1.Herbal Textual Research on Inulae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Caixia LIU ; Yue HAN ; Yanzhu MA ; Lei GAO ; Sheng WANG ; Yan YANG ; Wenchuan LUO ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):210-221
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Inulae Flos has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it could be verified that the medicinal use of Inulae Flos was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. In successive dynasties, Xuanfuhua has been taken as the official name, and it also has other alternative names such as Jinfeicao, Daogeng and Jinqianhua. The period before the Song and Yuan dynasties, the main origin of Inulae Flos was the Asteraceae plant Inula japonica, and from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present, I. japonica and I. britannica are the primary source. In addition to the dominant basal species, there are also regional species such as I. linariifolia, I. helianthus-aquatili, and I. hupehensis. The earliest recorded production areas in ancient times were Henan, Hubei and other places, and the literature records that it has been distributed throughout the country since modern times. The medicinal part is its flower, the harvesting and processing method recorded in the past dynasties is mainly harvested in the fifth and ninth lunar months, and dried in the sun, and the modern harvesting is mostly harvested in summer and autumn when the flowers bloom, in order to remove impurities, dry in the shade or dry in the sun. In addition, the roots, whole herbs and aerial parts are used as medicinal materials. In ancient times, there were no records about the quality of Inulae Flos, and in modern times, it is generally believed that the quality of complete flower structure, small receptacles, large blooms, yellow petals, long filaments, many fluffs, no fragments, and no branches is better. Ancient processing methods primarily involved cleaning, steaming, and sun-drying, supplemented by techniques such as boiling, roasting, burning, simmering, stir-frying, and honey-processing. Modern processing focuses mainly on cleaning the stems and leaves before use. Regarding the medicinal properties, ancient texts describe it as salty and sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, and mildly toxic. Modern studies characterize it as bitter, pungent, and salty in taste, with a slightly warm nature. Its therapeutic effects remain consistent across eras, including descending Qi, resolving phlegm, promoting diuresis, and stopping vomiting. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Inulae Flos, either I. japonica or I. britannica should be used as the medicinal source. Processing methods should follow formula requirements, where no processing instructions are specified, the raw products may be used after cleaning.
2.Herbal Textual Research on Inulae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Caixia LIU ; Yue HAN ; Yanzhu MA ; Lei GAO ; Sheng WANG ; Yan YANG ; Wenchuan LUO ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):210-221
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Inulae Flos has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it could be verified that the medicinal use of Inulae Flos was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. In successive dynasties, Xuanfuhua has been taken as the official name, and it also has other alternative names such as Jinfeicao, Daogeng and Jinqianhua. The period before the Song and Yuan dynasties, the main origin of Inulae Flos was the Asteraceae plant Inula japonica, and from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present, I. japonica and I. britannica are the primary source. In addition to the dominant basal species, there are also regional species such as I. linariifolia, I. helianthus-aquatili, and I. hupehensis. The earliest recorded production areas in ancient times were Henan, Hubei and other places, and the literature records that it has been distributed throughout the country since modern times. The medicinal part is its flower, the harvesting and processing method recorded in the past dynasties is mainly harvested in the fifth and ninth lunar months, and dried in the sun, and the modern harvesting is mostly harvested in summer and autumn when the flowers bloom, in order to remove impurities, dry in the shade or dry in the sun. In addition, the roots, whole herbs and aerial parts are used as medicinal materials. In ancient times, there were no records about the quality of Inulae Flos, and in modern times, it is generally believed that the quality of complete flower structure, small receptacles, large blooms, yellow petals, long filaments, many fluffs, no fragments, and no branches is better. Ancient processing methods primarily involved cleaning, steaming, and sun-drying, supplemented by techniques such as boiling, roasting, burning, simmering, stir-frying, and honey-processing. Modern processing focuses mainly on cleaning the stems and leaves before use. Regarding the medicinal properties, ancient texts describe it as salty and sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, and mildly toxic. Modern studies characterize it as bitter, pungent, and salty in taste, with a slightly warm nature. Its therapeutic effects remain consistent across eras, including descending Qi, resolving phlegm, promoting diuresis, and stopping vomiting. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Inulae Flos, either I. japonica or I. britannica should be used as the medicinal source. Processing methods should follow formula requirements, where no processing instructions are specified, the raw products may be used after cleaning.
