1.Analysis on Dynamic Change of Stir-fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Quality Based on "Exterior-interior Correlation"
Yue XU ; Zhe JIA ; Yun WANG ; Bing LI ; Deling WU ; Cun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):194-202
ObjectiveIn order to provide a reference for the optimization of preparation process of stir-fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma(sf-GRR), the quality changes during the processing was studied. MethodsGlycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma was processed by stir-frying for 17 min, and samples were collected every 1 min during the processing. The appearance color of the samples was determined by visual analysis technology, the moisture and extract of the process samples were detected by the drying method and the hot extraction method of alcohol-soluble extract in the general rules of the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia(part Ⅳ), and the contents of liquiritin apioside, liquiritin, isoliquiritin apioside, isoliquiritin, licoricesaponin G2 and glycyrrhizic acid in the process samples were determined by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). Then principal component analysis(PCA), partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) and Spearman correlation analysis were used for clustering, discrimination and correlation analysis of the appearance color, moisture, extract and the contents of six internal components. Based on artificial neural network and random forest algorithm, the prediction model of processing degree of sf-GRR was established. On this basis, based on the five principles of quality marker(Q-Maker), explore the monitoring Q-Maker of sf-GRR. ResultsThe color of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma deepened after stir-frying, and the appearance color of the sample changed from light yellow to dark yellow during processing. During the stir-frying process, the moisture content showed a decreasing trend with the extension of processing time, while the extract content showed an increasing trend with the extension of processing time. After stir-frying, the contents of liquiritin apioside, liquiritin and licoricesaponin G2 showed an overall decreasing trend, while the contents of isoliquiritin apioside and isoliquiritin increased, and the content of glycyrrhizic acid increased slightly. The correlation analysis showed that moisture was positively correlated with brightness(L*) and red/green value(a*), and negatively correlated with yellow/blue value(b*) and total color difference(E*ab). Isoliquiritin apioside and isoliquiritin had negative correlation with L* and a*, and positive correlation with b* and E*ab. The processing process of sf-GRR could be divided into two stages of the early stage(0-14 min) and the late stage(15-17 min), and could be divided into three stages of the early stage(0-6 min), the middle stage(7-14 min) and the late stage(15-17 min) by combining the moisture, extract, the contents of 6 components and color values. Based on artificial neural network analysis and random forest algorithm, isoliquiritin apioside, isoliquiritin, liquiritin and glycyrrhizic acid were selected as monitoring markers for sf-GRR. ConclusionBased on the analysis of the exterior-interior indicators of process samples of sf-GRR, this paper ultimately identifies four processing monitoring markers, which can provide a basis for optimizing the processing technology of sf-GRR.
2.Processing History and Modern Research of Jianghuanglian: A Review
Ying LI ; Yun WANG ; Zhe JIA ; Lin YAN ; Min JIN ; Cun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):275-282
Jianghuanglian is one of the representative processed products of Coptidis Rhizoma for treating cold syndrome with drugs of heat nature, and ginger is used to restrict the bitter cold of Coptidis Rhizoma, which can be traced back to Bojifang, and it is suitable for stagnation of damp-heat in middle-jiao, cold-heat mutual knots and other symptoms. Jianghuanglian retains the alkaloids, phenylpropanoids and flavonoids of Coptidis Rhizoma, and also introduces gingerol components such as 6-gingerol in ginger, which has pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-tumor, and improving gastrointestinal function. The 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia and many local processing specifications have included the traditional processing process and quality standards of Jianghuanglian, but the specific process parameters and quality standards are incomplete, which limits the production and clinical application of this processed product. By summarizing the processing history, process research, quality evaluation, pharmacodynamic and medicinal property changes and application of Jianghuanglian in the past 20 years, there are differences in the processing methods and standards in various provinces and cities, which are mainly reflected in the preparation method, dosage, processing process and quantitative standards of ginger juice. In addition, there are also certain differences in the changes of the main components of Jianghuanglian prepared from ginger or dried ginger, as well as their efficacy and medicinal properties. The research on the processing process of Jianghuanglian plays an important role in improving its quality standards, and this review can provide a reference for improving the quality evaluation system of Jianghuanglian.
