1.Terms Related to The Study of Biomacromolecular Condensates
Ke RUAN ; Xiao-Feng FANG ; Dan LI ; Pi-Long LI ; Yi LIN ; Zheng WANG ; Yun-Yu SHI ; Ming-Jie ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Cong LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1027-1035
Biomolecular condensates are formed through phase separation of biomacromolecules such as proteins and RNAs. These condensates exhibit liquid-like properties that can futher transition into more stable material states. They form complex internal structures via multivalent weak interactions, enabling precise spatiotemporal regulations. However, the use of inconsistent and non-standardized terminology has become increasingly problematic, hindering academic exchange and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the terminology related to biomolecular condensates in order to clarify concepts, promote interdisciplinary cooperation, enhance research efficiency, and support the healthy development of this field.
2.Investigation of Effect of Different Drying Conditions on Appearance Characteristics and Internal Indicators of Pinelliae Rhizoma Based on Standardization
Suqing LIU ; Xueli ZHANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Cong YANG ; Changfu YANG ; Jun YU ; Bingpeng ZHENG ; Huiwu LI ; Yanhua JIANG ; Chang LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):208-215
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of different drying conditions on the appearance and intrinsic quality indicators of Pinelliae Rhizoma for screening suitable drying conditions, so as to provide reference for its standardized production and quality evaluation. MethodsDifferent dried samples of Pinelliae Rhizoma were prepared by lime-assisted sweating method and intermittent drying method. Visual analysis was employed to measure the color brightness values(L*) of the surface, cross-section and powder of the samples, texture analyzer was used to determine the hardness of the samples under different drying conditions. The total starch content was calculated by measuring the contents of amylose and amylopectin in the samples with ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. High performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to determine the contents of seven nucleoside components(uracil, hypoxanthine, uridine, inosine, guanosine, β-thymidine and adenosine) in the samples. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to explore the correlation between the external characteristics and intrinsic indicators of the different dried samples. Principal component analysis(PCA) was used to comprehensively rank the data of various indicators, and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) was used to screen differential components with variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1. Furthermore, the difference between the optimal drying condition for Pinelliae Rhizoma and the traditional sun-drying method was explored by independent samples t-test. ResultsWith the increase of temperature, the color of the intermittently dried samples gradually deepened, while their hardness gradually decreased. Concurrently, the contents of extract, total starch, uridine and adenosine exhibited an upward trend, whereas the contents of uracil, hypoxanthine and inosine displayed a downward trajectory. Compared with the intermittent drying group, the content of extract in the samples subjected to lime-assisted sweating increased. With the increase of lime dose, the hardness and the total content of nucleoside components in the samples showed a downward trend, while the total starch content showed an upward trend. Correlation analysis showed that the comprehensive score of L* was negatively correlated with the contents of uracil, hypoxanthine and inosine, and positively correlated with the contents of uridine, guanosine and adenosine. Hardness was negatively correlated with adenosine content, and positively correlated with the contents of inosine, uracil and hypoxanthine. Through comprehensive consideration and comprehensive score of principal components, the method of 5% lime-mixed sweating for 6 days emerged as the top-ranking approach. Except for the extract, the results of independent samples t-test showed that there was no significant difference between the 5% lime-mixed sweating for 6 days and the traditional sun-drying in terms of other content indicators. ConclusionThe whiteness and firmness of Pinelliae Rhizoma exhibit significant correlations with its chemical composition, while uridine, uracil, guanosine, adenosine and inosine are the key constituents responsible for the quality difference of Pinelliae Rhizoma under different drying conditions. The lime-assisted sweating method optimized in this study can be proposed as a viable alternative to the traditional sun-drying method. This method not only ensures the quality of the medicinal material but also effectively reduces the drying time and prevents mold contamination, which provides a valuable reference for the standardization of drying conditions and the establishment of quality evaluation criteria for Pinelliae Rhizoma.
3.GRADE Clinical Study Evidence Evaluation and Expert Consensus on Antihypertensive Chinese Patent Medicines Combined with Western Medicines for Treatment of Hypertension
Liangyu CUI ; Yukun LI ; Tianyue JING ; Yu WANG ; Cong REN ; Tong YIN ; Zhiwei ZHAO ; Jiaheng WANG ; Chenge SUN ; Dasheng LIU ; Zhizheng XING ; Xuejie HAN ; Liying WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(10):106-115
ObjectiveTo evaluate the quality of research and evidence related to antihypertensive Chinese patent medicines combined with western medicines for the treatment of hypertension, synthesize and update the evidence, form expert consensus, and provide evidence for clinical decision-making. MethodThe databases of China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang Data Knowledge Service Platform (WanFang), Vip Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System (Sinomed), National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and US Clinical Trials Registry were searched for randomized controlled trials of antihypertensive Chinese medicine combined with western medicine for the treatment of hypertension from database construction to July 31, 2022. The quality of the literature was evaluated using the bias risk assessment tool in Cochrane Handbook 6.3. Evidence synthesis of main outcome indicators was performed using R software. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation profiler (GRADEprofiler) 3.6 was employed to evaluate the quality of evidence. Expert consensus was formed based on the Delphi method after two rounds of voting. Result64 pieces of literature were included, and the results of literature quality evaluation and risk of bias showed that 70.31% (45/64) of the studies indicated some risks, and 29.69% (19/64) indicated high risks. Compared with conventional western medicines, the combination of Chinese patent medicines with western medicines can significantly lower systolic pressure (SBP) and diastolic pressure (DBP), increase the effective rate of antihypertensive, reduce the incidence of adverse reactions, endothelin-1, and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores. Egger's test showed that Songling Xuemaikang capsules reduced SBP and DBP. Tianma Gouteng granules reduced SBP and DBP and increased the effective rate of antihypertensive, and Xinmaitong capsules reduced SBP and increased the effective rate of antihypertensive, without significant publication bias. Songling Xuemaikang capsules increased the effective rate of antihypertensive, and Xinmaitong capsules decreased DBP, with significant publication bias. The results of the GRADE evidence quality evaluation showed that most evidence was at grades B and C. Finally, four strong recommendations and 14 weak recommendations were formed. ConclusionCompared with conventional western medicines for the treatment of hypertension, antihypertensive Chinese patent medicines combined with western medicines have advantages in reducing blood pressure and improving drug use safety, but they are mostly weak recommendations in terms of efficacy, and more high-quality evidence is needed.
4.Clinical Evidence Mapping of Chinese Patent Medicines Combined with Western Medicine in Treatment of Hypertension
Yukun LI ; Liangyu CUI ; Zhiwei ZHAO ; Cong REN ; Tong YIN ; Yu WANG ; Liying WANG ; Xuejie HAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(10):116-123
ObjectiveTo systematically collect, analyze, and evaluate the randomized controlled trials (RCT) of Chinese patent medicine combined with western medicine in the treatment of hypertension, map the evidence, and provide reference for the future clinical research and formulation of guidelines and policies. MethodThe relevant articles were retrieved from China Biology Medicine disc, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP, Wanfang Data, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library with the time interval from inception to December 31, 2022. The RCT of Chinese patent medicines combined with western medicine in the treatment of hypertension were included. The research characteristics and methodological quality were analyzed and evaluated. ResultA total of 330 RCTs of treating hypertension with Chinese patent medicines combined with Western medicine were included in this study, all of which were published in Chinese. These RCTs involved 88 Chinese patent medicines and 37 788 patients, and 46% of RCT had the sample size ≥100 patients. Eighty-seven percent of RCT showed the study period within 3 months. All the interventions in the RCTs were Chinese patent medicine + western medicine vs western medicine. Among the evaluation indicators, blood pressure, response rate, TCM syndrome score, endothelial cell function, and safety were mainly concerned. In terms of methodological quality, most articles did not mention the generation of random sequences, allocation concealment, or blinding method. The blinding evaluation of outcomes showed low risks of bias, and there was insufficient information to judge whether there was selective bias or other bias. ConclusionThere were many Chinese patent medicines used in combination with western medicine in the treatment of hypertension, and they were mainly taken orally. The existing RCT had problems such as small sample size, unclear clinical value positioning, imperfect design failing to reflect the value of Chinese patent medicines, unreasonable measurement indicators, and non-standard measurement methods. Future research should solve the above problems, improve the research quality, value, and authenticity, and enhance the reliability and extension of evidence.