3.Correlation between serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and the severity of white matter hyperintensities
Lei CHEN ; Shihua LIU ; Caixia LIANG ; Chao ZHANG ; Yan CHEN
International Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;33(1):7-11
Objective:To investigate the correlation between serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and the severity of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs).Methods:Medical examinees in the Department of Neurology, Suzhou Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University from February 2021 to October 2022 were selected as the research subjects. Head MRI was performed and the severity of WMHs was assessed by Fazekas scale. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect serum sICAM-1 expression level. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent influencing factors of the severity of WMHs. Results:A total of 171 subjects were enrolled, including 112 males (65.5%), aged 65.50±9.07 years. There were 92 patients (53.8%) with no WMH or mild WMHs and 79 patients (46.2%) with moderate to severe WMHs. The serum sICAM-1 levels in the moderate to severe WMH group were significantly higher than those in the no or milds WMH group ( t=5.679, P<0.001). Ordinal multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for confounding factors, higher sICAM-1 level was independently correlated with the severity of WMHs (compared to the 1 st quartile group, the 3 rd quartile group: odds ratio 3.149, 95% confidence interval 1.147-8.645, P=0.026; the 4 th quartile group: odds ratio 6.087, 95% confidence interval 2.051-18.061; P=0.001). Conclusion:Elevated serum sICAM-1 level is an independent influencing factor of WMHs.
4.Analysis on the current status of management and treatment of patients with severe mental disorders and their regional characteristics in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region
Hong JIANG ; Wei HUANG ; Chao XU ; Yuan LIU ; Yongling ZHOU ; Lei TIAN ; Xia YANG ; Xuehui ZHANG ; Caixia LYU ; Xuebing XU
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(6):528-533
BackgroundSevere mental disorders are characterized by high recurrence rate, high disability rate, high rates of harmful incidents, and low treatment-seeking rate, with affected patients demonstrating increased frequencies of dangerous behaviors. Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region has implemented community management for patients with severe mental disorders across the region since 2004, while the current status and regional characteristics of the managed patients remain unclear. ObjectiveTo analyze the current status of management and treatment of patients with severe mental disorders in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and to explore their regional distribution characteristics, so as to provide references for optimizing regional prevention and control strategies. MethodsPatients with severe mental disorders diagnosed and registered in the Severe Mental Disorder Management Information Platform of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region from August 1, 2011 to December 31, 2021 were selected. Patients' basic information, management indicators, and treatment metrics were extracted from the platform, followed by descriptive statistical analysis of the corresponding data. ResultsAs of December 31, 2021, the permanent resident population of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region was 6 946 540, with 29 787 registered patients with severe mental disorders. The majority of the patients were female (50.25%), aged 18-59 years (79.01%), with educational level of junior high school or below (84.63%), married (52.87%), farmers (56.01%), and diagnosed with schizophrenia (55.91%), while ethnic minority patients accounted for a relatively high proportion (31.35%). In 2021, the reported prevalence rate of severe mental disorders in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region was 0.43%, with standardized management and regular medication adherence rates at 90.39% and 66.34%, respectively. The standardized management rate in 8 counties/districts (36.36%) was lower than the average level of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, while 10 counties/districts (45.45%) showed below-average medication adherence rates, of which 6 counties/districts(60.00%) were located in the south-central region. ConclusionPatients with severe mental disorders in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region are predominantly young and middle-aged adults with low level of education, and those in the central-southern region demonstrate lower medication adherence. [Funded by Key Research and Development Program Project of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (number, 2023BEG02029)]
5."Compatibility" Relationship of Active Components and Heat-clearing and Blood-cooling Effect of Rehmannia glutinosa Roots
Yaman CHEN ; Jinpeng CUI ; Juan ZHANG ; Qingpu LIU ; Haiyan GONG ; Jingwei LEI ; Fengqing WANG ; Caixia XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):193-201
ObjectiveTo analyze the "compatibility" relationship of sugars and glycosides and the heat-clearing and blood-cooling effect of the roots of four varieties of Rehmannia glutinosa and provide a basis for research on the pharmacodynamic material basis and quality control of R. glutinosa. MethodsThe content of sugars and glycosides in the roots of four varieties of R. glutinosa was determined during the growth period. The principal component analysis (PCA), orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and the "compatibility" relationship of active components were employed to screen out the differential samples. A rat model of bleeding due to blood heat was used to verify the pharmacodynamic differences and the potential active components of differential samples. ResultsThe content and proportion characteristics of various components in roots of the four varieties of R. glutinosa during the expansion stage and the maturity stage had obvious differences. The proportion of phenylethanoid glycosides at the maturity stage was higher than that at the expansion stage. The R. glutinosa variety 85-5 had special quality characteristics among the tested varieties. All the samples alleviated the symptoms in the rat model. The effect of clearing heat and cooling blood was different between the maturity stage and the expansion stage, as well as between 85-5 samples at the maturity stage and other samples. The effect of clearing heat and cooling blood of R. glutinosa roots was the result of the combined action of multiple components in R. glutinosa roots and might be related to the high proportions of polysaccharides, iridoid glycosides, and phenylethanoid glycosides. ConclusionThe growth stage and variety affect the quality of R. glutinosa roots. The effect of clearing heat and cooling blood of R. glutinosa roots was related to the content and proportions of various components. The study can provide a basis for the basic research on the active components and quality control of R. glutinosa.
