Baihuasheshecao(Hedyotis diffusa) is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine derived from the whole herb of H. diffusa and has been widely utilized in folk medicine. It possesses anti-tumor, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it one of the frequently used herbs in TCM clinical practice. However, Shuixiancao(H. corymbosa) and Xianhuaercao(H. tenelliflora), species of the same genus, are often used as substitutes for Baihuasheshecao. To substantiate the medicinal basis of Baihuasheshecao, this study systematically reviewed classical herbal texts and modern literature, examining its nomenclature, botanical origin, harvesting, processing, properties, meridian tropism, pharmacological effects, and clinical applications. The results indicate that Baihuasheshecao was initially recorded as "Shuixiancao" in Preface to the Indexes to the Great Chinese Botany(Zhi Wu Ming Shi Tu Kao). Based on its morphological characteristics and habitat description, it was identified as H. diffusa in the Rubiaceae family. Subsequent records predominantly refer to it as Baihuasheshecao as its official name. In most regions, Baihuasheshecao is recognized as the authentic medicinal material, distinct from Shuixiancao and Xianhuaercao. Baihuasheshecao is harvested in late summer and early autumn, and the dried whole plant, including its roots, is used medicinally. The standard processing method involves cutting. It is known for its effects in clearing heat, removing toxins, reducing swelling and pain, and promoting diuresis to resolve abscesses. Initially, it was mainly used for treating appendicitis, intestinal abscesses, and venomous snake bites, and later, it became a treatment for cancer. The excavation of its clinical value followed a process in which overseas Chinese introduced the herb from Chinese folk medicine to other countries. After its unique anti-cancer effects were recognized abroad, it was reintroduced to China and gradually became a crucial TCM for cancer treatment. The findings of this study help clarify the historical and contemporary uses of Baihuasheshecao, providing literature support and a scientific basis for its rational development and precise clinical application.
Humans ; China ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Hedyotis/classification* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/history*

Objective To develop a large-volume sample cassette in the shape of a formalin cup suitable for portable HPGe γ spectrometer, to determine the detection limits of the cassette at different detection times through fresh sample measurements, and to provide a reference for responding to and monitoring of nuclear and radiation emergencies. Methods According to the formula for calculation of detection limit described in the GB/T 16145—2022, ¹³¹I and ¹³⁷Cs were measured using the sourceless efficiency calibration software Angle and the portable HPGe γ spectrometer for the optimization of the large-volume sample cassette. Fresh salmon samples were measured using a formalin cup-shaped large-volume sample cassette. The detection times were 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 19, 19, 22, and 24 hours. The relationship between detection time and detection limit was assessed. Results Using sample cassettes with 15 cm radius and 10 L volume, the simulated detection efficiency of the formalin cup-shaped large-volume sample cassette was 30%-46% higher and the detection limit was lower as compared with the cake-shaped large-volume sample cassette. The detection limit obtained by measuring fresh salmon samples decreased with the extension of the detection time. These results provided a reference for the detection limits of measuring fresh samples for nuclides of concern in nuclear contaminated water with different detection times. Conclusion The formalin cup-shaped large-volume sample cassette developed by combining the optimization of detection limit provides a geometry for quantitative analysis in on-site monitoring of γ nuclides in the case of emergencies. Measurement of fresh samples using the cassette with different detection times showed that 8-10 hours of detection was optimal in balancing the detection limit and the detection time.

Objective To further extend the application of coincidence summing correction factor transfer experiments through the analysis of relevant measurements. Methods The passive efficiency was simulated using BE5030 high-purity germanium (HPGe) γ-energy spectrometer equipped with LabSOCS, and the total efficiency was simulated using LabSOCS in GENIE 2000 spectrum analysis software, which was used for calculating the coincidence summing correction factor. The coincidence summing correction factor transfer experiments were performed using the measurements with the point source containing ¹³⁴Cs, ⁶⁰Co, and ¹³⁷Cs as well as the body source to obtain the coincidence summing correction factors of other HPGe γ-energy spectrometers. Results The coincidence summing correction factors for ¹³⁴Cs and ⁶⁰Co were obtained using the BE5030 γ-energy spectrum. In verification by certificate activity, the absolute value of the maximum deviation was within 3.53%. Using coincidence summing correction factor transfer experiments, these factors were transferred to other high-purity germanium γ spectrometers. In verification by certificate activity, the absolute value of the maximum deviation was within 5.86%. Conclusion The coincidence summing correction factors calculated using simulated total efficiency by calling LabSOCS in the GENIE 2000 spectrum analysis software are effective in correction, and can be used as correction factors in standard laboratories. Through coincidence summing correction factor transfer experiments, the coincidence summing correction of other high-purity germanium γ-energy spectrometers can be achieved, which broadens the application of coincidence summing correction method.

Objective:To recommend reference composition for sourceless efficiency calibration of food gamma spectrometry by analyzing the composition of common foods based on a combination of sourceless efficiency calibration and active validation.Methods:Thirty common types of food samples in countrywide monitoring of radioactively contaminated foods were analyzed to statistically determine the reference composition of grains and vegetables. Combined with the parameters provided for white quinoa standard source, LabSOCS was applied to carry out the simulation of sourceless efficiency for its different compositions, and to calculate its measured activity, and analyzing its relative deviation to the those given in the certificate.Results:The analytical result of these 30 types of food samples showed that the five elements C, H, O, N and S accounted for 77.0%-93.7% of the food composition, being the main component of these samples. By applying white quinoa′s components and grain-based reference components to the simulation of the sourceless efficiency of white quinoa standard sources, the relative deviations of activity calculations to their certificated activities were in the range of 0.37%-5.86% and 0.38%-5.87% in absolute value, respectively.Conclusions:The white quinoa′s composition and the grain reference composition were applied to the sourceless efficiency simulation of the white quinoa standard source, and the relative deviation of the calculated measured activity to the activity of the standard source certificate was basically identical, so that if the gamma spectrometry-based sourceless efficiency simulation is used to measure the unknown composition of the food samples and it is inconvenient to carry out the analysis of the food samples′ compositions, especially in the case of emergency, it can be referred to the use of the reference compositions obtained in the present study.

OBJECTIVE: Because of the limited number of studies and small sample sizes, whether metabolic syndrome (MS) leads to the occurrence and progression of osteoporosis and the possible underlying mechanisms require further investigation. This study aimed to investigate the association between MS and osteoporosis, along with its influencing factors. METHODS: This observational cross-sectional study included 139,470 individuals aged ≥ 18 years who underwent health examinations from September 2014 to March 2022. Based on bone mineral density (BMD) screening results, the participants were categorized into a suspected osteoporosis or non-osteoporosis group (control). Participants were further divided into those who met 0 MS criteria, 1 MS criterion, 2 MS criteria, and ≥ 3 MS criteria (MS group). Participants who had undergone health examinations at least twice formed the follow-up cohort; a self-matched analysis was performed on those with follow-up periods ≥ 5 years and unchanged MS grouping. RESULTS: Several examination indicators in the suspected osteoporosis group showed statistically significant differences compared with the control group. The proportion of suspected osteoporosis in the MS group was significantly increased compared with that in the 0 MS criteria group (odds ratio [ OR]: 1.215, Z = 29.11, P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval: 1.199-1.231). After adjusting for age, sex, smoking, and alcohol consumption, the 2 MS criteria group and MS group still had OR values > 1 ( P < 0.001). In the follow-up cohort, the proportion of suspected osteoporosis increased gradually with an increase in the number of MS criteria met at baseline and during each follow-up visit ( P < 0.05), with the highest proportion observed in the MS group. However, the proportion of suspected osteoporosis did not increase significantly over time in the different MS groups ( P > 0.05). In the follow-up cohort, the proportion of individuals transitioning from normal BMD to suspected osteoporosis was higher in the MS group after ≥ 5 years of follow-up compared with the group meeting 0 MS criteria (0.08% versus 1.15%, χ ² = 10.76, P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in BMD values for the 0 MS criteria group after 5 years ( P > 0.05), whereas the other three groups experienced a significant decrease in BMD values after 5 years ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSION MS is an independent risk factor for osteoporosis, and the effect of risk factors related to MS on osteoporosis may exceed that of aging alone. The specific mechanisms warrant further investigation.
Humans ; Osteoporosis/etiology* ; Female ; Male ; Metabolic Syndrome/complications* ; Middle Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; China/epidemiology* ; Aged ; Adult ; Bone Density ; Risk Factors

Objective:To explore the effect of follow-up management of the use of insulin pumps outside hospital led by diabetes specialist nurses in type 2 diabetic patients.Methods:From April 2018 to March 2020, convenience sampling was used to select patients with type 2 diabetes who used insulin pumps in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University as the object. The patients ( n=104) enrolled from April 2018 to March 2019 were set as control group receiving conventional out-of-hospital follow-up management of insulin pump use, and patients ( n=152) enrolled from April 2019 to March 2020 were set as observation group adopted out-of-hospital follow-up management of insulin pump use led by diabetes specialist nurses, and the observation lasted for three months. The differences in fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, Scale of the Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) score and the Exercise of Self-Care Agency Scale (ESCA) score, and insulin pump-related negative events were compared between the two groups of patients. Results:Before intervention, there was no significant difference in fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, SDSCA score, and ESCA score between the two groups ( P>0.05) . After intervention, the fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin of observation group were lower than those of control group, and the scores of SDSCA and ESCA were higher than those of control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05) . The fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin of observation group after intervention were lower than those before intervention, and the scores of SDSCA and ESCA were higher than those before intervention, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05) . In control group, there were 17, 23, and 14 cases of pipeline obstruction, hypoglycemia, injection site infection or induration respectively, and observation group had 8, 7, and 5 cases of pipeline obstruction, hypoglycemia, injection site infection or induration respectively; incidences of insulin pump-related negative events of control group and observation group were 51.92% and 13.16% respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:Follow-up management of out-of-hospital insulin pump use led by diabetes specialist nurses can increase the insulin adjustment self-efficacy of type 2 diabetic patients, effectively control blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin, improve self-behavior management and nursing ability, and reduce the occurrence of insulin pump-related negative events.

Objective:To explore the effect of diabetes specialist nurse sharing management in diabetic patients in primary medical institutions under the medical alliance model.Methods:From January 2018 to December 2019, convenience sampling was used to select type 2 diabetes patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University as the research object. A total of 147 patients with type 2 diabetes who were enrolled from January to December 2018 were set as the control group, and 162 patients with type 2 diabetes who were enrolled from January to December 2019 were set as the observation group. Control group adopted routine diabetes management, and observation group conducted the diabetes specialist nurse sharing management under the medical alliance model. Both groups of management lasted for 6 months. Morisky Medication Adherence Scale and Scale of the Diabetes Self-care Activities (SDSCA) were used to evaluate medication adherence and self-management behavior scores of the two groups of patients. The fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin of the two groups of patients before and after the intervention were compared, and the readmission rate and the incidence of hypoglycemia of the two groups of patients during the intervention were evaluated.Results:After the intervention, the observation group's medication adherence was better than that of control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05) . After the intervention, the fasting blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin of observation group were lower than those before intervention and of control group, and the SDSCA score was higher than that before intervention and of control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05) . The readmission rate and the incidence of hypoglycemia in observation group were 8.02% and 5.56%, respectively, which were lower than 19.73% and 25.17% in control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:The diabetes specialist nurse sharing management under the medical alliance model can effectively improve the medication adherence, self-management behavior and blood glucose of diabetic patients in primary medical institutions, and reduce the readmission rate and the incidence of hypoglycemia.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the "Internet Plus-based AIDS Comprehensive Prevention Service System" among men who have sex with men in Guangzhou. Methods: Data through case-reporting and follow-up programs on MSM HIV/AIDS in Guangzhou was collected from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention, which including those from the referral and follow-up treatment compliance programs in 2008-2014 (pre-treatment) and 2017-2018 (post-treatment). According to the types of care services, three groups were set as: with "Internet Plus" service, with 'HIV counseling/testing service’ or with 'routine medical service’. General Estimating Equation (GEE) was used to analyze the follow up situation of HIV/AIDS cases, annually. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to analyze the proportions of treatment referral, within the 30 days of diagnosis. Results: Before the implementation of immediate treatment after HIV diagnosis, 90.6% (707/780) of the HIV/AIDS cases received the first follow up program including the CD₄⁺ T cells counts (CD₄) test service within 90 days of diagnosis, in the "Internet Plus-based HIV/AIDS care service" group presented 1.19 times (95%CI: 1.14-1.25) of the routine medical service group. The implementation of immediate treatment after HIV diagnosis, compared with the routine medical service group, the "Internet Plus" service group presented 1.71 times (95%CI: 1.03- 2.83) more treatment referrals within the 30 days of diagnosis, when the first testing CD₄ was ≤200 cells/μl. Compared with the routine medical service group, the HIV counseling and testing service group showed 1.37 times (95%CI: 1.20-1.56) more of the treatment referrals within the 30 days of HIV diagnosis, after the first testing CD₄ counts as >200 cells/μl. Conclusion Standardized care and follow-up service should be promoted as soon as the referral and treatment programs were set after the diagnosis was made, under the "Internet Plus-based AIDS Comprehensive Prevention Service System" for the MSM population, in Guangzhou.

OBJECTIVEIn spite of the World Health Organization's recommendations over the past decades, Ghana features pluralistic rather than truly integrated medical system. Policies about the integration of complementary medicine into the national health care delivery system need to account for individual-level involvement and cultural acceptability of care rendered by health care providers. Studies in Ghana, however, have glossed over the standpoint of the persons of the illness episode about the intercultural health care policy framework. This paper explores the health care users, and providers' experiences and attitudes towards the implementation of intercultural health care policy in Ghana.

METHODSIn-depth interviews, augmented with informal conversations, were conducted with 16 health service users, 7 traditional healers and 6 health professionals in the Sekyere South District and Kumasi Metropolis in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Data were thematically analysed and presented based on the a posteriori inductive reduction approach.

RESULTSFindings reveal a widespread positive attitude to, and support for integrative medical care in Ghana. However, inter-provider communication in a form of cross-referrals and collaborative mechanisms between healers and health professionals seldom occurs and remains unofficially sanctioned. Traditional healers and health care professionals are skeptical about intercultural health care policy mainly due to inadequate political commitment for provider education. The medical practitioners have limited opportunity to undergo training for integrative medical practice. We also find a serious mistrust between the practitioners due to the "diversity of healing approaches and techniques." Weak institutional support, lack of training to meet standards of practice, poor registration and regulatory measures as well as negative perception of the integrative medical policy inhibit its implementation in Ghana.

CONCLUSIONIn order to advance any useful intercultural health care policy in Ghana, the government's total commitment in informed training and provider education, enforcement of regulatory instrument and improved community engagement is needed. Evidence-based incorporation of traditional medical therapies into clinical practice will provide safer, faster and more effective health care for the underserved and resource-poor, particularly in the rural areas.

Many foreign medicinal materials that were imported to China via the Silk Road and maritime trade have enriched Chinese medicine. Imported foreign medicines reached a high point by the Tang and Song Dynasties, particularly in the case of aromatic medicines, which supplemented domestic Chinese aromatics and were widely employed in official dispensaries in the Song Dynasty. This study investigated historical records related to imported Chinese medicines in the Tang and Song periods, focusing on their varieties, quantity, use, and localization trends. Foreign medicines were assimilated as Chinese medical theory was applied to interpret their effects, and aromatics such as frankincense that were extremely expensive in the Tang Dynasty became accessible to common people by the Song Dynasty. By the Song Dynasty, some foreign medicines began to be domestically cultivated and the boundary between foreign and traditional Chinese medicines became blurred; foreign medicines gradually transformed into Chinese medicines. The importation of foreign medicines during the Tang and Song Dynasties was a historical turning point that contributed greatly to the development of traditional Chinese medicine.