1.Discussion on the decoction and dosing methods of rhubarb root and rhizome in classical prescriptions
Zilin REN ; Changxiang LI ; Yuxiao ZHENG ; Xin LAN ; Ying LIU ; Yanhui HE ; Fafeng CHENG ; Qingguo WANG ; Xueqian WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):48-54
The purpose of this paper is to explore the decoction and dosing methods of rhubarb root and rhizome in classical prescriptions and to provide a reference basis for the clinical use of rhubarb root and rhizome. By collating the relevant classical prescriptions of rhubarb root and rhizome in Shanghan Lun and Jingui Yaolüe, the relationship between its decoction and dosing methods and the syndrome was analyzed. The decoction of rhubarb root and rhizome in classical prescriptions can be divided into three categories: simultaneous decoction, decoction later, and other methods (impregnation in Mafei decoction, decoction with water from the well spring first taken in the morning, and pills). If it enters the blood level or wants to slow down, rhubarb root and rhizome should be decocted at the same time with other drugs. If it enters the qi level and wants to speed up, rhubarb root and rhizome should be decocted later. If it wants to upwardly move, rhubarb root and rhizome should be immersed in Mafei decoction. If it wants to suppress liver yang, rhubarb root and rhizome should be decocted with water from the well spring first taken in the morning. If the disease is prolonged, rhubarb root and rhizome should be taken in pill form. The dosing methods of rhubarb root and rhizome can be divided into five categories: draught, twice, three times, before meals, and unspecified. For acute and serious illnesses with excess of pathogenic qi and adequate vital qi, we choose draught. For gastrointestinal diseases, we choose to take the medicine twice. For achieving a moderate and long-lasting effect, we choose to take the medicine three times. If the disease is located in the lower part of the heart and abdomen, we choose to take it before meals. The use of rhubarb root and rhizome in clinical practice requires the selection of the appropriate decoction and dosing methods according to the location of the disease, the severity of the disease, the patient′s constitution, and the condition after taking the medicine.
2.Application of Recombinant Collagen in Biomedicine
Huan HU ; Hong ZHANG ; Jian WANG ; Li-Wen WANG ; Qian LIU ; Ning-Wen CHENG ; Xin-Yue ZHANG ; Yun-Lan LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):395-416
Collagen is a major structural protein in the matrix of animal cells and the most widely distributed and abundant functional protein in mammals. Collagen’s good biocompatibility, biodegradability and biological activity make it a very valuable biomaterial. According to the source of collagen, it can be broadly categorized into two types: one is animal collagen; the other is recombinant collagen. Animal collagen is mainly extracted and purified from animal connective tissues by chemical methods, such as acid, alkali and enzyme methods, etc. Recombinant collagen refers to collagen produced by gene splicing technology, where the amino acid sequence is first designed and improved according to one’s own needs, and the gene sequence of improved recombinant collagen is highly consistent with that of human beings, and then the designed gene sequence is cloned into the appropriate vector, and then transferred to the appropriate expression vector. The designed gene sequence is cloned into a suitable vector, and then transferred to a suitable expression system for full expression, and finally the target protein is obtained by extraction and purification technology. Recombinant collagen has excellent histocompatibility and water solubility, can be directly absorbed by the human body and participate in the construction of collagen, remodeling of the extracellular matrix, cell growth, wound healing and site filling, etc., which has demonstrated significant effects, and has become the focus of the development of modern biomedical materials. This paper firstly elaborates the structure, type, and tissue distribution of human collagen, as well as the associated genetic diseases of different types of collagen, then introduces the specific process of producing animal source collagen and recombinant collagen, explains the advantages of recombinant collagen production method, and then introduces the various systems of expressing recombinant collagen, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, and finally briefly introduces the application of animal collagen, focusing on the use of animal collagen in the development of biopharmaceutical materials. In terms of application, it focuses on the use of animal disease models exploring the application effects of recombinant collagen in wound hemostasis, wound repair, corneal therapy, female pelvic floor dysfunction (FPFD), vaginal atrophy (VA) and vaginal dryness, thin endometritis (TE), chronic endometritis (CE), bone tissue regeneration in vivo, cardiovascular diseases, breast cancer (BC) and anti-aging. The mechanism of action of recombinant collagen in the treatment of FPFD and CE was introduced, and the clinical application and curative effect of recombinant collagen in skin burn, skin wound, dermatitis, acne and menopausal urogenital syndrome (GSM) were summarized. From the exploratory studies and clinical applications, it is evident that recombinant collagen has demonstrated surprising effects in the treatment of all types of diseases, such as reducing inflammation, promoting cell proliferation, migration and adhesion, increasing collagen deposition, and remodeling the extracellular matrix. At the end of the review, the challenges faced by recombinant collagen are summarized: to develop new recombinant collagen types and dosage forms, to explore the mechanism of action of recombinant collagen, and to provide an outlook for the future development and application of recombinant collagen.
