1.Effect of Different Fermentation Conditions on Fungal Community and Chemical Composition of Aurantii Fructus
Zhihong YAN ; Xiumei LIU ; Qiuyan GUAN ; Yonggui SONG ; Zhifu AI ; Genhua ZHU ; Yuhui PING ; Ming YANG ; Qin ZHENG ; Huanhua XU ; Dan SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):254-262
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of different fermentation methods and times on the fungal flora and chemical composition of Aurantii Fructus, in order to obtain the optimal fermentation conditions and flora structure, and to ensure the stability and controllability of the fermented varieties. MethodsScanning electron microscopy was used to observe and analyze the colony characteristics on the surface of Aurantii Fructus under different fermentation conditions. Internal transcribed spacer 2(ITS2) high-throughput sequencing, combined with fungal community diversity analysis and fungal community structure analysis, were used to obtain the fungal flora microbial categories of Aurantii Fructus under the conditions of traditional pressure-shelf fermentation and non-pressure-shelf natural fermentation for 7, 14, 21 d(numbered Y1-Y3 for the former, and numbered F1-F3 for the latter), respectively. At the same time, the chemical components in the fermentation process were detected by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS), combined with principal component analysis(PCA), partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) and compound retention time, parent ions, characteristic fragment ions and other information, the differential compounds between the different fermentation samples were screened and identified. ResultsThe analysis of fungal community diversity showed that the dominant flora did not change at different fermentation time points in the traditional pressure-shelf fermentation method, while in the non-pressure-shelf natural fermentation method, there was a significant difference with the fermentation process, and at the genus level, the dominant genus of samples Y1, Y2, Y3 and F2 was Aspergillus, while the dominant genera of samples F1 and F3 were both Rhizopus. This indicated that the microbial growth environment provided by the traditional fermentation method was more stable, and the microbial community structure was more stable, which was more conducive to the stable and controllable fermentation process and fermented products. A total of 155 compounds were identified by compositional analysis, including 70 flavonoids, 38 coumarins, 10 alkaloids, 34 organic acids and 3 other compounds. After fermentation, two new components of ribalinine and pranferin were produced. Different fermentation conditions also brought about differences in chemical composition, multivariate statistical analysis obtained 26 differential compounds under two different fermentation methods, mainly including flavonoids, organic acids and coumarins. Comprehensively, the microbial community structure of samples fermented by the traditional pressure-shelf method of Aurantii Fructus for 14 d was stable, the species richness was high and the overall content of differential compounds was high, which was the optimal processing condition. ConclusionCompared with non-pressure-shelf natural fermentation, the traditional method has obvious advantages in terms of the stability of the microbial community structure and the content of chemical compounds, and the optimal condition is 14 days of fermentation. This study is helpful to promote the quality stability and fermentation bioavailability of fermented products of Aurantii Fructus, as well as to provide an experimental basis for the further improvement of the quality control methods of this variety.
2.Effect of Different Fermentation Conditions on Fungal Community and Chemical Composition of Aurantii Fructus
Zhihong YAN ; Xiumei LIU ; Qiuyan GUAN ; Yonggui SONG ; Zhifu AI ; Genhua ZHU ; Yuhui PING ; Ming YANG ; Qin ZHENG ; Huanhua XU ; Dan SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):254-262
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of different fermentation methods and times on the fungal flora and chemical composition of Aurantii Fructus, in order to obtain the optimal fermentation conditions and flora structure, and to ensure the stability and controllability of the fermented varieties. MethodsScanning electron microscopy was used to observe and analyze the colony characteristics on the surface of Aurantii Fructus under different fermentation conditions. Internal transcribed spacer 2(ITS2) high-throughput sequencing, combined with fungal community diversity analysis and fungal community structure analysis, were used to obtain the fungal flora microbial categories of Aurantii Fructus under the conditions of traditional pressure-shelf fermentation and non-pressure-shelf natural fermentation for 7, 14, 21 d(numbered Y1-Y3 for the former, and numbered F1-F3 for the latter), respectively. At the same time, the chemical components in the fermentation process were detected by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS), combined with principal component analysis(PCA), partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) and compound retention time, parent ions, characteristic fragment ions and other information, the differential compounds between the different fermentation samples were screened and identified. ResultsThe analysis of fungal community diversity showed that the dominant flora did not change at different fermentation time points in the traditional pressure-shelf fermentation method, while in the non-pressure-shelf natural fermentation method, there was a significant difference with the fermentation process, and at the genus level, the dominant genus of samples Y1, Y2, Y3 and F2 was Aspergillus, while the dominant genera of samples F1 and F3 were both Rhizopus. This indicated that the microbial growth environment provided by the traditional fermentation method was more stable, and the microbial community structure was more stable, which was more conducive to the stable and controllable fermentation process and fermented products. A total of 155 compounds were identified by compositional analysis, including 70 flavonoids, 38 coumarins, 10 alkaloids, 34 organic acids and 3 other compounds. After fermentation, two new components of ribalinine and pranferin were produced. Different fermentation conditions also brought about differences in chemical composition, multivariate statistical analysis obtained 26 differential compounds under two different fermentation methods, mainly including flavonoids, organic acids and coumarins. Comprehensively, the microbial community structure of samples fermented by the traditional pressure-shelf method of Aurantii Fructus for 14 d was stable, the species richness was high and the overall content of differential compounds was high, which was the optimal processing condition. ConclusionCompared with non-pressure-shelf natural fermentation, the traditional method has obvious advantages in terms of the stability of the microbial community structure and the content of chemical compounds, and the optimal condition is 14 days of fermentation. This study is helpful to promote the quality stability and fermentation bioavailability of fermented products of Aurantii Fructus, as well as to provide an experimental basis for the further improvement of the quality control methods of this variety.
3.The Impairment Attention Capture by Topological Change in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Hui-Lin XU ; Huan-Jun XI ; Tao DUAN ; Jing LI ; Dan-Dan LI ; Kai WANG ; Chun-Yan ZHU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):223-232
ObjectiveAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties with communication and social interaction, restricted and repetitive behaviors. Previous studies have indicated that individuals with ASD exhibit early and lifelong attention deficits, which are closely related to the core symptoms of ASD. Basic visual attention processes may provide a critical foundation for their social communication and interaction abilities. Therefore, this study explores the behavior of children with ASD in capturing attention to changes in topological properties. MethodsOur study recruited twenty-seven ASD children diagnosed by professional clinicians according to DSM-5 and twenty-eight typically developing (TD) age-matched controls. In an attention capture task, we recorded the saccadic behaviors of children with ASD and TD in response to topological change (TC) and non-topological change (nTC) stimuli. Saccadic reaction time (SRT), visual search time (VS), and first fixation dwell time (FFDT) were used as indicators of attentional bias. Pearson correlation tests between the clinical assessment scales and attentional bias were conducted. ResultsThis study found that TD children had significantly faster SRT (P<0.05) and VS (P<0.05) for the TC stimuli compared to the nTC stimuli, while the children with ASD did not exhibit significant differences in either measure (P>0.05). Additionally, ASD children demonstrated significantly less attention towards the TC targets (measured by FFDT), in comparison to TD children (P<0.05). Furthermore, ASD children exhibited a significant negative linear correlation between their attentional bias (measured by VS) and their scores on the compulsive subscale (P<0.05). ConclusionThe results suggest that children with ASD have difficulty shifting their attention to objects with topological changes during change detection. This atypical attention may affect the child’s cognitive and behavioral development, thereby impacting their social communication and interaction. In sum, our findings indicate that difficulties in attentional capture by TC may be a key feature of ASD.