3.Thoughts on Development Path of Traditional Chinese Medicine Processing Technology from Perspective of Traditional Medicine and Techniques
Ying LIU ; Yun WANG ; Zhe JIA ; Peng ZHANG ; Jie ZOU ; Cun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):233-240
As an important part of Chinese traditional culture, the processing technology of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) carries the wisdom of TCM for thousands of years, and its process is complex and rigorous. With the popularization of modern production technology, traditional processing techiques are facing the dual pressures from technological innovation and production standardization under the perspective of intangible cultural heritage. The modernization of TCM processing technology is an inevitable trend for industrial upgrading, but it cannot be separated from the foundation of traditional skills and ignore the core concepts and cultural values it embodies. Therefore, by analyzing the core characteristics of TCM processing technology and its differences with modern production, this paper discusses the establishment of a synergistic innovation mechanism between traditional techniques and modern technologies, the promotion of joint research and development between scientific research institutes and the industry, the strengthening of standardization of processing techniques, and the enhancement of social education and industry training to improve the recognition and inheritance of processing techniques in order to achieve the goal of innovation and protection of TCM processing technologies in the context of modernization, and to promote the high-quality development of the TCM processing industry.
4.Molecular Mechanisms of RNA Modification Interactions and Their Roles in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Jia-Wen FANG ; Chao ZHE ; Ling-Ting XU ; Lin-Hai LI ; Bin XIAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2252-2266
RNA modifications constitute a crucial class of post-transcriptional chemical alterations that profoundly influence RNA stability and translational efficiency, thereby shaping cellular protein expression profiles. These diverse chemical marks are ubiquitously involved in key biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and metastatic potential, and they exert precise regulatory control over these functions. A major advance in the field is the recognition that RNA modifications do not act in isolation. Instead, they participate in complex, dynamic interactions—through synergistic enhancement, antagonism, competitive binding, and functional crosstalk—forming what is now termed the “RNA modification interactome” or “RNA modification interaction network.” The formation and functional operation of this interactome rely on a multilayered regulatory framework orchestrated by RNA-modifying enzymes—commonly referred to as “writers,” “erasers,” and “readers.” These enzymes exhibit hierarchical organization within signaling cascades, often functioning in upstream-downstream sequences and converging at critical regulatory nodes. Their integration is further mediated through shared regulatory elements or the assembly into multi-enzyme complexes. This intricate enzymatic network directly governs and shapes the interdependent relationships among various RNA modifications. This review systematically elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying both direct and indirect interactions between RNA modifications. Building upon this foundation, we introduce novel quantitative assessment frameworks and predictive disease models designed to leverage these interaction patterns. Importantly, studies across multiple disease contexts have identified core downstream signaling axes driven by specific constellations of interacting RNA modifications. These findings not only deepen our understanding of how RNA modification crosstalk contributes to disease initiation and progression, but also highlight its translational potential. This potential is exemplified by the discovery of diagnostic biomarkers based on interaction signatures and the development of therapeutic strategies targeting pathogenic modification networks. Together, these insights provide a conceptual framework for understanding the dynamic and multidimensional regulatory roles of RNA modifications in cellular systems. In conclusion, the emerging concept of RNA modification crosstalk reveals the extraordinary complexity of post-transcriptional regulation and opens new research avenues. It offers critical insights into the central question of how RNA-modifying enzymes achieve substrate specificity—determining which nucleotides within specific RNA transcripts are selectively modified during defined developmental or pathological stages. Decoding these specificity determinants, shaped in large part by the modification interactome, is essential for fully understanding the biological and pathological significance of the epitranscriptome.
5.Plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin prolonged the survival of a porcine kidney xenograft in a sensitized, brain-dead human recipient.
Shuaijun MA ; Ruochen QI ; Shichao HAN ; Zhengxuan LI ; Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Guohui WANG ; Kepu LIU ; Tong XU ; Yang ZHANG ; Donghui HAN ; Jingliang ZHANG ; Di WEI ; Xiaozheng FAN ; Dengke PAN ; Yanyan JIA ; Jing LI ; Zhe WANG ; Xuan ZHANG ; Zhaoxu YANG ; Kaishan TAO ; Xiaojian YANG ; Kefeng DOU ; Weijun QIN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(18):2293-2307
BACKGROUND:
The primary limitation to kidney transplantation is organ shortage. Recent progress in gene editing and immunosuppressive regimens has made xenotransplantation with porcine organs a possibility. However, evidence in pig-to-human xenotransplantation remains scarce, and antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is a major obstacle to clinical applications of xenotransplantation.