6."Compatibility" Relationship of Active Components and Heat-clearing and Blood-cooling Effect of Rehmannia glutinosa Roots
Yaman CHEN ; Jinpeng CUI ; Juan ZHANG ; Qingpu LIU ; Haiyan GONG ; Jingwei LEI ; Fengqing WANG ; Caixia XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):193-201
ObjectiveTo analyze the "compatibility" relationship of sugars and glycosides and the heat-clearing and blood-cooling effect of the roots of four varieties of Rehmannia glutinosa and provide a basis for research on the pharmacodynamic material basis and quality control of R. glutinosa. MethodsThe content of sugars and glycosides in the roots of four varieties of R. glutinosa was determined during the growth period. The principal component analysis (PCA), orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and the "compatibility" relationship of active components were employed to screen out the differential samples. A rat model of bleeding due to blood heat was used to verify the pharmacodynamic differences and the potential active components of differential samples. ResultsThe content and proportion characteristics of various components in roots of the four varieties of R. glutinosa during the expansion stage and the maturity stage had obvious differences. The proportion of phenylethanoid glycosides at the maturity stage was higher than that at the expansion stage. The R. glutinosa variety 85-5 had special quality characteristics among the tested varieties. All the samples alleviated the symptoms in the rat model. The effect of clearing heat and cooling blood was different between the maturity stage and the expansion stage, as well as between 85-5 samples at the maturity stage and other samples. The effect of clearing heat and cooling blood of R. glutinosa roots was the result of the combined action of multiple components in R. glutinosa roots and might be related to the high proportions of polysaccharides, iridoid glycosides, and phenylethanoid glycosides. ConclusionThe growth stage and variety affect the quality of R. glutinosa roots. The effect of clearing heat and cooling blood of R. glutinosa roots was related to the content and proportions of various components. The study can provide a basis for the basic research on the active components and quality control of R. glutinosa.
7.Clinical characteristics and treatment of 26 cases with acute Q fever in Dali region, Yunnan Province
Lei YANG ; Guoli ZHANG ; Jinfu WU ; Hongyan MA ; Caixia YANG ; Lili HU
Chinese Journal of Infectious Diseases 2025;43(6):339-344
Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and treatment of patients with acute Q fever in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province.Methods:A total of 26 patients with acute Q fever admitted to People′s Hospital of Yunnan Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture from October 2022 to December 2023 were enrolled. A retrospective cross-sectional study analysis was performed to analyze the demographic characteristics, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests and pathogen detection of these patients.Results:Of the 26 patients, 25 were male and one was female. The age ranged from 18 to 82 years with an average age of (45.6±17.2) years. All of them were sporadic cases. The neighbors of eight patients had sheep and cattle, 11 cases had a history of field work, and four cases had a history of field trip. Coxiella burnetii was detected in 26 patients by different molecular diagnostic techniques, including 21 cases by blood quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), three cases by sputum multi-pathogen targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS), one case by alveolar lavage fluid tNGS, and one case by cerebrospinal fluid metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). Routine blood cultures of 19 cases were negative. All 26 patients presented with chills and fever, 21 cases (80.8%) with headache, 19 cases (73.1%) with fatigue, 14 cases (53.8%) with generalized aches and pains, 12 cases (46.2%) with poor appetite, and 14 cases (53.8%) with cough. Twenty-four cases had concurrent hepatitis, 12 cases had pneumonia, one had encephalitis, and 19 cases had myocardial damage. The laboratory tests showed that 23 cases (88.5%) had normal white blood cell count, eight cases (30.8%) had decreased platelet count, 25 cases (96.2%) had C-reactive protein elevated, 24 cases (92.3%) had procalcitonin elevated, 14 out of 17 cases had elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and 19 cases had elevated D-dimer levels. Liver function tests showed that alanine aminotransferase increased in 24 cases (92.3%) (all less than 10 times of upper limit of normal (ULN)), aspartate aminotransferase increased in 23 cases (88.5%) (all less than 10 times of ULN), alkaline phosphatase increased in 10 cases (38.5%)(all less than two times of ULN), and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase increased in 19 cases (73.1%), which were all less than 10 times of ULN. Myocardial enzymes were detected in 21 cases, of which seven cases (33.3%) had elevated lactate dehydrogenase and 12 cases (57.1%) had elevated hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (all less than three times of ULN). In terms of treatment, 16 cases were treated with doxycycline alone, and nine cases were treated with doxycycline combined with azithromycin or quinolones or rifampicin, and one with tigecycline. After treatment, the conditions of patients improved. The overall length of hospital stay was (7.7±5.0) d, and that of eight patients treated with doxycycline combined with quinolones or azithromycin was 4.8 to 6.0 days. Conclusions:Acute Q fever often has no clear epidemiological history, and the clinical manifestations and laboratory tests are lack of specificity. qPCR, tNGS, mNGS can provide pathogenic diagnostic evidence for suspected cases. In terms of treatment, doxycycline is the first choice for treatment of acute Q fever, and combined treatment with azithromycin or quinolones could result in a shorter hospital stay.
8.Application and management status of midline catheters in 1 954 hospitals
Lele BEN ; Jianping CAI ; Chunyan LI ; Fangfang DONG ; Jingzhi GENG ; Wei GAO ; Caixia GUO ; Ruonan HAO ; Qiaofang YANG ; Lei WANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(14):1920-1925
Objective:To investigate the application and management status of midline catheters in 1 954 hospitals, providing a basis for optimizing intravenous therapy nursing practices.Methods:This study used convenience sampling. From November 2023, members of the Intravenous Therapy Nursing Professional Committee of the Chinese Nursing Association selected 1 954 hospitals across various regions of China. Questionnaire on the Current Status of Intravenous Therapy in Hospitals at All Levels designed by the committee, based on literature review and expert discussions, was used to collect data on intravenous therapy practices in different hospitals. Multiple response analysis was applied to analysis the results of multiple-choice questions, where response numbers represent the total number of times each option was selected, and response rates refer to the proportion of selected times for each option out of all selected responses.Results:A total of 1 954 questionnaires were distributed across 31 provinces/municipalities/autonomous regions, and 1 954 valid questionnaires were returned, achieving a 100.0% valid response rate. Among the hospitals surveyed, 844 used midline catheters. Regarding the skin disinfection area for midline catheter insertion, the highest response rate was for a range of>20 cm. The highest response rate for catheter insertion techniques was ultrasound-guided Seldinger puncture. The highest response rate for maintenance interval was once a week. The top three responses for nursing documentation related to midline catheters were informed consent for intubation, puncture record, and maintenance record. The most frequently chosen processes were catheter placement, maintenance, removal, and complication management processes. The qualification for midline catheter intravenous therapy specialist nurses was mostly obtained through specialized nurse training, followed by hospital-based and department-based training.Conclusions:The application of midline catheters has rapidly developed but still reveals some deficiencies, including the choice of puncture tools, infection control, and catheter maintenance. It is recommended to improve nursing documentation and management processes related to midline catheters, establish industry standards suitable for China's national conditions, and strengthen and standardize the specialized training of intravenous therapy nurses to promote the healthy development of intravenous therapy in China.
9.Clinical characteristics and treatment of 26 cases with acute Q fever in Dali region, Yunnan Province
Lei YANG ; Guoli ZHANG ; Jinfu WU ; Hongyan MA ; Caixia YANG ; Lili HU
Chinese Journal of Infectious Diseases 2025;43(6):339-344
Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and treatment of patients with acute Q fever in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province.Methods:A total of 26 patients with acute Q fever admitted to People′s Hospital of Yunnan Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture from October 2022 to December 2023 were enrolled. A retrospective cross-sectional study analysis was performed to analyze the demographic characteristics, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests and pathogen detection of these patients.Results:Of the 26 patients, 25 were male and one was female. The age ranged from 18 to 82 years with an average age of (45.6±17.2) years. All of them were sporadic cases. The neighbors of eight patients had sheep and cattle, 11 cases had a history of field work, and four cases had a history of field trip. Coxiella burnetii was detected in 26 patients by different molecular diagnostic techniques, including 21 cases by blood quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), three cases by sputum multi-pathogen targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS), one case by alveolar lavage fluid tNGS, and one case by cerebrospinal fluid metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). Routine blood cultures of 19 cases were negative. All 26 patients presented with chills and fever, 21 cases (80.8%) with headache, 19 cases (73.1%) with fatigue, 14 cases (53.8%) with generalized aches and pains, 12 cases (46.2%) with poor appetite, and 14 cases (53.8%) with cough. Twenty-four cases had concurrent hepatitis, 12 cases had pneumonia, one had encephalitis, and 19 cases had myocardial damage. The laboratory tests showed that 23 cases (88.5%) had normal white blood cell count, eight cases (30.8%) had decreased platelet count, 25 cases (96.2%) had C-reactive protein elevated, 24 cases (92.3%) had procalcitonin elevated, 14 out of 17 cases had elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and 19 cases had elevated D-dimer levels. Liver function tests showed that alanine aminotransferase increased in 24 cases (92.3%) (all less than 10 times of upper limit of normal (ULN)), aspartate aminotransferase increased in 23 cases (88.5%) (all less than 10 times of ULN), alkaline phosphatase increased in 10 cases (38.5%)(all less than two times of ULN), and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase increased in 19 cases (73.1%), which were all less than 10 times of ULN. Myocardial enzymes were detected in 21 cases, of which seven cases (33.3%) had elevated lactate dehydrogenase and 12 cases (57.1%) had elevated hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (all less than three times of ULN). In terms of treatment, 16 cases were treated with doxycycline alone, and nine cases were treated with doxycycline combined with azithromycin or quinolones or rifampicin, and one with tigecycline. After treatment, the conditions of patients improved. The overall length of hospital stay was (7.7±5.0) d, and that of eight patients treated with doxycycline combined with quinolones or azithromycin was 4.8 to 6.0 days. Conclusions:Acute Q fever often has no clear epidemiological history, and the clinical manifestations and laboratory tests are lack of specificity. qPCR, tNGS, mNGS can provide pathogenic diagnostic evidence for suspected cases. In terms of treatment, doxycycline is the first choice for treatment of acute Q fever, and combined treatment with azithromycin or quinolones could result in a shorter hospital stay.
10.Application and management status of midline catheters in 1 954 hospitals
Lele BEN ; Jianping CAI ; Chunyan LI ; Fangfang DONG ; Jingzhi GENG ; Wei GAO ; Caixia GUO ; Ruonan HAO ; Qiaofang YANG ; Lei WANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(14):1920-1925
Objective:To investigate the application and management status of midline catheters in 1 954 hospitals, providing a basis for optimizing intravenous therapy nursing practices.Methods:This study used convenience sampling. From November 2023, members of the Intravenous Therapy Nursing Professional Committee of the Chinese Nursing Association selected 1 954 hospitals across various regions of China. Questionnaire on the Current Status of Intravenous Therapy in Hospitals at All Levels designed by the committee, based on literature review and expert discussions, was used to collect data on intravenous therapy practices in different hospitals. Multiple response analysis was applied to analysis the results of multiple-choice questions, where response numbers represent the total number of times each option was selected, and response rates refer to the proportion of selected times for each option out of all selected responses.Results:A total of 1 954 questionnaires were distributed across 31 provinces/municipalities/autonomous regions, and 1 954 valid questionnaires were returned, achieving a 100.0% valid response rate. Among the hospitals surveyed, 844 used midline catheters. Regarding the skin disinfection area for midline catheter insertion, the highest response rate was for a range of>20 cm. The highest response rate for catheter insertion techniques was ultrasound-guided Seldinger puncture. The highest response rate for maintenance interval was once a week. The top three responses for nursing documentation related to midline catheters were informed consent for intubation, puncture record, and maintenance record. The most frequently chosen processes were catheter placement, maintenance, removal, and complication management processes. The qualification for midline catheter intravenous therapy specialist nurses was mostly obtained through specialized nurse training, followed by hospital-based and department-based training.Conclusions:The application of midline catheters has rapidly developed but still reveals some deficiencies, including the choice of puncture tools, infection control, and catheter maintenance. It is recommended to improve nursing documentation and management processes related to midline catheters, establish industry standards suitable for China's national conditions, and strengthen and standardize the specialized training of intravenous therapy nurses to promote the healthy development of intravenous therapy in China.

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