ObjectiveAngelicae Sinensis Radix， a commonly used medicinal herb with both medicinal and edible properties， is frequently adulterated in the market， severely affecting the clinical efficacy of preparations. While qualitative identification techniques for adulterants and counterfeits are now relatively mature， quantitative detection methods for adulterated processed products remain unexplored. Quantitative detection research of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and its primary closely related adulterant， "Tu Danggui" （Angelica gigas）， was conducted to establish a herbal quantitative molecular detection （Herb-Q） method for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and its processed products， providing a model for the establishment of quantitative detection technologies for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and related health products. MethodsThe specific single-nucleotide polymorphism （SNP） loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Angelica gigas Nakai were screened based on the complete chloroplast genome sequence. The specific SNP loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix were selected for quantitative methodological investigations （linearity， limit of quantification， limit of detection， and reproducibility） by mixing the powder of the herbs with different adulteration ratios. Huoxue Zhitong powder with three distinct adulteration ratios （15%， 25%， and 35%） was utilized to ascertain the precision of the Herb-Q method for the quantitative detection of Chinese patent medicines containing Angelicae Sinensis Radix. ResultsBy comparing the 123 chloroplast genome sequences of Angelicae Sinensis Radix， based on the principles of intraspecies conservation， interspecies specificity， and meeting the requirements of pyrophosphate high-throughput sequencing， it was determined that 9 674^th locus （A/G） in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_042826.1 and 38 592^nd locus （T/C） in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_029393.1 could be the exclusive molecular identification loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Angelica gigas Nakai， respectively. The linear relationship R² of the Herb-Q method established by selecting the specific 9 674^th locus （A/G） of Angelicae Sinensis Radix was 0.997 4 （R²>0.99）， indicating an excellent linear relationship. The limits of quantification and detection were established at 2.0%， exhibiting excellent reproducibility ［relative standard deviation（RSD）<2.0%］. The established quantitative system based on the Herb-Q method detected the adulteration amount of counterfeit A. gigas in the Huoxue Zhitong powder， with an average deviation of 1.3% for three molecular quantitative replicates. ConclusionThis research demonstrates that the Herb-Q quantitative detection method established based on the 9 674^th locus （A/G） in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_042826.1 of Angelicae Sinensis Radix has good applicability， objectivity， and accuracy for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and A. gigas， and its processed products. This method has the capacity to provide technical support for the quantitative detection of commercially available Angelicae Sinensis Radix derivatives， including traditional Chinese medicinal preparations， dietary supplements， and nutraceuticals.

ObjectiveAngelicae Sinensis Radix， a commonly used medicinal herb with both medicinal and edible properties， is frequently adulterated in the market， severely affecting the clinical efficacy of preparations. While qualitative identification techniques for adulterants and counterfeits are now relatively mature， quantitative detection methods for adulterated processed products remain unexplored. Quantitative detection research of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and its primary closely related adulterant， "Tu Danggui" （Angelica gigas）， was conducted to establish a herbal quantitative molecular detection （Herb-Q） method for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and its processed products， providing a model for the establishment of quantitative detection technologies for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and related health products. MethodsThe specific single-nucleotide polymorphism （SNP） loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Angelica gigas Nakai were screened based on the complete chloroplast genome sequence. The specific SNP loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix were selected for quantitative methodological investigations （linearity， limit of quantification， limit of detection， and reproducibility） by mixing the powder of the herbs with different adulteration ratios. Huoxue Zhitong powder with three distinct adulteration ratios （15%， 25%， and 35%） was utilized to ascertain the precision of the Herb-Q method for the quantitative detection of Chinese patent medicines containing Angelicae Sinensis Radix. ResultsBy comparing the 123 chloroplast genome sequences of Angelicae Sinensis Radix， based on the principles of intraspecies conservation， interspecies specificity， and meeting the requirements of pyrophosphate high-throughput sequencing， it was determined that 9 674^th locus （A/G） in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_042826.1 and 38 592^nd locus （T/C） in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_029393.1 could be the exclusive molecular identification loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Angelica gigas Nakai， respectively. The linear relationship R² of the Herb-Q method established by selecting the specific 9 674^th locus （A/G） of Angelicae Sinensis Radix was 0.997 4 （R²>0.99）， indicating an excellent linear relationship. The limits of quantification and detection were established at 2.0%， exhibiting excellent reproducibility ［relative standard deviation（RSD）<2.0%］. The established quantitative system based on the Herb-Q method detected the adulteration amount of counterfeit A. gigas in the Huoxue Zhitong powder， with an average deviation of 1.3% for three molecular quantitative replicates. ConclusionThis research demonstrates that the Herb-Q quantitative detection method established based on the 9 674^th locus （A/G） in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_042826.1 of Angelicae Sinensis Radix has good applicability， objectivity， and accuracy for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and A. gigas， and its processed products. This method has the capacity to provide technical support for the quantitative detection of commercially available Angelicae Sinensis Radix derivatives， including traditional Chinese medicinal preparations， dietary supplements， and nutraceuticals.

