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.The role of shed syndecan-4 in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis in rats
HE Kangping ; CHEN Xiaohua ; LI Jinru ; ZHAN Ying ; HE Feng ; JIANG Tianlu ; LI Feifei ; YU Shibin
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(5):443-455
Objective:
To investigate the mechanism of shed syndecan-4 (sSDC4) in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) in rats, aiming to provide experimental evidence for its prevention and treatment.
Methods:
This study was approved by the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee. Twelve 6-week-old female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into two groups. They received a single intra-articular injection into the bilateral superior cavity of temporomandibular joint, which consisted of either 50 μL of 4 mg/mL monosodium iodoacetate (TMJOA model group) or 50 μL of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, control group). After 4 weeks, the mandibular condylar cartilage was harvested for hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining, Safranin O-fast green (SO) staining, and type II collagen (Col-Ⅱ) immunohistochemical staining to assess the degree of cartilage degeneration. The synovium of the temporomandibular joint was collected for immunohistochemical staining to detect the expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) to evaluate the degree of synovial inflammation. Synovial fluid from the temporomandibular joint cavity was collected to measure sSDC4 levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, 12 6-week-old female SD rats were randomly divided into a His-SDC4 group and a control group, receiving injections into the bilateral superior cavity of temporomandibular joint of either 100 ng/mL (50 μL) of His-SDC4 protein or 50 μL of PBS once every 3 days for a total of 28 days. The same experimental procedures were performed for H&E staining, SO staining, and immunohistochemical staining (Col-Ⅱ IL-6, TNF-α) to observe condylar cartilage degeneration and detect synovial inflammation. Rat synovial fibroblasts and condylar chondrocytes were cultured in vitro and randomly divided into a His-SDC4-stimulated (10 ng/mL) group and control group. Perform CCK-8 cytotoxicity assays and observe cellular morphology under optical microscopy, the mRNA expression levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in cell culture supernatants were measured by ELISA.
Results:
Compared with the control group, the TMJOA group showed decreased condylar cartilage thickness, percentage of SO-positive area, and percentage of Col-Ⅱ-positive area (all P<0.001); an increased synovitis score (P<0.001) and increased percentages of IL-6- and TNF-α-positive cells in the synovium (all P<0.001); and a significant increase in sSDC4 levels in the synovial fluid (P=0.011). Following intra-articular injection of His-SDC4, condylar cartilage thickness, percentage of SO-positive area, and percentage of Col-Ⅱ-positive area all decreased (all P<0.001); the synovitis score increased (P=0.006), and the percentages of IL-6- and TNF-α-positive cells in the synovium increased (all P<0.001). In vitro experiments showed that His-SDC4 stimulation significantly upregulated the expression levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in both synovial fibroblasts and condylar chondrocytes (all P<0.01), and the levels of these two cytokines in the culture supernatants also significantly increased (all P<0.01).
Conclusion
During TMJOA progression, the level of sSDC4 in the synovial fluid is significantly elevated, which can directly stimulate synovial fibroblasts and condylar chondrocytes to secrete more pro-inflammatory cytokines, forming a vicious cycle that accelerates TMJOA progression.
3.Analysis of influencing factors on the height of gingival papilla around implants
Dandan FENG ; Miaozhen WANG ; Feng LIU ; Yalin ZHAN ; Yi LI
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2025;60(2):172-178
The anatomical structure of the gingival papilla around the implant is special, and it is difficult to recover after injury. The reduction of its height will have a negative impact on function and esthetics, and it is one of the many problems in implant treatment at present. This paper analyzes the influencing factors of implant gingival papilla height from three aspects: anatomical factors, implant surgical design and implant restorative design, including the classical influencing factors such as the shape of natural teeth, interproximal distance between the implant and the adjacent tooth, soft tissue grafting, and contour of implant restorations, as well as the hot and controversial influencing factors in recent years such as the thickness of soft tissues around the implant, the implant surgical timing, the flap design, and the surgical incision, in order to provide reference for clinicians in the process of implant treatment for gingival papilla preservation and reconstruction.
4.Expert consensus on holistic integrative management of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Moyi SUN ; Zongxuan HE ; Haoyue XU ; Xiaoying LI ; Jie ZHANG ; Haijun LU ; Xiaohong ZHAN ; Dapeng HAO ; Shizhu BAI ; Wei GUO ; Zhangui TANG ; Guoxin REN ; Jian MENG ; Zhijun SUN ; Jichen LI ; Yue HE ; Chunjie LI ; Lizheng QIN ; Kai YANG ; Qing XI ; Lin KONG ; Bing HAN ; Lingxue BU ; Yuanyong FENG ; Kai SONG ; Hongyu HAN ; Jieying LI ; Qianwei NI ; Yun LI ; Juan CHAI ; Xiaochen YANG ; Man HU ; Mingjin XU ; Wei SHANG
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(4):437-449
Oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)is a malignant lesion originating from the oral mucosal squamous epithelium,account-ing for over 80%of oral and maxillofacial malignancies.Key etiological factors include tobacco,alcohol abuse,and betel quid chewing.In China,its incidence has shown an overall upward trend,posing a significant threat to public health.OSCC exhibits high local invasive-ness,making early diagnosis critical for improving prognosis.Its clinical management requires close multidisciplinary collaboration among oral and maxillofacial surgery,head and neck surgery,radiation oncology,medical oncology,reconstructive surgery,radiology,patholo-gy,and nutritional support teams.Given the increasing disease burden of OSCC and rapid development of multidisciplinary collaborative models,an expert panel has formulated this integrated management consensus based on evidence-based medicine and extensive deliber-ation.Centered on the'Prevention-Screening-Diagnosis-Treatment-Rehabilitation'framework,the consensus provides comprehensive guidance for the entire disease course of OSCC patients,aiming to standardize clinical practice.
5.Cryo-EM structures of Nipah virus polymerase complex reveal highly varied interactions between L and P proteins among paramyxoviruses.
Lu XUE ; Tiancai CHANG ; Jiacheng GUI ; Zimu LI ; Heyu ZHAO ; Binqian ZOU ; Junnan LU ; Mei LI ; Xin WEN ; Shenghua GAO ; Peng ZHAN ; Lijun RONG ; Liqiang FENG ; Peng GONG ; Jun HE ; Xinwen CHEN ; Xiaoli XIONG
Protein & Cell 2025;16(8):705-723
Nipah virus (NiV) and related viruses form a distinct henipavirus genus within the Paramyxoviridae family. NiV continues to spillover into the humans causing deadly outbreaks with increasing human-bat interaction. NiV encodes the large protein (L) and phosphoprotein (P) to form the viral RNA polymerase machinery. Their sequences show limited homologies to those of non-henipavirus paramyxoviruses. We report two cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the Nipah virus (NiV) polymerase L-P complex, expressed and purified in either its full-length or truncated form. The structures resolve the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and polyribonucleotidyl transferase (PRNTase) domains of the L protein, as well as a tetrameric P protein bundle bound to the L-RdRp domain. L-protein C-terminal regions are unresolved, indicating flexibility. Two PRNTase domain zinc-binding sites, conserved in most Mononegavirales, are confirmed essential for NiV polymerase activity. The structures further reveal anchoring of the P protein bundle and P protein X domain (XD) linkers on L, via an interaction pattern distinct among Paramyxoviridae. These interactions facilitate binding of a P protein XD linker in the nucleotide entry channel and distinct positioning of other XD linkers. We show that the disruption of the L-P interactions reduces NiV polymerase activity. The reported structures should facilitate rational antiviral-drug discovery and provide a guide for the functional study of NiV polymerase.
Nipah Virus/chemistry*
;
Cryoelectron Microscopy
;
Viral Proteins/genetics*
;
RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase/genetics*
;
Phosphoproteins/genetics*
;
Humans
;
Models, Molecular
;
Protein Binding
6.The Sequential Mediating Roles of Body Pain and Self-Reported Health Status in the Relationship between Sleep Duration and Life Satisfaction.
Jia Feng LI ; Xue Wei FU ; Dan YANG ; Ye WANG ; Ting CHEN ; Yang PENG ; Feng Hao YANG ; Yu Chen ZHAN ; Yu WANG ; Xiang Dong TANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(1):47-55
OBJECTIVE:
This study examines the sequential mediating roles of body pain and self-reported health in the association between sleep duration and self-reported life satisfaction among elderly Chinese adults.
METHODS:
Data from the fifth wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS) were used to analyse the relationships between sleep duration and body pain, self-reported health, and life satisfaction through logistic regression and Restricted Cubic Spline (RCS) analyses. The sequential mediation effects of body pain and self-reported health status were examined via chain mediation analysis.
RESULTS:
Logistic regression analysis showed that sleeping fewer than 6 hours or 6-7 hours was linked to higher risks of body pain, poor health, and dissatisfaction with life compared to sleeping 7-8 hours (all P < 0.05). Additionally, those sleeping more than 9 hours also had increased risks of poor health and dissatisfaction with life compared to those sleeping 7-8 hours (all P < 0.05). Chain mediation analysis showed that body pain and self-reported health status sequentially mediated 46.15% of the association between sleep duration and life satisfaction.
CONCLUSION
Body pain and self-reported health may shape the relationship between sleep duration and life satisfaction in elderly Chinese adults.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Aged
;
Personal Satisfaction
;
Sleep
;
Health Status
;
Self Report
;
China
;
Middle Aged
;
Longitudinal Studies
;
Pain/psychology*
;
Sleep Duration
7.Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology(2nd edition)and their series interpretation(9):research report standards and results visualization
Jingru CHENG ; Ruina CHEN ; Jiarui LI ; Shaowen TANG ; Feng SUN ; Siyan ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(9):1004-1016
Standardized research reporting is crucial for the translation of pharmacoepidemiology research findings,and visual reporting can significantly enhance the clarity,understandability,and transparency of research results.Based on the Guide on Methodological Standards in Pharmacoepidemiology(2nd edition),this article systematically explains the key points for writing each component of a research report(including title,abstract,introduction,research methods,research results,discussion and conclusions,acknowledgments,conflict of interest statement,and references).This article also summarizes recognized international and domestic standards for pharmacoepidemiology research reporting,providing a reference for researchers.Furthermore,real-world cases will be used to demonstrate common forms of visualized reports and their interpretation methods.Finally,it further explores strategies for communicating research results.This study aims to provide pharmacoepidemiology researchers with detailed guidance on visually presenting research results and writing high-quality research reports,thereby enhancing the integrity and impact of their research.
8.Reassessing the scope of real-world data applications and the value of real-world evidence
Feng SUN ; Meng ZHANG ; Houyu ZHAO ; Zhirong YANG ; Junli ZHU ; Jing LI ; Linong JI ; Jiefu YANG ; Siyan ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(6):1079-1084
In the past decade, real-world data (RWD) research has undergone significant transformations due to data aggregation and processing technologies. However, there is still a lack of consensus regarding the scope of RWD applications and the value of real-world evidence (RWE). This study briefly outlined the origins of the concept of RWD study and its early research scope to promote further development in this area. We also reviewed the understanding of RWD applications and research models from the five perspectives of healthcare professionals, medical institutions, decision-making departments, cross-regional cooperation model, and the practice of the One-Health model. Finally, we systematically summarized the renewed understanding of the value of RWE while looking ahead to the challenges and future developments in this field.
9.A novel gamma-ray cone-beam focused stereotactic radiotherapy system
Gang LI ; Wenhong FAN ; Wencheng WANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Huafeng CHEN ; Jun LI ; Hua ZHENG ; Yongjiang MA ; Bihong ZHAN ; Liting QIAN ; Aidong WU ; Jieping ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2025;42(7):878-882
Stereotactic radiotherapy is widely favored because of its high treatment precision and less fractionations.ZND-A is a new domestic gamma-ray cone-beam focused stereotactic radiotherapy system.Herein the technical characteristics of ZND-A system are described in detail from the aspects of the treatment frame,gamma-ray module,collimator module,six-dimensional treatment couch module and image-guided system module,and the main parameters are compared with the mainstream gamma knife equipments at home and abroad.With reference to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors(RECIST 1.1),the initial efficacy of the patients treated by the ZND-A system is analyzed to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the ZND-A system for providing a reference for the hospital clinical use of this type of gamma knife.
10.The Expression Characteristics,Clinical Relevance and Tumor Inhibition of KCNN3 in Gastric Adenocarcinoma
Zi-Qing ZHAN ; Jia-Bei JIN ; Yu-Xuan LI ; Jia-Xin SHI ; Meng YE ; Xiao-Feng JIN
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(4):560-575,中插1-中插4
Potassium-calcium activates channel subfamily N member 3(KCNN3/SK3/KCa2.3)is in-volved in regulating cellular calcium signaling,muscle contraction and neurotransmitter release.Dysregu-lation of the KCNN3 channel is associated with the development of various tumors.We use bioinformatics analysis to identify whether KCNN3 regulates the occurrence and development of stomach adenocarcinoma(STAD)as a prognostic target.By analyzing the Human Protein Atlas(HPA)database and The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)database,we found that the protein and mRNA levels of KCNN3 were dramatic-ally reduced in STAD,and TCGA database showed that KCNN3 significantly correlated with the prognosis and clinical features of STAD.In addition,we found that high expression of KCNN3 in STAD reduced the IC50 of several drugs in STAD cells,suggesting that high expression of KCNN3 correlated with the drug sensitivity of STAD.To investigate the underlying biological mechanism,we identified a potential KCNN3 interaction factor,tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 7(CD27/TNFRSF7),which is expressed at low levels in STAD.RT-qPCR and Western blotting confirmed that KCNN3 and CD27 positively correlated with each other at protein and mRNA levels,and co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence experiments confirmed that the two proteins interact and colocalize in the cytoplasm.Moreover,we confirmed the inhibitory effect of KCNN3 on the proliferation,migration and invasion of hu-man STAD cells in vitro and in vivo through subcutaneous tumorigenesis and cellular experiments.Fur-thermore,GO/KEGG enrichment analysis showed that KCNN3 was enriched in signaling pathways regula-ting the immune response and calcium or metal ion transport.Lastly,we verified through cell co-culture,RT-qPCR and CCK8 assays that high expression of KCNN3 can promote the increase of T cell activating factor and the killing effect of T cells on STAD cells.Therefore,our results suggest that KCNN3 is a po-tential inhibitory factor affecting the occurrence and progression of STAD.


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