4.Comparison of Therapeutic Effect of Different Preparation Processes of Baihe Dihuangtang on Depressed Mice Based on Q-Marker
Yan LIU ; Jiameng LIU ; Jiahui PENG ; Dan LI ; Shengjun MA ; Jingfan YANG ; Yu FU ; Guangwei ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):159-167
ObjectiveBased on modern analytical techniques and a depressed mouse model established by chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS), to evaluate the quality marker(Q-Marker) and pharmacodynamic difference of Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by different processes. MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to establish the characteristic profiles of Baihe Dihuangtang, and determine the content of Q-Marker in the samples prepared by ancient and modern processes. Seventy C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, fluoxetine group(3 mg·kg-1), low and high dose groups of ancient process(6.5, 26 g·kg-1), and low and high dose groups of modern process(6.5, 26 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group. Except for the normal group, CUMS was used to induce depression in mice from the other groups for 28 d. After successful modeling, administration groups were given the corresponding drugs by gavage every day, and the normal and model groups were given an equal volume of pure water by gavage for 21 consecutive days. Change in body mass of mice was recorded, tail suspension test and open field test were used to evaluate the depressive behavior of mice, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was employed to determine the contents of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-6 in serum. ResultsCharacteristic profiles of Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by the two processes were established, the similarity between the two was 0.951, and 8 characteristic peaks were recognized with the reference peak of regaloside A. The results of quantitative analysis showed that the Q-Marker content was similar in Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by ancient and modern processes. The results of pharmacodynamics showed that, compared with the normal group, the model group showed increased immobility time in the tail suspension test, reduced total movement distance in the open field test, and elevated IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in the serum(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the behavioral indicators of mice in the Baihe Dihuangtang treatment group were significantly improved in terms of tail suspension time and open field exercise, and the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in serum were significantly reduced(P<0.05, P<0.01). Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by the two processes both had antidepressant effects, and the difference between the two was not statistically significant in improving depressive symptoms. ConclusionQ-Marker of Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by modern and ancient methods are equivalent in content, and the pharmacological effects are consistent, indicating that dried Lilii Bulbus can replace fresh products in the preparation of Baihe Dihuangtang. This study provides a scientific basis for the development of new drugs of Baihe Dihuangtang and a reference for its rational application and clinical use.
5.Comparison of Therapeutic Effect of Different Preparation Processes of Baihe Dihuangtang on Depressed Mice Based on Q-Marker
Yan LIU ; Jiameng LIU ; Jiahui PENG ; Dan LI ; Shengjun MA ; Jingfan YANG ; Yu FU ; Guangwei ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):159-167
ObjectiveBased on modern analytical techniques and a depressed mouse model established by chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS), to evaluate the quality marker(Q-Marker) and pharmacodynamic difference of Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by different processes. MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to establish the characteristic profiles of Baihe Dihuangtang, and determine the content of Q-Marker in the samples prepared by ancient and modern processes. Seventy C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, fluoxetine group(3 mg·kg-1), low and high dose groups of ancient process(6.5, 26 g·kg-1), and low and high dose groups of modern process(6.5, 26 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group. Except for the normal group, CUMS was used to induce depression in mice from the other groups for 28 d. After successful modeling, administration groups were given the corresponding drugs by gavage every day, and the normal and model groups were given an equal volume of pure water by gavage for 21 consecutive days. Change in body mass of mice was recorded, tail suspension test and open field test were used to evaluate the depressive behavior of mice, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was employed to determine the contents of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-6 in serum. ResultsCharacteristic profiles of Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by the two processes were established, the similarity between the two was 0.951, and 8 characteristic peaks were recognized with the reference peak of regaloside A. The results of quantitative analysis showed that the Q-Marker content was similar in Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by ancient and modern processes. The results of pharmacodynamics showed that, compared with the normal group, the model group showed increased immobility time in the tail suspension test, reduced total movement distance in the open field test, and elevated IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in the serum(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the behavioral indicators of mice in the Baihe Dihuangtang treatment group were significantly improved in terms of tail suspension time and open field exercise, and the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in serum were significantly reduced(P<0.05, P<0.01). Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by the two processes both had antidepressant effects, and the difference between the two was not statistically significant in improving depressive symptoms. ConclusionQ-Marker of Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by modern and ancient methods are equivalent in content, and the pharmacological effects are consistent, indicating that dried Lilii Bulbus can replace fresh products in the preparation of Baihe Dihuangtang. This study provides a scientific basis for the development of new drugs of Baihe Dihuangtang and a reference for its rational application and clinical use.
