1.Herbal Textual Research on Inulae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Caixia LIU ; Yue HAN ; Yanzhu MA ; Lei GAO ; Sheng WANG ; Yan YANG ; Wenchuan LUO ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):210-221
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Inulae Flos has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it could be verified that the medicinal use of Inulae Flos was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. In successive dynasties, Xuanfuhua has been taken as the official name, and it also has other alternative names such as Jinfeicao, Daogeng and Jinqianhua. The period before the Song and Yuan dynasties, the main origin of Inulae Flos was the Asteraceae plant Inula japonica, and from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present, I. japonica and I. britannica are the primary source. In addition to the dominant basal species, there are also regional species such as I. linariifolia, I. helianthus-aquatili, and I. hupehensis. The earliest recorded production areas in ancient times were Henan, Hubei and other places, and the literature records that it has been distributed throughout the country since modern times. The medicinal part is its flower, the harvesting and processing method recorded in the past dynasties is mainly harvested in the fifth and ninth lunar months, and dried in the sun, and the modern harvesting is mostly harvested in summer and autumn when the flowers bloom, in order to remove impurities, dry in the shade or dry in the sun. In addition, the roots, whole herbs and aerial parts are used as medicinal materials. In ancient times, there were no records about the quality of Inulae Flos, and in modern times, it is generally believed that the quality of complete flower structure, small receptacles, large blooms, yellow petals, long filaments, many fluffs, no fragments, and no branches is better. Ancient processing methods primarily involved cleaning, steaming, and sun-drying, supplemented by techniques such as boiling, roasting, burning, simmering, stir-frying, and honey-processing. Modern processing focuses mainly on cleaning the stems and leaves before use. Regarding the medicinal properties, ancient texts describe it as salty and sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, and mildly toxic. Modern studies characterize it as bitter, pungent, and salty in taste, with a slightly warm nature. Its therapeutic effects remain consistent across eras, including descending Qi, resolving phlegm, promoting diuresis, and stopping vomiting. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Inulae Flos, either I. japonica or I. britannica should be used as the medicinal source. Processing methods should follow formula requirements, where no processing instructions are specified, the raw products may be used after cleaning.
2.Herbal Textual Research on Inulae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Caixia LIU ; Yue HAN ; Yanzhu MA ; Lei GAO ; Sheng WANG ; Yan YANG ; Wenchuan LUO ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):210-221
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Inulae Flos has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it could be verified that the medicinal use of Inulae Flos was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. In successive dynasties, Xuanfuhua has been taken as the official name, and it also has other alternative names such as Jinfeicao, Daogeng and Jinqianhua. The period before the Song and Yuan dynasties, the main origin of Inulae Flos was the Asteraceae plant Inula japonica, and from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present, I. japonica and I. britannica are the primary source. In addition to the dominant basal species, there are also regional species such as I. linariifolia, I. helianthus-aquatili, and I. hupehensis. The earliest recorded production areas in ancient times were Henan, Hubei and other places, and the literature records that it has been distributed throughout the country since modern times. The medicinal part is its flower, the harvesting and processing method recorded in the past dynasties is mainly harvested in the fifth and ninth lunar months, and dried in the sun, and the modern harvesting is mostly harvested in summer and autumn when the flowers bloom, in order to remove impurities, dry in the shade or dry in the sun. In addition, the roots, whole herbs and aerial parts are used as medicinal materials. In ancient times, there were no records about the quality of Inulae Flos, and in modern times, it is generally believed that the quality of complete flower structure, small receptacles, large blooms, yellow petals, long filaments, many fluffs, no fragments, and no branches is better. Ancient processing methods primarily involved cleaning, steaming, and sun-drying, supplemented by techniques such as boiling, roasting, burning, simmering, stir-frying, and honey-processing. Modern processing focuses mainly on cleaning the stems and leaves before use. Regarding the medicinal properties, ancient texts describe it as salty and sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, and mildly toxic. Modern studies characterize it as bitter, pungent, and salty in taste, with a slightly warm nature. Its therapeutic effects remain consistent across eras, including descending Qi, resolving phlegm, promoting diuresis, and stopping vomiting. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Inulae Flos, either I. japonica or I. britannica should be used as the medicinal source. Processing methods should follow formula requirements, where no processing instructions are specified, the raw products may be used after cleaning.
