T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP) is one of the simplest known RNA polymerases. Its unique structural features make it a critical model for studying the mechanisms of RNA synthesis. This review systematically examines the static crystal structure of T7 RNAP, beginning with an in-depth examination of its characteristic “thumb”, “palm”, and “finger” domains, which form the classic “right-hand-like” architecture. By detailing these structural elements, this review establishes a foundation for understanding the overall organization of T7 RNAP. This review systematically maps the functional roles of secondary structural elements and their subdomains in transcriptional catalysis, progressively elucidating the fundamental relationships between structure and function. Further, the intrinsic flexibility of T7 RNAP and its applications in research are also discussed. Additionally, the review presents the structural diagrams of the enzyme at different stages of the transcription process, and through these diagrams, it provides a detailed description of the complete transcription process of T7 RNAP. By integrating structural dynamics and kinetics analyses, the review constructs a comprehensive framework that bridges static structure to dynamic processes. Despite its advantages, T7 RNAP has a notable limitation: it generates double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) as a byproduct. The presence of dsRNA not only compromises the purity of mRNA products but also elicits nonspecific immune responses, which pose significant challenges for biotechnological and therapeutic applications. The review provides a detailed exploration of the mechanisms underlying dsRNA formation during T7 RNAP catalysis, reviews current strategies to mitigate this issue, and highlights recent progress in the field. A key focus is the semi-rational design of T7 RNAP mutants engineered to minimize dsRNA generation and enhance catalytic performance. Beyond its role in transcription, T7 RNAP exhibits rapid development and extensive application in fields, including gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccines. This review systematically examines the structure-function relationships of T7 RNAP, elucidates the mechanisms of dsRNA formation, and discusses engineering strategies to optimize its performance. It further explores the engineering optimization and functional expansion of T7 RNAP. Furthermore, this review also addresses the pressing issues that currently need resolution, discusses the major challenges in the practical application of T7 RNAP, and provides an outlook on potential future research directions. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of T7 RNAP, ranging from its structural architecture to cutting-edge applications. We systematically examine: (1) the characteristic right-hand domains (thumb, palm, fingers) that define its minimalistic structure; (2) the structure-function relationships underlying transcriptional catalysis; and (3) the dynamic transitions during the complete transcription cycle. While highlighting T7 RNAP’s versatility in gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccine production, we critically address its major limitation—dsRNA byproduct formation—and evaluate engineering solutions including semi-rationally designed mutants. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying key challenges, this work aims to provide novel insights for the development and application of T7 RNAP and to foster further thought and progress in related fields.

"Prescriptions being modified according to the syndrome and processing following prescription" is one of the characteristics of clinical medication in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), and it is also an important sign that distinguishes TCM from other traditional medicine. The processing methods of TCM decoctions originate from the ingenious combination of medicinal materials, the mutual restraint of seven emotions, the harmony of four properties, and the pairing and combining of medicinal materials in prescriptions. They are the concrete embodiment of the essence and characteristics of "prescriptions being modified according to the syndrome and processing following prescription". However, due to insufficient inheritance and innovation, many characteristic varieties and pharmaceutical experience have been lost or forgotten. There is an urgent need to systematically explore and organize the processing theory and characteristic varieties of TCM decoctions, delve into the scientific connotation of the processing principles, and optimize the processing technology. Therefore, this article systematically organizes and summarizes the historical evolution and modern research progress of TCM decoction processing, conducts in-depth reflection on the current problems, and puts forward reasonable suggestions, with the aim of further inheriting, enriching, and developing the processing theory of TCM decoctions and providing support for ensuring the clinical efficacy of prescriptions.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods*

Testicular descent occurs in two consecutive stages: the transabdominal stage and the inguinoscrotal stage. Androgens play a crucial role in the second stage by influencing the development of the gubernaculum, a structure that pulls the testis into the scrotum. However, the mechanisms of androgen actions underlying many of the processes associated with gubernaculum development have not been fully elucidated. To identify the androgen-regulated genes, we conducted large-scale gene expression analyses on the gubernaculum harvested from luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor knockout ( Lhcgr KO) mice, an animal model of inguinoscrotal testis maldescent resulting from androgen deficiency. We found that the expression of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC)-related modular calcium binding 1 ( Smoc1 ) was the most severely suppressed at both the transcript and protein levels, while its expression was the most dramatically induced by testosterone administration in the gubernacula of Lhcgr KO mice. The upregulation of Smoc1 expression by testosterone was curtailed by the addition of an androgen receptor antagonist, flutamide. In addition, in vitro studies demonstrated that SMOC1 modestly but significantly promoted the proliferation of gubernacular cells. In the cultures of myogenic differentiation medium, both testosterone and SMOC1 enhanced the expression of myogenic regulatory factors such as paired box 7 ( Pax7 ) and myogenic factor 5 ( Myf5 ). After short-interfering RNA-mediated knocking down of Smoc1 , the expression of Pax7 and Myf5 diminished, and testosterone alone did not recover, but additional SMOC1 did. These observations indicate that SMOC1 is pivotal in mediating androgen action to regulate gubernaculum development during inguinoscrotal testicular descent.
Animals ; Male ; Mice ; Testis/growth & development* ; Mice, Knockout ; Androgens/pharmacology* ; Testosterone/pharmacology* ; Receptors, LH/metabolism* ; Calcium-Binding Proteins/metabolism*

