging method had the least influence. For both types of small packaged Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces, modified atmosphere storage demonstrated superior efficacy compared to cool storage or room temperature storage. Storage in aluminum foil-polyethylene composite bags was superior to polyethylene plastic bags or cowhide-coated paper bags. However, the stability of sealed raw products was better than vacuum-packed ones, whereas vacuum-packed salt-processed products exhibited greater stability than their sealed counterparts. ConclusionBased on the results of the quality changes of small packaged Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces under different storage conditions, it is recommended that the suitable storage packaging conditions for small packaged raw products are sealed packaging with aluminum foil polyethylene composite bags and controlled atmosphere storage, and the suitable storage and packaging conditions for small packaged salt-processed products are vacuum packaging with aluminum foil polyethylene composite bags and controlled atmosphere storage.
2.Joint Relation Extraction of Famous Medical Cases with CasRel Model Combining Entity Mapping and Data Augmentation
Yuxin LI ; Xinghua XIANG ; Hang YANG ; Dasheng LIU ; Jiaheng WANG ; Zhiwei ZHAO ; Jiaxu HAN ; Mengjie WU ; Qianzi CHE ; Wei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):218-225
ObjectiveTo address the challenges of unstructured classical Chinese expressions, nested entity relationships, and limited annotated data in famous traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) case records, this study proposes a joint relation extraction framework that integrates data augmentation and entity mapping, aiming to support the construction of TCM diagnostic knowledge graphs and clinical pattern mining. MethodsWe developed an annotation structure for entities and their relationships in TCM case texts and applied a data augmentation strategy by incorporating multiple ancient texts to expand the relation extraction dataset. A cascade binary tagging framework for relation triple extraction(CasRel) model for TCM semantics was designed, integrating a pre-trained bidirectional encoder representations from transformers(BERT) layer for classical TCM texts to enhance semantic representation, and using a head entity-relation-tail entity mapping mechanism to address entity nesting and relation overlapping issues. ResultsExperimental results showed that the CasRel model, combining data augmentation and entity mapping, outperformed the pipeline-based Bert-Radical-Lexicon(BRL)-bidirectional long short-term memory(BiLSTM)-Attention model. The overall precision, recall, and F1-score across 12 relation types reached 65.73%, 64.03%, and 64.87%, which represent improvements of 14.26%, 7.98%, and 11.21% compared to the BRL-BiLSTM-Attention model, respectively. Notably, the F1-score for tongue syndrome relations increased by 22.68%(69.32%), and the prescription-syndrome relations performed the best with the F1-score of 70.10%. ConclusionThe proposed framework significantly improves the semantic representation and complex dependencies in TCM texts, offering a reusable technical framework for structured mining of TCM case records. The constructed knowledge graph can support clinical syndrome differentiation, prescription optimization, and drug compatibility, providing a methodological reference for TCM artificial intelligence research.
3.Current Status and Prospects of Research on the Potential Neurobiological Mechanisms of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Tobacco Dependence
Shumin CHEN ; Jin CHANG ; Chaoren TAN ; Hao ZHU ; Jinsheng YANG ; Zhao LIU ; Yingying WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):421-426
This paper comprehensively discusses on the potential neurobiological mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of tobacco dependence, focusing on three important aspects, including acupuncture's regulation of tobacco dependence behavior, effects of acupuncture on withdrawal syndrome, and the role of acupuncture in preventing relapse. It is found that acupuncture can inhibit drug-seeking behavior by regulating the reward pathway and related neurons, such as dopamine, thus modulating tobacco dependence behavior. It also alleviates withdrawal symptoms by improving the oral environment of smokers and reducing negative emotions after quitting. Furthermore, acupuncture can prevent relapse by decreasing brain network activity related to smoking cravings and improving cognitive brain functions like addiction memory. Currently, research on the specific neurobiological mechanism of acupuncture in treating tobacco dependence and the involved neural circuits is limited. Future research directions are proposed, including the evaluation of clinical effects, exploration of specific therapeutic mechanisms, investigation of brain pathology, and strengthening the exploration of brain functions. Additionally, combining modern technologies to clarify the neural circuits involved in acupuncture intervention will provide a basis for acupuncture treatment of tobacco addiction.
