Following the release of the Technical Requirements on Quality Control and Standard Establishment of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granules by the National Medical Products Administration in 2021, Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission has promulgated 296 national drug standards so far, and most provinces have started the work of establishing provincial standards as supplements. The promulgation of standards fostered high-quality development of the industry. Since the implementation of national and provincial standards for more than three years, enterprises have gained deep understanding and hands-on experiences on the characteristics, technical requirements, production process, and quality control of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) formula granules. Meanwhile, challenges have emerged restricting the high-quality development of this industry, including how to formulate quality control strategies for medicinal materials and decoction pieces, how to reduce manufacturing costs, and how to improve the pass rate and product stability under high standards. Based on the work experiences from standard management and process research, this article analyzed the distribution of sources, processing methods, dry extract rate ranges, process requirements for volatile oil-containing decoction pieces, control measures of safety indices, characteristics and trends of setting characteristic chromatograms or fingerprints, characteristics and trends of setting content ranges, and main differences between national standards and provincial standards. On the one hand, this article aims to present main characteristics for deeply understanding different indicators in standards and provide basic ideas for establishing quality and process control systems. On the other hand, from the perspective of industrial practice, suggestions are put forward on the important aspects that need to be focused on in the quality and process control of TCM formula granules.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Quality Control ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards* ; China ; Drug Industry/standards*

The AP2/ERF transcription factor family is a class of transcription factors widely present in plants, playing a crucial role in regulating flowering, flower development, flower opening, and flower senescence. Based on transcriptome data from flower, leaf, and stem samples of two Lonicera macranthoides varieties, 117 L. macranthoides AP2/ERF family members were identified, including 14 AP2 subfamily members, 61 ERF subfamily members, 40 DREB subfamily members, and 2 RAV subfamily members. Bioinformatics and differential gene expression analyses were performed using NCBI, ExPASy, SOMPA, and other platforms, and the expression patterns of L. macranthoides AP2/ERF transcription factors were validated via qRT-PCR. The results indicated that the 117 LmAP2/ERF members exhibited both similarities and variations in protein physicochemical properties, AP2 domains, family evolution, and protein functions. Differential gene expression analysis revealed that AP2/ERF transcription factors were primarily differentially expressed in the flowers of the two L. macranthoides varieties, with the differentially expressed genes mainly belonging to the ERF and DREB subfamilies. Further analysis identified three AP2 subfamily genes and two ERF subfamily genes as potential regulators of flower development, two ERF subfamily genes involved in flower opening, and two ERF subfamily genes along with one DREB subfamily gene involved in flower senescence. Based on family evolution and expression analyses, it is speculated that AP2/ERF transcription factors can regulate flower development, opening, and senescence in L. macranthoides, with ERF subfamily genes potentially serving as key regulators of flowering duration. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for further research into the specific functions of the AP2/ERF transcription factor family in L. macranthoides and offer important theoretical insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying floral phenotypic differences among its varieties.
Plant Proteins/chemistry* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Transcription Factors/chemistry* ; Lonicera/classification* ; Flowers/metabolism* ; Phylogeny ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Multigene Family

Diabetic foot (DF) is one of the most serious chronic complications of diabetes. The incidence rate among global diabetes patients is as high as 15% to 25%, and about 50% of patients will develop contralateral foot ulcers within 5 years after the first unilateral ulcer. As a non-invasive prevention and control solution, the application progress of functional insoles is mainly reflected in the following aspects:(1) Material innovation. The application of new composite materials and smart materials has significantly enhanced the pressure reduction effect and comfort. (2) Structural optimization. The development of multi-layer design and local pressure reduction structure has achieved more precise pressure distribution regulation. (3) Manufacturing process. 3D printing and parametric design have enabled the personalized customization of functional insoles. (4) Intelligent monitoring. It integrates functions such as pressure sensing and temperature monitoring, achieving real-time monitoring and early warning of foot conditions. Clinical research has confirmed that personalized functional insoles could reduce the incidence of foot ulcers and shorten the healing time of ulcers. At present, the research hotspots mainly focus on the development of smart materials, the construction of multi-functional integration and remote monitoring systems. However, in-depth research is still needed in the aspects of biomechanical mechanisms, standardized evaluation systems and long-term efficacy assessment. The development of future functional insoles should focus on the coordinated advancement of "personalization-intelligence-standardization", with the aim of providing more effective solutions for the prevention and treatment of DF.
Humans ; Diabetic Foot/therapy* ; Foot Orthoses

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effect and safety of acupuncture manipulation on treatment of intractable facial paralysis (IFP), and verify the practicality and precision of the Anzhong Facial Paralysis Precision Scale (Eyelid Closure Grading Scale, AFPPS-ECGS). METHODS: A multicentre, single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted from October 2022 to June 2024. Eighty-nine IFP participants were randomly assigned to an ordinary acupuncture group (OAG, 45 cases) and a characteristic acupuncture group (CAG, 44 cases) using a random number table method. The main acupoints selected included Yangbai (GB 14), Quanliao (SI 18), Yingxiang (LI 20), Shuigou (GV 26), Dicang (ST 4), Chengjiang (CV 24), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), Jiache (ST 6), Fengchi (GB 20), and Hegu (LI 4). The OAG patients received ordinary acupuncture manipulation, while the CAG received characteristic acupuncture manipulation. Both groups received acupuncture treatment 3 times a week, with 10 times per course, lasting for 10 weeks. Facial recovery was assessed at baseline and after the 1st, 2nd and 3rd treatment course by AFPPS-ECGS and the House-Brackmann (H-B) Grading Scale. Infrared thermography technology was used to observe the temperature difference between healthy and affected sides in various facial regions. Adverse events and laboratory test abnormalities were recorded. The correlation between the scores of the two scales was analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: After the 2nd treatment course, the two groups showed statistically significant differences in AFPPS-ECGS scores (P<0.05), with even greater significance after the 3rd course (P<0.01). Similarly, H-B Grading Scale scores demonstrated significant differences between groups following the 3rd treatment course (P<0.05). Regarding temperature measurements, significant differences in temperatures of frontal and ocular areas were observed after the 2nd course (P<0.05), becoming more pronounced after the 3rd course (P<0.01). Additionally, mouth corner temperature differences reached statistical significance by the 3rd course (P<0.05). No safety-related incidents were observed during the study. Correlation analysis revealed that the AFPPS-ECGS and the H-B Grading Scale were strongly correlated (r=0.86, 0.91, 0.93, and 0.91 at baseline, and after 1st, 2nd, and 3rd treatment course, respectively, all P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Acupuncture is an effective treatment for IFP, and the characteristic acupuncture manipulation enhances the therapeutic effect. The use of the AFPPS-ECGS can more accurately reflect the recovery status of patients with IFP. (Trial registration No. ChiCTR2200065442).
Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Facial Paralysis/therapy* ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Acupuncture Points ; Aged

Objective To analyze the imaging features of pulmonary artery sarcoma(PAS)on CT and MRI.Methods The clini-cal features,CT and MRI findings of 21 patients with pathologically confirmed PAS were analyzed retrospectively.Results All PAS lesions involved the central pulmonary artery,of which 15 cases involved the main pulmonary artery and bilateral pulmonary artery trunks,4 cases involved the main pulmonary artery and right pulmonary artery trunk,1 case involved the main pulmonary artery and left pulmonary artery trunk,and 1 case involved the right pulmonary artery trunk.Five cases involved the pulmonary artery valve and right ventricular outflow tract as well.Nineteen cases of PAS showed complete filling defects in the central pulmonary artery,and the other 2 cases presented with nodular or lobulated filling defects attached to the pulmonary artery wall.The proximal margin of 19 PAS lesions was bulging or lobulated,and the distal pulmonary artery of 9 PAS lesions showed aneurysm-like dilatation.On MRI,all 13 cases of PAS were hyperintense on fat-suppressed T2WI,of which 11 cases were hyperintense on diffusion weighted imaging(DWI),and all lesions demonstrated significantly heterogeneous enhancement or delayed enhancement.Conclusion On computed tomography pul-monary angiography(CTPA),filling defects which grow expansively in the central pulmonary artery,and which have proximal bul-ging shape or distal aneurysm-like dilatation are highly suggestive of PAS.On contrast-enhanced MRI,the significantly heterogene-ous enhancement mass in the central pulmonary artery should be highly suspected of PAS.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of Yiqi Huatan Tongluo Prescription(mainly composed of Fici Simplicissimae Radix,Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma,Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum,Poria,Nelumbinis Folium,and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,etc.)combined with drug-coated balloon(DCB)in the treatment of coronary heart disease(CHD)and to observe its effect on low-shear related serological indicators.Methods A total of 106 patients with CHD of qi deficiency and phlegm stasis obstructing collateral type who were scheduled to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group,with 53 cases in each group.The control group was treated with drug-eluting stent implantation,and the treatment group was treated with DCB.After the operation,the control group was given conventional antiplatelet aggregation drugs,and the treatment group was given oral administration of Yiqi Huatan Tongluo Prescription.The medication for the two groups lasted for 12 weeks.The changes in the serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1(MCP-1),interleukin 1 β(IL-1β)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in the two groups were observed before and after treatment.Moreover,the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome efficacy after treatment and the incidence of adverse events one year after operation were compared between the two groups.Results(1)After 12 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate for TCM syndrome efficacy of the treatment group was 88.68％(47/53),and that of the control group was 75.47％(40/53).The intergroup comparison(tested by chi-square test)showed that the TCM syndrome efficacy in the treatment group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05).(2)The analysis of indicators related to endothelial dysfunction in the blood flow with low shear stress showed that after treatment,the levels of serum MCP-1,IL-1βand VEGF in the control group presented no obvious changes(P＞0.05),but the serum levels of MCP-1 and IL-1β in the treatment group were significantly lowered compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05).The intergroup comparison showed that the decrease of serum MCP-1,IL-1β and VEGF levels in the treatment group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05).(3)The one-year follow-up after the operation showed that the total incidence of adverse events in the treatment group was 18.87％(10/53),and that in the control group was 20.75％(11/53).There was no significant difference between the two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion Yiqi Huatan Tongluo Prescription combined with DCB has definite action on the targets related to endothelial dysfunction in coronary blood flow with low shear stress,which is conducive to reducing inflammatory response,improving the symptoms of angina pectoris and enhancing clinical efficacy.The incidence of adverse events did not increase one year after operation,indicating good safety and effectiveness.

Objective To investigate the effects of microRNA(miR)-145 delivered by exosomes(Exo)on platelet activation and vascular endothelial function in rats with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease(CAHD).Methods HEK239 cells were transfected with miR-negative control(NC)and miR-145,and the transfection effect was detected by Real-time PCR.Exo was isolated from HEK239 cells transfected with miRNA-NC and miR-145.The morphology and size distribution were observed by transmission electron microscopy.The expressions of CD81,heat shock protein 70(HSP70)and tumor susceptibility gene 101(TSG101)were detected by Western blotting.The experiment included control group,model group,miR-NC Exo group and miR-145 Exo group,with 8 rats in each group.After treatment,the ejection fraction(EF),fractional shortening rate(FS),left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVIDD)and left ventricular end-systolic diameter(LVIDS)of rats were determined by ultrasonic diagnostic instrument.HE staining was performed to observe the pathological changes of myocardial tissue and aortic tissue,and ELISA was used to determine serum platelet activating factor(PAF),β-platelet globulin(β-TG),platelet membrane glycoprotein Ⅱa/Ⅲb(GP Ⅱa/Ⅲb),nitric oxide(NO),endothelin-1(ET-1)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF).Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS)in aorta tissue.Results The relative expression level of miR-145 in HEK239 cells transfected with miR-145 was significantly higher than that in untransfected and transfected miR-NC cells(P＜0.05).The isolated particles showed typical cup-shaped or disk-shaped vesicles,most of which were distributed at 100 nm in diameter.CD81,HSP70 and TSG101 proteins were highly expressed,and the relative expression level of miR-145 in Exo transfected with miR-NC was significantly lower than that in Exo transfected with miR-145(P＜0.05).Compared with the miR-NC Exo group,EF and FS of miR-145 Exo group increased significantly(P＜0.05),while LVIDD and LVIDS decreased significantly(P＜0.05),and the pathological changes of myocardial tissue and aortic tissue were better improved.The contents of PAF,β-TG,GP Ⅱ a/Ⅲb,ET-1 and VEGF in serum were further significantly decreased(P＜0.05),while the content of NO was also significantly increased(P＜0.05),and the positive expression rate of eNOS in aortic tissue was further significantly increased(P＜0.05).Conclusion MiR-145 delivered by Exo could inhibit platelet activation and improve vascular endothelial function in coronary heart disease model rats,and plays a protective role in coronary heart disease model rats.

BACKGROUND:The results of in vivo and in vitro studies showed that catalpol from Rehmannia glutinosa can significantly reduce the level of inflammatory indexes in the synovial tissue of rats with knee osteoarthritis,and meanwhile,it can delay the progression of knee osteoarthritis.But whether catalpol from Rehmannia glutinosa affects chondrocyte senescence and then delay the progression of knee osteoarthritis has not yet been clarified. OBJECTIVE:To investigate investigate whether catalpol from Rehmannia glutinosa could regulate ATDC5 chondrocyte senescence and the possible mechanisms. METHODS:ATDC5 chondrocytes were divided into blank group(0.1%bovine serum albumin),model group(0.1%bovine serum albumin+1 μmol/L adriamycin),low-dose catalpol group(0.1%bovine serum albumin+1 μmol/L adriamycin+20 μmol/L catalpol from Rehmannia glutinosa)and high-dose catalpol group(0.1%bovine serum albumin+1 μmol/L adriamycin+80 μmol/L catalpol from Rehmannia glutinosa).Adriamycin-induced ATDC5 chondrocyte senescence model was constructed,and the corresponding treatments were given according to the above groups.Cell counting kit-8 assay was used to detect the effects of catalpol from Rehmannia glutinosa on ATDC5 chondrocyte viability,and to screen the optimal concentration of catalpol from Rehmannia glutinosa.The senescence of ATDC5 chondrocytes in each group was detected by β-galactosidase staining after the corresponding treatments.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of P21,P53,type II collagen,matrix metalloproteinase 13,and interleukin-6.Immunofluorescence method was used to detect the expression of P21,P53 and type II collagen.Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis in each group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:ATDC5 chondrocytes were identified to be successfully induced and senescence model was induced.Catalpol from Rehmannia glutinosa at the concentrations of 0,20,40,and 80 μmol/L showed no significant effects on the cell viability,suggesting that catalpol from Rehmannia glutinosa is non-cytotoxic and can be used safely(P>0.05);when the concentration was≥100 μmol/L,the cell viability was reduced,suggesting that there may be cytotoxic.Therefore,80 μmol/L was chosen as the high dose for subsequent experiments in this study.The percentage of positive cells in the model group was(86.93±2.18)%,which was significantly higher than that in the blank group[(17.32±0.72)%;P<0.05].Compared with the model group,the percentage of positive cells was significantly lower in the low-and high-dose catalpol groups[(57.28±1.73)%and(27.18±0.97)%,respectively;both P<0.05].Compared with the model group,the relative expression of P21,P53,matrix metalloproteinase 13,and interleukin-6 at mRNA and protein levels was significantly downregulated in the low-and high-dose catalpol groups,while the relative expression of type II collagen at mRNA and protein levels was significantly upregulated in both groups(P<0.05),especially in the high-dose catalpol group(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the fluorescence intensities of P21 and P53 were significantly weakened in the low-and high-dose catalpol groups,while the fluorescence intensity of type II collagen was significantly enhanced in the low-and high-dose catalpol groups(P<0.05),especially in the high-dose catalpol group(P<0.05).The cell apoptosis detected by Annexin V/PI method showed that there was no significant difference between the model group and the blank group(P>0.05);compared with the model group,the apoptotic index was significantly elevated in the low-and high-dose catalpol groups,especially in the high-dose catalpol group(P<0.05).To conclude,catalpol from Rehmannia glutinosa can slow the progression of osteoarthritis by promoting apoptosis of senescent ATDC5 chondrocytes,further removing senescent ATDC5 chondrocytes,and decreasing the senescence-associated phenotypes.

In order to study the compounds from Glechoma longituba (Nakai) Kupr. and explore the substance bases of its dissipating blood stasis, MCI, silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, ODS column chromatography and preparative thin layer chromatography were used to isolate and purify the compounds. The structures were identified by MS, 1D NMR, and 2D NMR spectra analysis, etc. Eight triterpenoids were isolated from dichloromethane fraction of ethanol extract from G. longituba and identified as 2α,3α,16β-trihydroxy-13α,27-cyclours-11-en-28-oic acid (1), 28-norurs-12-ene-3β,17β-diol (2), 28-norolean-12-ene-3β,17β-diol (3), oleanonic acid (4), 3β,13β-dihydroxyurs-11-en-28-oic acid (5), uvaol (6), oleanolic acid (7), ursolic acid (8). Compound 1 is a new hexacyclic triterpene with 13α,27-cyclopropane structure, named euscaphic acid H; compounds 2 and 3 were isolated from Lamiaceae for the first time while compounds 4 and 5 were isolated from this genus. The in vitro anticoagulant activity of triterpenoids was evaluated by four coagulation indexes (activated partial thromboplastin time, APTT; thrombin time, TT; prothrombin time, PT; fibrinogen, FIB). Among them, compounds 1 and 6 showed obvious anticoagulant effects.