ObjectiveThis paper aims to assess the effects of Wenfei Guyuan umbilical moxibustion on the quality of life and immune function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） in stable phase. MethodsA multi-center randomized controlled trial design was employed，and the 220 cases of patients with COPD in stable phase from three grade A class-Ⅲ hospitals were included as research objects. The patients were randomly divided into the test group and control group，with each group consisting of 110 cases. Both groups received standardized treatment of western medicine，and the test group received Wenfei Guyuan umbilical moxibustion twice weekly for 13 weeks，followed by a 26-week follow-up period. Quality of life was evaluated by using the COPD assessment test （CAT），the modified COPD patient-reported outcomes （mCOPD-PRO） measure，and the modified effectiveness satisfaction questionnaire for COPD （mESQ-COPD） before treatment，four weeks， eight weeks， and 13 weeks of the treatment period，as well as 13 weeks and 26 weeks of the follow-up period. The number of acute exacerbation cases of patients in both groups was recorded during study period to evaluate the effect of Wenfei Guyuan umbilical moxibustion on acute exacerbations. 30 cases were randomly selected in both observation group and control group. Peripheral blood samples were collected before treatment and at 13 weeks of treatment. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect the levels of immunoglobulin A （IgA），immunoglobulin G （IgG），immunoglobulin M （IgM），interleukin 10 （IL-10），interleukin 17A （IL-17A），transforming growth factor β1 （TGF-β1），and tumor necrosis factor α （TNF-α）. Flow cytometry was used to detect cluster of differentiation 4 positive （CD4⁺），cluster of differentiation 8 positive （CD8⁺），T helper 17 （Th17），and Treg levels， thereby preliminarily exploring the effect of Wenfei Guyuan umbilical moxibustion on immune function. ResultsA total of 220 patients were included，with five cases dropping out. 215 cases were finally included in the per-protocol set，including 107 in the treatment group and 108 in the control group. Baseline characteristics of the first two groups before treatment were compared between the two groups. In terms of life quality evaluation， the main effect of group differences on the CAT scores was significant （F=15.108，P<0.01）. The main effects of group differences on the physical domain （F=38.807，P<0.01），psychological domain （F=38.996，P<0.01），environmental domain （F=17.436，P<0.01），and total score of mCOPD-PRO （F=41.972，P<0.01） were significant. The main effects of group difference on clinical symptoms domain of mESQ-COPD （F=81.516，P<0.01），work-life ability domain （F=36.549，P<0.001），environmental adaptation ability domain （F=22.677，P<0.01），therapeutic effect domain （F=74.055，P<0.01），and total score of mESQ-COPD （F=73.251，P<0.01） were significant. Regarding acute exacerbations，during the entire study period，as well as the treatment period and follow-up period，the observation group showed fewer patients experiencing acute exacerbations compared to the control group，but the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. In terms of immune indicators，after 13 weeks of treatment，the levels of IgA，IgG，and IgM in the observation group were significantly better than those in the control group （P<0.05）. The level of IL-10 was significantly higher than that in the control group （P<0.05），and the levels of IL-17A，TGF-β1，and TNF-α were significantly lower than those in the control group （P<0.05）. Compared with those in the control group，the level of CD4⁺/CD8⁺ in the observation group was significantly increased （P<0.05），while the levels of CD4⁺ and Treg were slightly increased，but the difference was not statistically significant. The levels of CD8⁺，Th17，and Th17/Treg were significantly decreased （P<0.05）. ConclusionWenfei Guyuan umbilical moxibustion can improve the quality of life， and immune function in patients with COPD in stable phase. It is worth promoting in clinical practice.

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of serine hydroxymethyltransferase 1 （SHMT1） rs1979277 polymorphisms on pharmacokinetic characteristics and clinical prognosis of methotrexate （MTX） in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia （ALL）. MethodsMatrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry was used for SHMT1 rs1979277 genotyping in children with ALL . Clinical data including serum MTX concentrations， incidences of adverse events， and ALL relapse after chemotherapy with MTX were collected. The associations of SHMT1 rs1979277 G>A genotypes with dose-adjusted serum concentrations （C/D ratios）， adverse events of MTX， and relapse were analyzed. The associations between rs1979277 genotypes and SHMT1 expression were explored based on Bioinformatics methods. ResultsAmong the 146 children with ALL included， the rs1979277 GG homozygous genotype accounted for 85.62% （125/146）， while the GA heterozygous genotype accounted for 14.38% （21/146）. The frequency of the G allele was 92.81% （271/292）， while the A allele was only 7.19% （21/292）. Children with the GG homozygous genotype had higher median C/D ratios of MTX in 24 h ［12.06 （μmol·m²）/（L·g）］ and higher relapse rates （12.80%） than those in GA heterozygous genotype carriers ［10.96 （μmol·m²）/（L·g）， and 9.52%， respectively］. However， none of the above differences were statistically significant （all P>0.05）. The incidences of respiratory （19.05%） and liver disorders （33.33%） in children with the GA heterozygous genotype were significantly higher than those in GG homozygous genotype carriers （4.00% and 12.00%， respectively， P<0.05）. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidences of other adverse events. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the rs1979277 A allele was significantly associated with higher SHMT1 expression in multiple tissues， such as the tibial artery， pancreas， and adrenal gland （P<0.05）. ConclusionSHMT1 rs1979277 GA genotype may be a risk factor for respiratory and liver disorders in ALL children treated with MTX.

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor A （VEGFA） rs2010963 and rs3025039 polymorphisms on chemotherapy toxicities and clinical prognosis in children with brain tumors. MethodsA total of 104 pediatric patients with brain tumors receiving standardized chemotherapy were enrolled. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry was used for VEGFA rs2010963 and rs3025039 genotyping. The χ² test was applied to analyze the association between genotypes and chemotherapy‑related toxicities. Cox regression was used to evaluate the correlations of clinicopathological characteristics and genotypes with the progression‑free survival （PFS）. In addition， bioinformatic analyses were conducted to investigate the regulatory factors potentially affected by the two SNP loci. ResultsThe VEGFA expression in brain tumors （5.17±1.81） was significantly higher than that in normal tissues （4.33±1.56， P<0.001）. Patients with high VEGFA expression had significantly worse overall survival than patients with low VEGFA expression （P<0.001）. Among the 104 children with brain tumors included， the rs2010963 CC， CG， and GG genotypes accounted for 14.42%， 55.77%， and 29.81%， respectively. The frequencies of C and G alleles were 42.31% and 57.69%， respectively. The rs3025039 CC， CT， and TT genotypes accounted for 70.19%， 25.96%， and 3.85%， respectively. The frequencies of C and T alleles were 83.17% and 16.83%， respectively. The children with the rs3025039 CC genotype had significantly higher incidences of thrombocytopenia （46.58%） and gastrointestinal toxicity （56.16%） than CT genotype carriers （22.22% and 33.33%， respectively， P<0.05）， and significantly lower incidences of coagulation disorders （4.11%） than TT genotype carriers （50.00%， P<0.05）.The incidence of hyperlipidemia （2.74%） was significantly lower than that in the CT genotype carriers （14.82%， P<0.05）. The tumor type and the rs2010963 genotype were significantly associated with PFS （P<0.05） in univariable and multivariable Cox regression analysis. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that the rs2010963 and rs3025039 polymorphisms regulated VEGFA expression by affecting the binding of transcription factors and miRNAs to their target gene sequences， respectively. ConclusionThe VEGFA rs3025039 CC genotype is a risk factor for thrombocytopenia and gastrointestinal toxicity， and a protective factor for coagulation disorders and hyperlipidemia. The rs2010963 CG genotype is a protective factor for brain tumor progression.

Objective To construct a dynamic prediction model for JC polyomavirus (JCV) reactivation after kidney transplantation. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 128 recipients who met the inclusion criteria and received kidney transplantation in Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, from June 2021 to December 2024. Dynamic Cox regression and dynamic restricted mean survival time (RMST) regression based on the landmark method were adopted to establish the dynamic prediction models, and Monte Carlo cross-validation was used to evaluate model performance. Results The dynamic models could predict the incidence and onset time of JCV reactivation within the subsequent 3 months according to covariates at each landmark time point from the 1st to the 6th month after transplantation. Remuzzi score, body mass index and warm ischemia time were independent risk factors for JCV reactivation, while a history of urinary BK polyomavirus reactivation served as a protective factor. The median values of the area under the curve, C-index and Brier score of the dynamic Cox model were 0.873, 0.851 and 0.065 respectively, and the C-index of the dynamic RMST model was 0.829, all of which were superior to those of the static model. Conclusions The landmark-based dynamic models exhibit excellent predictive performance, which may integrate baseline data and post-transplant follow-up information to realize dynamic assessment of the risk and time window of JCV reactivation, thereby providing evidence for optimizing post-operative monitoring and individualized intervention strategies.

Objective To investigate the herpes zoster vaccination willingness in middle-aged population in Zibo City, and analyze its influencing factors. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted among population aged 40-59 years in 24 streets of 8 districts and counties in Zibo City using stratified sampling method, and the willingness to vaccinate herpes zoster vaccine was statistically analyzed. The influencing factors of herpes zoster vaccination willingness in middle-aged population in Zibo City were analyzed. Results Among the 692 survey subjects, 654 cases (94.51%) were not vaccinated with herpes zoster vaccine, among which 170 cases (25.99%) were willing to be vaccinated. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gender, age, education level, knowledge of herpes zoster, presence or absence of people with herpes zoster around them, knowledge of symptoms and sequelae of herpes zoster, knowledge of herpes zoster vaccine, knowledge of preventive effect of herpes zoster vaccine on herpes zoster, possible adverse reactions after vaccination, and acceptable effective rate of vaccine were the influencing factors of herpes zoster vaccination willingness in middle-aged population in Zibo City (P<0.05). Conclusion The willingness of herpes zoster vaccination is low in middle-aged population in Zibo City, and its influencing factors include gender, age, education level, herpes zoster cognition and vaccine cognition. It is necessary to strengthen the education of herpes zoster and vaccine among middle-aged population in Zibo City, and formulate promotion strategies based on individualized needs to enhance the vaccination willingness of people.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of dexborneol on the pharmacokinetic parameters of edaravone in rats under the pathological condition of cerebral ischemic stroke （CIS）.METHODS Twenty male SD rats were randomly divided into the edaravone group and the Edaravone and dexborneol concentrated solution for injection （EDB injection） group， with 10 rats in each group. A middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO） rat model was established using the modified Longa suture method. Within 5 min of ischemia-reperfusion， the corresponding drug solutions were injected via the tail vein at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg （calculated by edaravone）. Blood samples were collected from the orbital venous plexus at 0.08， 0.5， 1， 3， 6， 18， and 24 h after injection. With carbamazepine as the internal standard， the plasma concentration of edaravone was determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry （UPLC-MS/MS） method. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using DAS software and compared between the two groups.RESULTS Compared with the edaravone group， the peak concentration （ c max ） of edaravone in the EDB injection group was significantly increased （ P ＜0.05）， while no statistically significant differences were observed in the half life， time to peak， clearance， or area under curve （ P ＞0.05）.CONCLUSIONS Under the pathological condition of CIS， dexborneol can increase the c max of edaravone in the plasma of model rats， but has no significant effect on the systemic exposure or clearance of edaravone.

ObjectiveMagnetoencephalography (MEG), a non-invasive neuroimaging technique, meticulously captures the magnetic fields emanating from brain electrical activity. Compared with MEG based on superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID), MEG based on optically pump magnetometer (OPM) has the advantages of higher sensitivity, better spatial resolution and lower cost. However, most of the current studies are clinical studies, and there is a lack of animal studies on MEG based on OPM technology. Pain, a multifaceted sensory and emotional phenomenon, induces intricate alterations in brain activity, exhibiting notable sex differences. Despite clinical revelations of pain-related neuronal activity through MEG, specific properties remain elusive, and comprehensive laboratory studies on pain-associated brain activity alterations are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inflammatory pain (induced by Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)) on brain activity in a rat model using the MEG technique, to analysis changes in brain activity during pain perception, and to explore sex differences in pain-related MEG signaling. MethodsThis study utilized adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Inflammatory pain was induced via intraplantar injection of CFA (100 μl, 50% in saline) in the left hind paw, with control groups receiving saline. Pain behavior was assessed using von Frey filaments at baseline and 1 h post-injection. For MEG recording, anesthetized rats had an OPM positioned on their head within a magnetic shield, undergoing two 15-minute sessions: a 5-minute baseline followed by a 10-minute mechanical stimulation phase. Data analysis included artifact removal and time-frequency analysis of spontaneous brain activity using accumulated spectrograms, generating spectrograms focused on the 4-30 Hz frequency range. ResultsMEG recordings in anesthetized rats during resting states and hind paw mechanical stimulation were compared, before and after saline/CFA injections. Mechanical stimulation elevated alpha activity in both male and female rats pre- and post-saline/CFA injections. Saline/CFA injections augmented average power in both sexes compared to pre-injection states. Remarkably, female rats exhibited higher average spectral power 1 h after CFA injection than after saline injection during resting states. Furthermore, despite comparable pain thresholds measured by classical pain behavioral tests post-CFA treatment, female rats displayed higher average power than males in the resting state after CFA injection. ConclusionThese results imply an enhanced perception of inflammatory pain in female rats compared to their male counterparts. Our study exhibits sex differences in alpha activities following CFA injection, highlighting heightened brain alpha activity in female rats during acute inflammatory pain in the resting state. Our study provides a method for OPM-based MEG recordings to be used to study brain activity in anaesthetized animals. In addition, the findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of pain-related neural activity and pain sex differences.

Germplasm degeneration occurs during the long-term cultivation of root-and rhizome-derived traditional Chinese medicine(RR-TCM), which seriously restricts the high-quality development of their industry. Therefore, it is urgent to solve the problem of germplasm degeneration through variety breeding. In this paper, based on previously published research articles, monographs, and news reports, the research progresses on the number and origins, breeding methods, and selection of new varieties of RR-TCM listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia(Edition 2020) were summarized and analyzed. The results show that there are 169 kinds of RR-TCM listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia(Edition 2020), originated from 223 origins with three breeding methods(i.e., seed propagation, vegetative reproduction, and tissue culture), and there are 215 species derived from seed propagation, 177 species derived from vegetative reproduction, and 164 species derived from tissue culture. To date, there are 62 origins breeding new varieties through conventional breeding, cross breeding, mutation breeding, ploidy breeding, or modern biotechnology breeding methods, including 57 origins breeding 145 new varieties through conventional breeding, 10 origins breeding 43 new varieties through mutation breeding, and seven origins breeding 12 new varieties through cross breeding method. They are used mainly to improve yield, disease resistance, and active ingredient content, but only a few new varieties have been widely used. This review will provide useful references in variety breeding, quality breeding, and standardized planting of RR-TCM.
Plant Breeding/methods* ; Plant Roots/growth & development* ; Rhizome/growth & development* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Plants, Medicinal/classification* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Rubi Fructus has a long history of medicinal and edible use in China. It contains chemical components such as terpenes, flavonoids, phenolic acids, fatty acids, and alkaloids, and possesses various pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, anti-tumor, anti-osteoporosis, and liver-protective effects. Rubi Fructus is widely applied in medical, health, and food fields. The quality of Rubi Fructus can directly affect the safety and effectiveness of clinical medication. Therefore, this article reviews the research progress on the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Rubi Fructus. Based on the concept of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) quality markers(Q-markers), the article explores the screening and determination of Q-markers for Rubi Fructus from various aspects, including plant kinship, traditional efficacy, medicinal properties, measurability of chemical composition, different processing methods, producing areas, harvesting periods, and planting conditions. The components ellagic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, rutin, astragalin, tiliroside, and hyperoside are preliminarily proposed as Q-markers for Rubi Fructus, providing a reference for the quality control of Rubi Fructus.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Humans ; Rubus/chemistry* ; Fruit/chemistry* ; Quality Control ; Animals

Eucommiae Cortex, the dried bark of Eucommia ulmoides( Eucommiaceae), has both medicinal and edible values.Modern research has shown that Eucommiae Cortex contains various components such as flavonoids, lignans, iridoids, phenolic acids,terpenoids, and steroids, which have anti-osteoporosis, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, blood glucose-lowering, and gastrointestinal tract-protecting effects. Eucommiae Cortex has applications in multiple fields such as healthcare, industry, and animal husbandry,demonstrating broad development prospects. This article reviews the chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, and quality control status of Eucommiae Cortex. Furthermore, according to the concept of quality marker(Q-marker), this article predicts the Q-markers of Eucommiae Cortex from traditional medicinal properties, traditional medicinal effects, new medicinal effects, measurability of chemical components, compatibility, harvesting periods, and geographical origins. The components such as pinoresinol diglucoside,chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, baicalein, baicalin, olivil, coniferyl ferulate, and kaempferol can be used as Q-markers for Eucommiae Cortex, which provide reference for establishing a systematic quality control system for Eucommiae Cortex.
Eucommiaceae/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Quality Control ; Humans ; Animals