A national survey on how to improve traditional Chinese medicine learning internationally: Perceptions from both teachers and students

Zhu Yu-Hang,Yan Wu,Hao Zhang,Yanfei Zhao,Yule Ren,Wei Hu,Pan Li,Huiyi Wang,Ying Wang,Boda Zhang,Yujie Wang,Hongwen Yuan,Jiping Zhang,Wenqiang Li,Yufang Zhao,Jie Zhao,Yedong Shi,Yanye Shu,Xiao Zhang,Ya 한국한의학연구원 2022 Integrative Medicine Research Vol.11 No.4

Background With the increasing popularity of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) by the global community, how to teach basic knowledge of TCM to international students and improve the teaching quality are important issues for teachers of TCM. The present study was to analyze the perceptions from both students and teachers on how to improve TCM learning internationally. Methods A cross-sectional national survey was conducted at 23 universities/colleges across China. A structured, self-reported on-line questionnaire was administered to 34 Chinese teachers who taught TCM course in English and to 1016 international undergraduates who were enrolled in the TCM course in China between 2017 and 2021. Results Thirty-three (97.1%) teachers and 900 (88.6%) undergraduates agreed Chinese culture should be fully integrated into TCM courses. All teachers and 944 (92.9%) undergraduates thought that TCM had important significance in the clinical practice. All teachers and 995 (97.9%) undergraduates agreed that modern research of TCM is valuable. Thirty-three (97.1%) teachers and 959 (94.4%) undergraduates thought comparing traditional medicine in different countries with TCM can help the students better understand TCM. Thirty-two (94.1%) teachers and 962 (94.7%) undergraduates agreed on the use of practical teaching method with case reports. From the perceptions of the undergraduates, the top three beneficial learning styles were practice (34.3%), teacher's lectures (32.5%), case studies (10.4%). The first choice of learning mode was attending to face-to-face teaching (82.3%). The top three interesting contents were acupuncture (75.5%), Chinese herbal medicine (63.8%), and massage (55.0%). Conclusion To improve TCM learning among international undergraduates majoring in conventional medicine, integration of Chinese culture into TCM course, comparison of traditional medicine in different countries with TCM, application of the teaching method with case reports, and emphasization of clinical practice as well as modern research on TCM should be fully considered.

MicroRNA-214-mediated UBC9 expression in glioma

( Zhi Qiang Zhao ),( Xiao Chao Tan ),( Ani Zhao ),( Li Yuan Zhu ),( Bin Yin ),( Jiang Ang Yuan ),( Bo Qin Qiang ),( Xiao Zhong Peng ) 생화학분자생물학회(구 한국생화학분자생물학회) 2012 BMB Reports Vol.45 No.11

It has been reported that ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 9 (Ubc9), the unique enzyme2 in the sumoylation pathway, is up-regulated in many cancers. However, the expression and regulation of UBC9 in glioma remains unknown. In this study, we found that Ubc9 was up-regulated in glioma tissues and cell lines compared to a normal control. UBC9 knockdown by small interfering RNA (siRNA) affected cell proliferation and apoptosis in T98G cells. Further experiments revealed that microRNA (miR)-214 directly targeted the 3` untranslated region (UTR) of UBC9 and that there was an inverse relationship between the expression levels of miR-214 and UBC9 protein in glioma tissues and cells. MiR-214 overexpression suppressed the endogenous UBC9 protein and affected T98G cell proliferation. These findings suggest that miR-214 reduction facilitates UBC9 expression and is involved in the regulation of glioma cell proliferation.

Expression of lncRNA NEAT1 in endometriosis and its biological functions in ectopic endometrial cells as mediated via miR-124-3p

Yuan Donglan,Zhu Dandan,Yin Boyu,Ge Hongshan,Zhao Yinling,Huang Aihua,Wang Xiaosu,Cao Xiuhong,Xia Nan,Qian Hua 한국유전학회 2022 Genes & Genomics Vol.44 No.5

Background: Endometriosis (EM) is a gynecological disease that poses severe health risks to women, although its pathogenesis has yet to be fully elucidated. It has been shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely associated with EM initiation and have a role in the development of this disease. Previous studies exploring the expression of the lncRNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) have shown that this lncRNA functions as a tumor promoter in endometrial cancer. However, its exact mechanism of action in EM remains unclear. Objective: This report was designed to illustrate the potential molecular mechanisms of lncRNA NEAT1 on EM. Methods: Endometrial tissues were extracted from EM model rats and patients with EM. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was applied to detect the morphological changes that occurred in rats after construction of the model. Endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) were extracted from either ectopic endometrium (EC) or eutopic endometrium (EU) tissues from patients with EM. LncRNA NEAT1 and miR-124-3p expression in EM tissues and cells were subsequently evaluated by reverse transcription-quantitative (RT-q)PCR analysis. MTT assay, flow cytometric analysis, western blot assay and Transwell assay were then employed to examine the effect of NEAT1 and miR-124-3p on EC-ESC proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion, respectively. The targeted relationship between lncRNA NEAT1 and miR-124-3p was subsequently confirmed by dual-luciferase and co-transfection assays. Results: MiR-124-3p was identified as a target of NEAT1, and could be negatively regulated by NEAT1 in EC-ESCs. The expression level of NEAT1 was evidently increased, whereas that of miR-124-3p was decreased, in the EM in vivo model, EM tissues and EC-ESCs from patients with EM. The loss-of-function assays further established that silencing of NEAT1 could inhibit EC-ESC proliferation, migration, and invasion, but it led to the promotion of apoptosis via targeting miR-124-3p. Conclusions: NEAT1 is significantly upregulated in EM, promoting malignant behavior in EM through targeting miR-124-3p expression.

Development and Analysis of a Two-Phase Excitation Switched Reluctance Motor with Novel Winding Distribution Used in Electric Vehicles

Zhu, Yueying,Yang, Chuantian,Yue, Yuan,Zhao, Chengwen,Zhang, Yan The Korean Institute of Electrical Engineers 2018 Journal of Electrical Engineering & Technology Vol.13 No.6

Two-phase simultaneous excitation mode of the switched reluctance motor (SRM) has been shown to effectively improve the average torque output compared with traditional single-phase excitation mode. But the torque ripple of the two-phase excitation SRM with traditional winding distribution increases because of the inconsistent electromagnetic field. To reduce the torque ripple, a two-phase excitation 8/6 SRM with novel winding distribution is proposed in this paper. The static torques generated by various magnetic circuits are analyzed and obtained to verify the torque increase. Then the electromagnetic characteristics of the proposed SRM are investigated by the numerical calculation method in detail, including flux linkage, inductance, and torque. Finally, an experiment for measuring the SRM static electromagnetic characteristics and dynamic performance is designed and performed based on the novel mode, and the comparing results show that the proposed two-phase SRM is effective.

Relationships of Low Serum Levels of Interleukin-10 With Poststroke Anxiety and Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Clinical Acute Stroke

Zhao-jian Ying,Yuan-Yuan Huang,Meng-Meng Shao,Chu-Huai Chi,Ming-Xia Jiang,Yi-Hui Chen,Yu-Chen,Miao-Xuan Sun,Yan-Yan Zhu,Xianmei Li 대한신경과학회 2023 Journal of Clinical Neurology Vol.19 No.3

Background and Purpose The relationships among interleukin (IL)-10 levels, anxiety, and cognitive status after stroke remain controversial. We aimed to determine the associations of serum IL-10 levels with poststroke anxiety (PSA) and poststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). Methods We recruited 350 patients with stroke, of whom only 151 completed a 1-month follow- up assessment. The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) were used to assess the cognitive status and anxiety, respectively. Serum IL-10 levels were measured within 24 hours of admission. Results IL-10 levels were significantly lower in the PSA group than in the non-PSA group, and they were negatively associated with HAMA scores (r=-0.371, p<0.001). After adjusting for all potential confounders, IL-10 levels remained an independent predictor of PSA (odds ratio=0.471, 95% confidence interval=0.237–0.936, p=0.032). IL-10 levels were strongly correlated with behavior during interviews, psychic anxiety, and somatic anxiety. Patients without PSCI had higher IL-10 levels were higher in non-PSCI patients than in PSCI patients, and they were positively associated with MMSE scores in the bivariate correlation analysis (r=0.169, p=0.038), and also with memory capacity, naming ability, and copying capacity. However, IL-10 did not predict PSCI in the univariable or multivariable logistic regression. Conclusions Low IL-10 levels were associated with increased risks of PSA and PSCI at a 1-month follow-up after stroke. Serum IL-10 levels may therefore be helpful in predicting PSA.

Prediction of Pharmacokinetics and Penetration of Moxifloxacin in Human with Intra-Abdominal Infection Based on Extrapolated PBPK Model

Zhu, LiQin,Yang, JianWei,Zhang, Yuan,Wang, YongMing,Zhang, JianLei,Zhao, YuanYuan,Dong, WeiLin The Korean Society of Pharmacology 2015 The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology Vol.19 No.2

The aim of this study is to develop a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model in intra-abdominal infected rats, and extrapolate it to human to predict moxifloxacin pharmacokinetics profiles in various tissues in intra-abdominal infected human. 12 male rats with intra- abdominal infections, induced by Escherichia coli, received a single dose of 40 mg/kg body weight of moxifloxacin. Blood plasma was collected at 5, 10, 20, 30, 60, 120, 240, 480, 1440 min after drug injection. A PBPK model was developed in rats and extrapolated to human using GastroPlus software. The predictions were assessed by comparing predictions and observations. In the plasma concentration versus time profile of moxifloxcinin rats, $C_{max}$ was $11.151{\mu}g/mL$ at 5 min after the intravenous injection and $t_{1/2}$ was 2.936 h. Plasma concentration and kinetics in human were predicted and compared with observed datas. Moxifloxacin penetrated and accumulated with high concentrations in redmarrow, lung, skin, heart, liver, kidney, spleen, muscle tissues in human with intra-abdominal infection. The predicted tissue to plasma concentration ratios in abdominal viscera were between 1.1 and 2.2. When rat plasma concentrations were known, extrapolation of a PBPK model was a method to predict drug pharmacokinetics and penetration in human. Moxifloxacin has a good penetration into liver, kidney, spleen, as well as other tissues in intra-abdominal infected human. Close monitoring are necessary when using moxifloxacin due to its high concentration distribution. This pathological model extrapolation may provide reference to the PK/PD study of antibacterial agents.

8q24 rs4242382 Polymorphism is a Risk Factor for Prostate Cancer among Multi-Ethnic Populations: Evidence from Clinical Detection in China and a Meta-analysis

Zhao, Cheng-Xiao,Liu, Ming,Xu, Yong,Yang, Kuo,Wei, Dong,Shi, Xiao-Hong,Yang, Fan,Zhang, Yao-Guang,Wang, Xin,Liang, Si-Ying,Zhao, Fan,Zhang, Yu-Rong,Wang, Na-Na,Chen, Xin,Sun, Liang,Zhu, Xiao-Quan,Yuan Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.19

Background: Evidence supporting an association between the 8q24 rs4242382-A polymorphism and prostate cancer (PCa) risk has been reported in North American and Europe populations, though data from Asian populations remain limited. We therefore investigated this association by clinical detection in China, and meta-analysis in Asian, Caucasian and African-American populations. Materials and Methods: Blood samples and clinical information were collected from ethnically Chinese men from Northern China with histologically-confirmed PCa (n=335) and from age-matched normal controls (n=347). The 8q24 (rs4242382) gene polymorphism was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-high-resolution melting analysis. We initially analyzed the associations between the risk allele and PCa and clinical covariates. A meta-analysis was then performed using genotyping data from a total of 1,793 PCa cases and 1,864 controls from our study and previously published studies in American and European populations, to determine the association between PCa and risk genotype. Results: The incidence of the risk allele was higher in PCa cases than controls (0.222 vs 0.140, $P=7.3{\times}10^{-5}$), suggesting that the 8q24 rs4242382-A polymorphism was associated with PCa risk in Chinese men. The genotypes in subjects were in accordance with a dominant genetic model (ORadj=2.03, 95%CI: 1.42-2.91, $Padj=1.1{\times}10^{-4}$). Presence of the risk allele rs4242382-A at 8q24 was also associated with clinical covariates including age at diagnosis ${\geq}65$ years, prostate specific antigen >10 ng/ml, Gleason score <8, tumor stage and aggressive PCa, compared with the non-risk genotype ($P=4.6{\times}10^{-5}-3.0{\times}10^{-2}$). Meta-analysis confirmed the association between 8q24 rs4242382-A polymorphism and PCa risk (OR=1.62, 95%CI: 1.39-1.88, $P=1.0{\times}10^{-5}$) across Asian, Caucasian and African American populations. Conclusions: The replicated data suggest that the 8q24 rs4242382-A variation might be associated with increased PCa susceptibility in Asian, Caucasian and African American populations. These results imply that this polymorphism may be a useful risk biomarker for PCa in multi-ethnic populations.

Quasi-static Cyclic Tests and Paramatric Analysis on the Seismic Performance of Partial Precast Bridge Columns

Zhao Zhu,Yuan Li,Chao Ma 대한토목학회 2023 KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering Vol.27 No.10

Partial precast bridge column (PPBC) is an innovative column composed of upper precast segments and cast-in-place (CIP) base. The CIP base and precast segments are connected by unbonded posttensioned tendons. It is expected to achieve self-centering capacity as well as energy dissipating capacity during earthquakes. However, the research about damage mechanism and seismic performance of PPBC are still scarce. To investigate the seismic performance, quasi-static cyclic tests of one PPBC and a referenced CIP column are conducted in this study. Unlike CIP column, the PPBC shows excessive joint opening and obvious rocking characteristics during cyclic loadings. Slight concrete cracking in CIP base and severe concrete spalling at upper joints implies limited ductility of PPBC. Moreover, PPBC indicates smaller horizontal force, minor residual drifts and lower energy dissipation when compare with CIP columns. Based on damage distribution and deformable modes, increased prestress force, elevated CIP base and enlarged prestress ratios are analyzed to improve the anti-seismic behavior of PPBC. With cautious simulations and comprehensive comparisons, elevated CIP base and enlarged prestress ratios are validated to enhance the energy-dissipating capacity of PPBC.

Development and Analysis of a Two-Phase Excitation Switched Reluctance Motor with Novel Winding Distribution Used in Electric Vehicles

Yueying Zhu,Chuantian Yang,Yuan Yue,Chengwen Zhao,Yan Zhang 대한전기학회 2018 Journal of Electrical Engineering & Technology Vol.13 No.6

Two-phase simultaneous excitation mode of the switched reluctance motor (SRM) has been shown to effectively improve the average torque output compared with traditional single-phase excitation mode. But the torque ripple of the two-phase excitation SRM with traditional winding distribution increases because of the inconsistent electromagnetic field. To reduce the torque ripple, a two-phase excitation 8/6 SRM with novel winding distribution is proposed in this paper. The static torques generated by various magnetic circuits are analyzed and obtained to verify the torque increase. Then the electromagnetic characteristics of the proposed SRM are investigated by the numerical calculation method in detail, including flux linkage, inductance, and torque. Finally, an experiment for measuring the SRM static electromagnetic characteristics and dynamic performance is designed and performed based on the novel mode, and the comparing results show that the proposed two-phase SRM is effective.

Changes in structure of coal liquefied pitch during liquid‑phase carbonization process

Yaming Zhu,Xuefei Zhao,Ji Yuan,Chunlei Zhao,Chaoshuai Hu 한국탄소학회 2019 Carbon Letters Vol.29 No.1

residue as the raw material. As one of the preconceived raw material to produce high-quality coal-based carbon material, the changes of structure of CLP during liquid-phase carbonization process have been detailed investigated in this study. Actually, FTIR and curve-fitted method were used to quantitative analyze the aromaticity index (Iar), the ratio of CH3/ CH2, and basic functional groups (C=C, C=O, and C–O) of CLP and its liquid-phase carbonization products. Polarizing microscope, XRD and curve-fitted methods were used to characterize the microstructures of CLP and derived products. The results show that, branched chain and C=O group are the active reaction point in liquid-phase carbonization process. What’s more, 450 °C is a critical temperature point on the severe thermal polycondensation of CLP. The XRD and curve-fitted analysis of CLP and its liquid-phase carbonization products shows that, the stacking height (Lc), parallel layers (N), and the numbers of aromatic ring in each layer (n) are gradually larger with the improve of liquid-phase carbonization temperature.