1. Exploration and Practice of a Generative AI-assisted Four-dimensional Integration Platform of “Teaching, Learning, Evaluation, and Research” for The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Courses
Pan CHEN ; Yang XI ; Xiao-Feng JIN ; De-Sen SUN ; Qiang CHEN ; Jun-Ming GUO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):789-800
ObjectiveBiochemistry and Molecular Biology, a discipline that elucidates life phenomena at the molecular level, serves as a core foundational course in medical education. It provides the theoretical basis for studying other basic and clinical medical subjects, as well as for understanding pathogenesis, disease diagnosis, and treatment. However, its complex content and highly abstract concepts have posed a dual challenge to traditional teaching models: “inefficient instruction” and “inadequate learning outcomes”. Within limited classroom hours, how to engage students and stimulate their intrinsic motivation, and how to help them recognize, understand, and develop a passion for biochemistry from the perspective of the discipline’s essence, have long been key focuses of curriculum research. MethodsUsing the lipid metabolism chapter as an example, this study employs “Rain Classroom”, a generative artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted platform, to support education in four dimensions: teaching, learning, evaluation, and research. In teaching, it assists instructors through virtual experiments, lesson preparation support, knowledge mapping, and assignment design. For learning, it serves as an intelligent study assistant for students, providing automated assignment review, enabling educational resource sharing, and facilitating personalized learning pathways. In evaluation, the platform automates assignment grading, analyzes student performance data, and offers diagnostic feedback and teaching recommendations. In research, it aids educators in collecting and analyzing teaching data, as well as searching for and summarizing relevant literature. ResultsThe results indicate that an educational model integrating teacher-led instruction, student-centered learning, and generative AI assistance significantly enhances teaching quality, students’ self-directed learning abilities, and knowledge mastery. Furthermore, with the support of generative AI, curriculum-based ideological education—focusing on cutting-edge disciplinary advances and topical medical issues—helps cultivate students’ medical spirit of “honoring life and healing the wounded”, thereby fostering the establishment of appropriate professional values. Finally, while generative AI presents both opportunities and challenges for higher education, this study also analyzes potential risks in its teaching applications, emphasizing the need for both instructors and students to avoid over-reliance and to ensure that technological tools consistently serve the fundamental goals of education. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that integrating generative AI, specifically via the “Rain Classroom” platform, can effectively enhance biochemistry education. By supporting teaching, learning, evaluation, and research, this approach improves both educational effectiveness and student outcomes. It also facilitates the incorporation of cutting-edge knowledge and professional ethics, nurturing a patient-centered mindset. Additionally, the study addresses potential implementation risks to ensure that such technological tools remain aligned with the core purpose of education.
2.Effects of Yishen paidu formula on renal fibrosis in rats with chronic renal failure by regulating the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway
Li FENG ; Bowen PENG ; Bin PENG ; Xue FENG ; Shuangyi ZHU ; Wei XIONG ; Xi HU ; Xiaohui SUN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):174-179
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanism of the Yishen paidu formula on renal fibrosis in rats with chronic renal failure (CRF) through the reactive oxygen species (ROS)/thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP)/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) pathway. METHODS Rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, Yishen paidu formula low-dose (Yishen paidu formula-L) group, Yishen paidu formula high-dose (Yishen paidu formula- H) group, Yishen paidu formula-H+pcDNA-NC group, and Yishen paidu formula-H+ pcDNA-TXNIP group, with 10 rats in each group. Except for control group, all other rats were fed a diet containing 0.5% adenine to establish a CRF model; the rats were then administered corresponding drugs or normal saline intragastrically or via tail vein, once daily, for 8 consecutive weeks. After the last administration, the levels of serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), ROS, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β were measured in each group. Pathological changes in renal tissue were observed, and the protein expression levels of Collagen Ⅲ, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), TXNIP and NLRP3 in renal tissue were detected. RESULTS Compared with model group, the renal histopathological damage and fibrosis of rats in Yishen paidu formula-L group and Yishen paidu formula-H group were significantly alleviated. The levels of Scr, BUN, ROS, MDA, TNF- α, IL-6 and IL-1β, and the protein expressions of Collagen Ⅲ, α-SMA, TGF-β1, TXNIP and NLRP3 were significantly decreased, while SOD levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). Moreover, the changes were more pronounced in the Yishen paidu formula-H group (P<0.05). Compared with Yishen paidu formula-H+pcDNA-NC group, above indexes of rats in Yishen paidu formula-H+pcDNA-TXNIP group were reversed significantly (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Yishen paidu formula can inhibit renal fibrosis in CRF rats by suppressing the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway.
3.Investigation and health risk assessment of microbial contamination of indoor air in public places in Xi'an City
Dong LIU ; Fan GAO ; Feng ZHANG ; Ping LIU ; Ling CHANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):78-82
Objective To investigate the microbial contamination and its influencing factors of indoor air in public places in Xi'an City, to assess the health risk of employees, and to provide a scientific basis for improving the indoor environment of public places. Methods Total bacterial count and total fungal count in indoor air were monitored in hotels/inns, shopping malls/supermarkets, gyms, and waiting rooms in Xi'an from 2023 to 2024. The health risk assessment of employees was evaluated according to the Chinese Population Exposure Parameters Manual (Adult Volume). Results Overall, the standard-exceeding rate of total bacterial count in Xi'an was 3.85%, and the median values of total bacterial count and total fungal count were 350 CFU/m3 and 300 CFU/m3, respectively. The results of the generalized linear model showed that high indoor temperature and PM10 levels were associated with increased indoor bacterial concentrations (β>0, P<0.05), while high daily passenger flow, and high indoor relative humidity and PM10 levels were associated with increased indoor fungal concentrations (β>0, P<0.05). The multivariate logistic regression showed that high levels of indoor bacterial and fungal concentrations were risk factors for respiratory discomfort among employees. The hazard quotient (HQ) values for all types of public places were less than 1, indicating that the health risk of microbial aerosol exposures for employees was relatively low. Conclusion The indoor microbial pollution in public places in Xi'an is relatively mild, but countermeasures still need to be taken to reduce indoor air microbial contamination.
4.Analysis of co-occurrence patterns of common mental health issues among college students
YAN Yulin, LUO Miyang, LUO Jiayou, MA Suiyi, LI Jia, CHEN Xi, WANG Feng, LIU Hao
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):379-383
Objective:
The cross sectional study aimed to identify predominant co-occurrence patterns among six common mental health issues in college students, so as to provide empirical basis for designing targeted interventions.
Methods:
From October 2024, a total of 9 837 students from 4 universities in Xiangtan City, Hunan Province, participated in the current study by multistage random cluster sampling method. Participants completed self report measures, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 item Scale (GAD-7), Young s Internet Addiction Diagnostic Questionnaire, the Adolescent Insomnia Symptom Self rating Scale, the Ottawa Self injury Inventory, and the Brief Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences Questionnaire. Demographic and co-occurrence characteristics were first compared using Chi square or trend Chi-square tests, followed by application of the Apriori algorithm to mine association rules for primary co-occurrence patterns.
Results:
The detection rate of co-occuring the common mental health issues was 46.44%. The detection rate was significantly higher in female than in male students (50.42%, 43.61%; χ 2=44.46) and in students from rural versus urban areas (47.22%, 44.60%; χ 2=5.67) (both P <0.05). Significant differences were observed among freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors (46.63%, 48.35%, 45.05% , 43.66%, respectively; χ 2=9.22, P <0.05), although no statistically significant trend was detected ( χ 2 trend =3.75, P = 0.05 ). Association rule mining identified “anxiety + depression” “anxiety + psychotic experiences + depression” and “anxiety + sleep disorder + depression” as the combinations with the highest support. In addition, “anxiety+depression+Internet addiction+psychotic experiences =>sleep disorder (>= refered to the occurrence of the latter item under the condition that the former item occurs)” and “anxiety + depression+Internet addiction=>sleep disorder” were combinations with relatively high confidence.
Conclusions
Co-occurrence of these mental health issues among college students is high and exhibits diverse patterns. Strategies to address this burden should prioritize integrated interventions that target these specific combinations of factors.
5.Exploration of the "Wisdom-Transmission-Modeling-Linkage" Intelligent Inheritance Model for the Academic Thoughts and Clinical Experience of Famous Chinese Medicine Practitioners
Qiuping CHEN ; Hang ZHOU ; Ju CHEN ; Chongcheng XI ; Baixue LI ; Quansheng FENG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(14):1419-1423
As traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) culture evolves, the academic thoughts of these practitioners, being a core component of TCM inheritance, are gradually shifting from traditional models to digital and intelligent approaches. However, this process faces challenges, including insufficient standardization of data collection and processing, low inheritance efficiency, and the risk of inheritance alienation. To address these issues, this paper proposed the construction of an intelligent platform following the "intelligence-transmission-modeling-linkage" path. "Intelligence" involves using smart perception technologies to accurately collect and classify diagnostic and therapeutic information from famous TCM practitioners, laying the foundation for digital inheritance; "transmission" focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence to mine and inherit the clinical experience of famous TCM practitioners, thereby establishing a "regional academic schools+group commonality" dynamic inheritance system; "modeling" integrates the academic thoughts and advantageous diseases of multiple schools to develop intelligent diagnostic and therapeutic models of famous TCM practitioners, resulting in personalized treatment plans; "linkage" involves constructing a clinical decision support system of famous TCM practitioners by integrating blockchain and generative intelligence, creating an AI digital avatar of TCM diagnostic and therapeutic knowledge. The "intelligence-transmission-modeling-linkage" intelligent inheritance model not only provides new ideas for the digital inheritance of TCM academic schools, but also offers strong support for the modernization and internationalization of TCM.
6.Antibody threshold and demographic characteristics of low-titer group O whole blood donors in Jiangsu
Tao FENG ; Rui ZHU ; Wenjia HU ; Ling MA ; Hong LIN ; Xi YU ; Chun ZHOU ; Nizhen JIANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(9):1225-1229
Objective: To investigate the distribution of IgM anti-A/B titers among group O whole blood donors in Jiangsu, establish a low-titer threshold, and analyze the demographic characteristics of low-titer donors, so as to provide data for recruiting low-titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) donors. Methods: Plasma samples from 1 009 group O whole blood donors were tested for IgM anti-A and anti-B titers using the microplate technique. The distribution of antibody titers was analyzed to establish a low-titer threshold. The distribution trends of titers across different demographic groups were also analyzed. Results: The peak titer for anti-A, anti-B were 64 (31.5%), 4 (23.8%), respectively, The proportion of donors with both anti-A and anti-B titers below 64 was 97.3% (982/1 009). The mean anti-A titer was higher than anti-B titer. Anti-A titers were higher in female donors than in male donors (P<0.05). The anti-A titers differed significantly among different age groups (P<0.05). However, no significant difference in titers was observed based on the number of donations (P>0.05). Conclusion: A titer of 64 can be used as the reference threshold of LTOWB in Jiangsu. Male donors of appropriate age are more suitable than female donors for establishing an emergency panel of LTOWB mobile donors.
7.Analysis on Formation Mechanism of Self-precipitation in Process of Compound Decoction of Famous Classical Formula Sinitang
Meihui LI ; Xi FENG ; Xinyu LUO ; Juehan ZHOU ; Yunya HUANG ; Shuhan LI ; Yanfen CHENG ; Shu FU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):145-152
ObjectiveTo explore the main mechanism of self-precipitation formed during the decoction of Sinitang(SNT), and to provide a research basis for exploring the differences in the toxic and effective components of this compound. MethodsThe average precipitation yields of SNT, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma(GRR)-Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata(ALRP) decoction(GF), ALRP-Zingiberis Rhizoma(ZR) decoction(FJ), GRR-ZR decoction(GJD), ALRP decoction(FZ), ZR decoction(GJ) and GRR decoction(GC) were determined. The four main self-precipitation samples of SNT, GF, FZ and GC were physically characterized by particle size, scanning electron microscopy(SEM), pH, total dissolved solids(TDS), conductivity, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR) analysis. The chemical compositions of SNT decoction and its different phases was identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS) for SNT, SNT self-precipitation and SNT supernatant, and the contents of its main toxic and effective components were determined by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). ResultsPrecipitation yield results of the 7 samples of SNT decoction and single decoction showed that SNT had the highest self-precipitation yield. The formation of SNT self-precipitation was mainly related to the reaction between ALRP and GRR components to form complexes, and FT-IR showed that GRR had the greatest influence on the formation of self-precipitation. A total of 110 components were identified in the SNT decoction, including 100 components in the SNT self-precipitation and 106 components in the SNT supernatant. And quantitative results of the main toxic and effective components revealed that the reaction between ALRP and GRR components formed complexes, resulting in the following content hierarchy for free components:SNT decoctionsupernatantself-precipitation, these components included free liquiritin, benzoylmesaconine, benzoylaconitine, benzoylhypacoitine, liquiritigenin, aconitine, hypoaconitine, isoliquiritigenin and ammonium glycyrrhizinate. ConclusionSNT exhibits spontaneous precipitation during compound decoction, with GRR exerting the greatest influence on its formation. This suggests GRR plays a significant role in the detoxification of SNT. The differences in the self-precipitated toxic-effective components of SNT compound decoction primarily manifest as changes in component content, reflecting the characteristics of SNT "deposition in vitro and sustained release in vivo" and the importance of "administered at draught" in the clinical application of SNT.
8.Research progress in chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Abelmoschi Corolla and prediction of its quality markers.
Shi-Han GUAN ; Chang LIU ; Xiao-Tong YAN ; Jin-Wei HAN ; Feng-Ting YIN ; Hui SUN ; Guang-Li YAN ; Ling KONG ; Ying HAN ; Xi-Jun WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(4):908-921
Abelmoschi Corolla, the dried corolla of Abelmoschus manihot, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrosis activities. Its chemical constituents mainly include flavonoids, organic acids, steroids, and polysaccharides. This study reviewed the research progress in the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Abelmoschi Corolla in recent 20 years. According to the concept of quality marker(Q-marker), the Q-markers of Abelmoschi Corolla were predicted from plant phylogeny, chemical constituent specificity, traditional efficacy, chemical constituent measurability, and absorbed constituents. The primary Q-markers for Abelmoschi Corolla were anticipated to include quercetin-3'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, gossypetin-8-O-β-D-glucuronide, isoquercetin, myricetin,quercetin, and hyperoside, with the aim of providing reference data for improving the quality evaluation system of Abelmoschi Corolla.
Abelmoschus/chemistry*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Flowers/chemistry*
;
Humans
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Animals
;
Quality Control
;
Flavonoids/chemistry*
9.Mechanism of icariin in promoting osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and improving bone metabolism disorders through caveolin-1/Hippo signaling pathway.
Yi-Dan HAN ; Hai-Feng ZHANG ; Yun-Teng XU ; Yu-Huan ZHONG ; Xiao-Ning WANG ; Yun YU ; Yuan-Li YAN ; Shan-Shan WANG ; Xi-Hai LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(3):600-608
Guided by the theory of "the kidney storing essence, governing the bones, and producing marrow", this study explored the mechanism of icariin(ICA) in regulating the osteogenic differentiation of rat bone mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs) through caveolin-1(Cav1) via in vitro and in vivo experiments, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). Primary cells were obtained from 4-week-old female SD rats using the whole bone marrow adherent method. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of surface markers CD29, CD90, CD11b, and CD45. The potential for osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation was assessed. The effect of ICA on cell viability was determined using the CCK-8 assay, and the impact of ICA on the formation of mineralized nodules was verified by alizarin red staining. A stable Cav1-silenced cell line was constructed using lentivirus. The effect of Cav1 silencing on osteogenic differentiation was observed via alizarin red staining. Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the expression of Cav1, Hippo/TAZ, and osteogenic markers such as Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2) and alkaline phosphatase(ALP). The results showed that primary cells were successfully obtained using the whole bone marrow adherent method, positively expressing surface markers of rat BMSCs and possessing the potential for both osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. The CCK-8 assay and alizarin red staining results indicated that 1×10~(-7) mol·L~(-1) was the optimal concentration of ICA for intervention in this experiment(P<0.05). During osteogenic induction, ICA inhibited Cav1 expression(P<0.05) while promoting TAZ expression(P<0.05). Alizarin red staining demonstrated that Cav1 silencing significantly promoted the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. After ICA intervention, TAZ expression was activated, and the expression of osteogenic markers ALP and RUNX2 was increased. In conclusion, Cav1 silencing significantly promotes the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, and ICA promotes this differentiation by inhibiting Cav1 and regulating the Hippo/TAZ signaling pathway.
Animals
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Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism*
;
Caveolin 1/genetics*
;
Osteogenesis/drug effects*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Rats
;
Cell Differentiation/drug effects*
;
Female
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Flavonoids/administration & dosage*
;
Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Cells, Cultured
;
Humans
10.Pathogenesis and treatment of "inflammation cancer transformation" of ulcerative colitis based on "Kenang" theory.
Jia-Kang XIE ; Xiao-Ning XU ; Feng-Ting AI ; Shao-Xi LI ; Yun AN ; Xuan GONG ; Yong CAO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2298-2304
Ulcerative colitis(UC) is a recurrent, chronic, nonspecific inflammatory bowel disease. The longer the course of the disease, the higher the risk of cancerization. In recent years, the incidence and mortality rates of colon cancer in China have been increasing year by year, seriously threatening the life and health of patients. Therefore, studying the mechanism of "inflammation cancer transformation" in UC and conducting early intervention is crucial. The "Kenang" theory is an important component of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory of phlegm and blood stasis. It is based on the coexistence of phlegm and blood stasis in the body and deeply explores the pathogenic syndromes and characteristics of phlegm and blood stasis. Kenang is a pathological product formed when long-term Qi stagnation leads to the internal formation of phlegm and blood stasis, which is hidden deep within the body. It is characterized by being hidden, progressive, and difficult to treat. The etiology and pathogenesis of "inflammation cancer transformation" in UC are consistent with the connotation of the "Kenang" theory. The internal condition for the development of UC "inflammation cancer transformation" is the deficiency of healthy Qi, with Qi stagnation being the key pathological mechanism. Phlegm and blood stasis are the main pathogenic factors. Phlegm and blood stasis accumulate in the body over time and can produce cancer toxins. Due to the depletion of healthy Qi and a weakened constitution, the body is unable to limit the proliferation and invasion of cancer toxins, eventually leading to cancer transformation in UC. In clinical treatment, the focus should be on removing phlegm and blood stasis, with syndrome differentiation and treatment based on three basic principles: supporting healthy Qi to strengthen the body's foundation, resolving phlegm and blood stasis to break up the Kenang, and regulating Qi and blood to smooth the flow of energy and resolve stagnation. This approach helps to dismantle the Kenang, delay, block, or even reverse the cancerization process of UC, reduce the risk of "inflammation cancer transformation", improve the patient's quality of life, and provide new perspectives and strategies for early intervention in the development of colon cancer.
Humans
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Colitis, Ulcerative/immunology*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Cell Transformation, Neoplastic


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