ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Tianma Goutengyin on the tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3）/α1-antichymotrypsin C-terminal tail fragment （α1ACT） signaling pathway and A1-type astrocytes in a rat model of vascular dementia. MethodsSeventy-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups （n=12 per group）： Sham-operated group， model group， Tianma Goutengyin high-， medium-， and low-dose groups （5.13， 10.26， and 20.52 g·kg^-1）， and a nimodipine group （8.1 mg·kg^-1）. The vascular dementia model was established by permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion， followed by 4 weeks of intervention. Learning and memory ability were evaluated using the novel object recognition test， and behavioral performance was assessed using the forced swimming test. Levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6） and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 （CCL2） in hippocampal tissue were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Hippocampal neuronal morphology was observed by Nissl staining， and apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling （TUNEL）. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect positive expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF）， glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP）， and myelin basic protein （MBP）. Western blot analysis was performed to measure the protein expression levels of TNF-α， TNF receptor 1 （TNFR1）， phosphorylated STAT3 （p-STAT3）， α1ACT， IL-6， complement component 3 （C3）， BDNF， S100 calcium-binding protein A10 （S100A10）， and GFAP in hippocampal tissue. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group， the model group showed a significantly reduced relative recognition index in the novel object recognition test （P<0.01）， prolonged immobility time and increased immobility frequency in the forced swimming test （P<0.01）. Hippocampal IL-6 and CCL2 levels were significantly increased （P<0.01）. Nissl staining revealed a marked reduction in neuronal number and loss of Nissl bodies （P<0.01）. MBP-positive expression was significantly decreased （P<0.01）， apoptosis was significantly increased （P<0.01）， BDNF-positive expression was significantly reduced （P<0.05）， and GFAP-positive expression was significantly increased （P<0.01）. In addition， the protein expression levels of TNF-α， TNFR1， p-STAT3， α1ACT， IL-6， and C3 were significantly elevated （P<0.01）， while BDNF and S100A10 expression levels were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， all Tianma Gouteng yin dose groups exhibited a significant increase in the relative recognition index （P<0.05）， shortened immobility time and reduced immobility frequency （P<0.05， P<0.01）. IL-6 and CCL2 levels were significantly decreased （P<0.01）， neuronal number was significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and MBP-positive expression was significantly enhanced （P<0.01）. Apoptosis was significantly reduced （P<0.01）， BDNF-positive expression was significantly increased （P<0.05）， and GFAP-positive expression was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Moreover， the protein expression levels of TNF-α， TNFR1， p-STAT3， α1ACT， IL-6， and C3 were significantly decreased （P<0.01）， while BDNF and S100A10 protein expression levels were significantly increased （P<0.01）. ConclusionTianma Goutengyin may inhibit A1-type astrocyte activation in rats with vascular dementia through the TNF-α/STAT3/α1ACT signaling pathway， thereby reducing neuronal apoptosis and improving learning and memory function.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the detection specificity for clinical samples and the detection capability for standard substances of five commercially available multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) nucleic acid detection kits (hereinafter referred to as the kits) for respiratory pathogens, and to provide a reference for selecting appropriate detection kits for multi-pathogen nucleic acid testing of respiratory infections. MethodsA total of 60 respiratory pathogen-positive clinical samples with known redults were selected and tested using the five kits (labeled as A, B, C, D, and E). The detection rates and Kappa coefficients were calculated to evaluate the consistency between the results from these kits and those from single-pathogen PCR kits. According to the limit of detection (LOD) provided by the kits, standard substances of respiratory pathogens (including 12 types such as influenza virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Bordetella pertussis) were diluted to four concentrations (250, 500, 1 000, and 2 000 copies·mL⁻¹). All five kits were used for detection to evaluate their respective detection capabilities. ResultsCompared with the results from single-pathogen PCR kits, the five tested kits demonstrated good consistency (all Kappa >0.80). Among them, Kit A had the highest detection rate (100.00%), followed by Kits C and E (98.33%), and then Kits B and D (95.00%). All five kits showed a relatively low false negative rate (FNR) for samples with a cycle threshold (Ct) value ≤35 (≤2.38%). However, for samples with Ct values>35, the FNR increased accordingly(average FNR=6.67%, P=0.029). Kit C exhibited the highest detection sensitivity for the tested standard substances (average LOD: 458.33 copies·mL⁻¹), followed by Kit D, then Kits A/E, and finally Kit B. ConclusionThe five multiplex PCR kits showed good consistency with single-pathogen detection results, but each had its own performance emphasis. Kit A, with the highest detection rate and high throughput, is suitable for targeted viral screening. Kit B, covering the broadest pathogen spectrum (including fungi/bacteria), is suitable for comprehensive respiratory pathogen screening. Kits C, D and E, are applicable for rapid detection. It is important to note that the detection efficacy of all kits decreases for low viral load samples with Ct values >35. In practical application, selection should be based on specific screening objectives, throughput requirements, and sample types.

OBJECTIVE To formulate the Hazardous Drug List in China， and provide a scientific basis for standardizing the management of hazardous drugs， preventing and controlling occupational exposure risks in medical institutions at all levels in China. METHODS Under the joint organization of the Intravenous Medication Admixture Management Professional Committee of the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association and the National Medical Quality Control Center for Pharmaceutical Management， based on literature research and international hazardous drug lists and their development procedures， the scope of hazardous drug selection， selection principles， and evidence confirmation criteria were determined through expert panel seminars and expert questionnaire survey method （Delphi method）. Chemical drugs， biological agents， and Chinese patent medicines marketed in China that met the selecti on principles were screened to form the Chinese Expert Consensus on the Hazardous Drug List . RESULTS Five principles for selecting hazardous drugs were established （including protective labeling in package inserts， carcinogenicity， reproductive toxicity， genotoxicity， and organ toxicity at low doses）， along with the corresponding evidence confirmation criteria. The Hazardous Drug List containing 210 drugs was formulated， covering anti-tumor drugs， endocrine system drugs， nervous system drugs， immunomodulators， anti-infective drugs， cardiovascular system drugs， hematological system drugs， urinary system drugs， obstetrics and gynecology drugs， dermatological drugs and other categories. Compared with international hazardous drug lists， 25 newly included hazardous drugs were added， including 15 anti-tumor drugs， 6 Chinese patent medicines and 4 biological agents. In addition， 88 Chinese patent medicines that may have potential occupational exposure risks are listed in the appendix for reference by medical institutions in management. CONCLUSIONS The development of this consensus closely aligns with the actual clinical drug use in China， with a scientific and rigorous methodology， and can serve as a reference for medical institutions at all levels to standardize the management of hazardous drugs and prevent and control occupational exposure risks.

Objective To explore the polymorphism of tyrosinase (TYR) and melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) genes and their mRNA expression levels in relation to coat-color phenotypes in guinea pigs, providing genetic markers for locating dominant traits in guinea pigs. Methods A total of 57 self-bred ordinary-level guinea pigs were selected and divided into three groups based on coat color: white (n=22), variegated (n=22) and black (n=13). The guinea pigs were euthanized with an overdose of pentobarbital sodium via intraperitoneal injection. DNA was then extracted from the dorsal skin tissue. Polymorphism in the coding sequence (CDS) of the exons of the TYR and MC1R genes in each group was detected by cloning and sequencing. The mRNA expression of the two genes in skin tissues was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR to investigate the relationship between these genes and guinea pig coat color. Results A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) site was found in the CDS region of TYR exon Ⅰ, where the base A was replaced by G. All white guinea pigs had the G/G genotype for TYR, while no deep-colored (variegated and black) guinea pigs exhibited the G/G genotype for TYR. Most deep-colored guinea pigs had the A/A genotype, and a few had A/G genotype. The A/A genotype frequency in black guinea pigs was higher than in variegated guinea pigs. A 2 760 bp sequence deletion was identified in the exon of the MC1R gene, marked as the - gene, with non-deleted samples marked as N gene. Most white guinea pigs had the -/- genotype for MC1R, variegated guinea pigs mainly had the -/N genotype, and black guinea pigs mainly had the N/N genotype, with a few showing the -/N. The TYR gene expression level was higher in white guinea pigs, lower in variegated guinea pigs, and intermediate in black guinea pigs, but there was no significant difference among the three groups (P>0.05). The MC1R gene expression level in white guinea pigs was extremely low, while both variegated and black guinea pigs showed significantly higher levels than white guinea pigs (P<0.01). Black guinea pigs showed significantly higher levels than variegated guinea pigs (P<0.05). ConclusionThe TYR and MC1R genes synergistically regulate coat color of guinea pigs. The G-site mutation in the TYR gene may lead to albinism, and the change of N-site in the MC1R gene affects the depth of the coat color.

Process analytical technology(PAT) is a key means for digital transformation and upgrading of the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) manufacturing process, serving as an important guarantee for consistent and controllable TCM product quality. Near-infrared(NIR) spectroscopy has become the core technology for measuring the TCM manufacturing process. By incorporating NIR spectroscopy into PAT and starting from the construction of a smart platform for the TCM manufacturing process, this paper systematically described the development history and innovative application of the combination of NIR spectroscopy with chemometrics in measuring the TCM manufacturing process by the research team over the past two decades. Additionally, it explored the application of a validation method based on accuracy profile(AP) in the practice of NIR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the software development progress driven by NIR spectroscopy supported by modeling technology was analyzed, and the prospect of integrating NIR spectroscopy in smart factory control platforms was exemplified with the construction practices of related platforms. By integrating with the smart platform, NIR spectroscopy could improve production efficiency and guarantee product quality. Finally, the prospect of the smart platform application in measuring the TCM manufacturing process was projected. It is believed that the software development for NIR spectroscopy and the smart manufacturing platform will provide strong technical support for TCM digitalization and industrialization.
Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared/methods* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/analysis* ; Software ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Quality Control

The quality of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is a critical foundation for ensuring the stability of its efficacy, as well as the safety and effectiveness of its clinical use. The identification of critical quality attributes(CQAs) is one of the core components of TCM preparation quality control. This study focuses on Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets and explores their CQAs related to property and flavor from the perspective of taste receptor proteins. Three taste receptor proteins, T1R2, T1R3, and TRPV1, were selected, and a biosensor based on high-electron-mobility transistor(HEMT) was constructed to detect the interactions between Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets and taste receptor proteins. Simultaneously, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS) technology was used to analyze the chemical composition of Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets. In examining the interaction strength, the results indicated that the interaction between Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets and TRPV1 protein was the strongest, followed by T1R3, with the interaction with T1R2 being relatively weaker. By combining biosensing technology with LC-MS, 16 chemical components were identified from Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets, among which six were selected as CQAs for sweetness and seven for pungency. Further validation experiments demonstrated that CQAs such as hesperidin and hesperetin had strong interactions with their corresponding taste receptor proteins. Through the combined use of multiple technological approaches, this study successfully determined the property and flavor-related CQAs of Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets. It provides novel ideas and approach for the identification of CQAs in TCM preparations and offers comprehensive theoretical support for TCM quality control, contributing to the improvement and development of TCM preparation quality control systems.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Biosensing Techniques/methods* ; TRPV Cation Channels/chemistry* ; Tablets/chemistry* ; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics* ; Quality Control ; Taste ; Humans ; Mass Spectrometry

This study established the HPLC fingerprints, characteristic chromatograms, and a multi-component content determination method for Bidens bipinnata and B. biternata. The chemical pattern recognition analysis was then employed to clarify the characteristic indexes of quality differences between the two original plants of Bidentis Herba, providing a reference for establishing the quality standards of Bidentis Herba. HPLC was launched on an Agilent Poroshell 120 EC-C_(18) chromatographic column(4.6 mm×250 mm, 4 μm) by gradient elution with a mobile phase of 0.1% aqueous phosphoric acid-acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.7 mL·min~(-1), detection wavelength of 270 nm, column temperature of 25 ℃, and an injection volume of 5 μL. The similarity between the fingerprints of 18 batches of Bidentis Herba samples and the common pattern(R) ranged from 0.572 to 0.933. A total of 23 chromatographic peaks were calibrated. Through comparison with the reference substances, six components(neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid B, rutin, and hyperoside) were identified and subjected to quantitative analysis. The characteristic fingerprints of B. bipinnata and B. biternata were calibrated with 20 and 17 characteristic peaks, respectively. Among them, peaks 8, 9, 22, and 23 were the characteristic peaks of B. bipinnata, and peak 7 was the characteristic peak of B. biternata, which can be used to distinguish the two original plants of Bidentis Herba. The relative standard deviation of the content of the above-mentioned six components ranged from 36% to 123%. The cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) classified the 18 batches of Bidentis Herba samples into two categories. Additionally, through the analysis of variable importance in projection(VIP) under OPLS-DA, three characteristic indexes, rutin, isochlorogenic acid A, and isochlorogenic acid B, were identified. The analytical method established in this study can comprehensively evaluate the consistency of Bidentis Herba samples derived from different original plants, specifically identify the differential components between them, and effectively distinguish the two original plants of Bidentis Herba, providing a basis for the differentiation between different original plants and the quality control of Bidentis Herba.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Quality Control ; Bidens/chemistry*

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of bone acupuncture in improving pain and function in degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) and compare it with Jiaji acupuncture. METHODS: From January to December 2023, 80 DLSS patients were treated with acupuncture and divided into bone acupuncture and Jiaji acupuncture groups. Among them, 40 patients in the bone acupuncture group included 15 males and 25 females, with a mean age of (60.60±6.98) years old;anthor 40 patients in the Jiaji acupuncture group included 16 males and 24 females, with a mean age of (61.48±9.55) years old. The Roland Morris disability questionnaire(RMDQ), walking distance, visual analogue scale(VAS), and the MOS item short from health survey(SF-36) of two groups at baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks post-treatment were compared. RESULTS: Eighty patients were followed up for 3 to 5 months with an average of (3.62±0.59) months. There was no significant differences in general data and the scores before treatment between two groups(P>0.05). The RMDQ scores in both groups decreased significantly at 2, 4 and 12 weeks after treatment compared with before treatment(P<0.05), at each time point after treatment, the decrease was more significant in the bone acupuncture group than in the Jiaji acupuncture group(P<0.05). The VAS of waist and leg in both groups was significantly lower at 2, 4 and 12 weeks after treatment that before treatment(P<0.05). At all time points after treatment, the waist VAS in the bone acupuncture group was reduced more significant than in the Jiaji acupuncture group(P<0.05);there was no significant difference in leg VAS at 2 and 12 weeks after treatment between two groups(P>0.05), the improvement was more significant in the bone acupuncture group in the 4 weeks after treatment than in the Jiaji acupuncture group. The SF-36 scores in both groups were significantly higher at 2, 4, and 12 weeks after treatment than before treatment(P<0.05);the SF-36 score raised more significant in the bone acupuncture group than in the Jiaji acupunture group(P<0.05). No significant difference in the walking distance between two groups at 2 weeks after treatment(P>0.05);the walking distance in the bone acupuncture group was significantly higher than that in the Jiaji acupuncture group at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment(P<0.05). CONCLUSION Bone-penetrating acupuncture moderately improves functional impairment, pain, and quality of life in patients with DLSS, showing better efficacy than Jiaji acupuncture.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Spinal Stenosis/physiopathology* ; Aged ; Lumbar Vertebrae/physiopathology* ; Pain Management

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of automatic pressure-controlled pressure cupping in patients with lumbar disc herniation, and compare it with traditional cupping. METHODS: A total of 100 patients diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation from January 2022 to August 2024 were selected and divided into two groups:the automatic pressure-controlled pressure cupping group (controlled pressure cupping group) and the traditional cupping group (control group), 50 cases in each group. In the controlled pressure cupping group, there were 18 males and 32 females, with an age of (51.98±12.69) years;in the control group, there were 16 males and 34 females, with an age of (51.32±12.05) years. The visual analogue scale(VAS), comfort score, and lumbar range of motion were observed before treatment and after the 1st, 3rd, and 7th treatments to evaluate the efficacy and safety. RESULTS: All patients completed the treatment intervention, with complete follow-up data collected. No adverse reactions or complications occurred during treatment and follow-up. After the 3rd treatment, the VAS score of the controlled pressure cupping group was (2.38±0.49), which was lower than that of the control group (2.94±0.68), with a statistically significant difference (P<0.001). In the controlled pressure cupping group, the VAS scores after the 1st, 3rd, and 7th treatments were significantly better than those before treatment (P=0.026);in the control group, the VAS scores after the 3rd and 7th treatments were better than those before treatment, but the difference was not statistically significant(P=0.182). Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) on VAS scores at different time points in both groups showed that there were statistically significant differences in inter-group, time, and interaction effects (P<0.05). After the 1st treatment, in the controlled pressure cupping group, 0 patients felt comfortable, 42 patients (84%) felt mild discomfort, and 8 patients (16%) felt moderate discomfort;in the control group, 0 patients felt comfortable, 28 patients (56%) felt mild discomfort, and 22 patients(44%) felt moderate discomfort;the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P=0.005). After the 3rd treatment, in the controlled pressure cupping group, 30 patients(60%) felt comfortable, 20 patients (40%) felt mild discomfort, and 0 patients felt moderate discomfort; in the control group, 9 patients (18%) felt comfortable, 41 patients (82%) felt mild discomfort, and 0 patients felt moderate discomfort;the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in comfort between the two groups after the 7th treatment(P>0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in lumbar range of motion between the two groups before and after treatment(P>0.05);compared with before treatment, the lumbar range of motion of both groups after treatment was significantly improved, with statistically significant differences (P<0.001). CONCLUSION Automatic pressure-controlled pressure cupping can effectively relieve symptoms in patients with lumbar disc herniation, with excellent safety.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement/physiopathology* ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Lumbar Vertebrae/physiopathology* ; Cupping Therapy/methods* ; Pressure ; Aged ; Treatment Outcome

Lung cancer is the most common malignant tumor worldwide, ranking first in both incidence and mortality rates. According to the latest statistics from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), approximately 2.5 million new cases and around 1.8 million deaths from lung cancer occurred in 2022, placing a tremendous burden on global healthcare systems. The high mortality rate of lung cancer is closely linked to its subtle early symptoms, which often lead to diagnosis at advanced stages. This not only complicates treatment but also results in substantial economic losses. Current treatment options for lung cancer include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy. Among these, immunotherapy has emerged as the most groundbreaking advancement in recent years, owing to its unique antitumor mechanisms and impressive clinical benefits. Unlike traditional therapies such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, immunotherapy activates or enhances the patient’s immune system to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. It offers advantages such as more durable therapeutic effects and relatively fewer toxic side effects. The main approaches to lung cancer immunotherapy include immune checkpoint inhibitors, tumor-specific antigen-targeted therapies, adoptive cell therapies, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic virus therapies. Among these, immune checkpoint inhibitors and tumor-specific antigen-targeted therapies have received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use in lung cancer, significantly improving outcomes for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Although other immunotherapy strategies are still in clinical trials, they show great potential in improving treatment precision and efficacy. This article systematically reviews the latest research progress in lung cancer immunotherapy, including the development of novel immune checkpoint molecules, optimization of treatment strategies, identification of predictive biomarkers, and findings from recent clinical trials. It also discusses the current challenges in the field and outlines future directions, such as the development of next-generation immunotherapeutic agents, exploration of more effective combination regimens, and the establishment of precise efficacy prediction systems. The aim is to provide a valuable reference for the continued advancement of lung cancer immunotherapy.