1.Herbal Textual Research on Cynanchi Atrati Radix et Rhizoma in Famous Classical Formulas
Xiaoqi JING ; Minna GUO ; Haihua WANG ; Juan LI ; Fusheng ZHANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):208-216
This article systematically reviews and verifies the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and other aspects of Cynanchi Atrati Radix et Rhizoma(CARR) by consulting relevant ancient and modern literature, in order to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. Through textual research, Baiwei has been the official name for CARR, though it also bears alternative names such as Chuncao, Popo Zhenxianbao, Longdan Baiwei. The mainstream base is the roots and rhizomes of Cynanchum atratum. Historical records indicate primary producing areas include Shandong, Anhui, Jiangsu, Shaanxi and Shanxi. Since the late Ming dynasty, varieties from Juxian, Yishui and Rizhao in Shandong have been highly regarded as authentic, commonly known as eastern Baiwei. Since modern times, its quality has been summarized as fine, slender, and straight fibrous roots, pale yellow exterior, whiter interior, and dryness with easy breakability are considered superior. The harvesting time before the Song dynasty was on the third day of the third lunar month, but after the Song dynasty, harvesting was possible in both spring and autumn. The initial processing methods of CARR in ancient times included drying in the shade, removing Lu(the little rhizomes which are on tap of roots), and removing mustaches, modern methods involve washing and sun-drying. During the Northern and Southern dynasties, processing methods included steaming. In the Song dynasty, drying and light stir-frying were predominant, while wine washing emerged in the Ming dynasty. Modern practices primarily involve using raw, stir-frying or honey processing. Regarding the medicinal properties of CARR, both ancient and modern texts agree it has a bitter and salty taste and is non-toxic. Records prior to the Qing dynasty predominantly describe its nature as extremely cold, while mainstream herbal texts after the Qing dynasty generally characterize it as cold. Before the Ming dynasty, there were no records of its meridian tropism. It was not until the Qing dynasty that it was recorded in the lung meridian. Modern records mainly refer to the stomach, liver, and kidney meridians. Throughout history, its main functions have been to clear heat, diuresis, nourish Yin, and replenish essence, primarily treating Yin deficiency and fever syndrome. Based on the research results, it is suggested that when developing famous classical formulas containing CARR, the dried roots and rhizomes of C. atratum can be selected as its medicinal source. If there are no specific processing requirements, raw products can be selected as medicine. If the processing requirements are specified, corresponding processed products can be selected as medicine according to the original formula requirements.
2.The mechanism of Laggerae Herba in improving chronic heart failure by inhibiting ferroptosis through the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway
Jinling XIAO ; Kai HUANG ; Xiaoqi WEI ; Xinyi FAN ; Wangjing CHAI ; Jing HAN ; Kuo GAO ; Xue YU ; Fanghe LI ; Shuzhen GUO
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):343-353
Objective:
To investigate the role and mechanism of the heat-clearing and detoxifying drug Laggerae Herba in regulating the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2(Nrf2)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway to inhibit ferroptosis and improve chronic heart failure induced by transverse aortic arch constriction in mice.
Methods:
Twenty-four male ICR mice were divided into the sham (n=6) and transverse aortic arch constriction groups (n=18) according to the random number table method. The transverse aortic arch constriction group underwent transverse aortic constriction surgery to establish models. After modeling, the transverse aortic arch constriction group was further divided into the model, captopril, and Laggerae Herba groups according to the random number table method, with six mice per group. The captopril (15 mg/kg) and Laggerae Herba groups (1.95 g/kg) received the corresponding drugs by gavage, whereas the sham operation and model groups were administered the same volume of ultrapure water by gavage once a day for four consecutive weeks. After treatment, the cardiac function indexes of mice in each group were detected using ultrasound. The heart mass and tibia length were measured to calculate the ratio of heart weight to tibia length. Hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to observe the pathological changes in myocardial tissue. Masson staining was used to observe the degree of myocardial fibrosis. Wheat germ agglutinin staining was used to observe the degree of myocardial cell hypertrophy. Prussian blue staining was used to observe the iron deposition in myocardial tissue. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and glutathione (GSH) contents in mice serum. Colorimetry was used to detect the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in mice serum. Western blotting was used to detect the Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) protein expressions in mice cardiac tissue.