5.Safety study of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in Hebei Province
Li SUN ; Yanli CONG ; Shiheng CUI ; Jing LI ; Yihan WANG ; Yafei WANG ; Shifan WANG ; Yu GUO
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2024;35(3):10-13
Objective To analyze the occurrence characteristics of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV-23) in Hebei Province and to evaluate the safety of the vaccine. Methods AEFI cases related to vaccination of PPSV-23 in Hebei Province from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022 were collected through the AEFI surveillance module of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention Information System. The incidence of reported AEFI cases were then analyzed and compared. Results The reported incidence rate of AEFI of PPSV-23 was 56.12 /100,000 doses, and the incidence rate of adverse reactions was 55.50 /100 000 doses. The incidence rate of common adverse reactions was 53.94/100 000 doses, and the incidence rate of rare adverse reactions was 1.56/100 000 doses. Most of the reported AEFI cases caused by PPSV-23 were common adverse reactions, which occurred mainly within one day after vaccination, and the overall regression was positive. Conclusion The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine used in Hebei Province is safe,but its safety monitoring still needs to be strengthened.
6.Protective Effects of Danmu Extract Syrup on Acute Lung Injury Induced by Lipopolysaccharide in Mice through Endothelial Barrier Repair.
Han XU ; Si-Cong XU ; Li-Yan LI ; Yu-Huang WU ; Yin-Feng TAN ; Long CHEN ; Pei LIU ; Chang-Fu LIANG ; Xiao-Ning HE ; Yong-Hui LI
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2024;30(3):243-250
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the effects of Danmu Extract Syrup (DMS) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice and explore the mechanism.
METHODS:
Seventy-two male Balb/C mice were randomly divided into 6 groups according to a random number table (n=12), including control (normal saline), LPS (5 mg/kg), LPS+DMS 2.5 mL/kg, LPS+DMS 5 mL/kg, LPS+DMS 10 mL/kg, and LPS+Dexamethasone (DXM, 5 mg/kg) groups. After pretreatment with DMS and DXM, the ALI mice model was induced by LPS, and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected to determine protein concentration, cell counts and inflammatory cytokines. The lung tissues of mice were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and the wet/dry weight ratio (W/D) of lung tissue was calculated. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1 β in BALF of mice were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The expression levels of Claudin-5, vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), phospho-protein kinase B (p-Akt) and Akt were detected by Western blot analysis.
RESULTS:
DMS pre-treatment significantly ameliorated lung histopathological changes. Compared with the LPS group, the W/D ratio and protein contents in BALF were obviously reduced after DMS pretreatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The number of cells in BALF and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity decreased significantly after DMS pretreatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). DMS pre-treatment decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1 β (P<0.01). Meanwhile, DMS activated the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway and reversed the expressions of Claudin-5, VE-cadherin and VEGF (P<0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
DMS attenuated LPS-induced ALI in mice through repairing endothelial barrier. It might be a potential therapeutic drug for LPS-induced lung injury.
Mice
;
Male
;
Animals
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism*
;
Lipopolysaccharides
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism*
;
Interleukin-1beta/metabolism*
;
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism*
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*
;
Claudin-5/metabolism*
;
Acute Lung Injury/chemically induced*
;
Lung/pathology*
;
Interleukin-6/metabolism*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal
7.Association of alcohol consumption with aortic aneurysm and dissection risk:results from the UK Biobank cohort study
Liang YAOWEN ; Zou GUOXIANG ; Wang DINGCHEN ; Zeng WEIYUE ; Zhang JIARUI ; Huang XIAORAN ; Lin MIAO ; Mai CONG ; Song FEI'ER ; Zhang YUELIN ; Meng JINXIU ; Feng HONGLIANG ; Huang YU ; Li XIN
World Journal of Emergency Medicine 2024;15(6):465-474
BACKGROUND:Previous studies have reported inconsistent results with positive,negative,and J-shaped associations between alcohol consumption and the hazard of aortic aneurysm and dissection(AAD).This study aimed to examine the connections between weekly alcohol consumption and the subsequent risk of AAD. METHODS:The UK Biobank study is a population-based cohort study.Weekly alcohol consumption was assessed using self-reported questionnaires and the congenital risk of alcohol consumption was also evaluated using genetic risk score(GRS).Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios(HRs)with 95%confidence intervals(CIs)for the associations between alcohol consumption and AAD.Several sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the results. RESULTS:Among the 388,955 participants(mean age:57.1 years,47.4%male),2,895 incident AAD cases were documented during a median follow-up of 12.5 years.Compared with never-drinkers,moderate drinkers(adjusted HR:0.797,95%CI:0.646-0.984,P<0.05)and moderate-heavy drinkers(adjusted HR:0.794,95%CI:0.635-0.992,P<0.05)were significantly associated with a decreased risk of incident AAD.Interaction-based subgroup analysis revealed that the protective effect of moderate drinking was reflected mainly in participants younger than 65 years and women. CONCLUSION:Our findings support a protective effect of moderate alcohol consumption on AAD,but are limited to participants younger than 65 years and women.
8.Effects of propofol on high glucose induced myocardial cell injury through autophagy mediated by Fox O1/TXNIP signaling pathway
Yu-Ming YANG ; Yue PENG ; Hong HAN ; Cong-Cai REN ; Li-Xia ZHAO
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(16):2344-2348
Objective To investigate the impact of propofol(Pro)on high glucose(HG)-induced myocardial cell injury through autophagy mediated by forkhead box O1(Fox O1)/thioredoxininteracting protein(TXNIP)signaling pathway.Methods H9c2 cells were divided into blank group(5.5 mmol·L-1 glucose),high glucose(HG)group(30 mmol·L-1 glucose),HG+Pro group(30 mmol·L-1 glucose+25 μmol·L-1 Pro),HG+Pro+negative control(OE NC)group(first transfected with OE NC,then treated with 30 mmol·L-1 glucose+25 μmol·L-1 Pro),HG+Pro+Fox O1 overexpression plasmid(Fox O1-OE)group(first transfected with Fox O1-OE,then treated with 30 mmol·L-1 glucose+25 μmol·L-1 Pro).Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)method,TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)method,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),transmission electron microscope and Western blot were applied to detect the cell survival rate,apoptosis rate,superoxide dismutase(SOD)and malondialdehyde(MDA)levels in the supernatant,and the changes in Autophagosome,Fox O1/TXNIP and autophagy protein expression levels.Results The cell viabilities of blank group,HG group,HG+Pro group,HG+Pro+OE NC group and HG+Pro+Fox O1-OE group were(100.00±0.00)%,(48.15±4.82)%,(79.66±7.98)%,(78.89±7.91)%and(49.22±4.93)%,respectively;the apoptosis rates were(12.04±1.21)%,(42.34±4.25)%,(26.22±2.63)%,(27.02±2.71)%,(38.29±3.86)%,respectively;SOD levels were(62.24±6.25),(28.21±2.85),(55.37±5.58),(55.09±5.53),(30.66±3.08)U·mg-1 pro,respectively;MDA levels were(0.38±0.04),(1.43±0.15),(0.67±0.07),(0.72±0.08)and(1.34±0.14)U·mg-1 pro,respectively;the number of autophagosomes was 6.24±0.63,13.05±1.32,8.31±0.84,8.55±0.86 and 12.22±1.23,respectively;phosphorylated Fox O1(p-Fox O1)/Fox O1 ratios were expressed as 0.34±0.04,0.86±0.09,0.48±0.05,0.43±0.05 and 0.74±0.08;TXNIP were expressed as 0.24±0.03,0.62±0.08,0.38±0.04,0.36±0.04 and 0.58±0.06;Bcelin-1 were expressed as 1.12±0.12,0.53±0.06,1.02±0.11,1.05±0.11 and 0.62±0.07;p62 were expressed as 0.56±0.06,1.56±0.16,0.82±0.09,0.86±0.09 and 1.44±0.15;there were statistical differences in the above indexes between HG group and blank group,HG+Pro group and HG group,HG+Pro+Fox O1-OE group and HG+Pro+OE NC group(all P<0.05).Conclusion Pro inhibits autophagy by inhibiting Fox O1/TXNIP signaling pathway,and improves HG-induced myocardial cell injury.
9.An integrated curriculum for epidemiology and medical statistics teaching in undergraduate students majoring in clinical medicine: lesson learned from teaching reform
Yuanjie PANG ; Xue CONG ; Chunxiao LIAO ; Wenjing GAO ; Canqing YU ; Jun LYU ; Tao WU ; Siyan ZHAN ; Liming LI
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(11):1598-1604
Epidemiology and medical statistics are essential courses for undergraduate students majoring in clinical medicine. By studying the two courses, they can obtain the core skills for their future clinical practice. High-level medical schools both at home and abroad have accumulated successful experiences in curriculum, teaching methods and teaching models of the two disciplines. These colleges have also carried out the exploration of the curriculum reform centering on "organ systems integration". This paper summarizes the current status of epidemiology and medical statistics teaching and curriculum integration in representative medical schools both at home and abroad, and puts forward suggestions for deepening teaching reform and optimizing the curriculum system to provide reference for the integration of epidemiology and medical statistics curriculums for undergraduate students majoring in clinical medicine in China.
10.Clinical observation of kidney-tonifying and mind-calming acupuncture therapy in the treatment of perimenopausal insomnia
Wenjia YANG ; Xintong YU ; Na ZHAO ; Chen XIE ; Jinjin LI ; Xiaolin GAO ; Cong FU ; Yunfei CHEN ; Xiehe KONG
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2024;22(1):48-57
Objective:To observe the effects of kidney-tonifying and mind-calming acupuncture therapy on sleep,mood,sex hormone levels,and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)symptoms in patients with perimenopausal insomnia(PMI). Methods:A total of 90 patients with PMI were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group,with 45 cases in each group.Patients in the treatment group were treated with acupuncture at Shenshu(BL23),Taixi(KI3),Baihui(GV20),and Anmian(Extra).The control group was treated with sham acupuncture.Both groups were treated 3 times a week for 4 weeks.Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)and insomnia severity index(ISI)were used to evaluate the sleep quality of the subjects before treatment,after treatment,and 1 month after treatment(follow-up).Beck depression inventory(BDI)and Beck anxiety inventory(BAI)were used to evaluate the depression and anxiety of the subjects before treatment,after treatment,and at 1-month follow-up.The TCM symptom scale was used to evaluate the TCM symptoms of the subjects before treatment,after treatment,and 1 month after treatment.Serum levels of estradiol(E2),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),and luteinizing hormone(LH)were measured before and after treatment. Results:During the study,2 cases dropped out of the treatment group,and no cases dropped out of the control group.The PSQI scores of the treatment group were significantly lower after treatment and at 1-month follow-up compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the difference was statistically significant compared with that of the control group(P<0.05).In the control group,the PSQI score was significantly lower after treatment compared with before treatment(P<0.05),and the difference was not statistically significant at 1-month follow-up compared with before treatment(P>0.05).Compared with the pre-treatment,the ISI,BDI,BAI,and TCM symptom scale scores of the treatment group were lower after treatment and at 1-month follow-up(P<0.05),and the differences with the control group at the same time point were statistically significant(P<0.05).The differences in ISI,BDI,BAI,and TCM symptom scale scores of the control group before treatment,after treatment,and at 1-month follow-up were not statistically significant(P>0.05).After treatment,the serum E2 level in the treatment group was significantly higher than that before treatment(P<0.05),and the difference with the control group was statistically significant(P<0.05).The difference in the serum E2 level before and after treatment in the control group was not statistically significant(P>0.05).The differences in the serum FSH and LH levels between before and after treatment were not statistically significant in either group of subjects(P>0.05). Conclusion:Kidney-tonifying and mind-calming acupuncture therapy can improve sleep quality,relieve anxiety and depression,delay the decrease of serum E2 level,and improve related TCM symptoms in patients with PMI.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail