1.Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Based on Traditional Quality Evaluation
Changsheng YUAN ; Feng ZHOU ; Xingyu LIU ; Yu SHI ; Yihan WANG ; Huaizhu LI ; Yongliang LI ; Shan GUAN ; Huaizhong GAO ; Yanmeng LIU ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):203-214
ObjectiveTo characterize the quality differences among different germplasm and introduced varieties of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium roots(BSR), and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, providing a basis for high-quality production and quality control. MethodsWild BSR from Yulin(YLW) served as the quality reference, we conducted comparative analysis among YLW, locally domesticated wild germplasm in Yulin(YLC3), Daqing germplasm introduced and cultivated in Yulin(YLDQC3), and locally cultivated germplasm in Daqing(DQC3). A combination of traditional pharmacognostic methods and modern multi-omics analyses was employed, including macroscopic traits(appearance, odor), microscopic features(proportions of cork, phloem, xylem), cell wall component contents(hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin), carbohydrate contents(starch, water-soluble polysaccharides), marker compound contents(ethanol-soluble extracts, total saponins, liposoluble extracts, and saikosaponins A, B2, C, D), metabolomics, and transcriptomics, in order to systematically characterize quality differences and investigate molecular mechanisms among these samples. ResultsMacroscopically, Yulin-produced BSR(YLW, YLC3, YLDQC3) exhibited significantly greater weight, length, and upper and middle diameters than Daqing-produced BSR(DQC3). Odor-wise, YLW and YLC3 had a a fragrance taste, YLDQC3 had a rancid oil odor, and DQC3 had a sweet and fragrant taste. Microscopically, Yulin germplasm(YLW, YLC3) and Daqing germplasm(YLDQC3, DQC3) shared similar structural features, respectively. However, Yulin germplasm showed significantly higher proportions of cork and phloem, as well as stronger xylem vessel staining intensity compared to Daqing germplasm. Regarding various component contents, Yulin germplasm contained significantly higher levels of ethanol-soluble extracts, total saponins, and saikosaponins A, B2, C, D, while Daqing germplasm had significantly higher levels of hemicellulose, starch, and liposoluble extracts. After introduction to Yulin, the Daqing germplasm(YLDQC3) showed increased starch, water-soluble polysaccharides and liposoluble extracts contents, decreased cell wall component content, but no significant difference in other component contents. Metabolomics revealed that saponins and terpenes accumulated significantly in Yulin germplasm, while alcohols and aldehydes accumulated predominantly in Daqing germplasm. Transcriptomics indicated similar gene expression patterns within the same germplasm but specificity between different germplasms. Integrative metabolomic-transcriptomic analysis identified 145 potential key genes associated with the saikosaponin biosynthesis pathway, including one acetyl-coenzyme A(CoA) acetyltransferase gene(ACAT), one 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A synthase gene(HMGS), two hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA(HMG-CoA) reductase genes(HMG), one phosphomevalonate kinase gene(PMK), one 1-deoxy-D-xylose-5-phosphate synthase gene(CLA), one hydroxymethylbuten-1-aldol synthase gene(HDR), two farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase genes(FPPS), one squalene synthase gene(SQS), one β-amyrin synthase gene(BAS), 102 cytochrome P450(CYP450) gene family members, and 32 uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase(UGT) gene family members. ConclusionAmong the three cultivated types, YLC3 most closely resembles YLW in appearance, microscopic features, contents of major bioactive constituents, metabolomic and transcriptomic profiles. Yulin germplasm exhibits superior saponin synthesis capability compared to Daqing germplasm, and Yulin region is more suitable for the growth of B. scorzonerifolium. Based on these findings, it is recommended that artificial cultivation in northern Shaanxi and similar regions utilize the local Yulin germplasm source cultivated for at least three years.