OBJECTIVE To optimize the management model of drugs used in investigator-initiated trial （IIT）. METHODS With benchmarking analysis， based on the practical work experience of a tertiary specialized hospital in the field of IIT drug management in Shanghai， a thorough review was conducted， involving relevant laws， regulations， and academic literature to establish benchmark criteria and the evaluation standards. Starting from the initiation of IIT projects， a detailed comparative analysis of key processes was carried out， such as the receipt， storage， distribution， use and recycling of drugs for trial. The deficiencies in the current management of IIT drugs were reviewed in detail and a series of optimization suggestions were put forward. RESULTS It was found that the authorized records of drug management were missing， the training before project implementation was insufficient， and the records of receipt and acceptance of IIT drugs were incomplete. In light of these existing problems， improvement measures were put forward， including strengthening the training of drug administrators and stipulating that only drug administrators with pharmacist qualifications be eligible to inspect and accept drugs， etc. The related systems were improved， and 17 key points of quality control for the management of IIT drugs were developed. CONCLUSIONS A preliminary IIT drug management system for medical institutions has been established， which helps to improve the institutional X2023076） framework of medical institutions in this field.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is a malignant tumor with an extremely poor prognosis， and its pathogenesis is complex and remains unclear. In recent years， more and more studies have focused on the role of bile-gut axis in the development and progression of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Bile-gut axis refers to the complex interaction between bile and gut microbiota， including bile salt metabolism， dynamic changes of microbiota， inflammatory response， and immune system regulation. This article elaborates on the potential mechanisms of bile-gut axis in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma， especially gut microbiota dysbiosis， abnormal bile salt metabolism， chronic inflammatory response， and immune system interaction， this article aims to provide new perspectives and possible therapeutic targets for future research and promote the early diagnosis and effective treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

[Objective] To compare next generation sequencing (NGS) library construction technology between probe hybridization capture and amplicon methods, and analyze the influencing factors of HLA genotyping resolution level and its prospects in clinical applications. [Methods] A total of 207 clinical samples with known typing results and samples from the proficiency testing plan were selected. The conformity rate of HLA genotyping results, allele coverage and typing data analysis indicators were confirmed, and the effects of two library construction methods on the level of HLA genotyping discrimination were compared. [Results] The concordance rate of 207 samples with the feedback results of PT or prior well-characterized HLA genotypes was 100%. Among them, 91 samples were captured using hybridization probe capture method. Compared with the original amplicon method, the hybridization probe capture method can distinguish the alleles of DRB1 and DPB1 that cannot be determined in 13 samples. The allelic imbalance of DRB1, DPA1, and DQB1 loci in 6 samples was resolved. Three samples were found to have missed detection of alleles at the DQA1 and DQB1 loci. [Conclusion] The performance indicators of hybridization probe capture and amplicon performance confirmation meet the requirements of clinical detection of HLA genotyping, which provides an experimental method and basis for clinical application.

Objective: Accurate evaluation of inflammation severity in ulcerative colitis (UC) can guide treatment strategy selection. The potential value of the pericolic fat attenuation index (FAI) on CT as an indicator of disease severity remains unknown.This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of pericolic FAI in predicting UC severity. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 148 patients (mean age 48 years; 87 males). The fat attenuation on CT was measured in four different locations: the mesocolic vascular side (MS) and opposite side of MS (OMS) around the most severe bowel lesion, the retroperitoneal space (RS), and the subcutaneous area. The fat attenuation indices (FAI MS, FAI OMS, and FAI RS) were calculated as the fat attenuation measured in MS, OMS, and RS, respectively, minus that of the subcutaneous area, and were obtained in the non-enhanced, arterial, and delayed phases. Correlations between the FAI and UC Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS) were assessed using Spearman’s correlation. Predictors of severe UC (UCEIS ≥7) were selected by univariable analysis. The performance of FAI in predicting severe UC was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: The FAIMS and FAI OMS scores were significantly higher than FAI RS in three phases (all P < 0.001). The FAIMS and FAI OMS scores moderately correlated with the UCEIS score (r = 0.474–0.649 among the three phases). Additionally, FAI MS and FAI OMS identified severe UC, with AUC varying from 0.77 to 0.85. Conclusion Increased CT attenuation of pericolic adipose tissue could serve as a noninvasive marker for evaluating UC severity. FAI MS and FAI OMS of three phases showed similar prediction accuracies for severe UC identification.

Objective: Accurate evaluation of inflammation severity in ulcerative colitis (UC) can guide treatment strategy selection. The potential value of the pericolic fat attenuation index (FAI) on CT as an indicator of disease severity remains unknown.This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of pericolic FAI in predicting UC severity. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 148 patients (mean age 48 years; 87 males). The fat attenuation on CT was measured in four different locations: the mesocolic vascular side (MS) and opposite side of MS (OMS) around the most severe bowel lesion, the retroperitoneal space (RS), and the subcutaneous area. The fat attenuation indices (FAI MS, FAI OMS, and FAI RS) were calculated as the fat attenuation measured in MS, OMS, and RS, respectively, minus that of the subcutaneous area, and were obtained in the non-enhanced, arterial, and delayed phases. Correlations between the FAI and UC Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS) were assessed using Spearman’s correlation. Predictors of severe UC (UCEIS ≥7) were selected by univariable analysis. The performance of FAI in predicting severe UC was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: The FAIMS and FAI OMS scores were significantly higher than FAI RS in three phases (all P < 0.001). The FAIMS and FAI OMS scores moderately correlated with the UCEIS score (r = 0.474–0.649 among the three phases). Additionally, FAI MS and FAI OMS identified severe UC, with AUC varying from 0.77 to 0.85. Conclusion Increased CT attenuation of pericolic adipose tissue could serve as a noninvasive marker for evaluating UC severity. FAI MS and FAI OMS of three phases showed similar prediction accuracies for severe UC identification.

Objective: Accurate evaluation of inflammation severity in ulcerative colitis (UC) can guide treatment strategy selection. The potential value of the pericolic fat attenuation index (FAI) on CT as an indicator of disease severity remains unknown.This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of pericolic FAI in predicting UC severity. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 148 patients (mean age 48 years; 87 males). The fat attenuation on CT was measured in four different locations: the mesocolic vascular side (MS) and opposite side of MS (OMS) around the most severe bowel lesion, the retroperitoneal space (RS), and the subcutaneous area. The fat attenuation indices (FAI MS, FAI OMS, and FAI RS) were calculated as the fat attenuation measured in MS, OMS, and RS, respectively, minus that of the subcutaneous area, and were obtained in the non-enhanced, arterial, and delayed phases. Correlations between the FAI and UC Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS) were assessed using Spearman’s correlation. Predictors of severe UC (UCEIS ≥7) were selected by univariable analysis. The performance of FAI in predicting severe UC was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: The FAIMS and FAI OMS scores were significantly higher than FAI RS in three phases (all P < 0.001). The FAIMS and FAI OMS scores moderately correlated with the UCEIS score (r = 0.474–0.649 among the three phases). Additionally, FAI MS and FAI OMS identified severe UC, with AUC varying from 0.77 to 0.85. Conclusion Increased CT attenuation of pericolic adipose tissue could serve as a noninvasive marker for evaluating UC severity. FAI MS and FAI OMS of three phases showed similar prediction accuracies for severe UC identification.

This study explores the effect and mechanism of Banxia Xiexin Decoction(BXD) in inhibiting colon cancer progression by reshaping tryptophan metabolism. Balb/c mice were assigned into control, model, low-dose BXD(BXD-L), and high-dose BXD(BXD-H) groups. Except the control group, the other groups were subcutaneously injected with CT26-Luc cells for the modeling of colon cancer, which was followed by the intervention with BXD. Small animal live imaging was employed to monitor tumor growth, and the tumor volume and weight were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes in mouse tumors. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect Ki67 expression in tumors. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry were used to detect the infiltration and number changes of CD3~+/CD8~+ T cells in the tumor tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was employed to measure the levels of interferon-gamma(IFN-γ) and interleukin-2(IL-2) in tumors. Targeted metabolomics was employed to measure the level of tryptophan(Trp) in the serum, and the Trp content in the tumor tissue was measured. Western blot and RT-qPCR were employed to determine the protein and mRNA levels, respectively, of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1(IDO1), MYC proto-oncogene, and solute carrier family 7 member 5(SLC7A5) in the tumor tissue. Additionally, a co-culture model with CT26 cells and CD8~+ T cells was established in vitro and treated with the BXD-containing serum. The cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay was used to examine the viability of CT26 cells. The content of Trp in CT26 cells and CD8~+ T cells, as well as the secretion of IFN-γ and IL-2 by CD8~+ T cells, was measured. RT-qPCR was used to determine the mRNA levels of MYC and SLC7A5 in CT26 cells. The results showed that BXD significantly inhibited the tumor growth, reduced the tumor weight, and decreased the tumor volume in the model mice. In addition, the model mice showed sparse arrangement of tumor cells, varying degrees of patchy necrosis, and downregulated expression of Ki67 in the tumor tissue. BXD elevated the levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 in the tumor tissue, while upregulating the ratio of CD3~+/CD8~+ T cells and lowering the levels of Trp, IDO1, MYC, and SLC7A5. The co-culture experiment showed that BXD-containing serum reduced Trp uptake by CT26 cells, increased Trp content in CD8~+T cells, enhanced IL-2 and IFN-γ secretion of CD8~+T cells, and down-regulated the mRNA levels of MYC and SLC7A5 in CT26 cells. In summary, BXD can inhibit the MYC/SLC7A5 pathway to reshape Trp metabolism and adjust Trp uptake by CD8~+ T cells to enhance the cytotoxicity, thereby inhibiting the development of colon cancer.
Animals ; Tryptophan/metabolism* ; Colonic Neoplasms/pathology* ; Mice ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Humans ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase/metabolism* ; Female ; Disease Progression ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Proto-Oncogene Mas ; Male

Acute lung injury(ALI) is a critical clinical condition primarily characterized by refractory hypoxemia and infiltration of inflammatory cells in lung tissue, which can progress into a more severe form known as acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS). Immune cells and inflammatory cytokines play important roles in the progression of the disease. Due to its unclear pathogenesis and the lack of effective clinical treatments, ALI is associated with a high mortality rate and severely affects patients' quality of life, making the search for effective therapeutic agents particularly urgent. Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, the dried root of the perennial herb Panax ginseng from the Araliaceae family, contains active ingredients such as saponins and polysaccharides, which possess various pharmacological effects including anti-tumor activity, immune regulation, and metabolic modulation. In recent years, studies have shown that ginsenosides exhibit notable effects in reducing inflammation, ameliorating epithelial and endothelial cell injury, and providing anticoagulant action, indicating their comprehensive role in alleviating lung injury. This review summarizes the pathogenesis of ALI and the molecular mechanisms through which ginsenosides act at different stages of ALI development. The aim is to provide a scientific reference for the development of ginsenoside-based drugs targeting ALI, as well as a theoretical basis for the clinical application of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma in the treatment of ALI.
Ginsenosides/pharmacology* ; Humans ; Acute Lung Injury/immunology* ; Animals ; Panax/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal