The chemical constituents were systematically separated from the roots of Berberis polyantha by various chromatographic methods, including silica gel column chromatography, HP20 column chromatography, polyamide column chromatography, reversed-phase C_(18) column chromatography, and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. The structures of the compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectroscopic techniques(1D NMR, 2D NMR, UV, MS, and CD). Four phenylpropanoids were isolated from the methanol extract of the roots of B. polyantha, and they were identified as(2R)-1-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-propanone-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(1), methyl 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzoate(2),(+)-syringaresinol(3), and syringaresinol-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(4). Compound 1 was a new compound, and other compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time. The anti-inflammatory activity of these compounds was evaluated based on the release of nitric oxide(NO) in the culture of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. At a concentration of 10 μmol·L~(-1), all the four compounds inhibited the LPS-induced release of NO in RAW264.7 cells, demonstrating potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Plant Roots/chemistry* ; Animals ; Mice ; Berberis/chemistry* ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; Macrophages/immunology* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification* ; Nitric Oxide/metabolism* ; Molecular Structure ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/isolation & purification*

BACKGROUND: Early control of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is crucial for reducing the progress of cardiovascular disease. However, its additional role to the risk of primary osteoporosis in men with coronary heart disease was inconclusive. Our study aims to determine the association of LDL-C and its trajectories for osteoporosis risk in the middle-aged and aged men of China. METHODS: The retrospective cohort study of 1546 men aged 69.74 ± 11.30 years conducted in Beijing, China from 2015 to 2022. And the incidence of primary osteoporosis was annually recorded. LDL-C trajectories were further identified by latent class growth model using repeated measurements of LDL-C. The association of baseline LDL-C for osteoporosis was estimated using hazard ratio (HR) with 95% CI in Cox proportional hazard model, while mean level and trajectories of LDL-C for osteoporosis were evaluated using odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI in logistic regression model. RESULTS: During the median 6.2-year follow-up period, 70 men developed primary osteoporosis. The higher level of baseline LDL-C (HR = 1.539, 95% CI: 1.012-2.342) and mean LDL-C (OR = 2.190, 95% CI: 1.443-3.324) were associated with higher risk of osteoporosis in men with coronary heart disease after adjusted for covariates. Compared with those in the LDL-C trajectory of low-stable decrease, participants with medium-fluctuant trajectory, whose longitudinal LDL-C started with a medium LDL-C level and appeared an increase and then decrease, were negatively associated with osteoporosis risk (OR = 2.451, 95% CI: 1.152-5.216). And participants with initially high LDL-C level and then a rapid decrease demonstrated a tendency towards reduced risk (OR = 0.718, 95% CI: 0.212-2.437). CONCLUSIONS Elevated LDL-C level and its long-term fluctuation may increase the risk of primary osteoporosis in men. Early controlling a stable level of LDL-C is also essential for bone health.

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is an inherited disease caused by a deficiency of the enzyme arylsulfatase A (ARSA). Lentivirus-modified autologous hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy (HSCGT) has recently been approved for clinical use in pre and early symptomatic children with MLD to increase ARSA activity. Unfortunately, this advanced therapy is not available for most patients with MLD who have progressed to more advanced symptomatic stages at diagnosis. Patients with late-onset juvenile MLD typically present with a slower neurological progression of symptoms and represent a significant burden to the economy and healthcare system, whereas those with early onset infantile MLD die within a few years of symptom onset. We conducted a pilot study to determine the safety and benefit of HSCGT in patients with postsymptomatic juvenile MLD and report preliminary results. The safety profile of HSCGT was favorable in this long-term follow-up over 9 years. The most common adverse events (AEs) within 2 months of HSCGT were related to busulfan conditioning, and all AEs resolved. No HSCGT-related AEs and no evidence of distorted hematopoietic differentiation during long-term follow-up for up to 9.6 years. Importantly, to date, patients have maintained remarkably improved ARSA activity with a stable disease state, including increased Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score and decreased magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesion score. This long-term follow-up pilot study suggests that HSCGT is safe and provides clinical benefit to patients with postsymptomatic juvenile MLD.
Humans ; Leukodystrophy, Metachromatic/genetics* ; Pilot Projects ; Genetic Therapy/methods* ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Male ; Follow-Up Studies ; Female ; Lentivirus/genetics* ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Cerebroside-Sulfatase/metabolism* ; Adolescent

OBJECTIVE: The concept of constitution in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been increasingly recognized as a crucial factor in both the prevention and treatment of insomnia. However, rigorous statistical evidence on the correlation between TCM constitutions-particularly mixed constitutions-and insomnia disorder remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the association between specific TCM constitutions and insomnia disorder. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Preventive Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai, from November 2022 to December 2023. TCM constitutions were assessed using the Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire. Insomnia disorder was diagnosed by experienced internal medicine physicians according to the criteria of the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, Third Edition. A total of 1065 eligible participants (242 with insomnia disorder and 823 controls) were included in the final analysis. RESULTS: Among the participants, 862 (80.94%) exhibited biased constitutions, with 75.30% of these having mixed constitutions. Logistic regression analysis revealed a negative association between the gentleness constitution and insomnia disorder, whereas qi-deficiency, yang-deficiency, phlegm-dampness and qi-depression constitutions were positively associated with insomnia disorder. These associations remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders and were further validated through sensitivity analysis using propensity score matching. CONCLUSION Significant associations between TCM constitutions and insomnia disorder were demonstrated. Future research should further investigate these relationships and explore the underlying mechanisms through rigorous longitudinal and interventional studies to improve understanding and clinical applications. Please cite this article as: Han Y, Wang Y, Shi MY, Liu Y, Cheng XD, Zhou Y. Integrating traditional Chinese medicine constitutions into insomnia management: Findings from a cross-sectional study. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(4): 382-389.
Humans ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/therapy* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Aged ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Objective: To investigate the scientific research capacity building of administrative offices of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCs) across 31 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities), the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, and 5 separately listed cities in China, so as to provide the reference for improving the positioning of office functions and promoting the enhancement of scientific research capabilities. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted among heads and staff members of administrative offices in 37 CDCs. Data on office setup, general information, staffing, scientific research incentive measures and outputs were collected and analyzed. Results: The 37 administrative offices of the CDCs had an average authorized staffing size of 12 personnel. There were 17 of them setting independently allocated budgets. A total of 511 staff members were surveyed, comprising 238 males and 273 females, resulting in a male-to-female ratio of 0.87∶1. In terms of educational attainment, the majority held bachelor's degrees (225 individuals, 44.03%) or master's degrees and above (157 individuals, 30.72%). Professional technical personnel constituted the main occupational category, 302 individuals accounting for 59.10%. Intermediate professional titles were most common, 138 individuals accounting for 27.00%. From 2021 to 2023, a total of 68 research incentive measures have been implemented, and 579 personnel have received further training. These offices cumulatively led or participated in 80 scientific research projects and published 253 papers. Sixteen offices reported 10 and above scientific research outputs. These offices generally exhibited higher proportions of independently allocated budgets, greater numbers of senior professional titles, more staff with master's degrees or above, more implemented research incentive measures, and higher frequencies of staff further trainings. Conclusions The staff in the administrative offices of CDCs generally have a high level of educational attainment and include a significant number of professional technical personnel. However, their scientific research capacity remains relatively underdeveloped. It is recommended to conduct targeted professional training and research-focused lectures to enhance research literacy, leverage the strengths of multidisciplinary backgrounds, and promote cross-departmental and cross-institutional scientific research activities.

Humans ; Nephrotic Syndrome ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Tissue Donors ; Transplantation Conditioning ; Graft vs Host Disease

Objective A serum proteomic approach was used to explore the targets of action of Peitu Qingxin Granules(composed of Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae,Forsythiae Fructus,Imperatae Rhizoma,Pseudostellariae Radix,etc.)in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.Methods Five patients with atopic dermatitis were selected and treated with Peitu Qingxin Granules for 12 weeks,and five healthy volunteers were used as controls.The clinical core evaluation indexes of atopic dermatitis patients after treatment,including Eczema Area and Severity Index/Scoring Atopic Dermatitis(EASI/SCORAD),Pruritus Score,Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure(POEM),and quality of life index,were assessed.Serum samples were examined using data-independent acquisition-mass spectrometry(DIA-MS)technology,and serum differential proteins between atopic dermatitis patients and healthy people,as well as serum differential proteins in atopic dermatitis patients before and after treatment with Peitu Qingxin Granules were screened according to P＜0.05 and Fold Change>1.2.GO function enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed on the differential proteins.Results(1)Compared with the pre-treatment period,the clinical core evaluation indexes of patients with atopic dermatitis,including the EASI/SCORAD,Pruritus Score,POEM,and quality-of-life index,were significantly improved after treatment,and the differences were all statistically significant(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).(2)A total of 28 differential proteins were analyzed in the healthy control group and atopic dermatitis group,of which 12 proteins expressions were increased and 16 proteins were decreased,including ALAD(δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydrogenase),LTA4H(leukotriene A-4 hydrolase),CA1(carbonic anhydrase 1),F11(coagulation factor XI),and LCP1(lymphocyte cytoplasmic protein 1),etc..The main signaling pathways involved are PI3K-AKT signaling pathway,lipids and atherosclerosis,ECM-receptor interaction,platelet activation,NF-κB signaling pathway,and neutrophil extracellular trap formation.(3)A total of 12 different proteins were analyzed in atopic dermatitis patients before and after treatment with Peitu Qingxin Granules,of which 8 proteins were increased and 4 proteins were decreased,including ALAD,FGA(fibrinogen α-chain),IGHV3-64D,and IGHV3-38.They were mainly involved in signaling pathways such as lipids and atherosclerosis,complement pathway,Staphylococcus aureus infection,NF-κB signaling pathway,fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis.(4)The expressions of three protein targets including ALAD,FGA and IGHV3-64D,were significantly down-regulated in patients with atopic dermatitis and significantly up-regulated after treatment with Peitu Qingxin Granules.Conclusion The differentially expressed proteins ALAD,FGA and IGHV3-64D may be the action targets of Peitu Qingxin Granules in the treatment of atopic dermatitis,which lays the foundation for further experimental validation.

Objective To analyze the incidence of prehypertension (PHTN) and hypertension of male workers in a coal mine and investigate the influencing factors. Methods A total of 10 155 male workers in a coal mine in Shanxi Province were selected as the study subjects using the judgment sampling method. Occupational medical examination was carried out to examine the prevalence of abnormal blood pressure (including PHTN and hypertension) and its influencing factors. Results The prevalence of abnormal blood pressure was 69.9%, with a PHTN prevalence of 44.2% and a hypertension prevalence of 25.7%. The results of multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of PHTN and hypertension increased with age, drinking frequency and body mass index (all P<0.05). Workers with a pulse rate≥100 times/min had a higher risk of PHTN and hypertension than those with a pulse rate of 60-100 times/min (all P<0.05). The risk of PHTN and hypertension in workers exposed to noise, silica dust or other dust was higher than those without such occupational hazard exposure (all P<0.05). The risk of hypertension in workers with abnormal blood glucose was higher than that in workers with normal blood glucose (P<0.05). Exposure to organic solvents was associated with a higher risk of hypertension (P<0.05). Conclusion The prevalence of PHTN and hypertension among male coal miners in this mine is relatively high. The individual factors such as age, alcohol consumption, pulse rate, and body mass index, along with occupational exposure factors such as noise, silica dust, and other dusts, are influencing factors for PHTN and hypertension.

Objective To understand the current status and influencing factors of patient perception for humanistic care in China hospitals,and to provide a basis for developing nursing humanistic care measures and improving the quality of nursing humanistic care services.Methods A total of 30,099 outpatients and inpatients from 107 hospitals in 30 provinces(autonomous regions and municipalities)from July to August 2022 as survey subjects.A general information questionnaire and the Relational Caring Questionnaire-Patient Form were used for a cross-sectional survey,and a single-factor analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of patient relationship care.Results Finally,29 108 valid questionnaires were collected,and the effective questionnaire recovery rate was 96.7％.The patient evaluation of relationship care was(65.72±8.61)points.Single-factor analysis showed that gender,age,marital status,children's situation,education level,occupation,place of residence,average family income,medical insurance type,visiting department,and location of the visiting hospital,and whether or not surgery were influencing factors of patient relationship care(P＜0.05).Conclusion The evaluation score of caregiver-patient relationship care among Chinese hospital patients is above average,but there is still room for improvement in western and rural regions,seriously ill and outpatient patients,low-income and low-medical insurance reimbursement populations,and non-surgical patients.Medical institutions at all levels should optimize and improve nursing humanistic care services based on influencing factors,and further enhance patients'perception of nursing humanistic care.