2.Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Polygalae Radix Based on Traditional Quality Evaluation
Yihan WANG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Huaizhu LI ; Yongliang LI ; Shan GUAN ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):215-224
ObjectiveBased on the traditional quality evaluation methods summarized in previous dynasties, this paper systematically contrasted the quality differences between wild Polygalae Radix(WPR) and cultivated Polygalae Radix(CPR) from the aspects of character, microscope and chemical composition by modern scientific and technological means, providing a basis for high-quality production and quality control. MethodsCPR and local WPR in Yulin city, Shaanxi province from 1 to 6 years were collected, and a systematic comparative analysis was conducted using traditional pharmacognosy research methods combined with modern multi-omics analysis techniques, including character traits(length, weight, diameter), cross-sectional microscopic features(proportions of cork, phloem, xylem, etc), cell wall component content(hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin), extracts content(water-soluble extract and alcohol-soluble extract), carbohydrate content(starch, water-soluble polysaccharides), contents of total flavonoids, total saponins and specific marker compounds(3,6′-disinapoyl sucrose, polygalaxanthone Ⅲ, tenuifoliside A, tenuifoliside C, sibiricose A5 and A6) and other indexes. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was employed to conduct comparative analysis of secondary metabolites in WPR and CPR, and multivariate statistical analysis such as principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were combined to screen the key differential components of them. ResultsIn terms of appearance, there were significant differences between WPR and CPR. The characteristics of WPR conformed to the "thick wrinkles on the epidermis" recorded in ancient books, featuring a wrinkled surface and grayish-brown appearance. However, CPR had a finer texture and a yellowish white appearance, with weight, length, and diameter increasing with longer cultivation periods. In terms of microscopy, WPR exhibited a thick cork layer with fissures in the phloem, whereas CPR had a thinner cork layer with uniformly arranged cork cells. Younger PR specimens showed numerous phloem fissures in cross-sections, while older specimens display progressively denser arrangements of phloem parenchyma cells. In terms of the contents of various major components, the contents of water-soluble extract, starch and total saponins in WPR were inversely proportional to the root diameter, while the contents of water-soluble extract, water-soluble polysaccharides and total saponins in CPR decreased with the increase of planting years. The content of xanthones in WPR was significantly higher than that of CPR, while the contents of other major components showed no significant change pattern. Among the six indicator components, the average content of sibiricose A5 in WPR was significantly higher than that of CPR, followed by slightly higher content of tenuifoliside A. In CPR, the relative content of 3,6′-disinapoyl sucrose and tenuifoliside A was the highest. The former showed an increase in volatility with increasing cultivation years, while the latter showed a decrease in volatility. The results of differential compound analysis based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS showed that there were significant differences in metabolites between WPR and CPR samples. Among them, the seven compounds with the largest differences among WPR samples of different thicknesses were polygalasaponins, and for CPR with different planting years, the main differential compounds were oligosaccharide esters. ConclusionThere are differences between WPR and CPR in character, microscopic structure and chemical composition, and some components are inversely proportional with the increase of diameter and cultivation duration due to the distribution characteristics. However, the longer the cultivation years of PR, the closer it is to the "thick wrinkles on the epidermis" of WPR, which has been respected by generations. It is suggested that this traditional character combined with modern component contents should be used as the index of artificial cultivation and quality control of PR.
3.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.
