1.Herbal Textual Research on Patriniae Herba in Famous Classical Formulas
Yu SHI ; Zhen ZENG ; Feng ZHOU ; Yihan WANG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Yang YANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):248-257
By consulting ancient and modern literature, this article systematically reviews and verifies the historical evolution of the herbal medicine known as Baijiang across various dimensions, including name, origin, scientific name verification, medicinal parts, production area, quality, harvesting and processing, as well as its nature, taste, and therapeutic effects, in order to provide a reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing Patriniae Herba. Patriniae Herba has a long history of use. It derives its name from the distinctive musty odor of its roots, which resembles spoiled soy sauce. However, due to its alias Kucai, there has been much confusion with other plants. Since the Ming dynasty, various plants have been used interchangeably as Baijiang. Herbal textual research showed that Patriniae Herba was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing, and throughout history, Baijiang has been recognized as its standard name, though it has also been known by alternative names such as Luchang, Lujiang, and Suanyi. The main sources used throughout the ages were Patrinia scabiosaefolia or P. villosa, which is consistent with the 1977 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. However, while the roots were traditionally used medicinally, the whole plant is now more commonly used in modern practice. In addition, the whole plants of Thlaspi arvense from the Cruciferae family and Sonchus brachyotus from the Compositae family are commonly used as regional substitutes for Baijiang. According to ancient records, Patriniae Herba was primarily found in Jiangxia(present-day eastern Hubei province) and Jiangdong(the region south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River), but modern literature shows that it is distributed throughout the country without a distinct geographical origin. In ancient times, the roots were harvested in August and sun-dried, today, the whole plant is typically dug up in summer or autumn and sun-dried. In recent times, the quality has been summarized as being best when the roots are long, the leaves are abundant and green, and the aroma is strong. Regarding the processing, ancient methods often involved baking(drying over fire), while modern methods typically involve removing impurities, washing, and then cutting and drying the segments. The effects of Patriniae Herba are to clear heat and detoxify, eliminate blood stasis and drain pus. During the Han and Northern and Southern dynasties, it was used to treat skin diseases caused by heat, abscesses, postpartum diseases, and rheumatism, during the Five dynasties period, its therapeutic applications expanded to include diseases of the five senses, and by the modern era, conditions such as neurasthenia and insomnia were added. Regarding its properties and taste, it was recorded as bitter and neutral during the Han dynasty. By the Tang dynasty, it was slightly cold, with a taste of acrid and bitter. During the Yuan and Ming dynasties, it was mostly slightly cold and neutral, with a bitter and salty taste. In the Qing dynasty and modern times, it was mostly bitter and neutral, and in contemporary times, it has evolved to a taste of acrid, bitter, and cool. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that when developing and utilizing famous classical formulas containing Patriniae Herba, one should select the entire herb of the historically mainstream sources, P. scabiosaefolia or P. villosa from the Valerianaceae family, and choose the processing method according to the prescription requirements. It is recommended to use raw products without specific requirements.
2.Herbal Textual Research on Patriniae Herba in Famous Classical Formulas
Yu SHI ; Zhen ZENG ; Feng ZHOU ; Yihan WANG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Yang YANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):248-257
By consulting ancient and modern literature, this article systematically reviews and verifies the historical evolution of the herbal medicine known as Baijiang across various dimensions, including name, origin, scientific name verification, medicinal parts, production area, quality, harvesting and processing, as well as its nature, taste, and therapeutic effects, in order to provide a reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing Patriniae Herba. Patriniae Herba has a long history of use. It derives its name from the distinctive musty odor of its roots, which resembles spoiled soy sauce. However, due to its alias Kucai, there has been much confusion with other plants. Since the Ming dynasty, various plants have been used interchangeably as Baijiang. Herbal textual research showed that Patriniae Herba was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing, and throughout history, Baijiang has been recognized as its standard name, though it has also been known by alternative names such as Luchang, Lujiang, and Suanyi. The main sources used throughout the ages were Patrinia scabiosaefolia or P. villosa, which is consistent with the 1977 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. However, while the roots were traditionally used medicinally, the whole plant is now more commonly used in modern practice. In addition, the whole plants of Thlaspi arvense from the Cruciferae family and Sonchus brachyotus from the Compositae family are commonly used as regional substitutes for Baijiang. According to ancient records, Patriniae Herba was primarily found in Jiangxia(present-day eastern Hubei province) and Jiangdong(the region south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River), but modern literature shows that it is distributed throughout the country without a distinct geographical origin. In ancient times, the roots were harvested in August and sun-dried, today, the whole plant is typically dug up in summer or autumn and sun-dried. In