METHODS:
We conducted a kidney xenotransplantation in a brain-dead human recipient using a porcine kidney with five gene edits (5GE) on March 25, 2024 at Xijing Hospital, China. Clinical-grade immunosuppressive regimens were employed, and the observation period lasted 22 days. We collected and analyzed the xenograft function, ultrasound findings, sequential protocol biopsies, and immune surveillance of the recipient during the observation.
RESULTS:
The combination of 5GE in the porcine kidney and clinical-grade immunosuppressive regimens prevented hyperacute rejection. The xenograft kidney underwent delayed graft function in the first week, but urine output increased later and the single xenograft kidney maintained electrolyte and pH homeostasis from postoperative day (POD) 12 to 19. We observed AMR at 24 h post-transplantation, due to the presence of pre-existing anti-porcine antibodies and cytotoxicity before transplantation; this AMR persisted throughout the observation period. Plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment mitigated the AMR. We observed activation of latent porcine cytomegalovirus toward the end of the study, which might have contributed to coagulation disorder in the recipient.
CONCLUSIONS
5GE and clinical-grade immunosuppressive regimens were sufficient to prevent hyperacute rejection during pig-to-human kidney xenotransplantation. Pre-existing anti-porcine antibodies predisposed the xenograft to AMR. Plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin were safe and effective in the treatment of AMR after kidney xenotransplantation.
Transplantation, Heterologous/methods*
;
Kidney Transplantation/methods*
;
Heterografts/pathology*
;
Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/administration & dosage*
;
Graft Survival/immunology*
;
Humans
;
Animals
;
Sus scrofa
;
Graft Rejection/prevention & control*
;
Kidney/pathology*
;
Gene Editing
;
Species Specificity
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Immunosuppression Therapy/methods*
;
Plasma Exchange
;
Brain Death
;
Biopsy
;
Male
;
Aged
6.Effects of drought stress training on polysaccharide accumulation and drought resistance of Codonopsis pilosula.
Lu-Lu WANG ; Xiao-Lin WANG ; Zhe-Yu LIU ; Li-Zhen WANG ; Jia-Tong SHI ; Jiao-Jiao JI ; Jian-Ping GAO ; Yun-E BAI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(3):672-681
In order to clarify the effects of drought stress training on the quality and drought resistance of Codonopsis pilosula, this study used PEG to simulate drought stress and employed potting with water control for the drought stress training of C. pilosula plants. The polysaccharide content, secondary metabolites, antioxidant system, and photosynthetic pigment system of C. pilosula after drought stress training were analyzed. The results showed that the content of fructans in the root of C. pilosula increased after two rounds of drought stress treatment, and it was significantly higher than that of the control group. The accumulation of fructans in the root of C. pilosula showed an upward trend during the rehydration treatment. The content of lobetyolin and tangshenoside Ⅰ increased after drought stress treatment compared with that of the control group. The rehydration treatment caused first increasing and then decreasing in the content of lobetyolin, while it had no significant effect on the tangshenoside Ⅰcontent. The content of photosynthetic pigments decreased after drought stress treatment, and it gradually increased during the first round of rehydration and the second round of rehydration. Moreover, the increase was faster in the second round of rehydration than in the first round of rehydration. The content of the peroxidation product malondialdehyde(MDA) and the activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD), peroxidase(POD), and catalase(CAT) increased after drought stress treatment compared with those of the control group, and they showed a tendency of decreasing during rehydration. Moreover, the decrease was faster in the second round of rehydration than in the first round of rehydration. When the plants of C. pilosula after drought stress training were again subjected to severe drought stress, the wilting rate decreased significantly, and the biomass increases significantly. This study showed that the drought stress training could promote the accumulation of polysaccharides and secondary metabolites in the root of C. pilosula. When encountering drought stress again, C. pilosula plants could quickly regulate the antioxidant system and delay the decomposition of chlorophyll to respond to drought stress. The findings provide a theoretical basis for the ecological cultivation of C. pilosula in arid and semi-arid areas.
Codonopsis/growth & development*
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Droughts
;
Polysaccharides/metabolism*
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Stress, Physiological
;
Water/metabolism*
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Antioxidants/metabolism*
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Photosynthesis
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Drought Resistance
7.Dehydrodiisoeugenol resists H1N1 virus infection via TFEB/autophagy-lysosome pathway.
Zhe LIU ; Jun-Liang LI ; Yi-Xiang ZHOU ; Xia LIU ; Yan-Li YU ; Zheng LUO ; Yao WANG ; Xin JIA
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(6):1650-1658
The present study delves into the cellular mechanisms underlying the antiviral effects of dehydrodiisoeugenol(DEH) by focusing on the transcription factor EB(TFEB)/autophagy-lysosome pathway. The cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) was utilized to assess the impact of DEH on the viability of human non-small cell lung cancer cells(A549). The inhibitory effect of DEH on the replication of influenza A virus(H1N1) was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR). Western blot was employed to evaluate the influence of DEH on the expression level of the H1N1 virus nucleoprotein(NP). The effect of DEH on the fluorescence intensity of NP was examined by the immunofluorescence assay. A mouse model of H1N1 virus infection was established via nasal inhalation to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of 30 mg·kg~(-1) DEH on H1N1 virus infection. RNA sequencing(RNA-seq) was performed for the transcriptional profiling of mouse embryonic fibroblasts(MEFs) in response to DEH. The fluorescent protein-tagged microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3) was used to assess the autophagy induced by DEH. Western blot was employed to determine the effect of DEH on the autophagy flux of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ under viral infection conditions. Lastly, the role of TFEB expression in the inhibition of DEH against H1N1 infection was evaluated in immortalized bone marrow-derived macrophage(iBMDM), both wild-type and TFEB knockout. The results revealed that the half-maximal inhibitory concentration(IC_(50)) of DEH for A549 cells was(87.17±0.247)μmol·L~(-1), and DEH inhibited H1N1 virus replication in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Compared with the H1N1 virus-infected mouse model, the treatment with DEH significantly improved the body weights and survival time of mice. DEH induced LC3 aggregation, and the absence of TFEB expression in iBMDM markedly limited the ability of DEH to counteract H1N1 virus replication. In conclusion, DEH exerts its inhibitory activity against H1N1 infection by activating the TFEB/autophagy-lysosome pathway.
Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/genetics*
;
Animals
;
Autophagy/drug effects*
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Humans
;
Mice
;
Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors/genetics*
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Influenza, Human/metabolism*
;
Lysosomes/metabolism*
;
Orthomyxoviridae Infections/genetics*
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Eugenol/pharmacology*
;
Antiviral Agents/pharmacology*
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Virus Replication/drug effects*
;
A549 Cells
;
Male
8.Development and Initial Validation of the Multi-Dimensional Attention Rating Scale in Highly Educated Adults.
Xin-Yang ZHANG ; Karen SPRUYT ; Jia-Yue SI ; Lin-Lin ZHANG ; Ting-Ting WU ; Yan-Nan LIU ; Di-Ga GAN ; Yu-Xin HU ; Si-Yu LIU ; Teng GAO ; Yi ZHONG ; Yao GE ; Zhe LI ; Zi-Yan LIN ; Yan-Ping BAO ; Xue-Qin WANG ; Yu-Feng WANG ; Lin LU
Chinese Medical Sciences Journal 2025;40(2):100-110
OBJECTIVES:
To report the development, validation, and findings of the Multi-dimensional Attention Rating Scale (MARS), a self-report tool crafted to evaluate six-dimension attention levels.
METHODS:
The MARS was developed based on Classical Test Theory (CTT). Totally 202 highly educated healthy adult participants were recruited for reliability and validity tests. Reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability. Structural validity was explored using principal component analysis. Criterion validity was analyzed by correlating MARS scores with the Toronto Hospital Alertness Test (THAT), the Attentional Control Scale (ACS), and the Attention Network Test (ANT).
RESULTS:
The MARS comprises 12 items spanning six distinct dimensions of attention: focused attention, sustained attention, shifting attention, selective attention, divided attention, and response inhibition.As assessed by six experts, the content validation index (CVI) was 0.95, the Cronbach's alpha for the MARS was 0.78, and the test-retest reliability was 0.81. Four factors were identified (cumulative variance contribution rate 68.79%). The total score of MARS was correlated positively with THAT (r = 0.60, P < 0.01) and ACS (r = 0.78, P < 0.01) and negatively with ANT's reaction time for alerting (r = -0.31, P = 0.049).
CONCLUSIONS
The MARS can reliably and validly assess six-dimension attention levels in real-world settings and is expected to be a new tool for assessing multi-dimensional attention impairments in different mental disorders.
Humans
;
Adult
;
Male
;
Attention/physiology*
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Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Reproducibility of Results
;
Young Adult
;
Psychometrics
9.Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Hypertension and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation.
Jia-Qi BAI ; Yi-Ning LIU ; Rui-Zhe LI ; Zong-Bin LI
Chinese Medical Sciences Journal 2025;40(3):171-179
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hypertension (HT) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are highly prevalent cardiovascular conditions that frequently coexist. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major global cause of mortality. The co-occurrence of HT, AF, and CAD presents significant management challenges. This study aims to explore the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with CAD in patients with HT and persistent AF (HT-AF). METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, data were collected from 384 hospitalized HT-AF patients at the People's Liberation Army General Hospital between January 2010 and December 2019. CAD diagnosis was confirmed by coronary angiography or computed tomography angiography. Clinical characteristics and comorbidities were compared between patients with and without CAD. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors associated with CAD development. RESULTS: The prevalence of CAD among HT-AF patients was 66.41% (255/384). Cardiovascular complications, particularly heart failure (44.7% vs 25.6%, P < 0.05), were significantly more prevalent in the CAD group than in the non-CAD group. Only age was identified as an independent risk factor for CAD (adjusted OR: 1.047; 95% CI: 1.022-1.073; P = 0.000). Of all HT-AF patients, 54.7% had a CHA2DS2-VASc score of ≥4, indicating high stroke risk. There was a slightly higher anticoagulant usage rate in the CAD group than those without CAD (8.6% vs 4.7%, P = 0.157), and the overall anticoagulant usage remained low. CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of CAD among hospitalized HT-AF patients, among whom age is the sole independent risk factor for CAD. Despite a high stroke risk, the utilization of oral anticoagulants is alarmingly low.
Humans
;
Atrial Fibrillation/epidemiology*
;
Coronary Artery Disease/etiology*
;
Hypertension/epidemiology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Risk Factors
;
Middle Aged
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Cross-Sectional Studies
;
Aged
;
Prevalence
10.Prediction of testicular histology in azoospermia patients through deep learning-enabled two-dimensional grayscale ultrasound.
Jia-Ying HU ; Zhen-Zhe LIN ; Li DING ; Zhi-Xing ZHANG ; Wan-Ling HUANG ; Sha-Sha HUANG ; Bin LI ; Xiao-Yan XIE ; Ming-De LU ; Chun-Hua DENG ; Hao-Tian LIN ; Yong GAO ; Zhu WANG
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(2):254-260
Testicular histology based on testicular biopsy is an important factor for determining appropriate testicular sperm extraction surgery and predicting sperm retrieval outcomes in patients with azoospermia. Therefore, we developed a deep learning (DL) model to establish the associations between testicular grayscale ultrasound images and testicular histology. We retrospectively included two-dimensional testicular grayscale ultrasound from patients with azoospermia (353 men with 4357 images between July 2017 and December 2021 in The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China) to develop a DL model. We obtained testicular histology during conventional testicular sperm extraction. Our DL model was trained based on ultrasound images or fusion data (ultrasound images fused with the corresponding testicular volume) to distinguish spermatozoa presence in pathology (SPP) and spermatozoa absence in pathology (SAP) and to classify maturation arrest (MA) and Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) in patients with SAP. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were used to analyze model performance. DL based on images achieved an AUC of 0.922 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.908-0.935), a sensitivity of 80.9%, a specificity of 84.6%, and an accuracy of 83.5% in predicting SPP (including normal spermatogenesis and hypospermatogenesis) and SAP (including MA and SCOS). In the identification of SCOS and MA, DL on fusion data yielded better diagnostic performance with an AUC of 0.979 (95% CI: 0.969-0.989), a sensitivity of 89.7%, a specificity of 97.1%, and an accuracy of 92.1%. Our study provides a noninvasive method to predict testicular histology for patients with azoospermia, which would avoid unnecessary testicular biopsy.
Humans
;
Male
;
Azoospermia/diagnostic imaging*
;
Deep Learning
;
Testis/pathology*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Adult
;
Ultrasonography/methods*
;
Sperm Retrieval
;
Sertoli Cell-Only Syndrome/diagnostic imaging*

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