4.Optimization of Quality Standards for Polygalae Radix Based on Characteristic Chromatograms and QAMS for Xanthones
Humin XIE ; Xiaoqing CUI ; Weihong FENG ; Yu LU ; Xiaoqian LIU ; Xiaoli SUN ; Yanrong LI ; Zhimin WANG ; Chun LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):196-204
ObjectiveTo address the limitations of the current quality standard for Polygalae Radix(PR), which relies on a single component for quality assessment and struggles to holistically control its intrinsic quality, by constructing a comprehensive quality evaluation system integrating "macro-characterization of chemical profile, synchronous quantification of multiple index components, and quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker(QAMS) for key component groups". This study aims to facilitate the scientific revision of the quality standard for PR. MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) characteristic chromatograms were established for 11 batches of PR medicinal materials(YZ), 10 batches of PR decoction pieces(YP), and 10 batches of licorice-processed PR decoction pieces(ZYZ), followed by similarity evaluation and identification of common peaks. HPLC-QAMS was developed for xanthones(sibiricaxanthone B, polygalaxanthone Ⅺ, polygalaxanthone Ⅲ) in the characteristic chromatograms. Simultaneously, the external standard method(ESM) was used to determine the contents of the corresponding xanthones and 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose in YZ, YP, and ZYZ, followed by multivariate statistical analysis and Spearman correlation analysis. ResultsThe similarity between the characteristic chromatograms of 31 batches of PR samples and the reference chromatogram was>0.9. A total of 13 common peaks were identified, and 10 of these peaks were characterized through reference standard comparison. The successfully constructed QAMS method showed that the relative correction factors(RCFs) of sibiricaxanthone B and polygalaxanthone Ⅺ to polygalaxanthone Ⅲ were 0.76 and 0.88, and their relative retention times(RRTs) were 0.85 and 0.97, respectively. The results calculated by the QAMS method showed no significant difference from those obtained by the ESM. According to the limit standard for polygalaxanthone Ⅲ in the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China(hereinafter referred to as the Chinese Pharmacopoeia), the pass rate of 31 batches of samples was only 19.35%. Multivariate statistical analysis indicated certain compositional differences between different batches of YZ and YP, as well as between YP and ZYZ, with 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose identified as the main differentiating component. Furthermore, correlation analysis revealed that the content of polygalaxanthone Ⅲ was positively correlated with the contents of sibiricaxanthone B and polygalaxanthone Ⅺ, but showed no association with the content of 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose. ConclusionIt is recommended that the content limit for polygalaxanthone Ⅲ in YZ,YP and ZYZ be revised to not less than 0.07%, or the total content of polygalaxanthone Ⅲ, sibiricaxanthone B and polygalaxanthone Ⅺ be not less than 0.18%. The newly established triple quality control model of "holistic control via characteristic chromatograms, precise quantification of oligosaccharide esters, and efficient detection of xanthones by QAMS" provides a systematic and precise solution for quality evaluation of PR and similar Chinese herbal medicines.
5.Results of thoracic endovascular aortic repair for high-risk uncomplicated Stanford B aortic dissection by different stages
Jing HUO ; Yulin XIAO ; Xiangyi SHEN ; Zhongyin WU ; Xiaobo LIU ; Hong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;40(1):51-56
Objective:To investigate the difference in efficacy of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for high-risk uncomplicated Stanford B aortic dissection in acute versus subacute phase.Methods:The clinical and follow-up data of of 126 patients with high-risk, uncomplicated Stanford B aortic dissection treated with TEVAR at the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College from Jan 2014 to Oct 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:One hundred and twenty-six patients were divided according to the time from onset to surgery into an acute phase group ( n=65, 1-14 days) and a subacute phase group ( n=61, 15-90 days). The average hospital stay of patients in the subacute phase group was significantly shorter than that of patients in the acute phase group ( P<0.05). One year post-operatively, abdominal aortic false lumen thrombosis in patients of the acute phase group was better than that in the subacute phase group ( P<0.05). The in hospital overall incidence of adverse events (total complications+death) was lower in the subacute phase group than in the acute phase group ( P<0.05). The difference in the long-term overall incidence of adverse events between the two groups was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The TEVAR procedure for high-risk, uncomplicated Stanford B aortic dissection performed during the subacute phase had a lower postoperative in hospital incidence of adverse events.
6.Biomechanical Comparison of Different Repair Methods for Inferior Pole Fracture of the Patella
Yulin XU ; Yuangui TANG ; Yongkang CUI ; Yuchuan LIU ; Tao WANG ; Wanyin QI ; Jinhui LIU ; Cheng LIANG
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(1):100-105
Objective To conduct a comparative study on the biomechanical performance of using sutures for repairing inferior pole patellar fractures.Methods Compared to the normal patellar structure(Group A),four repair methods,namely,'Krackow'suture(Group B),"Kessler"fixation(Group C),'8-figure'mesh method(Group D),and modified suture bridge(Group E)were adopted.The static stiffness and dynamic stability of inferior pole patellar fractures fixed by each repair method were measured at 30°,60°,and 90° knee flexion.Results The stiffness at all flexion angles in Group E was closer to that in Group A,compared to other repair groups,followed by Group B,then Group D,and finally Group C.After the first cycle,at 30° knee flexion,Group C showed the greatest displacement,while Groups B and E had slightly larger displacements than the Group A,and the displacement of Group D was smaller than that of Group A.At 60° and 90° knee flexion,the displacement in all repair groups was smaller than that of Group A.After 200 cycles in the subsequent three cycles,displacement changes in all repair groups were smaller than those in Group A.Conclusions All repair methods were effective.In terms of biomechanical fixation performance,the modified suture bridge was superior to the'Krackow'suture and'8-figure'mesh,with Kessler fixation being the least effective.However,factors such as the injury severity,incision location,and surgical time should be comprehensively considered in actual clinical use,and it is recommended that the repair method should be selected in the following order:E,B,D,and C.
7.Induction of tumor immunogenic cell death by low-temperature plasma
Xiangni WANG ; Jinren LIU ; Yixin CUI ; Jiajia LU ; Zhirou HE ; Yulin XU ; Rongrong LI ; Xingmin SHI ; Xili WU
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(1):20-27
Objective To compare the induction effects of direct treatment with low-temperature plasma(LTP)and treatment with plasma-activated medium(PAM)on immunogenic cell death(ICD)of melanoma cells.Methods After direct treatment of melanoma cell line B16F10 with LTP and treatment of it with PAM for 24 hours,cell viability was detected by MTT assay.Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis and the expression of calreticulin(CRT)on the cell surface.The adenosine triphosphate(ATP)content in the culture medium was detected by an ATP detection kit.The content of high-mobility group box 1(HMGB1)in the cell culture medium was detected by ELISA.B16F10 cells treated with LTP were co-cultured with immature dendritic cells(DC)DC2.4 cell line,and flow cytometry was used to detect DC surface molecules CD80 and CD86.Results Compared with the control group,both direct treatment and indirect treatment could lead to a decrease in the viability of B16F10 cells,an increase in the apoptosis rate,an increase in intracellular ROS,an increase in CRT expression,and an increase in the secretion of ATP and HMGB1(P<0.05).At the same treatment time,the expression of CRT and the release of ATP in B16F10 cells directly treated with LTP were higher than those indirectly treated with PAM(P<0.05).Compared with the DC2.4 group,the expression proportion of the DC cell maturation marker molecule CD80 was significantly increased in LTP-120s group,LTP-180s group,PAM-120s group,and PAM-180s group.The expression proportion of the DC cell maturation marker molecule CD86 was significantly increased in LTP-120s group,LTP-180s group,and PAM-180s group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Both direct treatment with LTP and indirect treatment with PAM can induce ICD in melanoma cells.The direct treatment with LTP has a better induction effect.
8.Progress in method development and application of distributed learning for estimation of epidemiological effect
Junting YANG ; Xin GAO ; Xiaoxuan WANG ; Mengdi ZHANG ; Xin CHEN ; Yulin WANG ; Zhike LIU ; Siyan ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(5):895-906
Objective:To systematically review the progress in the method development and application of distributed learning in the estimation of epidemiological effect and provide methodological reference for multi-center studies.Methods:We conducted a literature retrieval for English papers published up to December 31, 2023 by using keywords of "health/medical big data" and "distributed/federated learning". After consulting experts, we set criteria of paper inclusion and exclusion and created a framework for data extraction. We collected information about basic study details, including method, application, and evaluation. Two researchers independently screened the papers and extracted information. We used EndNote 20 for the management of literatures and EpiData for the management of data.Results:A total of 3 444 papers were collected, and 29 papers were included in the final analysis. Most of the papers (25, 86.2%) were published in or after 2019, and the papers were mainly from the United States (21/29, 72.4%). For the estimation of epidemiological effects, 22 distributed learning methods had been developed, including methods for logistic regression (8), Cox regression (8), Poisson regression (2), and generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) (4), as well as three platforms for distributed analysis (VLP, Vantage6, AusCAT). The 29 papers described 45 applications, with 20 (44.4%) focusing on the establishment of prediction model and 25 (55.6%) on association analysis. Importantly, except for GLMM, current distributed learning methods can estimate effects with little bias in 1-3 rounds of communication. These methods show less bias compared with meta-analysis, especially in the address of data heterogeneity and rare outcomes. However, less studies examined how differences in data structure and sparse data affect results, an area that requires further research.Conclusion:While distributed learning shows promise in epidemiological effect estimation, it is still in early development, requiring further research on data heterogeneity handling and communication efficiency improvement.
9.Construction and effect evaluation of the respiratory rehabilitation calisthenics for school-age children with bronchial asthma
Xixuan LIU ; Yulin LIU ; Sha LIU ; Fan YANG ; Xiaohong XIE ; Zijuan WANG ; Lifang LIU ; Hongyu WEI
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(9):1043-1050
Objective To construct the respiratory rehabilitation calisthenics for school-age children with asthma,and evaluate its effects,in order to provide a guidance for the scientific and effective implementation of respiratory rehabilitation in clinical work.Methods By convenience sampling method,the school-age children with asthma treated in the respiratory outpatient department of a tertiary specialized children's hospital in Chongqing from De-cember 2023 to February 2024 were selected.The children were randomly divided into an experimental group and the control group(25 of each group)by a random number table.Both groups were given routine asthma drug in-halation treatment and health education.Additionally,the experimental group received respiratory rehabilitation calis-thenics training and the control group received conventional aerobic exercise training.After 3-month intervention,the effects of adherence to respiratory rehabilitation training,lung functions,exercise capacity,inspiratory muscle strength and occurrence of adverse events were evaluated between 2 groups.Results 24 children of each group completed the study.After 3-month intervention,the adherence to respiratory rehabilitation training,exercise capacity and in-spiratory muscle strength were improved in the experimental group compared with those in the control group,and all differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).There were no adverse events in both groups.Conclusion The respiratory rehabilitation calisthenics for school-age children with asthma constructed in this study was scientif-ic,feasible and safe,and could improve exercise capacity and inspiratory muscle strength for children with asthma.
10.Diversity of the Duffy blood group gene among ethnic Hui population in Henan Province
Wenyan CUI ; Hecai YANG ; Cunquan KONG ; Yongkui KONG ; Yunfei YOU ; Yujing LIU ; Jinhua LIU ; Maocai CHEN ; Yulin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(3):274-281
Objective:To analyze the diversity of Duffy blood group gene among ethnic Hui population from Henan Province using PacBio long-read sequencing technique.Methods:Randomly select 30 individuals with three generations of Hui ancestry from Henan as the study subjects. Full-length sequences of the Duffy blood group gene were obtained through PacBio long-read sequencing. Distribution of the predicted phenotype and genotype frequency were determined, and the linkage between Duffy haplotypes and variation sites was analyzed. Genetic diversity, natural selection pressure, and population genetic characteristics were evaluated. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Ethics No. 202223).Results:The predicted Duffy blood group phenotype in the Henan Hui population was predominantly Fy(a+ b-). Three novel SNPs in the FY*01 allele were identified, with a total frequency of 13.33%, among which FY*01.NEW1 (c.199C>T) was the most common. A total of 32 variant sites were identified, with 28 located in intronic regions, indicating that genetic diversity was primarily concentrated in introns. The Duffy blood group gene was under negative selection pressure ( dN/ dS < 1, Tajima′s D, Fu and Li′s D*& F* significantly deviated from 0), suggesting overall conservation. The allele frequencies of Duffy blood group in the Henan Hui population was similar to that of the Xinjiang Hui, Xinjiang Kazakh, Inner Mongolia Mongolian, and Yuncheng Han populations, but significantly different from those of most Han and other ethnic groups ( P<0.05). Conclusion:This study revealed the characteristics of the Duffy blood group gene among the Henan Hui population and demonstrated the significant advantages of PacBio long-read sequencing technique in haplotype analysis, genetic diversity study, and novel mutation identification.


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