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is an inherited disease caused by a deficiency of the enzyme arylsulfatase A (ARSA). Lentivirus-modified autologous hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy (HSCGT) has recently been approved for clinical use in pre and early symptomatic children with MLD to increase ARSA activity. Unfortunately, this advanced therapy is not available for most patients with MLD who have progressed to more advanced symptomatic stages at diagnosis. Patients with late-onset juvenile MLD typically present with a slower neurological progression of symptoms and represent a significant burden to the economy and healthcare system, whereas those with early onset infantile MLD die within a few years of symptom onset. We conducted a pilot study to determine the safety and benefit of HSCGT in patients with postsymptomatic juvenile MLD and report preliminary results. The safety profile of HSCGT was favorable in this long-term follow-up over 9 years. The most common adverse events (AEs) within 2 months of HSCGT were related to busulfan conditioning, and all AEs resolved. No HSCGT-related AEs and no evidence of distorted hematopoietic differentiation during long-term follow-up for up to 9.6 years. Importantly, to date, patients have maintained remarkably improved ARSA activity with a stable disease state, including increased Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score and decreased magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesion score. This long-term follow-up pilot study suggests that HSCGT is safe and provides clinical benefit to patients with postsymptomatic juvenile MLD.
Humans ; Leukodystrophy, Metachromatic/genetics* ; Pilot Projects ; Genetic Therapy/methods* ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Male ; Follow-Up Studies ; Female ; Lentivirus/genetics* ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Cerebroside-Sulfatase/metabolism* ; Adolescent

OBJECTIVE: Xuebijing injection has been recommended as a therapeutic approach for individuals with severe and critical COVID-19. This study aims to explore the correlation of neutrophil to lymphocyte platelet ratio (NLPR) with the severity and prognosis of COVID-19, and the effect of XBJ on the prognosis of patients with COVID-19 in different inflammatory states. METHODS: This was a retrospective study conducted at Wuhan Union Hospital in China. COVID-19 patients admitted between November 1, 2022 and February 1, 2023 were included. In predicting prognosis for individuals with COVID-19, new inflammatory indicators were used, and their prognostic value was assessed by using Cox regression models and receiver operating characteristic curves. Furthermore, a calculation was made to determine the cutoff value for NLPR. Relative risk and Cox regression models were used to examine the effects of Xuebijing injection on prognosis in patient cohorts that had been stratified by the NLPR cutoff. RESULTS: This research included 455 participants with COVID-19, with a mean age of 72 years. Several inflammatory indicators were found to be strongly correlated with prognosis, and NLPR shows the greatest predictive power. Patients with NLPR > 3.29 exhibited a mortality rate of 17.3%, which was 6.2 times higher than in patients with NLPR ≤ 3.29. Importantly, providing Xuebijing injection to patients with NLPR > 3.29 was associated with a lower risk of 60-day all-cause mortality. However, there was no discernible improvement in survival among patients with NLPR ≤ 3.29 who received Xuebijing injection. CONCLUSION NLPR is the most reliable inflammatory marker for predicting prognosis among individuals with COVID-19, and can accurately identify individuals who may benefit from Xuebijing injection. Please cite this article as: Liao M, Zhang LT, Bai LJ, Wang RY, Liu Y, Han J, Liu LH, Qi BL. Xuebijing injection reduces COVID-19 patients mortality as influenced by the neutrophil to lymphocyte platelet ratio. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 282-288.
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged ; Neutrophils ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; COVID-19/blood* ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Lymphocytes ; Blood Platelets ; Platelet Count ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Aged, 80 and over ; Adult

