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.Effective Components of Epimedii Folium in Regulating Related Signaling Pathways for Treatment of Steroid-induced Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head: A Review
Jingxuan CHANG ; Jinyao WU ; Meiying JIN ; Fanqi MENG ; Wenhai ZHAO ; Zhenhai CUI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):277-288
Steroid-induced avascular necrosis of femoral head(SANFH) is a bone and joint disease caused by prolonged and excessive steroid use. Its typical pathological features involve progressive circulatory disorders in the blood supply system of femoral head, leading to osteocyte apoptosis and bone tissue necrosis. As the disease progresses, it ultimately results in structural collapse and necrotic lesions of the femoral head, severely affecting patients' limb function and quality of life. Glucocorticoids mediate pathological damage through dual mechanisms, on the one hand, they disrupt the dynamic equilibrium between bone formation and resorption by suppressing osteoblast differentiation activity and activating osteoclastogenesis, on the other hand, they induce lipid metabolism disorders, inhibit angiogenesis, and impair endothelial cell function, thereby triggering microcirculatory disorders. Epimedii Folium and its active components exhibit multidimensional regulatory effects in SANFH prevention and treatment. Literature review reveals that it is rich in multiple active ingredients, primarily including total flavonoids of Epimedii Folium, icaritin, icariin, kaempferol, icariside Ⅱ, etc. These compounds exert multiple pharmacological effects(regulating bone metabolic homeostasis, modulating angiogenesis, correcting lipid metabolism disorders, and controlling cellular autophagy processes) through multiple signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, transforming growth factor(TGF)-β/bone morphogenetic protein(BMP)/Smad, mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt), osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear transcription factor-κB ligand/receptor activator of nuclear transcription factor-κB(OPG/RANKL/RANK), etc. Based on existing research findings, this paper systematically elucidates the intervention mechanisms of active components in Epimedii Folium on key pathological processes of SANFH through the above pathways. It also deeply analyzes their regulatory roles in key nodes of different signaling pathways, aiming to provide valuable references for future clinical treatment and experimental research.
4.Clinical Application of Harmonizing and Regulating Pivot Method in Pulmonary Fibrosis:Based on the Characteristics of Essence-Attribute-Function
Mingsheng LYU ; Hongsheng CUI ; Jia ZHU ; Weibo BI ; Ruifeng JIN ; Zhijie ZHANG ; Qiuyi CHEN ; Siyang YU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):381-385
Based on the theory of "shaoyang(少阳) resembling the pivot" and collateral diseases, this article proposes that pulmonary fibrosis (PF) can be divided into three stages including wind bi (痹), constraint bi, and atrophy bi. The core pathogenesis of PF is the obstruction of the pivot and pulmonary collateral obstruction. In terms of treatment, the basic principles are to harmonize and regulate the pivot, and to promote the circulation of the lung collaterals. Depending on the different characteristics of the "essence-attribute-function", treatment methods such as harmonizing and regulating the pivot, resolving phlegm and removing stasis, supplementing deficiency and harmonizing collaterals are suggested. This approach ensures the regulation of the pivot, smooth circulation of qi and blood, unblocking of the lung collaterals and nourishing the lung body, achieving the goals of balancing the ascending and descending of qi, removing phlegm and stasis, and relieving cough and wheezing.
5.Association of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 gene polymorphism at the rs10225396 locus with susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma
Shijie LIU ; Guang JIN ; Hesong CUI ; Shuyao SUN ; Yuke LIN ; Qingsong CUI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(4):882-889
ObjectiveTo investigate the association of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP3) gene at rs10225396 (A>G) locus with the susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as its potential molecular regulatory mechanisms, and to provide novel genetic biomarkers and a theoretical basis for early screening and precise targeted therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. MethodsA total of 192 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who were admitted to The Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University and Yanbian Cancer Hospital from January 2009 to August 2016 were enrolled as experimental group, and 190 healthy individuals who underwent physical examination in Physical Examination Center of Yanbian Hospital during the same period of time were enrolled as control group. Peripheral blood samples were collected from all subjects, and after DNA was extracted from whole blood, the DNA samples meeting quality standards were sent to Beijing Genomics Institute Research Center Co., Ltd., for Mass ARRAY mass spectrometry, while genotyping was completed. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. A binary Logistic regression model was used to analyze the association of the SNP of the IGFBP3 gene at rs10225396 locus with the susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma, and odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to assess the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma in individuals carrying different genotypes. ResultsThere were two alleles (G and A) at the rs10225396 locus of the IGFBP3 gene, yielding the three genotypes of AA, AG, and GG, and its genotype distribution was consistent with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (χ²=0.072, P=0.789). The stratified genetic analysis showed that carriers of the IGFBP3 rs10225396 AA genotype had a significant increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma among individuals of age <63 years, male sex, smoking history, drinking history, and the Chinese Korean population (all P<0.001). The binary Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjustment for related risk factors in the codominant model, the population with genotype AG and GG had a significant reduction in the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma compared with the population with genotype AA (P<0.001), and in the dominant model, the population with genotype AG+GG had a significant reduction in the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma compared with the population with genotype AA (P<0.001). ConclusionThrough a genotyping analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients and healthy individuals in Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture of Jilin Province, China, this study shows that genotype AA at rs10225396 locus of the IGFBP3 gene is significantly associated with the susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma, and this genotype can significantly increase the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma with the presence of specific risk factors, which provides a potential genetic marker for early screening and precise treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
6.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
7.Mediation effect of organizational commitment between work engagement and teaching behavior of clinical nursing teachers
Jing GUO ; Jin JIN ; Yifan CUI ; Xinran WANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(3):382-389
Objective:To investigate the current status of teaching behavior of clinical nursing teachers and explore the mediation effect of organizational commitment between their work engagement and teaching behavior.Methods:This study included a total of 1 736 clinical nursing teachers who worked in grade A tertiary hospitals in Beijing City, Shanghai City, Henan Province, Hubei Province, Hebei Province, and Chongqing City from May 2022 to November 2022. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the Effective Teaching Behavior Scale, the Work Engagement Scale, and the Organizational Commitment Scale. Statistical description and correlation analysis were performed using SPSS 25.0 software, and mediation effect was analyzed using AMOS 25.0 software.Results:The total mean score of effective teaching behavior of 1 599 clinical nursing teachers was (4.19±0.66), the total mean score of work engagement was (5.09±1.36), and the total mean score of organizational commitment was (3.93±0.72). Pearson correlation analysis showed that work engagement and organizational commitment were positively correlated with teaching behavior ( r=0.560, 0.519, both P<0.01). Organizational commitment partially mediated the relationship between work engagement and teaching behavior, with a mediation effect value of 0.27, and the mediation effect accounted for 49.10% of the total effect. Conclusions:Work engagement is a direct predictor of the teaching behavior of clinical nursing teachers, and organizational commitment partially mediates the relationship between work engagement and teaching behavior. Administrators can promote the work engagement of clinical nursing teachers by adopting effective interventions to increase the level of organizational commitment, which in turn enhances teaching behavior.
8.Combined cricopharyngeal myotomy and autologous fat injection laryngoplasty: an effective surgery for dysphagia following glossopharyngeal and vagal nerve injury
Yanyan NIU ; Wei GU ; Xiaofeng JIN ; Tingting CUI ; Hong HUO ; Jian WANG
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;60(11):1357-1362
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of combined cricopharyngeal myotomy (CPM) and autologous fat injection laryngoplasty (AFIL) in the management of dysphagia secondary to glossopharyngeal and vagal nerve injury.Methods:This retrospective cohort study collected the clinical data of 18 patients with persistent dysphagia due to glossopharyngeal and vagus nerve injuries, who underwent concurrent cricopharyngeal myotomy (CPM) and autologous fat injection laryngoplasty (AFIL) at the Department of Otolaryngology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, from January 2017 to December 2024. Pre-and postoperative assessments included electronic flexible laryngoscope, the Chinese version of Swallow Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (CSWAL-QOL), videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), body weight changes, and nasogastric tube (NGT) removal status with routine follow-up. The comparison of swallowing function before and after surgery was conducted using paired samples t-test and χ2 test. Results:The study cohort comprised 10 male and 8 female patients, with ages ranging from 33 to 70 years (mean±SD: 53.8±10.5). All surgical procedures were completed successfully without complications. During the 6-to 24-month follow-up period, 10 of the 13 patients who were initially nasogastric tube-dependent achieved successful decannulation. Compared with preoperative values, postoperative measurements demonstrated statistically significant improvements across all parameters: mean body weight increased from (56.95±9.14) kg to (59.22±8.72) kg ( t=3.689 , P<0.01), CSWAL-QOL scores improved from 91.89±17.81 to 130.83±25.42 ( t=6.921 , P<0.01), while, both VFSS scales showed marked reductions (VFSS-SWAL: 6.78±1.40 to 3.39±1.61, t=-8.001, P<0.01; PAS: 6.56±1.15 to 2.94±1.26, t=-10.114, P<0.01). Conclusions:Combined CPM and AFIL represents an effective surgical approach for dysphagia following glossopharyngeal and vagal nerve injury, thereby demonstrating significant improvements in both swallowing function and quality of life.