3.Analysis and evaluation of platelet bank establishment strategy from the perspective of donor loss
Zheng LIU ; Yamin SUN ; Xin PENG ; Yiqing KANG ; Ziqing WANG ; Jintong ZHU ; Juan DU ; Jianbin LI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):238-243
[Objective] To analyze the loss rate of platelet donors and evaluate the strategies for establishing a platelet donor bank. [Methods] A total of 1 443 donors who joined the HLA and HPA gene donor bank for platelets in Henan Province from 2018 to 2020 were included in this study. Data on the total number of apheresis platelet donations, annual donation frequency, age at enrollment, donation habits (including the number of platelets donated per session and whether they had previously donated whole blood), and enrollment location were collected from the platelet donor information management system. Donor loss was determined based on the date of their last donation. The loss rates of different groups under various conditions were compared to assess the enrollment strategies. [Results] By the time the platelet bank was officially operational in 2022, 421 donors had been lost, resulting in an loss rate of 29% (421/1 443). By the end of 2023, the overall cumulative loss rate reached 52% (746/1 443). The loss rate was lower than the overall level in groups meeting any of the following conditions: total apheresis platelet donations exceeding 50, annual donation frequency of 10 or more, age at enrollment of 40 years or older, donation of more than a single therapeutic dose per session, or a history of whole blood donation two or more times. Additionally, loss rates varied across different enrollment locations, with higher enrollment numbers generally associated with higher loss rates. [Conclusion] Through a comprehensive analysis of donor loss, our center has adjusted its strategies for establishing the donor pool. These findings also provide valuable insights for other blood collection and supply institutions in building platelet donor banks.
4.Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Ermiao Situ Decoction in Modulating JAK/STAT Pathway in Rats with Damp-heat Eczema
Kangning HAN ; Junjie HU ; Juan LI ; Min ZHANG ; Xian ZHOU ; Songlin LIU ; Xin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):37-47
ObjectiveUltra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) coupled with network pharmacology and molecular docking was utilized to explore the efficacy and mechanism of action of Ermiao Situ decoction on rats with damp-heat eczema. MethodsA rat model of damp-heat eczema was established by artificial climate chamber intervention combined with sensitization induction by dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), and it was randomly divided into the normal group, the model group, the medium- and high-dose groups of Ermiao Situ decoction (3.40 g·kg-1 and 6.80 g·kg-1), and the prednisone acetate group (2.51 mg·kg-1), with eight rats in each group, totalling 46 rats, of which six rats were tested with the drug-containing serum. The chemical analysis of drug-containing serum from rats was carried out by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, combined with network pharmacology for the prediction of key components, core targets, and signaling pathways, and molecular docking experiments were performed by CB-Dock2 online website. The pharmacological effects of Ermiao Situ decoction in the treatment of damp-heat eczema were investigated by epitaxial indexes combined with the pathologic tissue staining method. The serum levels of gastrin (GAS), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-13 (IL-13) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), phosphorylated (p)-JAK1, signal transduction and activation of transcription factor 3 (STAT3), and p-STAT3 protein expression level was determined by Western bolt. ResultsA total of 19 active ingredients were detected in drug-containing serum samples of rats, which were predicted to act on 198 targets for the treatment of damp-heat eczema, among which the key ingredients included rhodopsin, huangpai alkaloids, and quercetin, and the main core targets included STAT3, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and IL-6, which were mainly involved in the cancer signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase (Akt) signaling pathway, T helper 17 (Th17) cell differentiation signaling pathway, and JAK/STAT signaling pathway. The molecular docking results suggested that the key components had strong binding activities with the core targets IL-6, JAK1, and STAT3 in the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. The results of animal experiments showed that compared with those in the normal group, rats in the model group were depressed. They had loose hair, loose stools, epidermal oozing, vesiculation, and generation of thick scabs in the form of scales, decreased body weight, increased anus temperature and water intake, and increased indexes of the spleen, thymus gland, and stomach (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the lesion tissue could be seen to be hyperkeratotic, with the aggregation of inflammatory cells and nonsignificant separation of epidermis and dermis. The gastric mucosa was thinned, deficient, and structurally disorganized, and obvious inflammatory cell aggregation was seen. The levels of GAS, IL-4, and IL-13 in serum were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of IL-6, JAK1, p-JAK1, and p-STAT3 in the lesion tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, rats in each administration group had stable mental states, formed feces, a clean perianal area, and basically normal epidermis. Only a small amount of scaly scabs existed, and the rats had body weight increased, with decreased anal temperature and water intake, as well as decreased spleen, thymus, and gastric indexes (P<0.05, P<0.01). Epidermal thickness was decreased, and epidermal and dermal separation boundaries were obvious, but hyperkeratotic and accumulation of inflammatory cells could still be seen. The thickness of gastric mucosa increased, and the structure was restored to varying degrees. The levels of GAS, IL-4, and IL-13 content in the serum of rats were increased to varying degrees, and the protein expression levels of IL-6, JAK1, p-JAK1, and p-STAT3 in the dermal lesion tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionErmiao Situ decoction may exert therapeutic effects on rats with damp-heat eczema by modulating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.
5.Simulation analysis of work posture and muscle fatigue in breaking and connecting contact terminal
Ruijian PAN ; Xin LU ; Conghan LIU ; Chu CHEN ; Lei LIU ; Min LI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(3):260-269
Background When live working line operators engage in upper limb operations, working for a long time with raising arms and the exposure to adverse ergonomic factors tend to increase muscle load, cause fatigue accumulation, and increase the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Objective To analyze work posture and associated muscle fatigue during executing breaking/connecting contact terminal, and identify adverse ergonomic factors of the work process. Methods This study recruited 10 volunteers to perform breaking/connecting contact terminal simulation. At a distance of 4.5, 3.5, and 2.5 m from the body to the wire, each performed the task 5 times. Visual 3D was used to analyze the kinematic data from motion capture. The surface electromyography (sEMG) signals of the deltoid, biceps, triceps, and brachioradialis were recorded during the simulation and analyzed for muscle fatigue using root mean square (RMS), median frequency (MF), and jointed EMG amplitude and spectrum analysis (JASA). After completion of each task, Borg scale was used to query the volunteers of their subjective fatigue. A 2-min rest was required between each distance. Results The kinematic data from motion capture showed that in the entire process of the task, the right upper limb was higher when lifting, with the right shoulder joint maintaining flexion and fluctuating periodically between abduction and adduction, external and internal rotation, the right elbow joint maintaining flexion and supination. The frequency of task cycle showed a significant effect on the Borg scale scores (P<0.001, partial
6.Prevalence and influencing factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in neck and shoulder among power distribution workers
Conghan LIU ; Min LI ; Chu CHEN ; Lei LIU ; Xin LU ; Ruijian PAN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(3):310-318
Background Power grid is an important component of the national infrastructure. The occupational health issues among the workers in this industry are attracting great concern nationwide. Objective To investigate the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in neck and shoulder among the power distribution workers of power supply enterprises, and analyze the related influencing factors. Method In April 2023, a total of
7.Clinical Diseases Responding Specially to TCM Treatment: Psoriasis
Liu LIU ; Xiaoying SUN ; Mei MO ; Yaqiong ZHOU ; Bin LI ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Xin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):260-268
Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory systemic disease in dermatology. Its high prevalence, recurrence rate, and numerous comorbidities impose a significant physical and mental burden on patients. With the continuous advancement of modern medicine, the emergence of biological agents has improved clinical efficacy, making it possible to overcome psoriasis, in addition to classical treatments. However, in clinical practice, adverse reactions, drug resistance, recurrence rates, and immune drift cannot be ignored. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a history of thousands of years in treating psoriasis, demonstrating good efficacy, high safety, and a low recurrence rate, but a standardized management system is lacking. Therefore, the 25th Clinical Diseases Responding Specially to TCM Treatment Series (Psoriasis) Youth Salon, hosted by the Chinese Association of Chinese Medicine and organized by the Youth Committee of the Chinese Association of Chinese Medicine, invited 29 experts and scholars from TCM, Western medicine, and interdisciplinary fields to actively discuss the "Advantages, Challenges, and Clinical Transformation of TCM and Western Medicine in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Psoriasis". The experts at the meeting concluded that the advantages of TCM in the treatment of psoriasis are as follows. Firstly, in the TCM-led treatment plan, TCM's understanding of psoriasis follows the principle of combining the differentiation of disease and syndrome. This approach distinguishes the basic contradiction from the current main contradiction and enables a clear grasp of the dynamic process of psoriasis development. Based on the system of syndrome differentiation and treatment, TCM intervention is applied to address the current main contradiction, and the optimal TCM treatment plan is formulated by combining internal and external treatments. Adhering to the principle of "what is visible outside must be addressed inside", TCM can prevent and treat psoriasis comorbidities early by differentiating syndrome types. Secondly, in the integrated TCM and Western medicine treatment plan, the combination of both methods not only enhances efficacy but also reduces the adverse reactions of immunosuppressants and biological agents, lowering the recurrence rate. This conference provides a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis using TCM and integrated TCM and Western medicine, opening up new ideas for clinical and basic research and guiding future research directions.
8.Molecular biological research and molecular homologous modeling of Bw.03 subgroup
Li WANG ; Yongkui KONG ; Huifang JIN ; Xin LIU ; Ying XIE ; Xue LIU ; Yanli CHANG ; Yafang WANG ; Shumiao YANG ; Di ZHU ; Qiankun YANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):112-115
[Objective] To study the molecular biological mechanism for a case of ABO blood group B subtype, and perform three-dimensional modeling of the mutant enzyme. [Methods] The ABO phenotype was identified by the tube method and microcolumn gel method; the ABO gene of the proband was detected by sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP), and the exon 6 and 7 of the ABO gene were sequenced and analyzed. Homologous modeling of Bw.03 glycosyltransferase (GT) was carried out by Modeller and analyzed by PyMOL2.5.0 software. [Results] The weakening B antigen was detected in the proband sample by forward typing, and anti-B antibody was detected by reverse typing. PCR-SSP detection showed B, O gene, and the sequencing results showed c.721 C>T mutation in exon 7 of the B gene, resulting in p. Arg 241 Trp. Compared with the wild type, the structure of Bw.03GT was partially changed, and the intermolecular force analysis showed that the original three hydrogen bonds at 241 position disappeared. [Conclusion] Blood group molecular biology examination is helpful for the accurate identification of ambiguous blood group. Homologous modeling more intuitively shows the key site for the weakening of Bw.03 GT activity. The intermolecular force analysis can explain the root cause of enzyme activity weakening.