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of lumbar spondylolysis (LS) and the proportion of spondylolytic spondylolisthesis (SS) in China, and to evaluate the musculoskeletal status of patients with LS and SS. METHODS: Spine Computed Tomography (CT) images were collected from community populations aged 40 and above in a nationwide multi-center project. LS was diagnosed, and SS was graded by an experienced radiologist. Bone mineral density (BMD) and paraspinal muscle parameters were quantified based on CT images. RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen patients of a total of 3,317 individuals were diagnosed with LS, corresponding to a prevalence rate of 3.53%. 63 of the 1,214 males (5.18%) and 54 of the 2,103 females (2.57%) were diagnosed with LS. SS occurred in 64/121 vertebrae (52.89%). BMD was not associated with LS ( P = 0.341). The L5 extensor paraspinal muscle density was higher in the LS group than in the non-LS group. In the LS group, patients with SS had a smaller L5 paraspinal extensor muscle cross-sectional area than those without SS ( P = 0.003). CONCLUSION The prevalence of LS in Chinese adults was 3.53%, with prevalence rates of 5.18% in males and 2.57% in females. Patients with LS have higher muscle density, whereas those with SS have smaller muscle cross-sectional areas at the L5 level.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; China/epidemiology* ; Prevalence ; Adult ; Lumbar Vertebrae/diagnostic imaging* ; Spondylolysis/diagnostic imaging* ; Aged ; Bone Density ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Aged, 80 and over ; Spondylolisthesis/epidemiology* ; East Asian People

Objective To study the tongue manifestation of patients with different syndromes in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)and the correlation between tongue characteristics of different syndromes and tumor markers and coagulation indicators.Methods Totally 497 patients with NSCLC were grouped according to syndrome differentiation,and the differences in tongue characteristics of different syndromes were compared.Bivariate correlation analysis was used to study the correlation between tongue characteristics and serum tumor markers and coagulation indicators in patients with NSCLC of different syndromes.Results Compared with healthy people of different syndromes,in TB-a,yin deficiency and phlegm-heat syndrome>healthy group>qi-yin deficiency syndrome>spleen deficiency and phlegm-dampness syndrome>lung stagnation and phlegm-stasis syndrome(P<0.001).In TB-L,healthy group>spleen deficiency and phlegm-dampness syndrome>qi-yin deficiency syndrome>lung stagnation and phlegm-stasis syndrome>yin deficiency and phlegm-heat syndrome(P<0.001).In TB-b,yin deficiency and phlegm-heat syndrome>qi-yin deficiency syndrome>spleen deficiency and phlegm-dampness syndrome>healthy group>lung stagnation and phlegm-stasis syndrome(P<0.001).Yin deficiency and phlegm-heat syndrome had the highest TB-a and the lowest Per-all.Spleen deficiency and phlegm-dampness syndrome had the highest TB-L and Per-all.Lung stagnation and phlegm-stasis syndrome had lower TB-b and TC-b than other groups,lower TB-a than the healthy group,and a high Per-all index(P<0.05).In terms of tumor markers,Per-all in spleen deficiency and phlegm-dampness syndrome was positively correlated with Ca199,Ca50 and Ca242(P<0.05).In terms of coagulation indicators,the tongue texture index of lung stagnation and phlegm-stasis syndrome had a high correlation with the coagulation indicator Fg(P<0.01).Conclusion Different TCM syndromes of NSCLC have their own typical tongue characteristics.Tongue manifestations of different syndromes are correlated with tumor markers and coagulation indicators,respectively,which can reflect changes in clinical status.

AIM To invesigate the quantitative transmitting rules of benchmark samples of Ganjiang Lingzhu Decoction.METHODS HPLC fingerprints were established,after which principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis were performed.The contents of 6-gingerol,liquiritin and glycyrrhizic acid were determined,after which their transfer rates and dry paste rate were calculated.RESULTS There were 22 common peaks in the fingerprints for 15 batches of benchmark samples with the similarities of more than 0.9.Various batches of benchmark samples were clustered into 3 categories,4 principal components demonstrated the accumulative variance contribution rate of 92.676％,and liquiritin made a great contribution to grouping.In various batches of medicinal materials-decoction pieces,decoction pieces-standard decoctions and standard decoctions-benchmark samples,the transfer rates of 6-gingerol were 84.72％-100.00％,14.29％-24.14％,88.60％-99.36％,those of liquiritin were 74.38％-100.00％,38.54％-64.20％,96.91％-100.30％,and those of glycyrrhizic acid were 68.28％-103.27％,28.48％-49.79％,92.93％-100.49％,the dry paste rate was 13.75％-16.41％.CONCLUSION The preparation process for benchmark samples of Ganjiang Lingzhu Decoction is stable,6-gingerol,liquiritin and glycyrrhizic acid can be taken as their quality markers.Fingerprint combined with content determination can provides a reference for the quality control of Ganjiang Lingzhu Decoction and their related preparations.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between serum apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), proinflammatory protein S100A9 (S100A9) and prognosis in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).Methods:122 MDS patients visited Qinhuangdao First Hospital from January 2020 to January 2021 were selected as the research objects. After three years of follow up, patients were divided into survival group and death group based on survival status. The differences in ApoA1, CTLA-4, and S100A9 between the death group and the survival group were compared. Measurement data with normal distribution was expressed as " xˉ±s", independent sample t-test was used on comparison between groups. Counting data was expressed as rate or composition ratio, χ2 test was used on comparison between groups. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze factors related to death. Results:There was no lost to follow up patients after three years of follow up. Among those 122 patients, 92 survived and 30 died. The ratio of bone marrow primitive cells>5%, IPSS-R score, serum CTLA-4, and S100A9 levels in the survival group were (2.89±2.15), (3.13±1.95) points, (5.12±1.59) μg/L, (1643.98±429.65)ng/L, respectively, lower than (5.67±3.76), (5.12±2.36) points, (28.67±6.98) μg/L, (2895.64±553.62) ng/L in the death group ( t=5.03, 4.60, 30.27, 12.87, respectively, all P<0.01). The relative high-risk ratio of IPSS-R stratification in the survival group was 63.04%,(58/92) which was lower than the 86.67%(26/30) in the death group ( χ2=5.89, P=0.015). The absolute values of hemoglobin, lymphocytes and neutrophils, and values of platelets and ApoA1 in the survival group were(86.74±12.69)g/L, (1.41±0.23)×10 9/L, (1.42±0.55)×10 9/L, (59.98±21.37)×10 9/L, (1.09±0.40) g/L respectively, which were higher than (65.58±10.89)g/L, (0.68±0.17)×10 9/L, (0.96±0.31)×10 9/L, (42.85±20.95)×10 9/L, (0.91±0.36)g/L in the death group ( t=8.20, 16.00, 4.35, 7.90, 2.19; respectively, P<0.001, <0.001, <0.001, <0.001, =0.030). Multivariate Logistic regression model analysis showed that, bone marrow blasts cells>5% ( OR=1.732, 95% CI: 1.188~2.523, P=0.004), relatively high IPSS-R stratification ( OR=1.815, 95% CI: 1.332~2.474, P<0.001), high IPSS-R score ( OR=1.785, 95% CI: 1.259~2.529, P=0.001), high CTLA-4 level ( OR=2.156, 95% CI: 1.482~3.134, P<0.001) and high S100A9 level ( OR=1.787, 95% CI: 1.218~2.625, P=0.003) were risk factors for poor prognosis in MDS patients, while high ApoA1 level ( OR=0.785, 95% CI: 0.658~0.937, P=0.007) was a protective factor ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The decrease in ApoA1 levels and the increase in CTLA-4 and S100A9 levels in MDS patients are associated with poor prognosis.

AIM To study the effect of Zuogui Pills on improving ovarian function in rats with premature ovarian failure(POF)by regulating autophagy.METHODS Seven rats were randomly selected as the blank group,and the remaining rats were injected with cisplatin(4.0 mg/kg)intraperitoneally to establish POF model.The success of the model was evaluated by observing the changes of estrous cycle.Twenty-one successful model of rats were randomly divided into model group and estradiol group(0.01 mg/mL)and Zuogui Pills group(1.85 g/kg),with 7 rats in each group,the drug was administered continuously for 21 days.Serum E2,FSH and LH levels were detected by ELISA;HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of ovarian tissue;immunohistochemical(IHC)method was used to detect the protein expressions of LC3B,SIRT1 and FoxO1 in ovarian tissues;RT-qPCR method was used to detect the mRNA expressions of LC3B,Beclin-1 and Atg5 in ovarian tissues;the protein expressions of SIRT1,FoxO1 and Ac-FoxO1 in ovarian tissue was detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the blank group,the ovarian index of the model group decreased(P＜0.01);serum FSH and LH levels increased(P＜0.01)and E2 level decreased(P＜0.01);the structure of ovary is disordered,especially atresia follicle;the mRNA expressions of LC3B,Beclin-1 and Atg5 in ovarian tissue increased(P＜0.01),while the protein expressions of LC3B and Ac-FoxO1 increased(P＜0.01),while the protein expressions of SIRT1 and FoxO1 decreased(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the ovarian index of rats in estradiol group and Zuogui Pills group increased(P＜0.01);serum FSH and LH levels decreased(P＜0.01)and E2 level increased(P＜0.01);the number of primordial follicles in ovary increased and the number of atresia follicles decreased;the mRNA expressions of LC3B,Beclin-1 and Atg5 in ovarian tissue decreased(P＜0.01),while the protein expressions of LC3B and Ac-FoxO1 decreased(P＜0.01),while the protein expressions of SIRT1 and FoxO1 increased(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Zuogui Pills may inhibit autophagy by activating SIRT1/FoxO1 signaling pathway,thus improving the pathological state of POF rats,regulating the level of sex hormones in rats,restoring endocrine balance,enhancing ovarian reserve function,promoting the normal development of follicles and delaying the progress of POF.