9.Textual Research and Discrimination of Gypsum fibrosum and Its Similar Substances
Jianxiong WEI ; Hongjiao CUI ; Lun ZHANG ; Fansen JIN ; Mingyang YUAN ; Guohua ZHENG ; Juan LI
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(9):2585-2597
Objective Through reviewing the herbs,medical books and classic prescriptions of the past dynasties,the herbal examination of Gypsum fibrosum and its analogs was carried out to clarify the relationship between them.The qualitative analysis was carried out by single-point Raman,infrared,near infrared and XRD techniques,the quantitative analysis of the main components was carried out by EDTA titration and Raman surface scanning technique,the elemental analysis was carried out by ICP-OES,and the differences between gypsum and argillite were observed by scanning electron microscope.Results Gypsum fibrosum is mixed with marble,feldspar,north cold-water stone,south cold-water stone and xuanjing stone and so on.Before the Ming Dynasty,there was no differentiation between soft and anhydrite,and after the Ming Dynasty,it was clear that gypsum was soft gypsum and feldspar was anhydrite;in modern times,marble is also made to be gypsum for medicinal use;Feldspar is anhydrite and is no longer made to be used for medicinal use,north cold-water stone is red gypsum,and south cold-water stone is calcite.Gypsum,south coldwater stone is calcite.The peaks of argillite appeared to be buried in the Raman spectrum compared with Gypsum fibrosum,and the original profiles of both infrared and near-infrared were basically the same,and the near-infrared model established by the preprocessing method of the first-order derivatives plus vector normalization(5-point smoothing)could effectively differentiate between Gypsum fibrosum and its analogues,but it could not differentiate between argillite and Gypsum fibrosum with high content.XRD showed that there are differences in the relative intensities of the peaks of argillite and Gypsum fibrosum,and some XRD shows that there are differences in the relative intensities of the peaks of basalt and Gypsum fibrosum,and some of the peaks of basalt are characterized by impurities such as quartz,and the contents of trace elements such as Fe,Mn,Cr,Pb,Hg and As are higher in basalt.The peak shapes of XRD,Raman spectra,infrared spectra and near-infrared spectra of Gypsum fibrosum and calcined gypsum are closer but can still be distinguished,and the Ca content of calcined gypsum is higher than that of gypsum.Commercially available south chrysocolla and stalactite source are carbonate minerals calcite calcite.Spectral detection can not be distinguished,the trace element content is basically the same,but the traits are different.North chrysocolla(red gypsum)is higher than the Fe content of commercially available white gypsum.Raman surface scanning not only can be a qualitative and quantitative determination of minerals such as gypsum and other minerals,and the results of the content of the titration is basically similar,but also to determine the state of Gypsum fibrosum and calcined gypsum calcined water loss status and the degree of calcined gypsum.The results of Raman surface scanning are similar to the titration results.Conclusion This study can provide a scientific basis for the traceability of Gypsum fibrosum,and can better guide the clinical use of medicine and the rational use of resources.
10.A comparative study on pregnancy characteristics and preterm birth risks between assisted reproductive technology and natural conceived couples
Qiu-ping WAN ; Xin CUI ; Xiao-ming YANG ; Nai-si QIAN ; Shan JIN ; Xiao-ting CHU ; Chun-fang WANG ; Hui-ting YU
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(5):617-628
Objective To investigate the differences in demographic characteristics,reproductive health status,and the distribution of pregnancy-related diseases between couples conceived via assisted reproductive technology(ART)and naturally conceived couples,and to analyze the impact of ART treatment on the incidence of preterm birth(PTB)in singleton and twin and multiple pregnancies.Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of the maternal and infant cohort data of Jing'an District from 2013 to 2020.Based on the conception method,the subjects were categorized into two groups:the ART group and the natural conception group.Chi-square test was applied to compare baseline characteristics and disease distributions differences between the two groups,and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between ART and the PTB risks.A causal mediation model was used to evaluate the mediating effect of twin and multiple pregnancy in the relationship between ART and PTB.Results A total of 117 717 parturients were included,6 265 in the ART group and 111 452 in the natural conception group.Compared with the natural conception group,couples in the ART group were significantly older and had a higher prevalence of reproductive system diseases.The incidences of diabetes and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy in ART parturient were 13.76%and 9.99%,respectively,which were significantly higher than 7.88%and 4.75%in the natural conception group(both P<0.001).The overall PTB rate in the ART group was 14.81%,higher than 5.35%in the natural conceptions group(P<0.001).The PTB rate in ART for singleton pregnancies in the ART group was 6.40%,higher than 4.83%in the natural conception group(P<0.001),while the PTB rate in ART for twin and multiple pregnancies in the ART group was 53.97%,lower than 60.42%in the natural conception group(P<0.05).Mediation analysis showed that 97.99%of the effect of ART on PTB was mediated by twin and multiple pregnancy,with ART increasing the PTB risk by 3.44 times through multiple pregnancy.Conclusion The overall PTB rate of ART recipients is higher than that of natural recipients,but ART does not increase the PTB risk in singleton and twin and multiple pregnancies.Twin and multiple pregnancy is the key mediating factor contributing to PTB in ART-conceived recipients.Compared with naturally conceived couples,ART conception couples own more advanced maternal age,and have higher risks of suffering gestational diabetes,gestational hypertension,and PTB.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail