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.Early-onset Alzheimer's disease comorbid with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis: a case report
Lisi XU ; Caixia DAI ; Shu WAN ; Man LIU ; Qingyan CAI
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(2):171-174
This article reports a case of a male patient with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis comorbid with early-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). The patient presented with depression, hallucinations and delusions syndrome, and cognitive impairment, and was admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Through multidisciplinary consultation, the diagnosis was confirmed based on positive biological and pathological biomarkers. The patient's symptoms improved after receiving a therapeutic regimen comprising high-dose glucocorticoid therapy and psychiatric-related treatments. Based on relevant current research findings domestically and internationally, this article reviews the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of early-onset AD and anti-NMDAR encephalitis, in order to enhance the discrimination ability of psychiatric specialists for such patients and improve the diagnosis and treatment level. [Funded by Medical Research Project of Chengdu City (number, 2024403)]
4.Research advances and challenges in antimicrobial resistance surveillance technologies
Feng LIU ; Caixia DANG ; Ziqian ZHAO ; Yang WANG ; Yuanyong XU ; Hui CHEN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(3):128-132
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical global health threat. This review systematically examines AMR surveillance technology advances, from conventional culture methods to modern molecular diagnostics (e.g., whole-genome sequencing) and artificial intelligence-assisted approaches. It focuses on the current application of mass spectrometry, machine learning predictive models, and real-time surveillance networks. To address challenges including inadequate technical standardization, clinical translation barriers, and data-sharing limitations, we propose integrated "genotype-phenotype" strategies and global standardization framework, while exploring future applications of CRISPR-based portable detection, single-cell sequencing, and blockchain technologies.
5.Efficacy and Mechanism of Shenling Qushi Prescription in Treatment of Hyperuricaemia Mice
Xuan LIU ; Jialu QUE ; Caixia PANG ; Shuhui TAN ; Luyu CHEN ; Yihuan LI ; Xiaofeng LIN ; Qi LIANG ; Cuiling LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):197-206
ObjectiveTo investigate the urate-lowering effect of Shenling Qushi prescription in the mouse model of hyperuricaemia. MethodsSixty-three C57BL/6N mice were randomly assigned to the following groups (n=9): Control, model, low-dose (6 g·kg-1) Shenling Qushi prescription, medium-dose (12 g·kg-1) Shenling Qushi prescription, high-dose (24 g·kg-1) Shenling Qushi prescription, medium-dose Shenling Qushi prescription plus febuxostat (12+0.003 g·kg-1), and febuxostat (3 mg·kg-1). A mouse model of persistent hyperuricaemia was established via intraperitoneal injection of potassium oxazolamide (250 mg·kg-1) combined with oral administration of allopurinol (300 mg·kg-1) over a 28-day period. Concurrently, the prescription was administered orally at the specified doses once daily for 21 consecutive days. Throughout the experiment, mouse body weight, food intake, water consumption, and urine output were measured and recorded. Kidney and liver indices were calculated. Renal histopathological changes were observed by haematoxylin and eosin staining. Serum uric acid (SUA) and urinary uric acid (UUA) levels, along with xanthine oxidase (XOD) and adenosine deaminase (ADA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, were determined. Real-time PCR was employed to assess the mRNA levels of urate anion transporter 1 (URAT1) and glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9) in the renal tissue, alongside those of XOD and ADA in the liver tissue. The protein levels of URAT1 and GLUT9 in the renal tissue were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, model mice exhibited reduced food intake and body weight (P<0.01), decreased water consumption yet increased urine output, no significant change in the liver index but increased kidney index (P<0.01). Pathological findings revealed renal tissue damage including glomerular atrophy, epithelial cell detachment, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Furthermore, the model group exhibited elevated UUA and SUA levels (P<0.01), enhanced activities of ALT, AST, XOD, and ADA in the liver tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), upregulated mRNA and protein levels of URAT1 and GLUT9 in the renal tissue (P<0.05), alongside markedly elevated mRNA levels of XOD and ADA in the liver (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Shenling Qushi prescription groups showed no significant changes in body weight or food intake, with water consumption and urine output remaining within normal ranges, alleviated glomerular atrophy, with reduced pathological damage such as inflammatory infiltration, declined UUA and SUA levels (P<0.01), and increased activities of ALT, AST, XOD, and ADA in the serum (P<0.01). Real-time PCR results demonstrated that Shenling Qushi prescription downregulated the mRNA levels of URAT1 and GLUT9 in the renal tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01) and XOD and ADA in the hepatic tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). Western blot results demonstrated Shenling Qushi prescription reduced the protein levels of URAT1 and GLUT9 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionShenling Qushi prescription modulates fluid balance and reduces uric acid levels, thereby alleviating renal injury in hyperuricaemic mice. This effect is highly likely mediated through inhibition of uric acid synthesis and reabsorption.
6.Cloning and Functional Characterization of Farnesyl Diphosphate Synthase Gene in Biosynthesis of Terpenoid Components in Chinese Materia Medica
Yue ZHANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Yue ZHANG ; Chaoyue LIU ; Bolin ZHANG ; Jia LIU ; Caixia WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):175-183
ObjectiveThis study aims to enhance of the farnesyl pyrophosphate(FPP) pool in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by heterologously expressing different farnesyl diphosphate synthases(FPSs) from various plants, thereby increasing the production of terpenoid compounds by the engineered yeast. MethodsRNA from mixed samples of roots, stems, and leaves of seven plants including Arabidopsis thaliana, Rosa rugosa, Artemisia annua, Centella asiatica, Humulus lupulus, Medicago sativa, and Panax ginseng was extracted by column chromatography and reverse transcribed into the first strand of complementary DNA(cDNA), and based on the transcriptome data of the seven species of plants, sequence-specific primers were designed for CaFPS, RrFPS, MsFPS, HiFPS, PgFPS, AtFPS, and AaFPS, the full-length of the genes was cloned, and the genes were analyzed for bioinformatics in order to construct a pESC yeast shuttle vector. These seven plant-derived FPSs were further heterologously expressed in the previous constructed β-elemene-producing yeast, and the yield of β-elemene was indicated for their catalytic acivities. ResultsThe coding sequences of CaFPS, RrFPS, MsFPS, HiFPS, PgFPS, AtFPS, and AaFPS were all of 1 021 bp in length and encoding 301 amino acids, all of which were similarly related to the endogenous FPS-encoding gene(ERG20) in S. cerevisiae. After heterologous expression, RrFPS was identified as the most effective in catalyzing the synthesis of FPP from isopentenyl pyrophosphate(IPP) and dimethylallyl pyrophosphate(DMAPP). Compared to the control strains, the RrFPS overexpressed yeast strains YB-1-Rr and YB-3-Rr increased the production of β-elemene by 231.25% and 189.3%, respectively. ConclusionBy comparing the functions of FPS-encoding genes from seven different plant sources, it is determined that the protein encoded by the RrFPS from R. rugosa has the best catalytic ability, which can provide key genetic elements for the construction of engineered yeast strain constructs with high terpenoid production.
7.Study on Susceptibility and Infection Characteristics of Dengue Virus in Cells Sourced from Different Tissues of Tree Shrews
Xin LIU ; Mengdi QI ; Wenguang WANG ; Yuanyuan HAN ; Meili LU ; Na LI ; Jiejie DAI ; Caixia LU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(2):229-238
Objective To investigate the susceptibility and infection characteristics of dengue virus(DENV)in cells derived from diverse tissues of tree shrews and to provide a basis for expanding the repertoire of DENV-permissive cell models in this species.Methods DENV was inoculated at a multiplicity of infection(MOI)of 0.02 into tree shrew skin fibroblasts(TSFs),primary tree shrew renal epithelial cells(pTRECs),tree shrew aortic endothelial cells(TAECs),tree shrew aortic smooth muscle cells(TASMCs),tree shrew hepatocytes(THs),tree shrew corneal stromal cells(TCSCs),tree shrew brain microvascular endothelial cells(TBMECs),and tree shrew retinal microvascular endothelial cells(TRMECs).C6/36,Vero,A549,and BHK-21 cells(commonly used for DENV propagation)were used as positive controls.Over 6 days post-infection,cellular cytopathic effects were monitored at 12-hour intervals using an inverted microscope,viral RNA loads in cell lysates were quantified by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR to generate proliferation curves,and viral titers were determined by plaque assay.Results Seven types of tree shrew cells,except TRMECs,were susceptible to DENV.Prolonged infection induced pronounced cytopathic effects,including cell rounding,detachment,necrosis,and lysis,across all susceptible cells.The viral RNA loads detected in lysates of pTRECs,TBMECs,TASMCs,TAECs and THs,approached those of positive controls(≥4×107 copies/μL).Infectious progeny viruses were produced by these five cell types,with three(TAECs,3.13×105 PFU/mL;THs,2.03×105 PFU/mL;pTRECs,1.58×105 PFU/mL)exhibiting titers comparable to C6/36(3.85×10 5 PFU/mL)and earlier viral harvests.Conclusion DENV exhibits broad susceptibility to tree shrew cells of multiple tissue origins,with proliferation rates surpassing those of conventional cell lines sourced from other species.TAECs,THs,and pTRECs are particularly suitable for large-scale DENV proliferation,suggesting their potential involvement in in vivo infection.
8.Study of communication preferences for advance care planning in elderly hospitalized patients and nursing implications
Zhiqiong SHENG ; Zhen REN ; Bingning LIU ; Yanjie DING ; Shuhuan LI ; Yuwen LIU ; Siyuan HUANG ; Caixia SUN
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(18):2191-2196
Objective To explore the communication preferences for advance care planning(ACP)among elderly hospitalized patients and to provide references for improving the ACP implementation rate.Methods Convenience sampling was used to select elderly hospitalized patients from a tertiary hospital in Wenzhou City between April and November 2023.Face-to-face surveys were conducted using a general data collection form and a self-designed questionnaire on ACP communication preferences.Mixed Logit Model,willingness-to-pay analysis,relative importance analysis,and subgroup analysis were employed to explore preferences.Results 204 questionnaires were distributed and 200 valid questionnaires were recovered,with a valid questionnaire response rate of 98.04%.The Mixed Logit Model analysis indicated that key attributes-communication timing,communication form,family participation in ACP communication,legal validity of ACP documents,and out-of-pocket costs-significantly influenced preferences(P<0.05).Willingness-to-pay analysis showed that changes in communication timing,communication form,and family participation altered patients' willingness to pay.Relative importance analysis ranked the top 3 attributes as commu-nication timing,communication form,and family participation.Subgroup analysis revealed that gender,education level,and residence location affected preferences(P<0.05).Conclusion Key attributes of ACP communication affect elderly hospitalized patients' preferences and willingness to pay,with variations across subgroups.Healthcare professionals should develop optimal communication programs based on patient preferences and individual characteristics.