recent times, the quality has been summarized as being best when the roots are long, the leaves are abundant and green, and the aroma is strong. Regarding the processing, ancient methods often involved baking(drying over fire), while modern methods typically involve removing impurities, washing, and then cutting and drying the segments. The effects of Patriniae Herba are to clear heat and detoxify, eliminate blood stasis and drain pus. During the Han and Northern and Southern dynasties, it was used to treat skin diseases caused by heat, abscesses, postpartum diseases, and rheumatism, during the Five dynasties period, its therapeutic applications expanded to include diseases of the five senses, and by the modern era, conditions such as neurasthenia and insomnia were added. Regarding its properties and taste, it was recorded as bitter and neutral during the Han dynasty. By the Tang dynasty, it was slightly cold, with a taste of acrid and bitter. During the Yuan and Ming dynasties, it was mostly slightly cold and neutral, with a bitter and salty taste. In the Qing dynasty and modern times, it was mostly bitter and neutral, and in contemporary times, it has evolved to a taste of acrid, bitter, and cool. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that when developing and utilizing famous classical formulas containing Patriniae Herba, one should select the entire herb of the historically mainstream sources, P. scabiosaefolia or P. villosa from the Valerianaceae family, and choose the processing method according to the prescription requirements. It is recommended to use raw products without specific requirements.
3.Modern Pharmacological Mechanisms and Clinical Applications of Xuan-dredging Wind Medicinals: A Review
Yu HU ; Zhen YE ; Qiaobo YE ; Kaihua QIN ; Mingjie WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):70-83
Since Li Dongyuan formally proposed the concept of "wind medicinals" (Feng Yao),their clinical application has been highly valued by physicians throughout history. However,influenced by the evolution of the term and connotation of "wind medicinals" in modern times,its conceptual understanding,leading to a decline in clinical utilization. Since the new century,Professor Wang Mingjie has integrated LIU Wanxu's sweat pore (Xuanfu) theory into the reinterpretation of wind medicinals,proposing the "Xuanfu-dredging wind medicinal theory", which has gained widespread recognition in academic circles,revitalizing their clinical application. This study traces the origin of the Xuan-dredging wind medicinals theory and reviews their current functions and clinical applications,finding that the theoretical framework is preliminarily established. Characterized by their pungent and dispersing properties,wind medicines act by opening the Xuanfu throughout the body,exerting therapeutic effects such as dispelling pathogens,resolving stagnation,and enhancing treatments like blood-activation,spleen-fortification,and heat-clearing. They are widely used,showing advantages in treating systemic diseases including ophthalmic and cardiovascular/cerebrovascular disorders. Modern pharmacological research indicates preliminary consensus on hypotheses of cerebral,intestinal,hepatic,and renal Xuanfu. studies on formulas (e.g.,Qufeng Tongqiao Fang),single herbs (e.g.,Mahuang and Gegen),and active constituents (e.g.,tetramethylpyrazine) provide evidence that wind medicines improve key mechanisms like blood-brain barrier function and cerebral microcirculation (material basis of cerebral Xuanfu),supporting their use in brain disorders (e.g.,cerebral ischemia,depression). Despite clinical and pharmacological support,the clinical application system for wind medicines remains incomplete. Future efforts should focus on high-quality clinical research and mechanistic studies to establish personalized application systems,enhance Xuanfu opening practices,and ensure the effectiveness and safety of wind medicines.
4.Brain Aperiodic Dynamics
Zhi-Cai HU ; Zhen ZHANG ; Jiang WANG ; Gui-Ping LI ; Shan LIU ; Hai-Tao YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):99-118
Brain’s neural activities encompass both periodic rhythmic oscillations and aperiodic neural fluctuations. Rhythmic oscillations manifest as spectral peaks of neural signals, directly reflecting the synchronized activities of neural populations and closely tied to cognitive and behavioral states. In contrast, aperiodic fluctuations exhibit a power-law decaying spectral trend, revealing the multiscale dynamics of brain neural activity. In recent years, researchers have made notable progress in studying brain aperiodic dynamics. These studies demonstrate that aperiodic activity holds significant physiological relevance, correlating with various physiological states such as external stimuli, drug induction, sleep states, and aging. Aperiodic activity serves as a reflection of the brain’s sensory capacity, consciousness level, and cognitive ability. In clinical research, the aperiodic exponent has emerged as a significant potential biomarker, capable of reflecting the progression and trends of brain diseases while being intricately intertwined with the excitation-inhibition balance of neural system. The physiological mechanisms underlying aperiodic dynamics span multiple neural scales, with activities at the levels of individual neurons, neuronal ensembles, and neural networks collectively influencing the frequency, oscillatory patterns, and spatiotemporal characteristics of aperiodic signals. Aperiodic dynamics currently boasts broad application prospects. It not only provides a novel perspective for investigating brain neural dynamics but also holds immense potential as a neural marker in neuromodulation or brain-computer interface technologies. This paper summarizes methods for extracting characteristic parameters of aperiodic activity, analyzes its physiological relevance and potential as a biomarker in brain diseases, summarizes its physiological mechanisms, and based on these findings, elaborates on the research prospects of aperiodic dynamics.
5.Modified Ditan Tang Regulates Biorhythm-related Genes in Rat Model of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Zhiwen PANG ; Yu LIU ; Nan SONG ; Jie WANG ; Jingxuan ZHU ; Zhen HUA ; Yupeng PEI ; Qun WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):115-124
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of modified Ditan tang on genes related to the transcription-translation feedback loop (TTFL) of biorhythm in the rat model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its mechanism for prevention and treatment of NAFLD. MethodsSixty-five healthy SPF male SD rats were randomly assigned into blank (n=20), model (n=15), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (2.68, 5.36, and 10.72 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) modified Ditan tang (n=10) groups. Other groups except the blank group were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. The modified Ditan tang groups were treated with the decoction at corresponding doses by gavage, and the blank and model groups were treated with an equal volume of normal saline from the 9th week for 4 weeks. The levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the serum were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer. TG and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) assay kits were used to measure the levels of TG and NEFA in the liver. The pathological changes in the hypothalamus and liver were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and the lipid deposition in the liver was observed by oil red O staining. The levels of brain-muscle ARNT-like protein 1 (BMAL1/ARNTL) in the hypothalamus and liver were determined by immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA and protein levels of BMAL1, circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (CLOCK), period circadian clock 2 (PER2), and cryptochrome1 (Cry1) in the hypothalamus and liver were determined by Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed elevated levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, AST, and ALT (P<0.01) and a lowered level of HDL-C (P<0.05) in the serum, elevated levels of TG and NEFA in the liver (P<0.01), pyknosis and deep staining of hypothalamic neuron cells, and a large number of vacuoles in the brain area. In addition, the model group showed lipid deposition in the liver, up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of CLOCK and BMAL1 (P<0.01), and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of Cry1 and PER2 (P<0.01) in the hypothalamus and liver. Compared with the model group, all the three modified Ditan tang groups showed lowered levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, ALT, and AST (P<0.05, P<0.01) and an elevated level of HDL-C (P<0.05) in the serum, and lowered levels of TG and NEFA (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the liver. Furthermore, the three groups showed alleviated pyknosis and deep staining of hypothalamic neuron cells, reduced lipid deposition in the liver, down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of CLOCK and BMAL1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of Cry1 and PER2 (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the hypothalamus and liver. ConclusionModified Ditan tang can reduce lipid deposition in the liver and regulate the expression of CLOCK, BMAL1, Cry1, and PER2 in the TTFL of NAFLD rats.
6.Enzyme-directed Immobilization Strategies for Biosensor Applications
Xing-Bao WANG ; Yao-Hong MA ; Yun-Long XUE ; Xiao-Zhen HUANG ; Yue SHAO ; Yi YU ; Bing-Lian WANG ; Qing-Ai LIU ; Li-He ZHANG ; Wei-Li GONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):374-394
Immobilized enzyme-based enzyme electrode biosensors, characterized by high sensitivity and efficiency, strong specificity, and compact size, demonstrate broad application prospects in life science research, disease diagnosis and monitoring, etc. Immobilization of enzyme is a critical step in determining the performance (stability, sensitivity, and reproducibility) of the biosensors. Random immobilization (physical adsorption, covalent cross-linking, etc.) can easily bring about problems, such as decreased enzyme activity and relatively unstable immobilization. Whereas, directional immobilization utilizing amino acid residue mutation, affinity peptide fusion, or nucleotide-specific binding to restrict the orientation of the enzymes provides new possibilities to solve the problems caused by random immobilization. In this paper, the principles, advantages and disadvantages and the application progress of enzyme electrode biosensors of different directional immobilization strategies for enzyme molecular sensing elements by specific amino acids (lysine, histidine, cysteine, unnatural amino acid) with functional groups introduced based on site-specific mutation, affinity peptides (gold binding peptides, carbon binding peptides, carbohydrate binding domains) fused through genetic engineering, and specific binding between nucleotides and target enzymes (proteins) were reviewed, and the application fields, advantages and limitations of various immobilized enzyme interface characterization techniques were discussed, hoping to provide theoretical and technical guidance for the creation of high-performance enzyme sensing elements and the manufacture of enzyme electrode sensors.
7.Expert consensus on the application of nasal cavity filling substances in nasal surgery patients(2025, Shanghai).
Keqing ZHAO ; Shaoqing YU ; Hongquan WEI ; Chenjie YU ; Guangke WANG ; Shijie QIU ; Yanjun WANG ; Hongtao ZHEN ; Yucheng YANG ; Yurong GU ; Tao GUO ; Feng LIU ; Meiping LU ; Bin SUN ; Yanli YANG ; Yuzhu WAN ; Cuida MENG ; Yanan SUN ; Yi ZHAO ; Qun LI ; An LI ; Luo BA ; Linli TIAN ; Guodong YU ; Xin FENG ; Wen LIU ; Yongtuan LI ; Jian WU ; De HUAI ; Dongsheng GU ; Hanqiang LU ; Xinyi SHI ; Huiping YE ; Yan JIANG ; Weitian ZHANG ; Yu XU ; Zhenxiao HUANG ; Huabin LI
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(4):285-291
This consensus will introduce the characteristics of fillers used in the surgical cavities of domestic nasal surgery patients based on relevant literature and expert opinions. It will also provide recommendations for the selection of cavity fillers for different nasal diseases, with chronic sinusitis as a representative example.
Humans
;
Nasal Cavity/surgery*
;
Nasal Surgical Procedures
;
China
;
Consensus
;
Sinusitis/surgery*
;
Dermal Fillers
8.Impact of early detection and management of emotional distress on length of stay in non-psychiatric inpatients: A retrospective hospital-based cohort study.
Wanjun GUO ; Huiyao WANG ; Wei DENG ; Zaiquan DONG ; Yang LIU ; Shanxia LUO ; Jianying YU ; Xia HUANG ; Yuezhu CHEN ; Jialu YE ; Jinping SONG ; Yan JIANG ; Dajiang LI ; Wen WANG ; Xin SUN ; Weihong KUANG ; Changjian QIU ; Nansheng CHENG ; Weimin LI ; Wei ZHANG ; Yansong LIU ; Zhen TANG ; Xiangdong DU ; Andrew J GREENSHAW ; Lan ZHANG ; Tao LI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(22):2974-2983
BACKGROUND:
While emotional distress, encompassing anxiety and depression, has been associated with negative clinical outcomes, its impact across various clinical departments and general hospitals has been less explored. Previous studies with limited sample sizes have examined the effectiveness of specific treatments (e.g., antidepressants) rather than a systemic management strategy for outcome improvement in non-psychiatric inpatients. To enhance the understanding of the importance of addressing mental health care needs among non-psychiatric patients in general hospitals, this study retrospectively investigated the impacts of emotional distress and the effects of early detection and management of depression and anxiety on hospital length of stay (LOS) and rate of long LOS (LLOS, i.e., LOS >30 days) in a large sample of non-psychiatric inpatients.
METHODS:
This retrospective cohort study included 487,871 inpatients from 20 non-psychiatric departments of a general hospital. They were divided, according to whether they underwent a novel strategy to manage emotional distress which deployed the Huaxi Emotional Distress Index (HEI) for brief screening with grading psychological services (BS-GPS), into BS-GPS ( n = 178,883) and non-BS-GPS ( n = 308,988) cohorts. The LOS and rate of LLOS between the BS-GPS and non-BS-GPS cohorts and between subcohorts with and without clinically significant anxiety and/or depression (CSAD, i.e., HEI score ≥11 on admission to the hospital) in the BS-GPS cohort were compared using univariable analyses, multilevel analyses, and/or propensity score-matched analyses, respectively.
RESULTS:
The detection rate of CSAD in the BS-GPS cohort varied from 2.64% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.49%-2.81%) to 20.50% (95% CI: 19.43%-21.62%) across the 20 departments, with a average rate of 5.36%. Significant differences were observed in both the LOS and LLOS rates between the subcohorts with CSAD (12.7 days, 535/9590) and without CSAD (9.5 days, 3800/169,293) and between the BS-GPS (9.6 days, 4335/178,883) and non-BS-GPS (10.8 days, 11,483/308,988) cohorts. These differences remained significant after controlling for confounders using propensity score-matched comparisons. A multilevel analysis indicated that BS-GPS was negatively associated with both LOS and LLOS after controlling for sociodemographics and the departments of patient discharge and remained negatively associated with LLOS after controlling additionally for the year of patient discharge.
CONCLUSION
Emotional distress significantly prolonged the LOS and increased the LLOS of non-psychiatric inpatients across most departments and general hospitals. These impacts were moderated by the implementation of BS-GPS. Thus, BS-GPS has the potential as an effective, resource-saving strategy for enhancing mental health care and optimizing medical resources in general hospitals.
Humans
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Male
;
Length of Stay/statistics & numerical data*
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Adult
;
Psychological Distress
;
Inpatients/psychology*
;
Aged
;
Anxiety/diagnosis*
;
Depression/diagnosis*
9.Application of intravenous anesthesia without intubation in transurethral blue laser vaporization of the prostate
Zhenwei FAN ; Zhen HAO ; Guoxiong LIU ; Quan DU ; Yu WANG ; Xiaoliang FU ; Wanglong YUN ; Xiaofeng XU
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(6):493-496
Objective: To investigate the safety and feasibility of transurethral blue laser vaporization of the prostate (BVP) under intravenous anesthesia without intubation. Methods: Clinical data of 30 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (prostate volume <40 mL) patients undergoing BVP under intravenous anesthesia without intubation in our hospital during Jul.and Nov.2024 were retrospectively analyzed.Preoperative and 1-month postoperative international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life score (QoL), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual volume (PVR) were compared.The operation time, cumulative blue laser activation time, recovery time, postoperative bladder irrigation time, postoperative catheter indwelling time, postoperative 2-hour visual analog scale (VAS) score and incidence of surgical and anesthetic complications were recorded. Results: All 30 patients successfully completed BVP under intravenous anesthesia without intubation.The operation time was (12.5±5.0) min, cumulative laser activation time (9.8±4.1) min, recovery time (6.8±1.2) min, postoperative bladder irrigation time (11.0±4.6) h, postoperative catheter indwelling time (2.7±1.1) days and postoperative 2-hour VAS score was (3.0±1.3).No cases required conversion to intubated general anesthesia, and no severe perioperative surgical or anesthetic complications occurred.Significant improvements in IPSS, QoL, Qmax, and PVR were observed 1 month postoperatively (P<0.001). Conclusion: BVP under intravenous anesthesia without intubation in the treatment of prostate volume <40 mL BPH is clinically feasible, significantly improving lower urinary tract symptoms without significant surgical or anesthetic complications.
10.Influenza vaccination on preventing the respiratory tract infection in preschool children
Mei LYU ; Zhen WANG ; Yu' ; e WANG ; Liyun FANG ; Yang YANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(4):73-76
Objective To explore the effect of influenza vaccination on the prevention of respiratory tract infection in preschool children. Methods The clinical data of 400 preschool children (1-6 years old) who were diagnosed with respiratory tract infection for the first time in department of pediatrics of Xi'an Third Hospital and second department of respiratory medicine of Xi'an Children's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed from January 2023 to December 2023, including acute bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infection and pneumonia. According to the actual influenza vaccination status, the patients were divided into vaccination group (n=210) and non-vaccination group (n=190). The incidence of respiratory tract infection was compared between both groups. The fever duration, average course of disease, hospitalization rate, clinical symptoms scores (fever, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat), inflammation indicators [C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil percentage (NE%)] and recurrence rate after 6 months of follow-up were compared. Results The incidence of respiratory tract infection in the vaccination group was significantly lower than that in the non-vaccination group (21.43% vs 43.16%, P<0.05), and the hospitalization rate was significantly lower compared with that in the non-vaccination group (P<0.05). The scores of fever, cough, nasal congestion and sore throat were lower in the vaccination group than those in the non-vaccination group (P<0.05), and the CRP, WBC and NE% were significantly lower compared to the non-vaccination group (P<0.05). After 6 months of follow-up, the recurrence rate in the vaccination group was 11.11% (5/45), which was significantly lower than 26.83% (22/82) in the non-vaccination group (χ2=0.038, P=4.288<0.05). Conclusion Influenza vaccination can effectively reduce the incidence of respiratory tract infection in preschool children, relieve the symptoms and shorten the disease course after infection. Its preventive effect on influenza is particularly significant, suggesting the importance of strengthening influenza vaccination in preschool children.


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