1.Herbal Textual Research on Picrorhizae Rhizoma in Famous Classical Formulas
Feng ZHOU ; Yihan WANG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Xiaoqin ZHAO ; Kaizhi WU ; Cheng FENG ; Wenyue LI ; Wei ZHANG ; Wentao FANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):228-239
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, origin, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and other aspects of Picrorhizae Rhizoma by referring to the medical books, prescription books, and other documents of the past dynasties, combined with relevant modern research materials, in order to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb. The research results indicate that Picrorhizae Rhizoma was first recorded in New Revised Materia Medica from the Tang dynasty. Throughout history, Huhuanglian has been used as its official name, and there are also aliases such as Gehu Luze, Jiahuanglian and Hulian. The main source of past dynasties is the the rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurrooa and P. scrophulariiflora. In ancient times, Picrorhizae Rhizoma was mainly imported by foreign traders via Guangzhou and other regions, and also produced in China, mainly in Xizang. In ancient times, it was harvested and dried in early August of the lunar calendar, while in modern times, it is mostly harvested from July to September, with the best quality being those with thick and crispy rhizomes without impurities, and bitter taste. Throughout history, Picrorhizae Rhizoma was collected, washed, sliced, and dried before being used as a raw material for medicine, it has a bitter and cold taste, mainly used to treat bone steaming, hot flashes, infantile chancre fever, and dysentery. There is no significant difference in taste and efficacy between ancient and modern times. Based on the research results, it is recommended that the rhizomes of P. scrophulariiflora in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, or the rhizomes of P. kurrooa, can be used in famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb, which can be processed according to the processing requirements marked by the original formula. For those without clear processing requirements, the dried raw products are used as medicine.
2.Correlation between CD4+T lymphocytes and viral load in newly identified human immunodeficiency virus infected individuals in Huangpu District,Shanghai,2023
Shuang ZHU ; Jieqiong ZHAN ; Lili SONG ; Yu WANG ; Wei CHU ; Weihua CHEN ; Huimin XU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):125-128
ObjectiveTo analyze the detected results of CD4+T lymphocytes and viral load in newly identified human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients in Huangpu District of Shanghai in 2023, to explore the correlation between them, so as to provide a scientific basis for the development of targeted prevention and control measures and antiviral treatment programs. MethodsThe data of CD4 cell count, viral load and demographic characteristics of the newly infected patients living with HIV in Huangpu District, Shanghai in 2023 were collected and analyzed by using descriptive epidemiological method. ResultsThe mean CD4 cell count of the 67 newly identified HIV infected patients in Huangpu District was (301.22±235.19) cells·µL-1, with a mean viral load of (5.15±1.28) ×105 copies·mL-1.There were statistically significant differences in CD4 cell count and viral load among different age groups (P<0.05), but there were no statistically significant differences by gender and marital status (both P>0.05). The CD4 cell count and CD4/CD8 ratio both were negatively correlated with the lg value of viral load (r=-0.290, -0.378; P=0.027, 0.002). ConclusionThe CD4 cell counts of the newly identified HIV infected patients in Huangpu District in 2023 were generally low, the proportion of patients with high viral load was high, but the risk for elderly infected with HIV was high. The elderly have gradually become the key population for AIDS prevention and control in Huangpu District. It is recommended to expand HIV screening in the elderly to reduce the risk of HIV transmission and increase the rate of early detection and treatment.
3.Exploration of the mechanism of cognitive impairment induced by ketamine in mice based on metabolomics
Tingting LUO ; Xiaoxiao YAO ; Xinyi ZHAN ; Yiru MA ; Ting GAO ; Ying WEI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(12):1436-1441
OBJECTIVE To explore the potential mechanism of ketamine-induced cognitive impairment in mice based on metabolomics. METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group and ketamine group (25 mg/kg), with 12 mice in each group. Each group of mice was intraperitoneally injected with normal saline or corresponding drugs, 4 times a day, for 10 consecutive days. On the last 2 days of drug administration, the cognitive behavior was evaluated by Y maze and novel object recognition test, and the histopathological changes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) were observed. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry technology was used to analyze the changes of metabolites in PFC, screen for differential metabolites, and perform pathway enrichment analysis. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the morphology of PFC neurons in the ketamine group of mice was inconsistent. There were cavities around the nucleus, and the number of deeply stained cells increased. The mean optical density value of the Nissl staining positive area was significantly reduced, and the alternation rate and discrimination index were significantly reduced (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In the PFC tissue samples of mice of the two groups, there were a total of 114 differential metabolites, including 73 up-regulated and 41 down-regulated metabolites, including glutamine, succinic acid, ketoglutarate, and choline, etc. The differential metabolites mentioned above were mainly enriched in metabolism of alanine, aspartate and glutamate, metabolism of arginine and proline, γ aminobutyric acid synapses, pyrimidine metabolism, cholinergic synapses pathways, etc. CONCLUSIONS Ketamine can induce cognitive impairment in mice. Its neurotoxicity is related to abnormal synaptic transmission and energy metabolism, and neuroimmune regulation disorders.
4.Cerebrospinal fluid metagenomic next-generation sequencing for the diagnosis of intracranial aspergillus flavus infection in immunocompetent patients: A case report
Xianzhe KONG ; Huan WEI ; Liping ZHAN
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2025;42(7):656-658
To report a case of an immunocompetent young adult male patient diagnosed with intracranial Aspergillus flavus infection, and to investigate the clinical features of this disease and related experience in diagnosis and treatment.A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of a patient who had the initial presentation of high fever and headache and then progressed to meningoencephalitis, and the results of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and treatment outcomes were summarized.The patient had an acute onset, with no response to empirical anti-infective therapy in the incipient stage, and then he gradually developed disturbance of consciousness and meningeal irritation sign. CSF analysis showed inflammatory changes, while conventional pathogen tests yielded negative results, and mNGS detected 27 specific sequences of Aspergillus flavus. The symptoms of the patient was significantly improved after antifungal therapy with voriconazole, with no recurrence after follow-up for 3 months.For unexplained central nervous system infections, especially those with negative results from conventional tests, mNGS can improve the detection rate of rare pathogens(e.g.,Aspergillus flavus). Early diagnosis and targeted antifungal therapy are crucial for improving prognosis. This case highlights that invasive fungal infections should be considered even in immunocompetent individuals.
Aspergillus flavus
5.Theta Oscillations Support Prefrontal-hippocampal Interactions in Sequential Working Memory.
Minghong SU ; Kejia HU ; Wei LIU ; Yunhao WU ; Tao WANG ; Chunyan CAO ; Bomin SUN ; Shikun ZHAN ; Zheng YE
Neuroscience Bulletin 2024;40(2):147-156
The prefrontal cortex and hippocampus may support sequential working memory beyond episodic memory and spatial navigation. This stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) study investigated how the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) interacts with the hippocampus in the online processing of sequential information. Twenty patients with epilepsy (eight women, age 27.6 ± 8.2 years) completed a line ordering task with SEEG recordings over the DLPFC and the hippocampus. Participants showed longer thinking times and more recall errors when asked to arrange random lines clockwise (random trials) than to maintain ordered lines (ordered trials) before recalling the orientation of a particular line. First, the ordering-related increase in thinking time and recall error was associated with a transient theta power increase in the hippocampus and a sustained theta power increase in the DLPFC (3-10 Hz). In particular, the hippocampal theta power increase correlated with the memory precision of line orientation. Second, theta phase coherences between the DLPFC and hippocampus were enhanced for ordering, especially for more precisely memorized lines. Third, the theta band DLPFC → hippocampus influence was selectively enhanced for ordering, especially for more precisely memorized lines. This study suggests that theta oscillations may support DLPFC-hippocampal interactions in the online processing of sequential information.
Adult
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Female
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Humans
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Young Adult
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Epilepsy
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Hippocampus
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Memory, Short-Term
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Mental Recall
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Prefrontal Cortex
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Theta Rhythm
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Male
6.Usage and Dosage Analysis and Countermeasures for Development of Compound Preparations of Han Dynasty Famous Classical Formulas
Yan JIN ; Bing LI ; Wei ZHANG ; Huasheng PENG ; Huamin ZHANG ; Huihui LIU ; Lin ZHANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(7):1-10
In order to provide a reference basis for the development of relevant compound preparations, this article takes a comprehensive analysis of the usage and dosage of famous classical formulas in Han dynasty from various perspectives, and gives corresponding countermeasures on this basis. Through the comprehensive analysis of the classification and statistics of Zhongjing's medication characteristics, decoction methods, administration and dosage, and combining conversion methods of weights and measures by ancient medical practitioners, along with the dosage and administration of the listed Han dynasty famous classical formulas, it was found that the "Jiangxi method" served as a general guideline for administration according to Zhongjing's original text. This method allowed for flexible dosing based on the conversion of the ancient measurements to modern equivalents[13.8 g per Liang(两)], ensuring the safe and effective medication of these formulas. After combing, it is found that although the dosage of single medicine is large in famous classical formulas from Han dynasty, the administration is flexible. The crude drug amount per administration serves as the foundational dose, with the frequency of administration adjusted flexibly according to the condition. This dosing approach becomes the key for the rational development of compound formulations of famous classical formulas. Based on the conclusions of the study, it is recommended that when developing compound formulations of famous classical formulas in Han dynasty, the original administration method and dosage should be respected. The original crude drug amount per administration should be considered as the daily foundational dose, with the frequency of administration described within a range(1 to N times per day, where N is the maximum number of administrations as per the original text). The specific frequency of administration can be adjusted flexibly by clinical practitioners based on the individual condition. This approach should also be adopted in toxicological studies, where the dosage per administration serves as the basis for toxicity research, and the toxicity profile at the maximum administration frequency should be observed, providing guidance on the clinical safety range. Corresponding drug labels should provide information within a range to indicate toxicological risk intervals.
7.Therapeutic effect of transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells co-cultured with bone marrow M2 macrophages on a rat model of liver cirrhosis
Xinrui ZHENG ; Yannan XU ; Danyang WANG ; Feifei XING ; Mengyao ZONG ; Shihao ZHANG ; Junyi ZHAN ; Wei LIU ; Gaofeng CHEN ; Jiamei CHEN ; Ping LIU ; Yongping MU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(1):96-103
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) co-cultured with bone marrow-derived M2 macrophages (M2-BMDMs), named as BMSCM2, on a rat model of liver cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)/2-acetaminofluorene (2-AAF). MethodsRat BMDMs were isolated and polarized into M2 phenotype, and rat BMSCs were isolated and co-cultured with M2-BMDMs at the third generation to obtain BMSCM2. The rats were given subcutaneous injection of CCl4 for 6 weeks to establish a model of liver cirrhosis, and then they were randomly divided into model group (M group), BMSC group, and BMSCM2 group, with 6 rats in each group. A normal group (N group) with 6 rats was also established. Since week 7, the model rats were given 2-AAF by gavage in addition to the subcutaneous injection of CCl4. Samples were collected at the end of week 10 to observe liver function, liver histopathology, and hydroxyproline (Hyp) content in liver tissue, as well as changes in the markers for hepatic stellate cells, hepatic progenitor cells, cholangiocytes, and hepatocytes. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the N group, the M group had significant increases in the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P<0.01); compared with the M group, the BMSC and BMSCM2 groups had significant reductions in ALT and AST (P<0.01), and the BMSCM2 group had significantly better activities than the BMSC group (P<0.05). Compared with the N group, the M group had significant increases in Hyp content and the mRNA and protein expression levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the liver (P<0.01); compared with the M group, the BMSC and BMSCM2 groups had significant reductions in Hyp content and the expression of α-SMA (P<0.05), and the BMSCM2 group had a significantly lower level of α-SMA than the BMSC group (P<0.01). Compared with the N group, the M group had significant increases in the mRNA expression levels of the hepatic progenitor cell markers EpCam and Sox9 and the cholangiocyte markers CK7 and CK19 (P<0.01) and significant reductions in the expression levels of the hepatocyte markers HNF-4α and Alb (P<0.01); compared with the M group, the BMSC and BMSCM2 groups had significant reductions in the mRNA expression levels of EpCam, Sox9, CK7, and CK19 (P<0.05) and significant increases in the mRNA expression levels of HNF-4α and Alb (P<0.05), and compared with the BMSC group, the BMSCM2 group had significant reductions in the mRNA expression levels of EpCam and CK19 (P<0.05) and significant increase in the expression level of HNF-4α (P<0.05). ConclusionM2-BMDMs can enhance the therapeutic effect of BMSCs on CCl4/2-AAF-induced liver cirrhosis in rats, which provides new ideas for further improving the therapeutic effect of BMSCs on liver cirrhosis.
8.Implicit and explicit measures of loyalty assessment among military cadets
Xuerong LIU ; Yu ZHAN ; Wei LI ; Libin ZHANG ; Mengxue ZHAO ; Xinyan GAO ; Zhiyi CHEN ; Zhengzhi FENG
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(3):203-208
Objective To explore the relevant relationship and specificity between the implicit and explicit loyalty of military cadets in order to provide a theoretical basis and objective indicators for a more comprehensive and objective assessment for individual loyalty.Methods E-Prime 2.0,a classic implicit association paradigm was employed to construct an implicit association loyalty test for 64 military cadets.Simultaneously,an explicit loyalty measurement was conducted using the Chinese Military Personnel Loyalty Scale.Results ① Significant implicit effect was observed in the loyalty assessment of military cadets,indicating a general tendency to perceive higher levels of personal loyalty and lower levels of loyalty to external entities.② Explicit loyalty assessment revealed that the participants had the highest loyalty score towards the Party,the Nation,and the People(4.79±0.34),followed by the loyalty score to their profession(4.38±0.53),and the relatively lower loyalty score towards the unit and leaders(4.03±0.83).Among the 3 dimensions of loyalty,the normative loyalty score ranked highest,while continuance loyalty score took lower.③ There were no correlations among the scores of loyalty to the Party,the Nation,and the People(r=-0.030,P=0.823),to the profession(r=-0.047,P=0.728),to the unit(r=0.050,P=0.710),or to the leaders(r=0.043,P=0.749).Conclusion The implicit effect in the loyalty assessment is significant in military cadets,and there is no significant correlation between explicit and implicit loyalty measurements.Thus,we cannot rely solely on explicit measurements to assess their loyalty attitudes.
9.Effects of carbamazepine on BDNF expression in trigeminal ganglia and serum in rats with trigeminal neuralgia
Yufeng SONG ; Min ZHOU ; Jiawen XIONG ; Ruoyu HUANG ; Wenhao SHEN ; Ting ZHAN ; Yuting XIE ; Yun GAO ; Wei XIONG
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2024;49(1):11-20
Objective:Trigeminal neuralgia(TN)is a severe chronic neuropathic pain that mainly affects the distribution area of the trigeminal nerve with limited treating efficacy.There are numerous treatments for TN,but currently the main clinical approach is to suppress pain by carbamazepine(CBZ).Brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)is closely related to chronic pain.This study aims to determine the effects of CBZ treatment on BDNF expression in both the trigeminal ganglion(TG)and serum of TN via a chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve(ION-CCI)rat model. Methods:The ION-CCI models were established in male Sprague-Dawley rats and were randomly divided into a sham group,a TN group,a TN+low-dose CBZ treatment group(TN+20 mg/kg CBZ group),a TN+medium-dose CBZ treatment group(TN+40 mg/kg CBZ group),and a TN+high-dose CBZ treatment group(TN+80 mg/kg CBZ group).The mechanical pain threshold in each group of rats was measured regularly before and after surgery.The expressions of BDNF and tyrosine kinase receptor B(TrkB)mRNA in TGs of rats in different groups were determined by real-time PCR,and the expression of BDNF protein on neurons in TGs was observed by immunofluorescence.Western Blotting was used to detect the protein expression of BDNF,TrkB,extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK),and phospho-extracellular regulated protein kinases(p-ERK)in TGs of rats in different groups.The expression of BDNF in the serum of rats in different groups was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Results:The results of mechanical pain sensitivity showed that there was no significant difference in the mechanical pain threshold in the right facial sensory area of the experimental rats in each group before surgery(all P>0.05).From the 3rd day after operation,the mechanical pain threshold of rats in the TN group was significantly lower than that in the sham group(all P<0.01),and the mechanical pain threshold of rats in the TN+80 mg/kg CBZ group,the TN+40 mg/kg CBZ group,and the TN+20 CBZ mg/kg group was higher than that in the TN group(all P<0.05).The BDNF and TrkB mRNA and protein expressions in TGs of rats in the TN group were higher than those in the sham group(all P<0.05),and those in the TN+80 mg/kg CBZ group,the TN+40 mg/kg CBZ group,and the TN+20 mg/kg CBZ group were lower than the TN group(all P<0.05).The p-ERK levels in TG of rats in the TN+80 mg/kg CBZ group,the TN+40 mg/kg CBZ group,and the TN+20 mg/kg CBZ group were significantly decreased compared with the TN group(all P<0.05).The BDNF and neuron-specific nuclear protein(NeuN)were mainly co-expressed in neuron of TGs in the TN group and they were significantly higher than those in the sham group(all P<0.05).The co-labeled expressions of BDNF and NeuN in TGs of the TN+ 80 mg/kg CBZ group,the TN+40 mg/kg CBZ group,and the TN+20 mg/kg CBZ group were lower than those in the TN group(all P<0.05).The results of ELISA showed that the level of BDNF in the serum of the TN group was significantly higher than that in the sham group(P<0.05).The levels of BDNF in the TN+80 mg/kg CBZ group,the TN+40 mg/kg CBZ group,and the TN+20 mg/kg CBZ group were lower than those in the TN group(all P<0.05).Spearman correlation analysis showed that the BDNF level in serum was negatively correlated with mechanical pain threshold(r=-0.650,P<0.01). Conclusion:CBZ treatment can inhibit the expression of BDNF and TrkB in the TGs of TN rats,reduce the level of BDNF in serum of TN rats and the phosphorylation of ERK signaling pathway,so as to inhibit TN.The serum level of BDNF can be considered as an indicator for the diagnosis and prognosis of TN.
10.Study on the mutation characteristics of streptomycin genes of Multidrug-Resistant Mycobacterium Tuber-culosis in Jiangxi Province
Shengming YU ; Lianghua XIA ; Jiahuan ZHAN ; Siqi LIU ; Wei WANG ; Liang YAN ; Kaisen CHEN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(1):91-96
Objective To understand the molecular characteristics of Streptomycin(SM)resistance in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis(MDR-TB)in Jiangxi Province,and to explore the relationship between SM resistant genes(rpsL,rrs and gidB)mutations and SM resistant phenotypes in Beijing genotype TB.Methods 106 non-replicated MDR-TB isolates were collected from Gaoxin Branch of The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University and Jiangxi Provincial Chest Hospital from January to December 2021,and tested for drug-resistance phenotypes,whether they were Beijing genotype or not and the characteristics of rpsL,rrs and gidB gene mutations.Chi-square test was performed to determine whether rpsL,rrs and gidB mutations were related to genotypes and drug-resistance phenotypes.Results Among 106 cases of MDR-TB,76 cases were resistant to SM.A total of 58 cases had rpsL 43A>G mutation,8 cases had 88A>G mutation,5 cases had rrs mutation,and 3 cases had gidB mutation.Statistical analysis showed that the coincidence rate of gene mutation and phenotypic drug-resistance detection was 89.6%,and the specificity and sensitivity were 86.7%and 90.8%,respectively.The isolated rate of Beijing genotype TB was 88.7%,and the drug-resistant gene mutations were mainly concentrated in rpsL and rrs,while the drug-resistant mutations of non-Beijing genotype were mainly concentrated in gidB;in addition,Beijing genotype bacteria were more prone to gene mutations(P = 0.013),but there was no difference in phenotypic drug-resistance.Conclusions Mutations in rpsL,rrs,and gidB genes have a good coincidence rate with phenotypic drug-resistance,and molecular biology can be used to detect directly drug-resistance genes to predict bacterial resistance;TB genotypes are strongly associated with streptomycin resistance characteristics.

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