Results:
Compared with the sham group, in the model group, the ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) of mice decreased, the left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) increased, the left ventricular anterior wall end-systolic thickness (LVAWs) and left ventricular posterior wall end-systolic thickness (LVPWs) decreased, the ratio of heart weight to tibia length increased, the myocardial tissue morphology changed, myocardial fibrosis increased, the cross-sectional area of myocardial cells increased, iron deposition appeared in myocardial tissue, the serum NT-proBNP and MDA levels increased, the GSH level decreased, and Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1 protein expressions in cardiac tissue decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, in the captopril and Laggerae Herba groups, the EF, FS, and LVAWs increased, the LVESV and LVESD decreased, the ratio of heart weight to tibia length decreased, the myocardial cells were arranged neatly, the degree of myocardial fibrosis decreased, the cross-sectional area of myocardial cells decreased, the serum NT-proBNP level decreased, and the GSH level increased. Compared with the model group, the LVPWs increased, the iron deposition in myocardial tissue decreased, the serum MDA level decreased, and Nrf2, GPX4, SLC7A11, and FTH1 protein expressions in cardiac tissue increased (P<0.05) in the Laggerae Herba group.
Conclusion
Laggerae Herba improves the cardiac function of mice with chronic heart failure caused by transverse aortic arch constriction, reduces the pathological remodeling of the heart, and reduces fibrosis. Its mechanism may be related to Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway-mediated ferroptosis.
4.Efficacy and influencing factors of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of chronic insomnia
Xiaoya CHEN ; Jiawei HE ; Yan LIU ; Yi WANG ; Jing YAO ; Xiaoqi HUANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2024;37(1):16-20
BackgroundChronic insomnia is characterized by a prolonged and recurrent course. The efficacy of repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a physical therapy method to improve sleep quality remains inadequately supported by evidence, particularly regarding its relationship with personality traits. ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and influencing factors of rTMS in the treatment of chronic insomnia, and to provide insights into its therapeutic potential. MethodA total of 46 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for chronic insomnia according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), and were treated at the Third Hospital of Mianyang from September 2022 to September 2023 were selected. Prior to treatment, participants underwent assessments using the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), Hamilton Depression Scale-17 item (HAMD-17) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess sleep quality before treatment, at the end of the second week of treatment and one week post-treatment. ResultsAt the end of the second week of treatment, patients exhibited significantly improved total PSQI score and subscale scores related to subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbance and daytime dysfunction (t=4.755~13.361, P<0.01), with 24 cases (54.35%) showing effective treatment outcomes. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that introverted and extroverted personality traits contributed significantly to the regression equation (B=0.317, P<0.01), explaining 29.90% of the total variation (R2=0.299). ConclusionrTMS treatment may effectively improve the sleep quality of patients with chronic insomnia, with its therapeutic effect appearing to associated with introverted and extroverted personality traits. [Funded by National Natural Science Project of China (number, 82372080)]
5.Implementation status of intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology in localizing peripherally inserted central catheter tip position in 199 hospitals
Jing SHI ; Lei WANG ; Xiaoqi WU ; Wei GAO ; Hong SUN ; Yuan SHENG ; Yan WU
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(4):494-499
Objective:To investigate the implementation status of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) tip intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology in the hospitals, so as to provide reference for promoting the development of intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional survey. Using the convenient sampling method, members of Intravenous Infusion Committee of Chinese Nursing Association selected PICC/ intravenous therapy leaders meeting the inclusion criteria from 5 to 10 hospitals in their work area as the research objects from December 2022 to January 2023. The self-made PICC Tip Intracardiac Electrocardiogram Positioning Technology Implementation Status Questionnaire was used to investigate the PICC/intravenous therapy leaders. A total of 205 questionnaires were distributed in 28 provinces/autonomous regions/municipalities directly under the Central Government, and 199 valid questionnaires were collected, with an effective recovery rate of 97.1%. Results:Among 199 hospitals, 63.3% (126/199) of them successfully implemented PICC tip intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology. Among the 126 hospitals that implemented PICC tip intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology, only 20 hospitals included it in their charging items. A total of 50.3% (100/199) of hospitals established a unified intracardiac electrocardiogram guided PICC catheterization procedure; 47.7% (95/199) of hospitals organized/participated in training programs on PICC tip intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology, and 57.3% (114/199) of hospital PICC/intravenous therapy leaders participated in training programs related to PICC tip intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology. In terms of the relevant achievements of 199 research hospitals, 56 papers, seven utility model patents and 28 awards were issued.Conclusions:The application, training and achievement output of PICC tip intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology need to be further improved. It is suggested to sink high-quality resources, formulate implementation procedures and evaluation standards, standardize nursing service project management, increase training efforts, and improve scientific research thinking of intravenous therapy nurses, so as to promote the standardization development of new technologies.
6.Training needs of subcutaneous tunnel technique for peripherally inserted central catheter specialist nurses in Shandong Province
Jing SHI ; Cui LIU ; Xiaoqi WU ; Wei GAO ; Yuan SHENG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(17):2252-2256
Objective:To explore the training needs of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) specialist nurses in Shandong Province for subcutaneous tunnel technique, so as to provide reference for conducting systematic and standardized training.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional survey. From October to December 2022, convenience sampling was used to select 922 PICC specialist nurses in Shandong Province as the research subject. A self-made questionnaire was used to investigate the training needs of PICC specialist nurses for subcutaneous tunnel technique.Results:A total of 922 questionnaires were distributed, and 922 valid questionnaires were collected, with an effective response rate of 100.00%. 22.78% (210/922) of PICC specialist nurses used subcutaneous tunnel technique. In terms of training willingness, 92.08% (849/922) of PICC specialist nurses had a training need for subcutaneous tunnel technique. In terms of training content needs, the total score of PICC specialist nurses for subcutaneous tunnel technique training content needs was (62.26±11.06), and the average score for each item was >4.15, and the highest scoring item was the sharing of special cases in tunnel PICC (4.60±0.77), and the lowest scoring item was PICC maintenance knowledge (4.15±1.15) .Conclusions:The application rate of subcutaneous tunnel technique is low, and PICC specialist nurses have a high training need. Managers should increase training efforts for this technique, improve training content, innovate training models, develop targeted training programs, so as to promote the application and promotion of this technique.
7.Systematic review of thrombosis risk prediction models related to peripherally inserted central catheter in adults
Xiaoqi WU ; Lihong YANG ; Zhijie AN ; Jing SHI ; Yuan SHENG ; Wei GAO
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(17):2263-2272
Objective:To systematically review thrombosis risk prediction models associated with peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) in adults and provide a basis for the clinical application of these models and the development of subsequent models.Methods:Databases such as CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Ovid were searched to collect studies on thrombosis risk prediction models related to adult PICC, covering all entries from the inception of the databases until December 31, 2022. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias.Results:Nineteen studies were included. D-dimer was the most common predictive factor; only five studies underwent external validation, and six studies evaluated model calibration. All included studies exhibited high risk of bias, primarily due to methodological deficiencies in model development and validation processes; the combined area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for nine models was 0.80 (95% Confidence Interval: 0.75-0.85) .Conclusions:Research on thrombosis risk prediction models related to adult PICC is still in its developmental stage. Most of the known models perform well with comprehensive and easily obtainable predictive factors, yet they exhibit methodological shortcomings. Future research should focus on improving the methodological quality and external validation during model development and validation processes.
8.Alleviation of isoproterenol-induced myocardial fibrosis in mice by autophagy regulated by Astragaloside Ⅳ through activating ROCK/JNK pathway
Feifei WU ; Xiaoqi ZHANG ; Jing LIAN ; Jing YANG ; Mengen ZHAI ; Rui QIAO ; Chennian XU ; Tingting YANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice 2023;41(8):478-484
Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of astragaloside Ⅳ(AS-Ⅳ) activating ROCK/JNK to regulate autophagy in improving isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial fibrosis (MF) in mice. Methods The mice were randomly divided into control operation group (Control group), ISO induced myocardial fibrosis group (MF group), AS-Ⅳ treatment group (AS-Ⅳ group) and combination group of astragaloside IV and Y-33075 (ROCK inhibitor) (astragaloside IV+Y-33075 group). After repeated administration for 30 days. The serum levels of LDH, BNP, CTGF in each group were detected. The cardiac function was detected by ultrasound. Myocardial structure and tissue fibrosis degree in each group were detected by Sirius Red and Masson staining. Oxidative stress (ROS) levels in myocardial tissue of each group were detected by DHE staining and the expression of ROCK, JNK, Atg5, Beclin 1, and LC3 Ⅰ/Ⅱ in myocardial tissue were detected by Western blotting. Results Compared with AS-Ⅳ group, the EF value of AS-Ⅳ+Y-33075 group decreased and the degree of myocardial fibrosis increased (P<0.05). The serum level of LDH, BNP, CTGF increased and the level of ROS in myocardial tissue increased while the expression of ROCK, JNK, Atg5, Beclin 1, LC3 Ⅰ/Ⅱ decreased (P<0.05). Y-33075 could block the protective effect of AS-Ⅳ on myocardial injury induced by MF and inhibit the regulation of AS-Ⅳ on ROCK and JNK. Conclusion AS-Ⅳ could attenuate myocardial fibrosis in mice by activating ROCK/JNK signal and promoting autophagy.
9.A retrospective clinical study of non-injection mucosal resection for Paris type 0-Ⅰ colonic polyps less than 2 cm
Xiaotan DOU ; Jing WANG ; Ting ZHOU ; Ying XIE ; Tingsheng LING ; Xiaoqi ZHANG ; Lei WANG ; Min CHEN
Chinese Journal of Digestive Endoscopy 2023;40(9):729-733
Objective:To evaluate the value of non-injection mucosal resection for Paris type 0-Ⅰ colon polyps with a long diameter less than 2 cm.Methods:At the Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, patients with type 0-Ⅰcolonic polyps of a long diameter less than 2 cm who underwent non-submucosal injection resection from January 2019 to December 2019 were enrolled as the non-injection group, and those who received endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) in the same period were enrolled as the control (EMR group). The differences in complete resection rate, operation time, complication incidence and 1-year follow-up polyp detection rate between the two groups were compared.Results:A total of 373 patients were treated with non-injection mucosal resection and 743 patients with conventional EMR. There was no significant difference in gender [68.6% (256/373) VS 64.6% (480/743) for male, χ2=1.796], age (56.2±11.8 years VS 57.4±11.2 years, t=-1.984), number of polyps (1.5±0.9 VS 1.4±0.8, t=1.776), polyp distribution [48.0% (269/561) VS 34.6% (362/1 045) in right colon, χ2=3.364], lesion diameter less than 1 cm [80.0% (449/561) VS 76.9% (804/1 045), χ2=2.043] between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time in the non-injection group was 2.82±1.70 min, which was shorter than that in the EMR group (4.94±2.54 min) with significant difference ( t=-16.489, P<0.001). The number of metal clips used in the non-injection group was 0.90±0.68, which was less than that in the EMR group (1.30±0.73, t=-8.971, P<0.001). The en bloc resection rates of lesions in non-injection group and EMR group were both 100.0%. The complete resection rate of non-injection group was 97.3% (546/561), which was not significantly different from that of EMR group [98.1% (1 025/1 045), χ2=0.749, P=0.387]. There was no significant difference in the incidences of delayed bleeding in the two groups [0.0% (0/373) VS 0.8% (6/743), P=0.187]. No intraoperative or delayed perforation in either group occurred. There was no significant difference in the incidence of electrocoagulation syndrome between the two groups [0.8% (3/373) VS 0.7% (5/743), P=0.534]. A total of 63 patients in the non-injection group underwent colonoscopy review within the set period, and the polyp detection rate was 41.2% (26/63). A total of 178 patients in the EMR group also underwent colonoscopy review, and the polyp detection rate was 53.9% (96/178). There was no significant difference in the polyp detection rate between the two groups ( χ2=2.985, P>0.05). Conclusion:Non-submucosal injection resection is safe and effective for Paris type 0-Ⅰ colon polyps with a long diameter less than 2 cm, which can significantly shorten the operation time and is worth of clinical promotion.
10.Practice status and development of PICC in China
Xiaoqi WU ; Wei GAO ; Yuan SHENG ; Jing SHI
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2023;29(5):566-572
In recent years, peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) plays an important role in tumor chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition, long-term intravenous infusion, and is an indispensable lifeline for critically ill patients and cancer patients. This article reviews the application of new tool technology in PICC catheterization, the management of PICC catheter-associated complications, the training status and development prospects of PICC specialist nurses, and discusses the current practice status and research prospects of PICC technology in China, with a view to providing a reference basis for promoting the development of PICC technology in China.


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