6.Association between coronary artery stenosis and myocardial injury in patients with acute pulmonary embolism: A case-control study
Yinjian YANG ; Chao LIU ; Jieling MA ; Xijie ZHU ; Jingsi MA ; Dan LU ; Xinxin YAN ; Xuan GAO ; Jia WANG ; Liting WANG ; Sijin ZHANG ; Xianmei LI ; Bingxiang WU ; Kai SUN ; Yimin MAO ; Xiqi XU ; Tianyu LIAN ; Chunyan CHENG ; Zhicheng JING
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(16):1965-1972
Background::The potential impact of pre-existing coronary artery stenosis (CAS) on acute pulmonary embolism (PE) episodes remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the association between pre-existing CAS and the elevation of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) levels in patients with PE.Methods::In this multicenter, prospective case-control study, 88 cases and 163 controls matched for age, sex, and study center were enrolled. Cases were patients with PE with elevated hs-cTnI. Controls were patients with PE with normal hs-cTnI. Coronary artery assessment utilized coronary computed tomographic angiography or invasive coronary angiography. CAS was defined as ≥50% stenosis of the lumen diameter in any coronary vessel >2.0 mm in diameter. Conditional logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between CAS and hs-cTnI elevation.Results::The percentage of CAS was higher in the case group compared to the control group (44.3% [39/88] vs. 30.1% [49/163]; P = 0.024). In multivariable conditional logistic regression model 1, CAS (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.680; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.243–5.779), heart rate >75 beats/min (OR, 2.306; 95% CI, 1.056–5.036) and N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) >420 pg/mL (OR, 12.169; 95% CI, 4.792–30.900) were independently associated with elevated hs-cTnI. In model 2, right CAS (OR, 3.615; 95% CI, 1.467–8.909) and NT-proBNP >420 pg/mL (OR, 13.890; 95% CI, 5.288–36.484) were independently associated with elevated hs-cTnI. Conclusions::CAS was independently associated with myocardial injury in patients with PE. Vigilance towards CAS is warranted in patients with PE with elevated cardiac troponin levels.
7.Reversal Effect of NVP-BEZ235 on Doxorubicin-Resistance in Burkitt Lymphoma RAJI Cell Line
Chun-Tuan LI ; Xiong-Peng ZHU ; Shao-Xiong WANG ; Qun-Yi PENG ; Yan ZHENG ; Sheng-Quan LIU ; Xu-Dong LU ; Yong-Shan WANG ; Dan WENG ; Dan WANG
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(2):476-482
Objective:To study the reversal effect of NVP-BEZ235 on doxorubicin resistance in Burkitt lymphoma RAJI cell line.Methods:The doxorubicin-resistant cell line was induced by treating RAJI cells with a concentration gradient of doxorubicin.The levels of Pgp,p-AKT,and p-mTOR in cells were detected by Western blot.Cell viability was detected by MTT assay.IC50 was computed by SPSS.Results:The doxorubicin-resistant Burkitt lymphoma cell line,RAJI/DOX,was established successfully.The expression of Pgp and the phosphorylation levels of AKT and mTOR in RAJI/DOX cell line were both higher than those in RAJI cell line.NVP-BEZ235 downregulated the phosphorylation levels of AKT and mTOR in RAJI/DOX cell line.NVP-BEZ235 inhibited the proliferation of RAJI/DOX cell line,and the effect was obvious when it was cooperated with doxorubicin.Conclusion:The constitutive activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway of RAJI/DOX cell line was more serious than RAJI cell line.NVP-BEZ235 reversed doxorubicin resistance of RAJI/DOX cell line by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway.
8.Ameliorative effects of Liangxue Heying Formula on vascular inflammatory injury in a rat model of thromboangiitis obliterans via JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway
Xia FENG ; Yu-Zhen WANG ; Yan-Dan ZHU ; Cheng ZHAO ; Ji LI ; Ye-Min CAO
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(9):2915-2922
AIM To study the effects of Liangxue Heying Formula on vascular inflammatory injury in a rat model of thromboangiitis obliterans(TAO).METHODS The rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group,the model group and the low,medium and high dose Liangxue Heying Formula groups(2.25,4.5,9 g/kg).With the rat TAO model successfully established by injection of 0.1 mL sodium laurate(10 mg/mL)into the femoral artery of hind limbs,corresponding doses of drugs by gavage were administered upon the rats.Subsequently,the rats had their morphological changes of the affected limbs observed and assessed;their changes of blood flow in hind limbs scanned by laser Doppler flowmetry;their plasma levels of TNF-α,IL-6,ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 detected by ELISA;their histopathological changes of femoral artery and vein observed by HE staining;and their protein expressions of TNF-α,IL-6,JAK2,p-JAK2,STAT3,p-STAT3,ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in femoral artery detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the sham operation group,the model group displayed increased morphological score of the affected limb(P<0.01);decreased blood perfusion ratio of the affected side/healthy side(P<0.01);increased plasma levels of TNF-α,IL-6,ICAM-1 and VCAM-1(P<0.01);more existence of thrombotic infiltration containing a larger number of inflammatory cells in femoral artery and femoral vein tissue,and increased protein expressions of TNF-α,IL-6,p-JAK2,p-STAT3,ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in femoral artery(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the medium and high dose Liangxue Heying Formula groups demonstrated decreased morphological score of the affected limb(P<0.01);increased blood perfusion ratio of the affected side/healthy side(P<0.01);reduced infiltration of thrombus and inflammatory cells in femoral artery and femoral vein tissue,and decreased protein expressions of IL-6 and p-STAT3 in femoral artery tissue(P<0.01).All Liangxue Heying Formula groups shared decreased plasma levels of TNF-α,IL-6,ICAM-1 and VCAM-1(P<0.05,P<0.01);and reduced protein expressions of TNF-α,ICAM-1,VCAM-1 and p-JAK2 in femoral artery(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Liangxue Heying Formula can improve the systemic inflammatory state of TAO rats by inhibiting the activation of endothelial cells and reducing vascular inflammatory injury possibly due to the mechanism associated with the regulation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
9.Analysis of risk factors for clinical use of artificial intelligence-aided medical detection devices
Xiao-Yan ZHANG ; Yu-Tian LIU ; Tong-Cai WANG ; Dan-Dan ZHU ; Yue-Fei LI
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2024;45(11):77-82
The common risks of artificial intelligence-aided medical detection devices during the clinical application were analyzed.Some measures were put forward such as improving the design of the devices,ensuring data security and enhancing social and legal supervision,and references were provided for efficiently integrating clinical and data resources and achieving safety during the clinical application of medical devices.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(11):77-82]
10.In vitro activity of β-lactamase inhibitors combined with different β-lac-tam antibiotics against multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical strains
Jie SHI ; Dan-Wei ZHENG ; Ji-Ying XU ; Xiao-Guang MA ; Ru-Yue SU ; Yan-Kun ZHU ; Shao-Hua WANG ; Wen-Jing CHANG ; Ding-Yong SUN
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(9):1091-1097
Objective To evaluate the in vitro effect of combinations of 5 β-lactam antibiotics with different β-lac-tamase inhibitors on the activity of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MDR-TB),and identify the most effective combination of β-lactam antibiotics and β-lactamase inhibitors against MDR-TB.Methods MDR-TB strains collected in Henan Province Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Project in 2021 were selected.The mini-mum inhibitory concentrations(MIC)of 5 β-lactam antibiotics or combinations with different β-lactamase inhibitors on clinically isolated MDR-TB strains were measured by MIC detection method,and the blaC mutation of the strains was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction(PCR)and DNA sequencing.Results A total of 105 strains of MDR-TB were included in the analysis.MIC detection results showed that doripenem had the highest antibacterial activity against MDR-TB,with a MIC50 of 16 μg/mL.MIC values of most β-lactam antibiotics decreased significantly after combined with β-lactamase inhibitors.A total of 13.33%(n=14)strains had mutations in blaC gene,mainly 3 nu-cleotide substitution mutations,namely AGT333AGG,AAC638ACC and ATC786ATT.BlaC proteins Ser111 Arg and Asn213Thr enhanced the synergistic effect of clavulanic acid/sulbactam and meropenem on MDR-TB compared with synonymous single-nucleotide mutation.Conclusion The combination of doripenem and sulbactam has the strongest antibacterial activity against MDR-TB.Substitution mutations of BlaC protein Ser111 Arg and Asn213Thr enhances the sensitivity of MDR-TB to meropenem through the synergy with clavulanic acid/sulbactam.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail