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.Analysis of the incidence and mortality trends of type 2 diabetic nephropathy in China from 1990 to 2021
Xuewei DOU ; Wenfei CUI ; Ling NIU ; Binglei YIN ; Jinjin WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):176-182
ObjectiveTo analyze the long-term trend of incidence and mortality of type 2 diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in China from 1990 to 2021. MethodsThe Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the average annual percentage change (AAPC) of standardized incidence rate and standardized mortality rate, and the age-period-cohort (APC) model was constructed to analyze the longitudinal age change, period and cohort effect risk ratio (RR). ResultsFrom 1990 to 2021, the standardized incidence rate of type 2 DKD in males and females showed an overall upward trend, with AAPC of 0.08% and 0.36%, respectively. The age-standardized mortality rate of the total population and female showed a downward trend, with AAPC of -0.61% and -1.03%, respectively. However, there was no significant difference in males. APC model showed that the age effect existed: the peak age was 75-79 years old, the mortality rate of females increased, and the mortality rate of males decreased after 80-84 years old. For the effect of time period, the risk of type 2 DKD incidence in females in 2017—2021 was 1.05 times that in 2002—2006, and the risk of death in males and females in 2017—2021 was 0.84 and 0.71 times that in 2002—2006, respectively. For cohort effects, the highest risk of disease was seen in men and women born in 1967—1971, and the highest risk of death was seen in men born in 1952—1956 and women born in 1912—1916. ConclusionFrom 1990 to 2021, the standardized incidence rate of type 2 DKD in China shows an upward trend, and the standardized mortality rate shows a downward trend. It is necessary to strengthen the health behavior publicity and education of type 2 DKD, and actively carry out early screening to reduce the disease burden.
4.Effect of RUNX3 on the activation, proliferation, and migration capabilities of hepatic stellate cells
Hui LING ; Xianchen WANG ; Junbo YOU ; Jiahao FAN ; Xiao CUI ; Jiming SHA ; Liquan YU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):277-284
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of targeted silencing of Runt-related Transcription Factor 3 (RUNX3) on the proliferation and migration of Mouse Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSCs), as well as subsequent collagen deposition. MethodsMouse hepatic stellate cell line (JS-1) was selected and then morphologically observed and identified under a microscope. After the cells had fully adhered, they were treated with 5 ng/mL of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) for 24 hours to induce hepatic stellate cell activation. Furthermore, a RUNX3 silencing model was established using RUNX3 lentiviral infection. The experiment was divided into four groups: Control group, TGF-β1 group, TGF-β1+siRNA-NC group, and TGF-β1+siRNA-RUNX3 group. Protein expression changes of RUNX3, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and Alpha 1 type I collagen (Collagen I) were detected using Western blot method. Cellular immunofluorescence assays were employed to investigate the deposition changes of α-SMA and RUNX3 in hepatic stellate cells. RT-qPCR was utilized to examine the mRNA expression changes of RUNX3, α-SMA, and Collagen I. The proliferative capacity of hepatic stellate cells was assessed using Edu staining. The migratory ability of hepatic stellate cells was evaluated through wound healing assays and Transwell migration experiments. ResultsCompared with Control group, a significant elevation in RUNX3 was observed in the TGF-β1-induced activated HSCs (P<0.01). Meanwhile, the protein and mRNA levels of fibrosis-related markers and α-SMA and Collagen I were significantly upregulated (P<0.001). Additionally, the proliferation and migration capabilities of HSCs were significantly enhanced (P<0.001). In contrast, when compared to TGF-β1+siRNA-NC group, TGF-β1+siRNA-RUNX3 group exhibited a notable decrease in RUNX3 and other related indicators, such as the protein and mRNA levels of α-SMA and Collagen I (P<0.05). Concurrently, the proliferation and migration capabilities of HSCs were significantly inhibited in TGF-β1+siRNA-RUNX3 group (P<0.01). ConclusionSilencing RUNX3 can inhibit the deposition of collagen and the proliferation and migration of hepatic stellate cells. Conversely, RUNX3 promotes the proliferation and migration capabilities of HSCs, thereby facilitating the activation of HSC.
5.Inverse Association Between Alcohol Consumption and Parkinson’s Disease Risk and Identification of RIT2 as a Linked Biomarker
Wei LU ; Xiu-Li CHENG ; Xiao-Yun PAN ; Dan-Dan YANG ; Hui-Ling ZOU ; Li-Guo DONG ; Yi-Liang WEI ; Gui-Yun CUI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1723-1733
ObjectiveAs a common lifestyle habit, alcohol consumption has a controversial association with the onset of Parkinson’s disease (PD). To demonstrate the correlation between alcohol consumption and PD and to identify associated genes, we integrated findings from clinical surveys, genomics, transcriptomics, and animal experiments. MethodsWe investigated the alcohol consumption rates (including both before and after disease onset) among 244 PD patients in China and 177 PD patients from the U.S. NHANES database. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for three alcohol-related traits and seven PD-related datasets from the MRC IEU OpenGWAS database. Transcriptomic data from the substantia nigra of PD patients were obtained from three GEO datasets (GSE7621, GSE20141, and GSE49036) to analyze RIT2 gene transcription. Finally, three groups of animal experiments (water/20% ethanol/20% liquor, with 4 C57BL/6J mice per group) were conducted to examine changes in brain RIT2 gene expression and transcriptomic profiles following alcohol consumption. ResultsThe alcohol consumption rates among PD patients in China and the U.S. (9%-18.87%) were significantly lower than the general population rates of 15%-45% in their respective regions (P<0.001), suggesting a possible negative association between alcohol consumption and PD. Subsequently, in 21 bidirectional MR analyses using 3 alcohol-related GWAS datasets and 7 PD-related GWAS datasets, the forward MR analyses (alcohol intake as exposure, PD as outcome) yielded 12 negative associations (ORIVW<1) and 9 positive associations (ORIVW>1). Among these, only two negative associations reached statistical significance: alcohol intake frequency (ORIVW=0.75, 95% CI: 0.60-0.93, P=0.010) and alcohol consumption (ORIVW=0.20, 95% CI: 0.05-0.83, P=0.026). The forward MR analysis (alcohol intake→PD) identified 235 SNPs, annotated to 316 genes, while the reverse MR analyses (PD→alcohol intake) identified 37 SNPs, annotated to 53 genes. Notably, only the RIT2 gene appeared in both the forward and reverse MR analyses (alcohol intake→PD: rs28597806, rs8083110; PD→alcohol intake: rs4588066). RIT2 is selectively expressed in the human brain (FPKM: 5.259±2.103), with low or no expression in peripheral tissues (FPKM: <1). Analysis of three human substantia nigra transcriptomic datasets revealed a decreasing trend in RIT2 gene expression in PD patients (GSE20141 array signal: 3.49±1.23 vs. 2.33±0.87, P=0.044). Animal experiments demonstrated that administration of 20% ethanol or 20% liquor (approximately 8% ethanol) stimulated a >2-fold upregulation of RIT2 gene expression in the mouse brain. Furthermore, transcriptomic sequencing revealed that the two alcohol-treated groups exhibited 96 (20% ethanol vs. water control) and 4 (20% liquor vs. water control) differentially expressed genes, respectively, indicating that low-dose alcohol consumption can achieve RIT2 upregulation while minimizing impact on other brain genes. In addition to its anti-infective effects, low-dose alcohol consumption primarily influences signaling pathways related to neurodegenerative diseases such as PD and Prion diseases. ConclusionAlcohol consumption is generally considered as a harmful lifestyle habit. However, some studies have also shown a lower risk of mortality among individuals who consume low doses of alcohol (100 g/week of ethanol) or drink occasionally. Currently, one of the research focuses on alcohol consumption is whether the human body can benefit from low-dose alcohol intake. This study provides new evidence supporting a negative association between alcohol consumption and PD, and for the first time, through MR analysis, identifies the RIT2 gene as a potential mediator of the effect of alcohol consumption on PD. RIT2 is selectively expressed in the human brain. Building upon existing evidence indicating downregulated RIT2 gene expression in PD pathogenesis, our experiments confirm that low-dose alcohol consumption can upregulate RIT2 expression in the brain. In brief, alcohol consumption may suppress the pathogenesis of PD by upregulating RIT2 expression in the substantia nigra. China is facing a serious problem of population aging. This study offers important insights for long-term PD prevention and treatment strategies, with the aim of benefiting more potential PD patients through lifestyle modifications, thereby improving the quality of life of the aging population and reducing the economic burden on healthcare.
6.Epidemiological characteristics and prevention strategies of gouty arthritis in Northwest China in 2023-2025
Ling FU ; Ning CUI ; Peijie XIA ; Nan ZHAO ; Aiqing PAN ; Xiaomin RAN ; Fei CHEN ; Kaiyue CAO
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(4):56-60
Objective To explore the epidemiological characteristics of gouty arthritis in Northwest China from 2023 to 2025, and to formulate preventive intervention measures. Methods By retrospectively analyzing the case data of medical institutions in Northwest China from January 2023 to June 2025 (a total of 8 139 cases), the incidence trend and population distribution characteristics of gouty arthritis in this area were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors. Results From 2023 to 2025, the prevalence rate of gouty arthritis in adult residents in Northwest China was 3.74% (304/8 139). Among the sites affected by gouty arthritis, the metatarsophalangeal joint accounted for the highest proportion (P<0.05). From the perspective of age distribution, the prevalence rate was the highest in 40-59 years old group (5.90%), followed by 66-80 years old group (4.21%) and >80 years old group (2.75%). The incidence rate in 40-65 years old group was higher than that in the other age groups (P<0.05). High blood uric acid and creatinine, alcohol drinking, obesity, high purine diet, concurrent chronic kidney disease and metabolic syndrome were risk factors affecting gouty arthritis in Northwest China (P<0.05). Conclusion High blood uric acid level, high creatinine level, alcohol drinking, obesity, high purine diet, concurrent chronic kidney disease and metabolic syndrome are risk factors influencing gouty arthritis in Northwest China. Based on the above factors, this study proposes comprehensive prevention strategies from the individual, community and public health levels to provide a scientific basis for reducing the incidence rate of gouty arthritis.
7.A Survey on the Perceived Experience and Acceptance of Intrapartum Ultrasound as a Novel Method for Labor Progress Assessment
Xinjuan CHEN ; Jinhui CUI ; Liping OUYANG ; Ling LI ; Jianhui FAN ; Ping LI
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):535-540
ObjectiveTo investigate the perceived experience and acceptance of intrapartum ultrasound (IPUS) as a novel method for labor progress assessment among pregnant women. MethodsFrom February 2023 to December 2024, a total of 180 pregnant women admitted to the Labor Ward of Lingnan Hospital, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, who were planned for vaginal trial of labor , were accessed for labor progress using IPUS and vaginal examination (VE) after the onset of labor and prior to the initiation n of labor analgesia. A self-designed questionnaire was used to investigate the women's perceived experiences with both examination methods and their acceptance of IPUS. The pain intensity associated with the examinations was evaluated using the visual analogue pain scale (VAS). Differences in the women's experiences and pain intensity between the two labor progress assessment methods were compared. ResultsThe acceptance rate of IPUS was 96.67% (174/180), with the remaining 6 cases undecided. Over 60% of the pregnant women reported IPUS assessment as comfortable and none of them felt discomfort, whereas 32.8% felt uncomfortable with VE (χ2=196.02, P<0.001). Nearly two-thirds of the pregnant women believed that VE would cause psychological distress, while none reported such effect with IPUS (χ2=261.52, P<0.001). Approximately 77.78% (140/180) of the pregnant women believed that IPUS could reduce their fear of vaginal delivery and enhance their confidence if it replaced VE. The VAS score for IPUS [0 (0, 2)] was significantly lower than that for VE [4 (4, 6)] (Z=-14.62, P<0.001). Further stratified analysis showed that over 90% (164/180) of the pregnant women found IPUS painless, with no moderate or severe pain reported, compared to 43.33% (78/180) experienced moderate or severe pain with VE (P<0.001). ConclusionAs a novel approach for labor progress assessment, IPUS not only alleviates the pain and discomfort associated with traditional VE and reduces the fear of childbirth but also enhances women's confidence in delivery, thereby achieving a high level of acceptance among parturient women in China.
8.Differential Analysis on Chemical Composition and Pharmacodynamic Effect Between Combined Decoction and Single Decoction of Famous Classical Formula Huaganjian
Yang WANG ; Gaoju ZHANG ; Ling LI ; Liping CHEN ; Li ZHANG ; Xiao LIU ; Yuyu ZHANG ; Yuan CUI ; Minglong LI ; Chaomei FU ; Xin YAN ; Yuxin HE ; Qin DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):199-207
ObjectiveThrough qualitatively and quantitatively analysis of the differences in chemical composition between the combined decoction and single decoction of Huaganjian and comparison of their core efficacy, to explore the rationality of the flexible clinical application of Huaganjian compound preparations and single-flavored dispensing granules. MethodsUltra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS) was used to qualitatively analyze the combined decoction and single decoction samples of Huaganjian, and meanwhile, the contents of four index components(geniposide, paeoniflorin, hesperidin and paeonol) were quantitatively analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) rat model induced by high-fat diet was applied to compare the efficacy of combined decoction and single decoction of Huaganjian. A total of 30 male SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, model group, lovastatin group(1.8 mg·kg-1), combined decoction group(1.26 g·kg-1) and single decoction group(1.18 g·kg-1). After successful modeling, lovastatin group, combined decoction group and single decoction group were given corresponding doses of drugs by intragastric administration every day, and the control group and model group were given equal amounts of normal saline by intragastric administration, after 4 weeks of administration, the serum and liver tissues were collected, and the contents of alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) in serum of rats were detected, and the liver pathological examination was carried out by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and oil red O staining, so as to compare differences of their efficacy. ResultsSeventy chemical components were initially identified and attributed from the lyophilized powder of the combined decoction and single decoction samples of Huaganjian, and there was no obvious difference in composition between the two. Further quantitative analysis showed that the contents of geniposide, paeoniflorin, hesperidin and paeonol in the combined decoction samples were significantly increased when compared with those of the single decoction samples(P<0.01). The pharmacodynamic results showed that compared with the model group, both the combined and single decoction groups of Huaganjian could improve the liver index of NAFLD rats, reduce the serum levels of AST, ALT, TC, TG and LDL-C, increase the serum level of HDL-C, and ameliorate the pathological changes of liver cell steatosis and fat accumulation. However, there was no significant difference in pharmacodynamic effects between the combined decoction group and the single decoction group. ConclusionThere is no significant difference between the combined decoction and single decoction of Huaganjian in terms of chemical composition, but the contents of the four index components show significantly difference. Both of them can significantly improve the fat accumulation and liver function in NAFLD rats. This study provides a reference basis for the rational clinical application and evaluation of famous classical formula compound preparations and single-flavored dispensing granules.
9.Effect of internet addiction on SIOSS score:a moderated mediation model
Huijing XU ; Ling LI ; Shidong LIU ; Yi CUI ; Taosheng LIU
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(4):550-554
Objective To investigate the relationship between internet addiction and SIOSS score,and to examine the mediating role of impulsivity and the moderating role of mental health level.Methods A total of 393 college students were tested with internet addiction scale,Barratt impulsiveness scale-version 11,SIOSS and symptom checklist 90 to establish a moderated mediation model.Results After adjusted for age,internet addiction tendency had a positive predictive effect on SIOSS score(β=0.523,P<0.01).Impulsivity played a partial mediating role in the relationship between internet addiction and SIOSS score,with a mediating effect value of 0.087(45.72%).The first half of the mediating effect of internet addiction→impulsivity→SIOSS score was moderated by mental health level(β=-0.118,P<0.001).The predictive effect of internet addiction on impulsivity was stronger in individuals with good mental health level(with the indirect effect value of 0.619 9+0.048 7)compared with the individuals with poor mental health level(with the indirect effect value of 0.439 5+0.048 5).Conclusion Internet addiction can increase SIOSS score by enhancing individual impulsivity,but this effect is more pronounced in individuals with good mental health and then affect SIOSS score.
10.The trajectory of depressive symptoms and its risk factors in the middle-aged and elderly population
Xiao CUI ; Song CHANG ; Heqing HUANG ; Ling ZHU
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(4):369-377
Objective To identify and delineate the developmental trajectories of depressive symptoms in the middle-aged and elderly population in China,and to explore the risk factors for depressive symptom trajectories in China's middle-aged and elderly population.Methods According to our inclusion and exclusion criteria,7 600 participants were subjected based on the data from the China Health and Aged Care Tracking Survey(CHARLS)published by Peking University.The data from 5 waves of the survey from 2011 to 2023 were collected and analyzed with latent growth curve model(LGCM),latent class growth model(LGCM)to identify the developmental trajectories of depressive symptoms in the participants.Multicategorical logistic regression analyses were conducted to analyze whether gender,marital status,educational level,urban/rural residence,annual income,self-rated health status,and childhood bullying experience were risk factors for different trajectories of depressive symptoms.Results Two developmental trajectories of depressive symptoms were identified and classified in this study,that is,low-level stable(n=5 545,72.96%)and high-level ascending(n=2 055,27.04%).With the low-level stable group as a reference,multicategorical logistic regression analysis revealed that female(OR=1.373,95CI%:1.191~1.584,P<0.001),residence of rural area(OR=1.634,95CI%:1.410~1.895,P<0.001),and poor self-rated health status(OR=2.059,95%CI:1.890~2.243,P<0.001),and experience of childhood bullying(OR=1.76,95%CI:1.489~2.080,P<0.001)were associated with an increased risk of high-level ascending trajectory of depression.Conclusion There are 2 different trajectories of depressive mood in Chinese middle-aged and elderly population.And poor self-rated health status,history of childhood bullying,being female,and residence of rural area are risk factors for a high-level ascending trajectory of depressive symptoms.


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