9.Mechanism of Xinnao shutong capsule alleviating cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by regulating ferroptosis
Huani LI ; Changhe LIU ; Xiaoyan GUO ; Xin ZHONG ; Wei ZHANG ; Wenjing GE
China Pharmacy 2025;36(3):306-311
OBJECTIVE To study the mechanism of Xinnao shutong capsule alleviating cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury (CIRI) in rats by regulating the ferroptosis pathway. METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, Xinnao shutong low-dose, high-dose group (220, 440 mg/kg), Ginkgo biloba leaves extract group (positive control, 150 mg/kg). Each group of rats was orally administered with the corresponding medication/normal saline for 7 consecutive days. Transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery was adopted to induce the CIRI model; the samples were taken 24 h after the operation; the cerebral infarction area of rats was detected, and the cerebral infarction rate was calculated. The pathological changes of brain tissues were observed, and the levels of lipid peroxide (LPO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) in cerebral tissue were detected; mRNA and protein expressions of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1(HO-1) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were all detected in cerebral tissue of rats. RESULTS Compared with model group, the cerebral infarction rate, the content of total iron in cerebral tissue and serum level of LPO (except for Ginkgo biloba leaves extract group and Xinnao shutong low-dose group) were all decreased significantly in G. biloba leaves extract group and Xinnao shutong groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the serum level of GSH, the protein and mRNA expressions of Nrf2, HO-1 and GPX4 were all increased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The pathological damage to brain tissue was reduced, the number of nerve cells increased, the edema was alleviated, and the nuclear membrane was flattened. CONCLUSIONS Xinnao shutong capsule can inhibit ferroptosis and reduce CIRI, the mechanism of which may be associated with the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signaling pathway.
10.Analysis of related factors of dual use of traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes among middle school students in Beijing
QIN Ran, LIU Yang, LI Hongtian, LIU Jianmeng, GUO Xin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(1):58-62
Objective:
To analyze the factors related to dual use of traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes among middle school students in Beijing, in order to provide a scientific basis for adapting to the new situation and carrying out tobacco control among adolescents.
Methods:
A multi stage cluster random sampling method was used to select 15 688 and 13 607 junior and senior middle school students from 16 districts in Beijing from April to June in 2019 and 2023, respectively. Online self administered questionnaires among middle school students in Beijing were completed, including use of traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes, exposure to second hand smoke, attitudes and perceptions towards tobacco, etc. The Chi-square test was used to compare rates, and a multiple factors Logistic regression model was used to analyze related factors of traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes dual use among middle school students.
Results:
The dual use rate of traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes in 2023 had decreased to 2.46% from 4.88% in 2019 among middle school students in Beijing. The results of the multiple Logistic regression model analysis showed that among middle school students, tobacco control anywhere at home (boys: OR =0.47, girls: OR =0.34), without anyone smoking on campus in the past month (boys: OR =0.43, girls: OR =0.26) had lower risks of dual use ( P <0.05); and middle school students strongly or slightly agreeing that smoking could bring happiness (boys: OR =4.11, 2.22, girls: OR =5.32, 3.87), believing that smoking could increase attractiveness of young people (boys: OR =3.13, girls: OR =5.81), smoking cigarettes handed over by good friends (boys: OR =4.24, girls: OR =7.21), thinking smoking in the next year (boys: OR =5.77, girls: OR =7.74) had higher risks of dual use ( P <0.05).Among boys, junior middle school students ( OR =0.50), excellent academic performance ( OR =0.36), no acceptance of free tobacco products from tobacco companies ( OR =0.38), believing that smoking couldn t refresh oneself ( OR =0.37) and smoking still could pose a health hazard though not yet addictive ( OR =0.32) had lower risks of dual use ( P <0.05);and boys with a history of secondhand smoke exposure indoor outside home ( OR =2.19), believing that quitting smoking without difficulty ( OR =2.57),smoking e-cigarettes handed over by good friends ( OR =11.27) had higher risks of dual use ( P <0.05). Among girls, no acceptance of using tobacco product labeled items ( OR =0.28) had lower risks of dual use ( P <0.05); and girls whose parents both smoke ( OR =5.53), believing that quitting smoking might not be difficult ( OR =4.44) had higher risks of dual use ( P < 0.05 ).
Conclusions
The dual use rate of traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes among middle school students in Beijing has decreased. It is recommended to take the construction of smoke free families as the starting point, so as to reduce indoor second hand smoke exposure and control tobacco promotions, and promote the formation of correct tobacco control culture and moral constraints among secondary school students.


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