1.Herbal Textual Research on Stemonae Radix in Famous Classical Formulas
Gang XU ; Li AN ; Xiaomei WANG ; Erhuan WANG ; Yichen YANG ; Cunde MA ; Yang YANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):241-251
This article systematically reviews and verifies the historical evolution of Stemonae Radix from the aspects of name, origin, harvesting and processing, quality and others by consulting ancient and modern literature, in order to provide reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb. Stemonae Radix has a long history of application, and it derives its name from its distinctive growth pattern, featuring clusters of ten to several dozen underground tuberous roots. This morphology resembles that of certain plants in the genus Asparagus, leading to historical instances where tuberous roots from genus Asparagus were mistakenly used as Stemonae Radix. After the research, it can be concluded that Stemonae Radix was first recorded in Mingyi Bielu, and throughout history, Baidu has been recognized as its official name, though it also bears alternative names such as Baibing, Pofucao and Ye Tianmendong. The mainstream sources used throughout history have been the dried tuberous roots of Stemona sessilifolia, S. japonica or S. tuberosa from the family Stemonaceae. This aligns with the 2025 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China(hereinafter referred to as Chinese Pharmacopoeia). Additionally, Asparagus filicinus and A. officinalis from the genus Asparagus are common sources of confusion with Stemonae Radix. The three primitive plants are mainly distributed in the Yangtze River basin and southern China, exhibiting a wide distribution. Historically, wild harvesting was predominant, but cultivation is now established. In ancient times, the harvesting time was mostly in the second, third, and eighth lunar months, when roots were harvested and dried. Nowadays, it is more common to pick and excavate in the spring and autumn seasons. After excavation, the roots are washed, fibrous roots removed, briefly blanched in boiling water or steamed until no white core remains, and then sun-dried or oven-dried. In ancient times, the processing of Stemonae Radix primarily involved roasting(stir-frying), wine roasting, or raw materials. Modern mainstream processing specifications include two types of raw and honey-roasted products. In terms of quality evaluation of the medicinal materials, ancient criteria of "preferring plump and moist roots" align with modern requirement favoring "thick, robust stems with firm texture". Evaluating quality with authenticity, since the Song dynasty, it has been highly praised to produce in Chuzhou and Hengyang as the best. It was an ancient method of fixing the production area to stabilize the medicinal origin, reflecting the ancient recognition of the therapeutic efficacy of plants belonging to the genus Stemona. The main functions of Stemonae Radix remain consistent throughout history, including relieving coughs, eliminating phlegm and parasites. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing the medicinal material Stemonae Radix, the botanical source specified in the 2025 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia should be selected. The specific species can be determined according to the distribution of resources and the main production areas, and the origin and corresponding botanical source should be fixed. Processing methods should be chosen based on the prescription requirements. It is recommended to use raw products without specified requirements.
2.Herbal Textual Research on Stemonae Radix in Famous Classical Formulas
Gang XU ; Li AN ; Xiaomei WANG ; Erhuan WANG ; Yichen YANG ; Cunde MA ; Yang YANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):241-251
This article systematically reviews and verifies the historical evolution of Stemonae Radix from the aspects of name, origin, harvesting and processing, quality and others by consulting ancient and modern literature, in order to provide reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb. Stemonae Radix has a long history of application, and it derives its name from its distinctive growth pattern, featuring clusters of ten to several dozen underground tuberous roots. This morphology resembles that of certain plants in the genus Asparagus, leading to historical instances where tuberous roots from genus Asparagus were mistakenly used as Stemonae Radix. After the research, it can be concluded that Stemonae Radix was first recorded in Mingyi Bielu, and throughout history, Baidu has been recognized as its official name, though it also bears alternative names such as Baibing, Pofucao and Ye Tianmendong. The mainstream sources used throughout history have been the dried tuberous roots of Stemona sessilifolia, S. japonica or S. tuberosa from the family Stemonaceae. This aligns with the 2025 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China(hereinafter referred to as Chinese Pharmacopoeia). Additionally, Asparagus filicinus and A. officinalis from the genus Asparagus are common sources of confusion with Stemonae Radix. The three primitive plants are mainly distributed in the Yangtze River basin and southern China, exhibiting a wide distribution. Historically, wild harvesting was predominant, but cultivation is now established. In ancient times, the harvesting time was mostly in the second, third, and eighth lunar months, when roots were harvested and dried. Nowadays, it is more common to pick and excavate in the spring and autumn seasons. After excavation, the roots are washed, fibrous roots removed, briefly blanched in boiling water or steamed until no white core remains, and then sun-dried or oven-dried. In ancient times, the processing of Stemonae Radix primarily involved roasting(stir-frying), wine roasting, or raw materials. Modern mainstream processing specifications include two types of raw and honey-roasted products. In terms of quality evaluation of the medicinal materials, ancient criteria of "preferring plump and moist roots" align with modern requirement favoring "thick, robust stems with firm texture". Evaluating quality with authenticity, since the Song dynasty, it has been highly praised to produce in Chuzhou and Hengyang as the best. It was an ancient method of fixing the production area to stabilize the medicinal origin, reflecting the ancient recognition of the therapeutic efficacy of plants belonging to the genus Stemona. The main functions of Stemonae Radix remain consistent throughout history, including relieving coughs, eliminating phlegm and parasites. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing the medicinal material Stemonae Radix, the botanical source specified in the 2025 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia should be selected. The specific species can be determined according to the distribution of resources and the main production areas, and the origin and corresponding botanical source should be fixed. Processing methods should be chosen based on the prescription requirements. It is recommended to use raw products without specified requirements.
3.Effects of Electroacupuncture on IL-4/STAT6/SPDEF Pathway-Related Protein Expressions in Ulcerative Colitis Model Mice
Xiaomei HU ; Xiqin YI ; Lifen ZHAN ; Qian LI ; Qiangsheng DING ; Shifeng DENG ; Hong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(3):112-118
Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture on IL-4/STAT6/SPDEF pathway-related protein expressions in model mice of ulcerative colitis(UC);To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture improving the intestinal mucus barrier.Methods Totally 48 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into blank group(12 mice)and modeling group(36 mice).The UC models were established in the modeling group using 3%dextran sulfate sodium free drinking.After successful modeling,mice were further randomly divided into model group,electroacupuncture group and sulfasalazine(SASP)group,with 12 mice in each group.The electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture at"Guanyuan","Tianshu","Zusanli"and"Shangjuxu"acupoints for 20 minutes per day,the SASP group was administered sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablet suspension(500 mg/kg)by gavage,the blank group received no intervention,the model group was only confined for continuous 7 days.The general conditions were observed and disease activity index(DAI)score were recorded,HE staining was used to observe the morphology of colonic tissue and evaluate the colonic mucosal damage index(CMDI)score,AB-PAS staining was used to observe the number of goblet cells in colonic tissue,and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of mucin 2(MUC2)protein in colonic tissue,ELISA was used to detect the contents of serum tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and γ interferon(IFN-γ),and Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of interleukin(IL)-4,signal transducer and activator of transcription(STAT)6 and epithelial specific transcription factor(SPDEF)in colonic tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the model group showed mucous stool,bloody stool,reduced intake of food and water,reduced body mass,increased DAI and CMDI scores(P<0.01),with intestinal villi shedding and necrosis,destruction of colonic crypt villi structure,accompanied by severe neutrophil infiltration,thinning of mucus layer,atrophy and reduction of goblet cells(P<0.01),the expression of MUC2 in colonic tissue significant decreased(P<0.01),the contents of TNF-α and INF-γ in serum significantly increased(P<0.01),while the protein expressions of IL-4,STAT6 and SPDEF in colonic tissue significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,both the electroacupuncture group and SASP group showed improved mucous stool,bloody stool,increased body mass,decreased DAI and CMDI scores(P<0.05),the morphology of the intestinal epithelium was basically normal,the glandular structure has improved,there was a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration and slight edema,the thickness of the mucus layer was restored,the atrophy reduced and number of goblet cells increased(P<0.05),the expression of MUC2 in colonic tissue significantly increased(P<0.05),while the contents of TNF-α and IFN-γ in serum significantly decreased(P<0.05),the expressions of IL-4,STAT6 and SPDEF protein in colonic tissue significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture can facilitate the repair of the intestinal mucus barrier and inhibit inflammation,potentially through the activation of IL-4/STAT6/SPDEF pathway-related protein expressions.
4.Effects of Electroacupuncture on IL-4/STAT6/SPDEF Pathway-Related Protein Expressions in Ulcerative Colitis Model Mice
Xiaomei HU ; Xiqin YI ; Lifen ZHAN ; Qian LI ; Qiangsheng DING ; Shifeng DENG ; Hong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(3):112-118
Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture on IL-4/STAT6/SPDEF pathway-related protein expressions in model mice of ulcerative colitis(UC);To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture improving the intestinal mucus barrier.Methods Totally 48 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into blank group(12 mice)and modeling group(36 mice).The UC models were established in the modeling group using 3%dextran sulfate sodium free drinking.After successful modeling,mice were further randomly divided into model group,electroacupuncture group and sulfasalazine(SASP)group,with 12 mice in each group.The electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture at"Guanyuan","Tianshu","Zusanli"and"Shangjuxu"acupoints for 20 minutes per day,the SASP group was administered sulfasalazine enteric-coated tablet suspension(500 mg/kg)by gavage,the blank group received no intervention,the model group was only confined for continuous 7 days.The general conditions were observed and disease activity index(DAI)score were recorded,HE staining was used to observe the morphology of colonic tissue and evaluate the colonic mucosal damage index(CMDI)score,AB-PAS staining was used to observe the number of goblet cells in colonic tissue,and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of mucin 2(MUC2)protein in colonic tissue,ELISA was used to detect the contents of serum tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and γ interferon(IFN-γ),and Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of interleukin(IL)-4,signal transducer and activator of transcription(STAT)6 and epithelial specific transcription factor(SPDEF)in colonic tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the model group showed mucous stool,bloody stool,reduced intake of food and water,reduced body mass,increased DAI and CMDI scores(P<0.01),with intestinal villi shedding and necrosis,destruction of colonic crypt villi structure,accompanied by severe neutrophil infiltration,thinning of mucus layer,atrophy and reduction of goblet cells(P<0.01),the expression of MUC2 in colonic tissue significant decreased(P<0.01),the contents of TNF-α and INF-γ in serum significantly increased(P<0.01),while the protein expressions of IL-4,STAT6 and SPDEF in colonic tissue significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,both the electroacupuncture group and SASP group showed improved mucous stool,bloody stool,increased body mass,decreased DAI and CMDI scores(P<0.05),the morphology of the intestinal epithelium was basically normal,the glandular structure has improved,there was a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration and slight edema,the thickness of the mucus layer was restored,the atrophy reduced and number of goblet cells increased(P<0.05),the expression of MUC2 in colonic tissue significantly increased(P<0.05),while the contents of TNF-α and IFN-γ in serum significantly decreased(P<0.05),the expressions of IL-4,STAT6 and SPDEF protein in colonic tissue significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture can facilitate the repair of the intestinal mucus barrier and inhibit inflammation,potentially through the activation of IL-4/STAT6/SPDEF pathway-related protein expressions.
5.Application of Nano-Flow Cytometry in Clinical Diagnosis and Therapeutics Based on Extracellular Vesicles
Yunyun HU ; Qingyuan ZHANG ; Haonan DI ; Xiaozhen ZHAN ; Niangui CAI ; Xiaomei YAN
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2024;47(8):975-980
Extracellular vesicles (EV) are highly heterogeneous nanoscale vesicles secreted by cells. They carry various bioactive molecules derived from the parent cells. EV are widely distributed in various body fluids, showing enormous potential in liquid biopsy and disease treatment. However, conventional flow cytometers face challenges in detecting single EV with a diameter smaller than 300 nm. The nano-flow cytometry (nFCM) developed based on Raleigh scattering and sheath-flow single-molecule fluorescence detection has successfully pushed the detection limit of EV to 40 nm. Through multi-parameter detection at the single-particle level, nFCM enables simultaneous analysis of particle size, particle concentration, and multiple biochemical properties of individual EV. nFCM can be applied to clinical diagnosis and therapeutics based on EV.
6.Application of Shear Wave Elastography in the Kidneys of Children with Henoch - Schonlein Purpura
Xiaoying CUI ; Xiaomei ZHAN ; Maosheng XU
Journal of Medical Research 2023;52(11):133-136,141
Objective To explore the value of shear wave elastography(SWE)in the kidneys of children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura(HSP).Methods A total of 59 cases with HSP admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from November 2021 to August 2022 were selected and divided into simple HSP group(29 cases)and Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis(HSPN)group(30 cases).50 normal children during the same period were included as control group.The Young′s modulus(YM)of right renal cortex and medulla were compared among the three groups.receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC curve)was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of SWE for simple HSP.Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed for the YM value of right renal cortex and medulla of all children with HSP and related indexes.Results There was statistical significance in YM values of right renal cortex and medulla among the three groups(P<0.05).The YM value of right renal cortex of the simple HSP group was higher than that in the control group and HSPN group(P<0.05).The YM value of right renal medulla of the simple HSP group were higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).The YM value of right renal cortex was better than the YM value of right renal medulla in the diagnostic efficiency of simple HSP.The YM value of right renal cortex and medulla both had a linear regression relation-ship with the right renal volume.Conclusion The YM value of right renal cortex and medulla were higher than those of healthy children,with the progression of the disease the YM values decreasing.It may become a new technology for routine screening and follow-up moni-toring of renal involvement in children with HSP.
7.Sex differences in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): an inception cohort of the Chinese SLE Treatment and Research Group (CSTAR) registry XVII.
Yinli GUI ; Wei BAI ; Jian XU ; Xinwang DUAN ; Feng ZHAN ; Chen ZHAO ; Zhenyu JIANG ; Zhijun LI ; Lijun WU ; Shengyun LIU ; Min YANG ; Wei WEI ; Ziqian WANG ; Jiuliang ZHAO ; Qian WANG ; Xiaomei LENG ; Xinping TIAN ; Mengtao LI ; Yan ZHAO ; Xiaofeng ZENG
Chinese Medical Journal 2022;135(18):2191-2199
BACKGROUND:
The onset and clinical presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are sex-related. Few studies have investigated the distinctions in clinical characteristics and treatment preferences in male and female SLE patients in the initial cohort. This study aimed to improve the understanding of Chinese SLE patients by characterizing the different sexes of SLE patients in the inception cohort.
METHODS:
Based on the initial patient cohort established by the Chinese SLE Treatment and Research Group, a total of 8713 patients (795 men and 7918 women) with newly diagnosed SLE were enrolled between April 2009 and March 2021. Of these, 2900 patients (347 men and 2553 women) were eligible for lupus nephritis (LN). A cross-sectional analysis of the baseline demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, laboratory parameters, organ damage, initial treatment regimens, and renal pathology classification was performed according to sex.
RESULTS:
In the SLE group, as compared to female patients, male patients had a later age of onset (male vs. female: 37.0 ± 15.8 years vs. 35.1 ± 13.7 years, P = 0.006) and a higher SLE International Collaborative Clinic/American College of Rheumatology damage index score (male vs. female: 0.47 ± 1.13 vs. 0.34 ± 0.81, P = 0.015), LN (male vs. female: 43.6% vs. 32.2%, P < 0.001), fever (male vs. female: 18.0% vs. 14.6%, P = 0.010), thrombocytopenia (male vs. female: 21.4% vs. 18.5%, P = 0.050), serositis (male vs. female: 14.7% vs. 11.7%, P = 0.013), renal damage (male vs. female: 11.1% vs. 7.4%, P < 0.001), and treatment with cyclophosphamide (CYC) (P < 0.001). The frequency of leukopenia (male vs. female: 20.5% vs. 25.4%, P = 0.002) and arthritis (male vs. female: 22.0% vs. 29.9%, P < 0.001) was less in male patients with SLE. In LN, no differences were observed in disease duration, SLE Disease Activity Index score, renal biopsy pathological typing, or 24-h urine protein quantification among the sexes. In comparisons with female patients with LN, male patients had later onset ages (P = 0.026), high serum creatinine (P < 0.001), higher end-stage renal failure rates (P = 0.002), musculoskeletal damage (P = 0.023), cardiovascular impairment (P = 0.009), and CYC use (P = 0.001); while leukopenia (P = 0.017), arthritis (P = 0.014), and mycophenolate usage (P = 0.013) rates were lower.
CONCLUSIONS
Male SLE patients had more severe organ damage and a higher LN incidence compared with female SLE patients; therefore, they may require more aggressive initial treatment compared to female patients.
Humans
;
Female
;
Male
;
Cross-Sectional Studies
;
Sex Characteristics
;
East Asian People
;
Severity of Illness Index
;
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/diagnosis*
;
Lupus Nephritis/pathology*
;
Registries
;
Cyclophosphamide/therapeutic use*
;
Thrombocytopenia
;
Leukopenia/drug therapy*
;
Arthritis
8.Role and mechanism of mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein in cerebral ischemia
Xiaomei LU ; Lixuan ZHAN ; Wensheng XU ; En XU
International Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2021;29(7):544-548
Mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) is a pseudokinase with a kinase domain, which plays an important role in the regulation of necroptosis. After cerebral ischemia, MLKL, as the substrate protein of the receptor-interacting protein 3, undergoes oligomerization and phosphorylation, and then translocates from the cytoplasm to the plasmalemma, causing mitochondrial division and cell membrane rupture. MLKL can also mediate the inflammatory response after cerebral ischemia by inducing necroptosis and directly activating inflammasomes, thereby aggravating brain injury. Therefore, to clarify the biological characteristics of MLKL and its role and mechanism in cerebral ischemia is very important for the treatment of cerebral ischemia.
9.Effects and correlation of gross motor intervention on movement and social skills of autistic children
LIU Rongsheng, ZHAN Xiaomei, LI Xiafang, DAI Lei, ZHANG Sijing, HONG Jiayu, CHEN Linyan
Chinese Journal of School Health 2021;42(3):358-362
Objective:
To explore the effects and correlation of gross motor intervention on social skills of autistic children. To provide new ideas for rehabilitation intervention of autistic children s social ability.
Methods:
Recruiting 23 autistic children through WeChat in Nanchang, randomly divided into experimental groups (n=13) and control group (n=10). The experimental group underwent 6 weeks of large muscle exercise intervention, in the control group, Test of Gross Motor Development 3 (TGMD3), Social Responsiveness Scale(SRS) and the Autism Social Skills Scale (ASSS) examined changes in social skills, and analyze the relationship between sports and social ability.
Results:
TGMD-3 score in the intervention group before intervention was (34.31±9.79) and increased significantly after intervention (59.77±13.92)(t=-15.28, P<0.01). There was no statistical significance before and after experiment in the control group (P>0.05). The scores of SRS and ASSS in the experimental group were (96.77±15.79, 97.31±29.22) before the intervention, and (82.92±15.86, 117.62±24.93) after the intervention, and the differences were statistically significant(t=4.55, -5.61, P<0.01). The difference between the SRS and ASSS scores of the control group before and after experiment was not statistically significant(P>0.05). Both the TGMD-3 score and the object manipulation score were related to the SRS total score (r=-0.49, -0.45) and ASSS total score(r=0.54, 0.51)(P<0.05).
Conclusion
Gross motor intervention can improve the motor and social skills of children with autism, and there is a positive correlation between motor ability and social skills in children with autism.
10.The application of the growth mentor program in the standardized training of the new nurses
Xiulin WEN ; Xiaomei LI ; Xia XIN ; Jieqiong LI ; Fang LIU ; Na DUAN ; Xiaowei HUO ; Zhan QU
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2019;25(15):1963-1967
Objectives? To explore the effects of applying growth mentor program in the training of new nurses. Methods? By convenient sampling, the newly recruited nurses who signed official employment contract with the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University were selected as subject. A total of 756 nurses who enrolled from 2008 to 2012 were put into the control group and 812 nurses enrolled from 2013 to 2017 were in the observation group. The control group received routine training while the observation group received the training of the growth mentor program. The two groups was compared in the resignation rate, annual assessment scores, and patients' satisfaction. Results? The differences in resignation rate between the observation group (0.37%) and the control group (1.06%) were statistical significant (P<0.01). The annual assessment scores of the observation group (88.63±2.17) and patients' satisfaction (96.78±1.76) were all higher than the control group with statistical significance (P< 0.01). Conclusions? The establishment and implementation of the new nurses' growth mentor program can significantly reduce the nurses' resignation rate, improve the nurses' professional skills and patients' satisfaction, therefore the program should be widely applied in new nurses' training in hospitals.


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