9.Reliability and validity testing for manager post competency evaluation scale in central sterile supply department based on iceberg model
Juan ZHOU ; Dongling LIU ; Li HONG ; Caixia YANG ; Xiaoyi HUANG ; Jiayi SHAO
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(19):3005-3009
OBJECTIVE To analyze the manager post competency evaluation scale in central sterile supply depart-ment based on the iceberg model and test its reliability and validity.METHODS A pool of items was constructed based on literature research and semi-structured interviews.The scale was further refined through expert meetings and a pilot survey.A convenience sampling method was used to select 362 managers from central sterile supply de-partments in medical institutions at various levels in Hunan Province in Jan.2024 as survey subjects.Question-naires were administered,and the reliability and validity of the scale were tested.RESULTS The final version of the scale encompassed five dimensions:personal traits,management abilities,professional abilities,other abili-ties,professional knowledge and skills,with a total of 39 items.The item-level validity coefficients of the scale ranged from 0.83 to 1.00,and the content validity index was 0.93.Exploratory factor analysis revealed a Bartlett's test value of 4 723.828(P<0.001),a KMO test coefficient of 0.937 and a cumulative variance explanation rate of 74.34%for the five common factors.Confirmatory factor analysis results indicated that the root mean square error of approximation(RSEMA)was<0.08,the root mean square residual(RMR)was<0.05,and both the incre-mental fit index(IFI)and comparative fit index(CFI)were>0.9.The Cronbach's α coefficient of the scale was 0.977,the split-half reliability was 0.955,and the test-retest reliability was 0.952.CONCLUSIONS The manager post competency evaluation scale in central sterile supply departments developed in this study demonstrates rela-tively good reliability and validity.It can effectively evaluate manager post competency and provide references for improving related evaluation systems and optimizing training programs.
10.Molecular Mechanism of miR-146b Regulating ERK1/2-AP-1 Signaling Pathway Involved in the Rat Model of Diabetes Complicated with Cerebral Infarction
Lingli LIU ; Ruoxuan WEI ; Wei CHEN ; Caixia KONG ; Zhihong LIU
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(2):135-139
Objective To explore whether miR-146b can participate in the brain injury process of diabetic rats with cerebral infarction(DM-CI)by regulating the extracellular regulatory protein kinase(ERK1/2)-activated protein-1(AP-1)signaling pathway.Methods 80 SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,DM-CI group,low miR-146b expression group and ERK1/2 inhibition group,with 20 rats in each group.The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)score measures brain function in rats.The mRNA levels of miR-146b,ERK1/2 and AP-1 in rat brain tissue were detected by RT-qPCR.Western blotting detected ERK1/2,AP-1 protein levels in rat brain tissue.TTC staining was used to detect cerebral infarction volume in rats.H&E staining was used to detect brain histopathological changes.Random blood glucose levels were detected by glucose meter in rats.Results Compared with sham operation group,mRNA expression levels of miR-146b,ERK1/2 and AP-1 in brain tissue of rats in DM-CI group were significantly increased,with statistically differences(t=10.86,15.62,9.87,all P<0.05).ERK1/2 and AP-1 protein levels increased,with statistically differences(t=11.18,23.81,P<0.05).NIHSS score increased and random blood glucose level increased(t=44.49,30.02,all P<0.05),and increased cerebral infarction volume(t=51.05,P<0.05),the structure of brain tissue was disorganized and loose,and edema can be seen in the pericellular space.Compared with the DM-CI group,the mRNA expression levels of miR-146b,ERK1/2 and AP-1 in the brain tissue of rats with low expression of miR-146b were decreased,with statistically differences(t=38.00,20.03,24.25,all P<0.05).the protein expression of EPK1/2 and AP-1 decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=12.30,26.70,all P<0.05).NIHSS score and random blood glucose level were decreased,with statistically differences(t=38.11,33.77,all P<0.05),cerebral infarction volume decreased(t=16.70,P<0.05),the degree of brain tissue in jury and edema was improved,and the expression levels of ERK1/2 and AP-1 protein and mRNA in brain tissue of rats inhibited by ERK1/2 were decreased,with statistically differences(t=13.61~38.00,all P<0.05),the NIHSS score of rats was decreased,and the random blood glucose level was decreased,with statistically differences(t=16.48,26.61,all P<0.05).Conclusion MiR-146b may be involved in brain functional and structural damage in DM-CI rats by regulating ERK1/2-AP-1 signaling pathway.


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