3.Exploring the pathogenesis and treatment methods of irritable bowel syndrome from the
Yan XU ; Fang YANG ; Rongshi SHAO ; Huili SUN ; Juan LI ; Xin CHEN ; Jing HAN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;49(1):10-15
This article adopts Professor CHEN Chaozu′s " sanjiao composed by membrane-striae" theory as its foundation to explore the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and functional/structural abnormalities of the membrane-striae. Sanjiao encompasses both the tangible membrane and the intangible striae. These striae permeate the entire body,and their pathological changes comprehensively reflect qi,body fluids,and fasciae. Based on the physiological function of the membrane-striae in regulating qi and fluids,the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by a disharmony of membrane-striae and an imbalance of the qi-fluid interactions. In the early stage,external pathogens,emotional factors,or dietary stimuli often cause membrane-striae constriction and disordered qi-fluid circulation. In the middle stage,stagnant fluids gradually transform into phlegm retention,leading to membrane-striae obstruction. In the late stage,deficiency of vital qi becomes predominant,manifesting as laxity of membrane-striae with impaired control or weakened conduction. The treatment of irritable bowel syndrome should adopt " unblocking" as the guiding principle. In the early stage,therapy should focus on eliminating pathogenic factors and soothing membrane-striae to promptly restore qi-fluid circulation,thereby attaining unblocking through spasm relief. In the middle stage,treatment should focus on resolving tangible obstructions in membrane-striae,achieving unblocking via dredging. In the late stage,the emphasis should shift to reinforcing healthy qi,particularly by strengthening spleen-kidney yang qi,and achieving unblocking through supplementation. Concurrently,throughout the entire treatment process,the regulation of mental state and easing of emotional tension should be integrated to alleviate patient′s anxiety,achieving the goal of holistic treatment of both body and mind.
4.Modern Clinical Applications and Mechanism of Zhigancao Tang: A Review
Zhibo CHANG ; Chuhan DUAN ; Xiaoyan WANG ; Jing SHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):361-370
Zhigancao Tang, derived from the Treatise on Cold Damage,is a classic and renowned formula for treating "intermittent and irregular pulse, and palpitations of the heart". It has an exquisite formulation. By replenishing Qi, nourishing Yin, activating Yang, and restoring the pulse, it achieves the dual supplementation of Yin and Yang, and the simultaneous treatment of Qi and blood. With the practical expansion by practitioners over successive dynasties, the application scope of this formula has been continuously expanding, extending from traditional cardiovascular diseases to diseases of multiple systems, fully reflecting the theoretical characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) of "treating different diseases with the same method". Modern research shows that Zhigancao Tang not only has a remarkable curative effect on cardiovascular diseases but is also widely applied to diseases of the respiratory, nervous, digestive, endocrine, oncologic, gynecologic, and otorhinolaryngologic systems, demonstrating its interdisciplinary clinical application value. At the same time, research on the mechanism of action of Zhigancao Tang is also continuously deepening. The mechanisms by which it treats diseases involve multiple aspects, including anti-arrhythmic effects, myocardial protection, anti-fibrosis, antioxidative stress and anti‑inflammatory effects, regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, enhancing hematopoietic function, and improving hemorheology. These mechanisms work synergistically to jointly regulate the physiological functions of the body and play a role in treating diseases. However, there are still some deficiencies in current research. For example, the sample size of some clinical trials is small, most of the mechanism studies are based on animal models or in vitro experiments, there is insufficient high-quality evidence from clinical trials, the composition of the compound formula is complex, and the pharmacodynamic material basis and the rules of compatibility still need to be deeply analyzed. By consulting relevant literature, this article systematically summarizes the modern clinical application and action mechanism of Zhigancao Tang, aiming to provide new ideas for its subsequent in-depth research and clinical application, promote the integrated development of classic TCM formulas and modern medicine, and further explore its great potential in clinical treatment.
5.Ionizing Radiation-induced Lens Injury: Epidemiology, Dose-effect Relationship, and Molecular Mechanisms
Cheng-Hao HU ; Shao-Han REN ; Hai-Tao ZHANG ; Jing-Ming ZHAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):688-696
The crystalline lens of the eye is recognized as one of the most radiosensitive tissues in the human body. While the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has classified ionizing radiation (IR)-induced cataracts as a tissue reaction (deterministic effect) and subsequently reduced the occupational equivalent dose limit for the lens, significant uncertainties remain regarding the precise dose threshold and the complex biological pathways driving lens opacification. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge concerning radiation-induced lens damage, integrating epidemiological exposure characteristics with dose-response modeling and mechanistic molecular insights. First, we analyze exposure characteristics through four epidemiological dimensions: dose, time, space, and population. Clinical evidence suggests that radiation cataracts—particularly posterior subcapsular opacities—exhibit a distinct latency period that is inversely correlated with dose. We highlight that risk is not confined to acute high-dose scenarios (such as in atomic bomb survivors) but is increasingly relevant in chronic low-dose occupational settings (e.g., interventional radiology) and medical diagnostics (e.g., CT scans). Crucially, individual susceptibility is modified by genetic background, age, and environmental co-factors, complicating risk assessment. Second, we critically examine the dose-effect relationship. Although the ICRP suggests a threshold of 0.5 Gy, emerging data challenge the traditional threshold model, with some studies advocating for a linear non-threshold (LNT) relationship. We further discuss the critical roles of radiation quality and dose rate. High linear energy transfer (LET) radiation demonstrates a significantly higher relative biological effectiveness (RBE) for cataractogenesis compared to low-LET radiation. Paradoxically, and unlike many other tissues, the lens may exhibit an “inverse dose-rate effect,” where fractionated or protracted exposures potentially enhance biological damage—a finding that challenges classical radiobiological paradigms. Third, drawing upon the “cataractogenic load” hypothesis and the unique physiological constraints of the lens, this review elucidates the multidimensional molecular mechanisms driving radiation-induced opacification. Key mechanisms include four aspects. (1) DNA damage and repair: IR induces DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) that, due to the lens’ limited repair capacity (modulated by genes such as ATM, Ptch1, and Ercc2), lead to the accumulation of damage. (2) Antioxidant defense system: dysfunction of the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant axis results in redox imbalances, triggering NF-κB-mediated inflammation and protein aggregation. (3) Cell proliferation and senescence: IR disrupts cell cycle regulation, causing a dichotomy of effects—driving premature senescence in some cell populations (evidenced by ATM nuclear foci) while inducing aberrant proliferation via growth factor upregulation (FGF2, TGFβ) in others. (4) Cell migration and adhesion: activation of the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway and alterations in the E-cadherin complex promote the abnormal migration of epithelial cells to the posterior capsule, a hallmark of radiation-induced cataracts. In conclusion, radiation-induced cataractogenesis is a multifactorial process in which genetic susceptibility and environmental stressors converge to overwhelm the lens’ homeostatic thresholds. Future research must prioritize longitudinal cohort studies to refine dose thresholds and employ multi-omics approaches to map the crosstalk between DNA damage responses and matrix remodeling. Establishing a robust mechanistic model is essential for developing targeted radioprotective strategies and optimizing radiation protection standards for occupational and medical safety.
6.Empirical Exploration of the Determination Rules for Medical Insurance Payment Standards for Non-Winning Drugs in Centralized Volume-Based Procurement
Jie TIAN ; Rongjie SHAO ; Jing WU
Chinese Health Economics 2025;44(6):32-36,87
Objective:It aims to conduct empirical exploration on the rules for determining the medical insurance payment standards for non-winning drugs with the same generic name in the national medical centralized volume-based procurement,and provided decision-making references for further determination of medical insurance payment standards.Methods:Taking the first three batches of non-winning drugs for centralized procurement as research objects,based on real-world data from medical institutions nationwide,using commonly used pricing methods such as the German reference pricing method and the volume-price weighting method,different calculation schemes are designed to calculate the medical insurance payment standards of the above research objects.Comparation is conducted on the measurement for the decrease in payment standards of highest price of non-winning drugs and the individual burden under the payment standard between different calculation methods.Results:The German reference pricing method has slightly lower medical insurance payment standards compared to the volume-price weighting method,resulting in slightly higher price reductions and personal burdens.The results of different volume-price weighting method calculation schemes are similar.Conclusion:It is recommended to adopt the volume-price weighting method to formulate the medical insurance payment standard for the national centralized procurement of non-winning drugs,the reduction is more reasonable and the patient's personal burden is lower,and it can be better connected with the existing policy to gradually form a unified payment standard with the common name and return to the bid-winning price.
7.Knockdown of GPER1 aggravates neuronal injury and cognitive dysfunction after epilepsy
Shi-jie HAO ; Yi-jin LUO ; Xiao-fan REN ; Na DING ; Jing-bo CAO ; Qian ZHAO ; Wei HE ; Shao-zhang HOU ; Di ZUO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1332-1339
Aim To investigate the impact of G pro-tein-coupled estrogen receptor 1(GPER1),also known as GPR30 playing a significant role in the nerv-ous system,on neuronal damage and cognitive dysfunc-tion following epileptic seizures.Methods The pro-tein expression levels of GPER1 and the DNA damage marker γ-H2AX in epileptic rats were assessed using Western blot.The hippocampal neuronal damage and apoptosis in pilocarpine-induced epilepsy models were evaluated using Nissl and TUNEL staining techniques,compared with GPER1 knockdown(GPER1-KD)rats with wild-type(WT)controls.The behavioral activi-ties,including memory and spatial learning,were mo-nitored during the chronic phase of epilepsy using the IntelliCage system.Results Compared to the control group,GPER1 protein expression in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus significantly increased 24 hours post-epilepsy onset.In the GPER1-KD+EP group,hipp-ocampal neuronal damage was more severe,with a sig-nificant increase in apoptotic neurons compared to the WT+EP group.The IntelliCage data revealed that during free exploration,nose contact,position learn-ing,and reverse position learning stages in the GPER1-KD+EP group exhibited fewer visits and a higher error rate than in the WT+EP group.Conclu-sions Deficiency in GPER1 impairs memory and spa-tial learning abilities following epilepsy,potentially due to exacerbated neuronal injury,apoptosis,and inflam-mation.GPER1 represents a promising therapeutic tar-get for mitigating post-epileptic nerve damage and cog-nitive impairment.
8.Transcatheter electrosurgery:an emerging interventional technology in cardiac disease
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(2):101-105
Transcatheter electrosurgery has emerged as an innovative interventional technique for treating structural heart disease in recent years.This technology utilizes radiofrequency energy delivered through catheter systems to perform puncture,cutting,or ablation of cardiovascular tissues,providing new treatment options for patients with complex structural heart disease.The technique has evolved from simple valve perforation to sophisticated valve modifications,developing various innovative procedures to address key clinical challenges in interventional treatment.The basic principle involves using radiofrequency energy to heat and vaporize target tissues while minimizing damage to surrounding structures.This review comprehensively discusses the fundamental principles,technical characteristics,clinical applications,and future prospects of transcatheter electrosurgery.Current applications include recanalization of occlusive lesions,intracardiac chamber access,and tissue modification for structural interventions.While showing promising results in various complex cases,the technology still faces challenges such as the learning curve and the need for specialized equipment.As the field continues to develop,transcatheter electrosurgery is expected to play an increasingly important role in structural heart interventions,though more long-term data is needed to fully evaluate its safety and efficacy.
9.Epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal aggregation of dengue fever in Fujian Province,2011-2023
Mei-rong ZHAN ; Can-ming ZHANG ; Shao-jian CAI ; Zhong-hang XIE ; Sheng-gen WU ; Wu CHEN ; Jian-ming OU ; Wen-jing YE
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(2):200-207
The epidemiological and spatiotemporal clustering characteristics of dengue fever in Fujian Province were ana-lyzed,to provide a scientific basis for dengue fever prevention and control.Descriptive epidemiology,spatial autocorrelation a-nalysis,and spatiotemporal scanning were used to analyze dengue fever cases in Fujian Province from 2011 to 2023.In this peri-od,a total of 3 586 cases of dengue fever were reported in Fujian Province,including 2 360 local cases,1 134 imported cases from abroad,and 92 imported cases from China.Cases were reported in ten prefectures and cities of the province,and 81 out of 88 counties reported cases.Imported cases were reported throughout the year in Fujian Province,but the occurrence of local ca-ses showed clear seasonality.Local cases and domestic imports were concentrated in August to October,whereas overseas im-ports occurred primarily from June to October.The imported cases were mainly from Southeast Asian countries,but a trend of spreading from Southeast Asian countries to South Asia,Africa,the Americas,and other regions,was observed.Spatio-tem-poral clustering of dengue fever was found in Fujian Province(Moran's I value 0.14-0.66,P<0.05),and the high-high ag-gregation areas were distributed primarily in Fuzhou,Quanzhou,and Putian.Spatio-temporal scanning detected three aggrega-tion areas:one main and two secondary.The aggregation time was from the end of July to October,and the distribution was primarily in Fuzhou,Quanzhou,Putian,Zhangzhou,and Xiamen.The distribution of dengue fever in Fujian Province showed clear spatial and temporal clustering from the end of July to October,and the distribution was primarily in Fuzhou,Quanzhou,Putian,Zhangzhou,and Xiamen.For high concentration areas,national health campaigns,mosquito prevention and control,epidemic surveillance,medical personnel training,and other relevant measures could be carried out in advance before local cases appear every year.Reduce local transmission of dengue fever due to importation.
10.Efficacy and safety of high-power,short-duration radiofrequency catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation
Guang-an LIU ; Wang-long WU ; Lin-xiao ZHOU ; Jing CUI ; Bo SHAO ; Ruo-xi ZHANG ; Feng LIU
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(5):266-271
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of high-power,short-duration radiofrequency catheter ablation for the treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation.Methods This retrospective study included 392 patients diagnosed with persistent atrial fibrillation who underwent catheter radiofrequency ablation at Suzhou Kowloon Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,from January 2019 to December 2023.Of these,256 patients were treated with high-power,short-duration ablation,and 136 patients with low-power,long-duration ablation.The following parameters were compared:radiofrequency ablation time,total procedure time,single-circle pulmonary vein isolation rate,immediate procedural success rate,number of ablation points,and perioperative complications(including pericardial tamponade,pseudoaneurysm,arteriovenous fistula,stroke,etc.).Follow-up assessments were conducted at 3,6,and 12 months post-surgery to evaluate the 12-month sinus rhythm maintenance rate.Results The ablation time in the high-power group was significantly shorter than that in the low-power group[(14.6±2.3)min vs.(30.3±4.2)min,P<0.001],as was the total procedure time[(113.8±24.8)min vs.(128.5±26.7)min,P=0.001].There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of pulmonary vein isolation rate(97.7%vs.94.9%,P=0.823),number of ablation points[(71.2±8.0)vs.(74.3±14.3),P=0.168],or perioperative complications(3.1%vs.4.4%,P=0.571).Regarding the maintenance rate of sinus rhythm at 12 months post-operation,the high-power group showed a higher rate than the low-power group,but no statistically significant difference was observed(82.8%vs.79.4%,P=0.399).Conclusions High-power,short-duration radiofrequency catheter ablation can improve procedural efficiency in the treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation.Its efficacy and safety are similar to those of the low-power,long-duration technique.


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