4.Genotype and phenotype correlation analysis of retinitis pigmentosa-associated RHO gene mutation in a Yi pedigree
Yajuan ZHANG ; Hong YANG ; Hongchao ZHAO ; Dan MA ; Meiyu SHI ; Weiyi ZHENG ; Xiang WANG ; Jianping LIU
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):499-505
AIM: To delineate the specific mutation responsible for retinitis pigmentosa(RP)in a Yi pedigree, and to analyze the correlation of RHO gene mutation with clinical phenotype.METHODS:A comprehensive clinical evaluation was conducted on the proband diagnosed with RP and other familial members, complemented by a thorough ophthalmic examination. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from the proband and familial members, from which genomic DNA was extracte. Subsequent whole exome sequencing(WES)was employed to identify the variant genes in the proband. The identified variant gene was validated through Sanger sequencing, then an in-depth analysis of the mutation genes was carried out using genetic databases to ascertain the pathogenic mutation sites. Furthermore, an exhaustive analysis was performed to delineate the genotype and phenotype characteristics.RESULTS:The RP pedigree encompasses 5 generations with 42 members, including 19 males and 23 females. A total of 13 cases of RP were identified, consisting of 4 males and 9 females, which conforms to the autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The clinical features of this family include an early onset age, rapid progression, and a more severe condition. The patients were found to have night blindness around 6 years old, representing the earliest reported case of night blindness in RP families. The retina was manifested by progressive osteocytoid pigmentation of the fundus, a reduced visual field, and significantly decreased or even vanished a and b amplitudes of ERG. The combined results of WES and Sanger sequencing indicated that the proband had a heterozygous missense mutation of the RHO gene c.1040C>T:p.P347L, where the 1 040 base C of cDNA was replaced by T, causing codon 347 to encode leucine instead of proline. Interestingly, this mutation has not been reported in the Chinese population.CONCLUSION:This study confirmed that the mutant gene of RP in a Yi nationality pedigree was RHO(c.1040C>T). This variant leads to the change of codon 347 from encoding proline to encoding leucine, resulting in a severe clinical phenotype among family members. This study provides a certain molecular, clinical, and genetic basis for genetic counseling and gene diagnosis of RHO.
5.Genotype and phenotype correlation analysis of retinitis pigmentosa-associated RHO gene mutation in a Yi pedigree
Yajuan ZHANG ; Hong YANG ; Hongchao ZHAO ; Dan MA ; Meiyu SHI ; Weiyi ZHENG ; Xiang WANG ; Jianping LIU
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):499-505
AIM: To delineate the specific mutation responsible for retinitis pigmentosa(RP)in a Yi pedigree, and to analyze the correlation of RHO gene mutation with clinical phenotype.METHODS:A comprehensive clinical evaluation was conducted on the proband diagnosed with RP and other familial members, complemented by a thorough ophthalmic examination. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from the proband and familial members, from which genomic DNA was extracte. Subsequent whole exome sequencing(WES)was employed to identify the variant genes in the proband. The identified variant gene was validated through Sanger sequencing, then an in-depth analysis of the mutation genes was carried out using genetic databases to ascertain the pathogenic mutation sites. Furthermore, an exhaustive analysis was performed to delineate the genotype and phenotype characteristics.RESULTS:The RP pedigree encompasses 5 generations with 42 members, including 19 males and 23 females. A total of 13 cases of RP were identified, consisting of 4 males and 9 females, which conforms to the autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The clinical features of this family include an early onset age, rapid progression, and a more severe condition. The patients were found to have night blindness around 6 years old, representing the earliest reported case of night blindness in RP families. The retina was manifested by progressive osteocytoid pigmentation of the fundus, a reduced visual field, and significantly decreased or even vanished a and b amplitudes of ERG. The combined results of WES and Sanger sequencing indicated that the proband had a heterozygous missense mutation of the RHO gene c.1040C>T:p.P347L, where the 1 040 base C of cDNA was replaced by T, causing codon 347 to encode leucine instead of proline. Interestingly, this mutation has not been reported in the Chinese population.CONCLUSION:This study confirmed that the mutant gene of RP in a Yi nationality pedigree was RHO(c.1040C>T). This variant leads to the change of codon 347 from encoding proline to encoding leucine, resulting in a severe clinical phenotype among family members. This study provides a certain molecular, clinical, and genetic basis for genetic counseling and gene diagnosis of RHO.
6.Extraction process optimization and quality control of Xuetong capsules
Fangjian CHEN ; Juanjuan ZHAO ; Kanti YE ; Yuxin SUN ; Jiyong LIU ; Jun YANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(2):82-86
Objective To optimize the extraction process of Xuetong capsules and establish its quality control method. Methods The extraction process was optimized by orthogonal experiment using ethanol reflux method to investigate the effects of different factors on diphenylstilbene, aloin and extraction yield. The content of 5 anthraquinone compounds in Xuetong capsule was determined by HPLC. Results The optimal extraction process was to add 10 times ethanol, with an ethanol concentration of 70%, and extract 3 times, each time for 1 h; 5 components had a good linear relationship with peak area within a certain concentration range, r>0.999 7; The range of sample recovery rate was 93.66%-96.85%, RSD range of 1.48%-1.66%. The content determination results of the 5 components in three batches of Xuetong capsules were (0.632-0.641), (0.660-0.681), (1.968-1.991), (2.547-2.580), and (1.076-1.101) mg/g. Conclusion The method was accurate, reproducible, and highly feasible, which could be references for producing and improving the quality control standards of Xuetong capsules.
7.Analysis of gemcitabine adverse drug reactions and risk factors in Inner Mongolia
Shengnan YANG ; Wei SHI ; Yufang ZHAO ; Zhien LIU ; Wenpu LEI ; Yanan ZHANG ; Ke ZHAO ; Hao GUO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(4):486-490
OBJECTIVE To analyze the occurrence characteristics and risk factors of adverse drug reactions (ADR) of gemcitabine for injection in national centralized volume-based procurement (hereinafter referred to as “centralized procurement”), and provide reference for clinical safe drug use. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted to collect the relevant case reports of gemcitabine for injection reported to the National Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring System by Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from January 2022 to December 2023; basic information of patients, drug use status, patient outcomes, rational drug use and other information were collected, and the occurrence characteristics of ADRs with leukopenia, myelosuppression, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and liver dysfunction were analyzed. Univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression were used to analyze the correlation of gender, age, combination of antitumor drugs, original malignant tumor and drug dose with ADR. RESULTS A total of 315 cases reports (315 patients) of gemcitabine-induced ADR were included in this study, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.42∶1 and age of (61.17±9.13) years. The primary malignant tumor was pancreatic cancer (73 cases, 23.17%). Leukopenia, myelosuppression and nausea were the most common ADR, followed by neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, liver dysfunction and so on. The severity grade of ADR was mainly 1-2, and the outcome of most ADR was good. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that combination of antitumor drugs was a risk factor for myelosuppression and neutropenia (RR=2.154, 95%CI: 1.218- 3.807, P=0.008; RR=3.099, 95%CI: 1.240-7.744, P=0.016); gender (female) was a risk factor for leukopenia and liver dysfunction (RR=0.508, 95%CI: 0.302-0.853, P=0.010; RR=0.301, 95%CI: 0.102-0.887, P=0.029). In terms of drug use rationality, there were 143 cases (45.40%) of drug 126.com use in accordance with the indications of the label, and 172 cases (54.60%) of off-label drug use. Among them, the primary malignant tumors were bladder cancer, bile duct cancer and ovarian cancer, which ranked the top three off-label drug use. CONCLUSIONS The ADR caused by gemcitabine in Inner Mongolia is mainly in the blood and digestive systems. The severity of ADRs is mainly classified as 1-2 levels, and most ADRs have good outcomes. Gender (female) and combination medication are risk factors for gemcitabine-induced ADR. Appropriate chemotherapy regimen should be selected according to the patient’s condition and physical condition, and ADR monitoring in blood and digestive systems should be strengthened during medication of gemcitabine.
8.Clinical Study on the Treatment of 70 Cases Chronic Atrophic Gastritis with Intestinal Metaplasia Using Xianglian Huazhuo Granules (香连化浊颗粒):A Randomized,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Trial
Ziyu LI ; Maopeng ZHANG ; Wen ZHAO ; Wei LI ; Shiyun SHENG ; Haiyan BAI ; Qian YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):473-479
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and possible mechanisms of Xianglian Huazhuo Granules (香连化浊颗粒, XHG) in the treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia. MethodsA total of 140 patients with chronic atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 70 cases in each group. The treatment group received 12.5 g of XHG orally, twice daily. The control group received 12.5 g of placebo orally, twice daily. Both groups were treated for 6 months. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores, pathological types, serum tumor markers of the digestive system, and serum bile acids (TBA), interleukin-23 (IL-23), and Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK-1) levels were observed before and after treatment. Safety indicators and adverse events were recorded. After treatment, TCM syndrome efficacy and pathological types were evaluated, and patients were followed up for 18 months with gastric endoscopy and pathological results, which were compared with the results after treatment finished. ResultsTwo patients dropped out in the control group, and a total of 168 cases were included in the final analysis, 70 in the treatment group and 68 in the control group. The treatment group showed a significant reduction in TCM symptom scores, serum TBA, IL-23, and DKK-1 levels, and a significant increase in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199) levels; in the control group, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA125, CA199 levels significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01); and carbohydrate antigen 242 (CA242) level in both the treatment group and the control group decreased significantly (P<0.01). The treatment group had lower TCM symptom scores and lower levels of serum TBA, IL-23, and DKK-1 compared to the control group (P<0.05). The effective rate for TCM syndrome efficacy in the treatment group was 80.00% (56/70), significantly higher than the 20.59% (14/68) in the control group (P < 0.05). The effective rate for pathological classification in the treatment group was 72.73% (8/11) for mixed intestinal metaplasia, significantly better than 46.15% (6/13) in the control group (P<0.05). No adverse events were reported in either group. Among 40 patients who had a follow-up endoscopy after one year, 21 were from the treatment group, of whom 11 showed reduced intestinal metaplasia, 9 showed no significant changes, and 1 had worsened; while 19 patients in the control group had 4 with reduced intestinal metaplasia, 13 with no significant changes, and 2 with worsened conditions. No cancer was detected in either group. The treatment group showed significantly better improvement in intestinal metaplasia on follow-up gastric endoscopy pathology than the control group (P<0.05). ConclusionXHG can significantly improve the clinical symptoms in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia and reduce the degree of mixed intestinal metaplasia. The mechanism may involve lowering serum TBA, DKK-1, and IL-23 levles, thus delaying the progression from inflammation to cancer.
9.Effects of Electroacupuncture at "Fengchi" (GB 20), "Waiguan" (TE 5), and "Yanglingquan" (GB 34) on Nociceptive Sensitization and PKC/TRPV1 Pathway in the Trigeminal Ganglion of Chronic Migraine Model Rats
Yixiang ZENG ; Runze TU ; Shucong ZHAO ; Yang YANG ; Haojia WEN ; Zhuozhong HE ; Shengli ZHOU ; Lei TAN ; Ke HE ; Lei FU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):283-289
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanisms of electroacupuncture at Fengchi (GB 20), Waiguan (TE 5), and Yanglingquan (GB 34) in treating chronic migraine from the perspective of nociceptive sensitization. MethodsForty SPF-grade SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture + agonist group, and inhibitor group, with 8 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, rats were injected intraperitoneally with nitroglycerin to establish a chronic migraine rat model. After successful modeling, the electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture at bilateral "Fengchi" (GB 20), "Waiguan" (TE 5), and "Yanglingquan" (GB 34) for 30 minutes each session. The electroacupuncture + agonist group received the same electroacupuncture treatment and additional injection of protein kinase C (PKC) agonist Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (1.0 ng/μl, 25 μl) via the infraorbital foramen. The inhibitor group received PKC inhibitor Chelerythrine Chloride (1.0 ng/μl, 10 μl) via the infraorbital foramen. The blank group, model group, and inhibitor group underwent restraint for 30 minutes without other interventions. All groups were continuously intervened for 5 days. After the intervention, the nociceptive thresholds (mechanical and thermal pain) of the periorbital area and hind paw were measured. The expression levels of transient receptor potential vanillic acid subtype 1 (TRPV1), phosphorylated TRPV1 (p-TRPV1), PKC proteins, Trpv1, Pkc mRNA, and the average fluorescence intensity of transient receptor potential vanillic acid subtype 1 (TRPV1) and PKC in the trigeminal ganglion were detected using Western Blot, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, and immunofluorescence methods. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the mechanical and thermal pain thresholds of the periorbital area and hind paw were reduced in the model group, and the protein levels of TRPV1, PKC, p-TRPV1, as well as the mRNA expression of Trpv1 and Pkc, and the average fluorescence intensity of TRPV1 and PKC in the trigeminal ganglion significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the electroacupuncture group exhibited increased mechanical and thermal pain thresholds in the periorbital and hind paw areas, and decreased protein levels of TRPV1, PKC, p-TRPV1, mRNA expression of Trpv1 and Pkc, and average fluorescence intensity of TRPV1. In the electroacupuncture + agonist group, the average fluorescence intensity of TRPV1 in the trigeminal ganglion decreased. The inhibitor group exhibited increased mechanical pain thresholds in the periorbital area and thermal pain thresholds in the hind paw, along with decreased protein levels of TRPV1, PKC, p-TRPV1, and the average fluorescence intensity of TRPV1 and PKC (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the electroacupuncture group, the electroacupuncture + agonist group showed an increase in the protein levels of TRPV1, PKC, p-TRPV1, and the mRNA expression of Trpv1 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionElectroacupuncture at the "Fengchi" (GB 20), "Waiguan" (TE 5), and "Yanglingquan" (GB 34) acupoints can increase the mechanical and thermal pain thresholds in chronic migraine rats and alleviate nociceptive sensitization. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of PKC/TRPV1 pathway.
10.A Brief Overview of Acupuncture in Regulating the Spirit for Treating Head and Facial Orifice Disorders
Zijing WANG ; Chao YANG ; Bing HONG ; Shuo DU ; Jiping ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):317-320
It is believed that the head and facial orifices are connected with the brain's spirit and the spirits of the five organs. Their functions, including vision, hearing, smell, taste, and speech, are manifestations of the activity of the spirit. Furthermore, head and facial orifice disorders are interrelated with spirit disorders, forming a cause-and-effect relationship. Acupuncture has a regulatory effect on the spirit. Based on this, acupuncture for regulating the spirit in treating head and facial orifice disorders is proposed. This includes regulating the brain's spirit to treat functional disorders, regulating the heart's spirit to clarify the functions of governing substances, regulating the organ's spirit to benefit the orifices and enhance the communication of the spirit, and regulating the liver's spirit to promote the flow of Qi (气) and relieve stagnation, thereby providing a framework for acupuncture to treat head and facial orifice disorders.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail