This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name， origin， medicinal parts， processing and other aspects of Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix（EPR） by referring to the herbal medicine， medical books， prescription books and other documents of the past dynasties， combined with the relevant modern research materials， so as to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herbal medicine. According to research， EPR was first recorded in the Shennong Bencaojing in the name of Daji， and it is the correct name of the herbal medicine in all dynasties， there are also other aliases such as Qiongju， Hongya Daji， and Xiamaxian. The dried roots of Euphorbia pekinensis from Euphorbiaceae was the mainstream of the past dynasties. Before the Ming dynasty， the above ground parts of E. pekinensis were used as Zeqi in herbal works. However， since LI Shizhen in the Ming dynasty proposed that the origin of Zeqi should be E. helioscopia， the aerial part of EPR is no longer used as medicine. Since modern times， the roots of Knoxia valerianoides has been used as EPR， and has become the mainstream of commodities， which should be corrected. Throughout history， it has been recorded that the main producing areas were Jiangsu， Anhui， Zhejiang， Shanxi and other regions， while modern botanical survey have shown that EPR is a widespread species distributed throughout the country. In ancient times， the harvesting time of EPR was mostly the twelfth lunar month， while in modern time， it is more common to harvest in autumn and winter. The main processing methods of EPR in ancient times were vinegar processing， wine processing， and stir frying， while in modern times， it is uniformly vinegar processing. In the medicinal properties and clinical aspects， the records are basically consistent throughout history， mainly characterized by bitter taste， cold and toxic nature. Its main efficacy is expelling water retention and reducing swelling. Based on the textual research， it is suggested to choose the dried roots of E. pekinensis when famous classical formulas containing EPR， processing method can be based on the original specified prescription requirements， if the processing method is not clear， it is recommended to use vinegar-processed products as medicine.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease accompanied by various complications, and the exact etiology remains unclear. Treatments for SLE encompass hormone therapy, plasma exchange and immunoadsorption, and targeted biological therapies. Berbamine (BBM), a cellular immunopotentiator with diverse biological functions, has not been reported to have immunomodulatory and therapeutic effects on SLE. The mice were divided into control group, model group, positive control group, low, medium and high BBM groups. In control group, C57BL/6J wild mice received intraperitoneal injection of saline. In model group, MRL/lpr lupus mice were treated with intraperitoneal injection of saline. In positive control group, MRL/lpr lupus mice received intragastric administration of hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets [Plaquenil, 150 mg/(kg·d)]. In BBM groups, MRL/lpr lupus mice received intragastric administration of different concentration of BBM respectively [20 mg/(kg·d), 50 mg/(kg·d), 100 mg/(kg·d)]. After 8 weeks of treatment, blood was collected from the retro-orbital venous plexus, and ELISA was used to detect the levels of anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), and anti-small nuclear ribonucleoprotein/Sm (snRNP/Sm) antibodies. Spleen tissues were collected for analysis of Th1/Th2 ratio by flow cytometry. The RNA and protein of spleen were extracted, and the levels of T-box transcription factor T-bet and GATA3 (GATA binding protein 3) mRNA and protein were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The proliferation of white blood cells in the blood was tested by blood routine test. The histopathological changes of kidneys of each group were detected by HE staining. Compared with the model group, the levels of ANA, anti-dsDNA, and anti-snRNP/Sm antibodies were significantly reduced in the BBM-treated groups. The Th1/Th2 ratio was significantly decreased in the model group, but reversed by BBM. Compared with the control group, T-bet expression was significantly downregulated, while GATA3 expression was significantly upregulated in the model group. After BBM intervention, T-bet expression significantly increased, while GATA3 expression decreased compared with the model group. The number of white blood cells significantly decreased in the model group, and increased in the BBM-treated groups. In the model group, the glomerular mesangial and endothelial cells showed significant hyperplasia, clear thrombus was observed in the dilated capillaries, and inflammatory cells infiltrated in the renal interstitium. In medium and high BBM groups, the infiltration of inflammatory cells and capillary thrombosis were significantly decreased. In conclusion, BBM exhibits certain immunomodulatory effects on SLE and promotes the proliferation of white blood cells.
Animals ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/immunology* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice, Inbred MRL lpr ; Female ; Benzylisoquinolines/pharmacology*

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

Various chromatographic methods were comprehensively applied to study the chemical composition of the ethyl acetate extract from Aucklandiae Radix. The structures of all compounds were identified by analyzing their physicochemical properties and using spectroscopic methods. Two new sesquiterpenoids, named auclappsines A and B(1 and 2) were isolated and identified. Through in vitro high content screening and with the use of a guggulsterone-induced L02 cells, the effects of 1 and 2 on farnesoid X receptor(FXR) protein expression were investigated. The results showed that 1 had a significant FXR activation effect, providing a scientific basis for the development of drugs for the treatment of liver and gallbladder diseases.
Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/genetics* ; Humans ; Sesquiterpenes/isolation & purification* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification* ; Cell Line ; Molecular Structure

PURPOSE: To investigate the protective effect of sub-hypothermic mechanical perfusion combined with membrane lung oxygenation on ischemic hypoxic injury of yorkshire brain tissue caused by traumatic blood loss. METHODS: This article performed a random controlled trial. Brain tissue of 7 yorkshire was selected and divided into the sub-low temperature anterograde machine perfusion group (n = 4) and the blank control group (n = 3) using the random number table method. A yorkshire model of brain tissue injury induced by traumatic blood loss was established. Firstly, the perfusion temperature and blood oxygen saturation were monitored in real-time during the perfusion process. The number of red blood cells, hemoglobin content, NA⁺, K⁺, and Ca²⁺ ions concentrations and pH of the perfusate were detected. Following perfusion, we specifically examined the parietal lobe to assess its water content. The prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were then dissected for histological evaluation, allowing us to investigate potential regional differences in tissue injury. The blank control group was sampled directly before perfusion. All statistical analyses and graphs were performed using GraphPad Prism 8.0 Student t-test. All tests were two-sided, and p value of less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: The contents of red blood cells and hemoglobin during perfusion were maintained at normal levels but more red blood cells were destroyed 3 h after the perfusion. The blood oxygen saturation of the perfusion group was maintained at 95% - 98%. NA⁺ and K⁺ concentrations were normal most of the time during perfusion but increased significantly at about 4 h. The Ca²⁺ concentration remained within the normal range at each period. Glucose levels were slightly higher than the baseline level. The pH of the perfusion solution was slightly lower at the beginning of perfusion, and then gradually increased to the normal level. The water content of brain tissue in the sub-low and docile perfusion group was 78.95% ± 0.39%, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (75.27% ± 0.55%, t = 10.49, p < 0.001), and the difference was statistically significant. Compared with the blank control group, the structure and morphology of pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex and CA1 region of the hippocampal gyrus were similar, and their integrity was better. The structural integrity of granulosa neurons was destroyed and cell edema increased in the perfusion group compared with the blank control group. Immunofluorescence staining for glail fibrillary acidic protein and Iba1, markers of glial cells, revealed well-preserved cell structures in the perfusion group. While there were indications of abnormal cellular activity, the analysis showed no significant difference in axon thickness or integrity compared to the 1-h blank control group. CONCLUSIONS Mild hypothermic machine perfusion can improve ischemia and hypoxia injury of yorkshire brain tissue caused by traumatic blood loss and delay the necrosis and apoptosis of yorkshire brain tissue by continuous oxygen supply, maintaining ion homeostasis and reducing tissue metabolism level.
Animals ; Perfusion/methods* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Brain Injuries/etiology* ; Swine ; Male ; Hypothermia, Induced/methods*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of daratumumab, lenalidomide and dexamethasone on quality of life in transplant-ineligible (TIE) patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). METHODS: The clinical data of 93 TIE NDMM patients in our hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into D-Rd group (48 cases) and Rd group (45 cases) according to treatment regimen. The patients in Rd group were treated with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, while those in D-Rd group were treated with daratumumab on the basis of Rd group. The QLQ-C30 and EQ-5D VAS scores of the two groups were compared at baseline and after 3, 6 and 12 treatment cycles. The last follow-up date was June 30, 2023, and overall survival (OS) was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The median follow-up period in the D-Rd group was 21 (7-38) months, and the median OS was 34 months, while that in the Rd group was 16 (5-35) months, and the median OS was 28 months. There was significant difference in OS between the two groups ( P <0.05). After 3, 6 and 12 treatment cycles, the QLQ-C30 score and EQ-5D VAS score of the two groups were significantly improved (all P <0.05). After 3 and 12 treatment cycles, the QLQ-C30 score and EQ-5D VAS score of D-Rd group were significantly higher than those of Rd group (all P <0.05). There were no significant differences in the improvement of QLQ-C30 GHS and pain scores between the two groups of patients with age <75 years and ECOG 0-1 score after 3, 6 and 12 treatment cycles (P >0.05). In D-Rd group of patients with age≥75 years, the improvement of QLQ-C30 GHS scores after 3 and 12 treatment cycles and QLQ-C30 pain scores after 3, 6 and 12 treatment cycles was significantly superior to that in Rd group (all P <0.05). In D-Rd group of patients with ECOG 2 scores, the improvement of QLQ-C30 GHS and pain scores after 3, 6 and 12 treatment cycles was significantly superior to that in Rd group (all P <0.05). CONCLUSION Daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone can significantly improve OS in TIE NDMM patients without decrease of quality of life, especially in those with age≥75 years or ECOG 2 scores.
Humans ; Multiple Myeloma/drug therapy* ; Lenalidomide/therapeutic use* ; Quality of Life ; Dexamethasone/therapeutic use* ; Retrospective Studies ; Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use* ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Stem Cell Transplantation

OBJECTIVE: To investigate possible associations between physical function assessment scales, such as Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS), with all-cause mortality in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients. METHODS: A total of 108 ADHF patients were analyzed from October 2020 to October 2022, and followed up to May 2023. The association between baseline clinical characteristics and all-cause mortality was analyzed by univariate Cox regression analysis, while for SPPB and BBS, univariate Cox regression analysis was followed by receiver operating characteristic curves, in which the area under the curve represented their predictive accuracy for all-cause mortality. Incremental predictive values for both physical function assessments were measured by calculating net reclassification index and integrated discrimination improvement scores. Optimal cut-off value for BBS was then identified using restricted cubic spline plots, and survival differences below and above that cut-off were compared using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and the log-rank test. The clinical utility of BBS was measured using decision curve analysis. RESULTS: For baseline characteristics, age, female, blood urea nitrogen, as well as statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, or angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors, were predictive for all-cause mortality for ADHF patients. With respect to SPPB and BBS, higher scores were associated with lower all-cause mortality rates for both assessments; similar area under the curves were measured for both (0.774 for SPPB and 0.776 for BBS). Furthermore, BBS ≤ 36.5 was associated with significantly higher mortality, which was still applicable even adjusting for confounding factors; BBS was also found to have great clinical utility under decision curve analysis. CONCLUSIONS BBS or SPPB could be used as tools to assess physical function in ageing ADHF patients, as well as prognosticate on all-cause mortality. Moreover, prioritizing the improvement of balance capabilities of ADHF patients in cardiac rehabilitation regimens could aid in lowering mortality risk.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of the BNIP3-PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in mediating the inhibitory effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWT) on mitochondrial autophagy in human synovial fibroblasts from rheumatoid arthritis patients (FLS-RA) cultured under a hypoxic condition. METHODS: Forty normal Wistar rats were randomized into two groups (n=20) for daily gavage of BYHWT or distilled water for 7 days to prepare BYHWT-medicated or control sera. FLS-RA were cultured in routine condition or exposed to hypoxia (10% O₂) for 24 h wigh subsequent treatment with IL-1β, followed by treatment with diluted BYHWT-medicated serum (5%, 10% and 20%) or control serum. AnnexinV-APC/7-AAD double staining and T-AOC kit were used for detecting apoptosis and total antioxidant capacity of the cells, and the changes in ROS, ATP level, mitochondrial membrane potential and Ca²⁺ homeostasis were analyzed. The changes in mRNA and protein expressions of BNIP3, PI3K and AKT and mRNA expressions of LC3, Beclin-1 and P62 were detected using RT-qPCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: Treatment with BYHWT-medicated serum dose-dependently lowered apoptosis rate of IL-1β-induced FLS-RA with hypoxic exposure. The treatment significantly decreased T-AOC concentration, increased ROS production, autophagosome formation and ATPase levels, and lowered mitochondrial membrane potential and Ca²⁺ level in the cells. In IL-1β-induced FLS-RA with hypoxic exposure, treatment with BYHWT-medicated serum significantly increased BNIP3 protein expression, decreased the protein expressions of PI3K and AKT, increased the mRNA expressions of BNIP3 and P62, and lowered the mRNA expressions of PI3K, AKT, LC3 and Beclin-1 without significantly affecting Beclin-1 protein expression. The cells treated with 5% and 10% BYHWT-medicated serum showed no significant changes in LC3 expression. CONCLUSIONS BYHWT inhibits mitochondrial autophagy in IL-1β-induced FLS-RA with hypoxic exposure possibly by inhibiting BNIP3-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/pathology* ; Animals ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; Autophagy/drug effects* ; Humans ; Fibroblasts/cytology* ; Rats, Wistar ; Membrane Proteins/metabolism* ; Rats ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism* ; Mitochondria/metabolism* ; Cells, Cultured ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Cell Hypoxia ; Synovial Membrane/cytology* ; Male ; Mitochondrial Proteins

Objective To compare regional pulmonary ventilation and perfusion and ventilation/perfusion(V/Q)matching in different body positions using electrical impedance tomography(EIT).Methods Ten healthy experimental pigs were selected to collect their EIT lung ventilation and perfusion data in supine,prone,left lateral and right lateral positions.The EIT data underwent analysis and image reconstruction using MATLAB R2022b and EIDORS v3.9.The effective regions with ventilation and perfusion were determined and the V/Q matching regions were computed with the maximum pixel value 20％as the threshold.Comparisons were carried out over the V/Q matching indexes including V/Q match％,dead space％and shunt％and ventilation and perfusion distribution in regions of interest(ROIs)including ROI1,ROI2,ROI3 and ROI4 in different body positions.Results The differences in V/Q match％,dead space％and shunt％of the experimental animals in varied positions were not statistically significant(P＞0.05).The regional distribution of pulmonary ventilation and perfusion changed in different positions,and the regional distributions differed in ROIl,ROI2 and ROI3 for ventilation(P＜0.05)and in ROI1 and ROI2 for perfusion(P＜0.05).The ventilation and perfusion regions were distributed consistently with the gravity-dependent areas in supine and prone positions whereas conversely in the right and left lateral positions.Conclusion The V/Q matching indexes of one subject have high test consistency in different body positions;gravity-dependent areas varied with the changes of the body positions,which affected the distribution of pulmonary ventilation and perfusion regions;EIT can be used for measuring the changed pulmonary ventilation and perfusion due to different positions and determining the influences of position changes on pulmonary ventilation and perfusion and V/Q matching.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(5):1-7]

The traditional experimental teaching mode of forensic science and biological evidence is mostly confined to experimental operation, which is not capable of cultivating students' comprehensive quality and post competency. Therefore, it is urgent to seek an innovative teaching and training mode. At present, the experimental teaching of forensic science and biological evidence is dominated by teachers. There are some problems, such as insufficient training of students' scientific thinking and innovation ability, single teaching and evaluation model, and disconnection from the practical application. This paper proposes an experimental teaching design scheme of forensic science and biological evidence based on post competency training. The course is implanted in the framework of simulated cases, and the virtual simulation experiment platform and group discussion learning method are used to achieve a training model oriented by social needs and centered on students. In the preliminary study on the students who were trained in this mode of selected sections, we found that, compared with traditional teaching, the time for students to complete the prescribed experimental operation in this teaching mode was shortened by 4 minutes on average, and the average score of theoretical course test case analysis questions was increased by 1.5 points. In conclusion, the instructional design of the experiment teaching forensic science and biological evidence can effectively improve students' post-competency, and it deserves further exploration and application.