1.Innovation and application of traditional Chinese medicine dispensing promoted through integration of whole-process data elements.
Huan-Fei YANG ; Si-Yu LI ; Chen-Qian YU ; Jian-Kun WU ; Fang LIU ; Li-Bin JIANG ; Chun-Jin LI ; Xiang-Fei SU ; Wei-Guo BAI ; Hua-Qiang ZHAI ; Shi-Yuan JIN ; Yong-Yan WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):3189-3196
As a new type of production factor that can empower the development of new quality productivity, the data element is an important engine to promote the high quality development of the industry. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) dispensing is the most basic work of TCM clinical pharmacy, and its quality directly affects the clinical efficacy of TCM. The integration of data elements and TCM dispensing can stimulate the innovation and vitality of the TCM dispensing industry and promote the high-quality and sustainable development of the industry. A large-scale, detailed, and systematic study on TCM dispensing was conducted. The innovative practice path of data fusion construction in the whole process of TCM dispensing was investigated by integrating the digital resources "nine full activities" of TCM dispensing, creating the digital dictionary of "TCM clinical information data elements", and exploring innovative applications of TCM dispensing driven by data and technology, so as to promote the standardized, digital, and intelligent development of TCM dispensing in medical health services. The research content of this project was successfully selected as the second batch of "Data element×" typical cases of National Data Administration in 2024, which is the only selected case in the field of TCM.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal
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Humans
2.Bacteroi des fragilis-derived succinic acid promotes the degradation of uric acid by inhibiting hepatic AMPD2: Insight into how plant-based berberine ameliorates hyperuricemia.
Libin PAN ; Ru FENG ; Jiachun HU ; Hang YU ; Qian TONG ; Xinyu YANG ; Jianye SONG ; Hui XU ; Mengliang YE ; Zhengwei ZHANG ; Jie FU ; Haojian ZHANG ; Jinyue LU ; Zhao ZHAI ; Jingyue WANG ; Yi ZHAO ; Hengtong ZUO ; Xiang HUI ; Jiandong JIANG ; Yan WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5244-5260
In recent decades, the prevalence of hyperuricemia and gout has increased dramatically due to lifestyle changes. The drugs currently recommended for hyperuricemia are associated with adverse reactions that limit their clinical use. In this study, we report that berberine (BBR) is an effective drug candidate for the treatment of hyperuricemia, with its mechanism potentially involving the modulation of gut microbiota and its metabolite, succinic acid. BBR has demonstrated good therapeutic effects in both acute and chronic animal models of hyperuricemia. In a clinical trial, oral administration of BBR for 6 months reduced blood uric acid levels in 22 participants by modulating the gut microbiota, which led to an increase in the abundance of Bacteroides and a decrease in Clostridium sensu stricto_1. Furthermore, Bacteroides fragilis was transplanted into ICR mice, and the results showed that Bacteroides fragilis exerted a therapeutic effect on uric acid similar to that of BBR. Notably, succinic acid, a metabolite of Bacteroides, significantly reduced uric acid levels. Subsequent cell and animal experiments revealed that the intestinal metabolite, succinic acid, regulated the upstream uric acid synthesis pathway in the liver by inhibiting adenosine monophosphate deaminase 2 (AMPD2), an enzyme responsible for converting adenosine monophosphate (AMP) to inosine monophosphate (IMP). This inhibition resulted in a decrease in IMP levels and an increase in phosphate levels. The reduction in IMP led to a decreased downstream production of hypoxanthine, xanthine, and uric acid. BBR also demonstrated excellent renoprotective effects, improving nephropathy associated with hyperuricemia. In summary, BBR has the potential to be an effective treatment for hyperuricemia through the gut-liver axis.
3.Photoaffinity probe-enabled discovery of sennoside A reductase in Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum.
Yang XU ; Shujing LV ; Xiang LI ; Chuanjia ZHAI ; Yulian SHI ; Xuejiao LI ; Zhiyang FENG ; Gan LUO ; Ying WANG ; Xiaoyan GAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(1):101108-101108
Sennoside A (SA), a typical prodrug, exerts its laxative effect only after its transformation into rheinanthrone catalyzed by gut microbial hydrolases and reductases. Hydrolases have been identified, but reductases remain unknown. By linking a photoreactive group to the SA scaffold, we synthesized a photoaffinity probe to covalently label SA reductases and identified SA reductases using activity-based protein profiling (ABPP). From lysates of an active strain, Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum (B. pseudocatenulatum), 397 proteins were enriched and subsequently identified using mass spectrometry (MS). Among these proteins, chromate reductase/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) phosphate (NADPH)-dependent flavin mononucleotide (FMN) reductase/oxygen-insensitive NADPH nitroreductase (nfrA) was identified as a potent SA reductase through further bioinformatic analysis and The Universal Protein Resource (UniProt) database screening. We also determined that recombinant nfrA could reduce SA. Our study contributes to further illuminating mechanisms of SA transformation to rheinanthrone and simultaneously offers an effective method to identify gut bacterial reductases.
4.ToxBERT: an explainable AI framework for enhancing prediction of adverse drug reactions and structural insights.
Yujie HE ; Xiang LV ; Wulin LONG ; Shengqiu ZHAI ; Menglong LI ; Zhining WEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(8):101387-101387
Accurate prediction of drug-induced adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is crucial for drug safety evaluation, as it directly impacts public health and safety. While various models have shown promising results in predicting ADRs, their accuracy still needs improvement. Additionally, many existing models often lack interpretability when linking molecular structures to specific ADRs and frequently rely on manually selected molecular fingerprints, which can introduce bias. To address these challenges, we propose ToxBERT, an efficient transformer encoder model that leverages attention and masking mechanisms for simplified molecular input line entry system (SMILES) representations. Our results demonstrate that ToxBERT achieved area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) scores of 0.839, 0.759, and 0.664 for predicting drug-induced QT prolongation (DIQT), rhabdomyolysis, and liver injury, respectively, outperforming previous studies. Furthermore, ToxBERT can identify drug substructures that are closely associated with specific ADRs. These findings indicate that ToxBERT is not only a valuable tool for understanding the mechanisms underlying specific drug-induced ADRs but also for mitigating potential ADRs in the drug discovery pipeline.
5.Screening of key genes related to angiogenesis in rosacea based on bioinformatics analysis
Lu SUN ; Xiang LI ; Jinqiu WANG ; Lian ZHANG ; Hongzhi GU ; Qin CHEN ; Lan GE ; Zhifang ZHAI
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(7):701-707
Objective To investigate the differential expression genes(DEGs)related to angiogenesis in rosacea(RA)by utilizing bioinformatics analysis in order to screen the key genes and verify their mRNA expression levels.Methods The gene microarray dataset GSE65914 was retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)repository.Analyzed by R programming,the dataset was refined to identify DEGs related to RA,and then cross-referenced with angiogenesis-related genes from the GeneCards database to get a subset specific to RA angiogenesis.The process of identifying key genes was augmented by employing protein-protein interaction(PPI)network analysis and Cytoscape-based computational algorithms.The mRNA expression levels of the aforementioned pivotal genes were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription PCR(RT-qPCR).Results A total of 947 RA-associated DEGs were identified from GEO dataset,and then 202 genes related to RA angiogenesis were further delineated.PPI network analysis and Cytoscape algorithm finally identified 3 key genes,that is,CXCL8,IL-1B,and STAT1.The results of RT-qPCR showed that the mRNA expression levels of MIP-2,GCP-2,IL-1B and STAT1 in RA lesions were significantly higher than those in normal controls(P<0.05).Conclusion With aid of bioinformatics analysis,our study has screened and validated key genes associated with angiogenesis in RA,namely CXCL8,IL-1B,and STAT1,which providing a theoretical basis for elucidating the potential mechanisms underlying RA-induced angiogenesis and developing targeted therapeutic strategies.
6.Label-free Fluorescence Probe Based on Primer Exchange Reaction for High Sensitivity Detection of Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Endonuclease 1
Yun-Hua WANG ; Le-Ru WANG ; Li-Gai YANG ; Jia-Zheng CHEN ; Yu-Run DU ; Jia-Hui HOU ; Xiang ZHAI ; Xu-Hua ZHAO ; Bao-Feng YU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(3):464-471
Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1(APE 1)is a multifunctional protein that plays important roles in DNA repair and regulation of gene expression.Because APE 1 is overexpressed in various cancers,it can serve as a cancer biomarker for aiding clinical diagnosis,guiding therapy,and monitoring prognosis.On this basis,a label-free fluorescent probe was designed based on the primer exchange reaction(PER)strategy for highly sensitive detection of APE 1 activity.In the absence of APE 1,the structure of catalytic hairpin(HP)was stable and could not form G-quadruplex.Therefore,the background fluorescence of this sensing system was very low due to the dissociation of thioflavin T(ThT).In the presence of APE 1,the apurinic/apyrimidinic(AP)site of HP was cleaved by APE 1 and a short nucleic acid fragment that acted as a primer to initiate PER was generated.After PER reaction,a large number of G-quadruplex were produced,which could specifically bind with ThT and resulted in significant increase of fluorescence signal.The combination of low background design of HP and PER amplification made this biosensor had high sensitivity with a detection limit(3σ)of 0.0008 U/mL.Furthermore,the primer sequence was directly generated by the cleavage of APE 1 without additional addition,which not only increased the specificity of the reaction,but also simplified the experiment procedure.Moreover,the use of label-free fluorescence signal reduced the cost of the experiment,and realized rapid detection of APE 1.Finally,this sensor was used to detect APE 1 in human serum samples with spiked recoveries of 91%-104%,proving great potential in study of biological enzyme.
7.SUMO-fusion expressions and catalytic efficiency of an organophosphate hydrolase mutant
Zhuang LIU ; Yanan ZHAI ; Shunye WANG ; Ming MA ; Ziyang WANG ; Yanqin LIU ; Xiang GAO ; Jing GAO
Military Medical Sciences 2025;49(8):598-603
Objective To heterologously express and purify the small ubiquitin-like modifier(SUMO)tag fused organo-phosphorus hydrolase mutant H257Y/L303T(YT),namely SUMO-YT,and evaluate its hydrolytic capacity against ethyl paraoxon and soman.Methods The SUMO tag encoding gene was constructed at the N-terminus of the YT encoding gene with a linker sequence via enzyme digestion and ligation before SUMO-YT was expressed in Escherichia coli.SUMO-YT and YT were purified through ammonium sulfate precipitation and affinity chromatography to obtain high-purity target proteins.The activity and kinetic parameters of the recombinant enzymes were examined using ethyl paraoxon and soman as substrates.Results The system for expression and purification of recombinant enzymes was established,yielding SUMO-YT and YT,and the former exhibited more significantly enhanced hydrolytic efficiency than the latter,with catalytic rates 11-fold higher for paraoxon and 4.4-fold higher for soman.At 37 ℃ and pH 7.2,SUMO-YT reduced the inhibition rate of acetylcholinesterase(AChE)by soman from 100%to 45.7%within 3 minutes,whereas YT reduced it to no more than 80%.Conclusion The high-activity recombinant SUMO-YT is prepared.SUMO tag fusion can significantly enhance the hydrolytic capacity of YT against ethyl paraoxon and soman.
8.Analysis of the evaluation of Radiation Shielding Requirements for Radiotherapy Room—Prat 2: Radiotherapy Room of Electron Linear Accelerators (GBZ/T 201.2—2011): personnel in medical radiation technology service institutions
Xiaosan XU ; Zechen FENG ; Zipo ZHAI ; Xiang DU ; Chunyong YANG ; Jin WANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2024;33(4):390-397
Objective To track and evaluate the scientificity, applicability, and operability of the current implementation of the Radiation Shielding Specifications for Radiotherapy Treatment Rooms—Part 2: Radiotherapy Room of Electron Linear Accelerators (GBZ/T 201.2—2011) among personnel in medical radiation technology service institutions, and to provide scientific evidence for further improvement of the standard. Methods Following the Guidelines for Health Standards Tracking Evaluation Work (WS/T 536—2017) and the project implementation plan, a survey was conducted among 140 personnel engaged in shielding testing and evaluation of electron linear accelerator rooms in medical radiation technology service institutions from 24 provinces in China. The methods of pre-investigation, on-site research, mailing, and email were used to collect data for analysis. Results Questionnaires were completed by 140 respondents from 98 medical radiation service institutions, including 63 public institutions and 77 private institutions. Of the surveyed individuals, 86.68% claimed to have a good or very good understanding of the standard, while only 64.3% had participated in training related to the standard. The survey indicated a low level of mastery of the standard content among the personnel and insufficient efforts in training and dissemination. Although only 3.57% of the respondents considered the existing standard to be inapplicable in the context of new radiotherapy equipment and technological advancements, 95.71%, 93.57%, and 96.43% believed that shielding calculation examples should be added for tomotherapy devices, CyberKnife systems, and ring accelerators with self-shielding bodies. Furthermore, 65% of the respondents felt that neutron shielding should be considered for 10 MV X-ray accelerator rooms. Conclusion The GBZ/T 201.2—2011 has been widely used for radiation protection in radiotherapy. However, it is imperative to update this standard. Additionally, due to the technical complexity of the standard, it can be challenging for professionals to fully understand and implement it. Therefore, publicity goals should be tailored to different groups and the training of key personnel should be strengthened. A nationwide communication and cooperation mechanism should be established to ensure uniform implementation of the standard.
9.Prevalence,prevention,and control of tuberculosis in monkeys
Wei ZHAI ; Donghui LIU ; Zhengzhong XU ; Chengkun ZHENG ; Xinan JIAO ; Xiang CHEN
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2024;32(8):1077-1083
Nonhuman primates(NHPs)are susceptible hosts of tuberculosis(TB).After infection,TB not only spreads among monkey populations but can also spread to humans.An effective vaccine to protect NHPs from TB has not been developed.Although prevention and control protocols have matured and reduced the incidence of TB among NHPs in captivity,outbreaks continue to occur.This article summarizes the worldwide epidemiological situation of TB in monkeys in captivity and in the wild,analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of commonly used detection method,and summarizes the most common practices of TB prevention and control in NHPs.Our findings indicate that TB poses a great threat to NHPs,underscoring the importance of raising awareness of TB among NHP breeding workers and managers.Additionally,our result provide a basis for improving current management procedures and offer valuable insights for TB diagnosis,prevention,and control in NHPs in China.
10.Prognostic value of serum adenosylhomocysteinase in patients with hepatitis E related acute liver failure
Hong YAN ; Ze XIANG ; Jiaqi CHEN ; Chun JIANG ; Shuxiang LI ; Guanghua ZHAI ; Jian WU
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2024;47(8):888-894
Objective:To investigate the prognostic value of serum adenosylhomocysteinase (AHCY) in patients with hepatitis E virus acute liver failure (HEV-ALF).Methods:From 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2022, 100 patients each with HEV-ALF and acute hepatitis E (AHE) from the First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Zhejiang University and Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were included in this case-control study. The HEV-ALF group was 58.56±11.16 years old, including 71 men. The AHE group was 56.04±14.30 years old, including 61 men. All serum samples were obtained before the patient had an acute onset and were obtained without treatment. Firstly, the serum AHCY levels in patients with HEV-ALF and AHE were analyzed by ELISA. Secondly, the serum AHCY levels in HEV-ALF patients with different organ failure and disease condition were compared. According to the number of organ failure, 100 HEV-ALF patients were divided into organ failure number=2 group ( n=58), number=3 group ( n=24) and number>3 groups ( n=18). According to the disease condition, 100 patients were divided into improvement group ( n=49), disease fluctuation group ( n=37), and deterioration group ( n=14). Thirdly, the survival times between the high serum AHCY level group ( n=50) and the low serum AHCY level group ( n=50) were compared. Finally, the independent risk factors to predict mortality using the multivariate Logistic regression analysis, and evaluated the predictive and decision-making abilities of serum AHCY levels were explored using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results:Serum AHCY levels in HEV-ALF patients were significantly higher than those in AHE patients [326.92 (295.37-385.84) pg/ml vs. 222.88 (188.04-246.78) pg/ml, Z=-12.217, P<0.001]. Serum AHCY levels in group 2 were significantly lower than those in group 3 [303.44 (284.40-330.15) pg/ml vs. 335.36 (306.30-385.84) pg/ml, Z=-3.353, P=0.001]. Serum AHCY level in group 3 were significantly lowerthan those in group>3 [335.36 (306.30-385.84) pg/ml vs. 549.89 (423.35-660.22) pg/ml, P<0.001]. The serum AHCY levels in the fluctuation group were lower than those in the deterioration group [322.17 (283.92-423.74) pg/ml vs. 458.26 (374.66, 593.89) pg/ml, Z=-4.016, P=0.009]. The survival time of high serum AHCY level group was significantly lower than that of low serum AHCY level group [23.11 (20.25-25.96) days vs. 29.49 (28.79-30.20) days, Z=-2.596, P<0.001]. The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the levels of serum AHCY and total bilirubin were independent risk factors to predict mortality in HEV-ALF patients [AHCY, OR (95% CI): 1.008 (1.002-1.015), P=0.008; total bilirubin, OR (95% CI): 1.011 (1.005-1.018), P=0.001]. Serum AHCY level predicting the area under the curve (AUC) of 30-day mortality in HEV-ALF patients was 0.912, with a sensitivity of 90.00% and a specificity of 93.75%. DCA results demonstrated that serum AHCY level had good decision-making power for predicting 30-day mortality in HEV-ALF patients. Conclusion:Serum AHCY has an important prognostic value for HEV-ALF patients. Higher serum AHCY levels indicate the worse prognosis of HEV-ALF patients.

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