ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of modified Ditan tang on genes related to the transcription-translation feedback loop （TTFL） of biorhythm in the rat model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD） and its mechanism for prevention and treatment of NAFLD. MethodsSixty-five healthy SPF male SD rats were randomly assigned into blank （n=20）， model （n=15）， and low-， medium-， and high-dose （2.68， 5.36， and 10.72 g·kg^-1·d^-1， respectively） modified Ditan tang （n=10） groups. Other groups except the blank group were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. The modified Ditan tang groups were treated with the decoction at corresponding doses by gavage， and the blank and model groups were treated with an equal volume of normal saline from the 9th week for 4 weeks. The levels of triglyceride （TG）， total cholesterol （TC）， low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）， high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， and alanine aminotransferase （ALT） in the serum were measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer. TG and non-esterified fatty acid （NEFA） assay kits were used to measure the levels of TG and NEFA in the liver. The pathological changes in the hypothalamus and liver were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining， and the lipid deposition in the liver was observed by oil red O staining. The levels of brain-muscle ARNT-like protein 1 （BMAL1/ARNTL） in the hypothalamus and liver were determined by immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA and protein levels of BMAL1， circadian locomotor output cycles kaput （CLOCK）， period circadian clock 2 （PER2）， and cryptochrome1 （Cry1） in the hypothalamus and liver were determined by Real-time PCR and Western blot， respectively. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group showed elevated levels of TG， TC， LDL-C， AST， and ALT （P<0.01） and a lowered level of HDL-C （P<0.05） in the serum， elevated levels of TG and NEFA in the liver （P<0.01）， pyknosis and deep staining of hypothalamic neuron cells， and a large number of vacuoles in the brain area. In addition， the model group showed lipid deposition in the liver， up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of CLOCK and BMAL1 （P<0.01）， and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of Cry1 and PER2 （P<0.01） in the hypothalamus and liver. Compared with the model group， all the three modified Ditan tang groups showed lowered levels of TG， TC， LDL-C， ALT， and AST （P<0.05， P<0.01） and an elevated level of HDL-C （P<0.05） in the serum， and lowered levels of TG and NEFA （P<0.05， P<0.01） in the liver. Furthermore， the three groups showed alleviated pyknosis and deep staining of hypothalamic neuron cells， reduced lipid deposition in the liver， down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of CLOCK and BMAL1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of Cry1 and PER2 （P<0.05， P<0.01） in the hypothalamus and liver. ConclusionModified Ditan tang can reduce lipid deposition in the liver and regulate the expression of CLOCK， BMAL1， Cry1， and PER2 in the TTFL of NAFLD rats.

Inflammatory diseases (IDs) are a general term of diseases characterized by chronic inflammation as the primary pathogenetic mechanism, which seriously affect the quality of patient′s life and cause significant social and medical burden. Current drugs for IDs include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, biologics, and antioxidants, but these drugs may cause gastrointestinal side effects, induce or worsen infections, and cause non-response or intolerance. Given the outstanding performance of metal polyphenol network (MPN) in the fields of drug delivery, biomedical imaging, and catalytic therapy, its application in the diagnosis and treatment of IDs has attracted much attention and significant progress has been made. In this paper, we first provide an overview of the types of IDs and their generating mechanisms, then sort out and summarize the different forms of MPN in recent years, and finally discuss in detail the characteristics of MPN and their latest research progress in the diagnosis and treatment of IDs. This research may provide useful references for scientific research and clinical practice in the related fields.

By employing the analytic hierarchy process(AHP), the CRITIC method(a weight determination method based on indicator correlations), and the AHP-CRITIC hybrid weighting method, the weight coefficients of evaluation indicators were determined, followed by a comprehensive score comparison. The grey correlation analysis was then performed to analyze the results calculated using the hybrid weighting method. Subsequently, a backpropagation-artificial neural network(BP-ANN) model was constructed to predict the extraction process parameters and optimize the extraction process for Shenxiong Huanglian Jiedu Granules(SHJG). In the extraction process, an L_9(3~4) orthogonal experiment was designed to optimize three factors at three levels, including extraction frequency, water addition amount, and extraction time. The evaluation indicators included geniposide, berberine, ginsenoside Rg_1 + Re, ginsenoside Rb_1, ferulic acid, and extract yield. Finally, the optimal extraction results obtained by the orthogonal experiment, grey correlation analysis, and BP-ANN method were compared, and validation experiments were conducted. The results showed that the optimal extraction process involved two rounds of aqueous extraction, each lasting one hour; the first extraction used ten times the amount of added water, while the second extraction used eight times the amount. In the validation experiments, the average content of each indicator component was higher than the average content obtained in the orthogonal experiment, with a higher comprehensive score. The optimized extraction process parameters were reliable and stable, making them suitable for subsequent preparation process research.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/analysis* ; Neural Networks, Computer

Premature ovarian insufficiency(POI) is a manifestation of ovarian aging, with a global incidence of 3.5%. If not addressed in time, POI can rapidly develop into premature ovarian failure(POF). The incidence of POI is mainly related to genetic factors, iatrogenic factors, autoimmunity, aging, infection, psychological factors, and other influences. POI not only causes menstrual disorders, amenorrhea, infertility, and dyspareunia but also tends to present with symptoms such as mood swings, insomnia, hot flashes, fatigue, as well as osteoporosis, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions, resulting in long-term psychological and physical health concerns for affected women. From traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)'s perspective, POI is primarily attributed to kidney Yin deficiency, with the main pathogenesis rooted in kidney deficiency, which affects the heart, liver, and spleen. It manifests in different syndrome types, including kidney deficiency with liver Qi stagnation, kidney deficiency with blood stasis, and spleen-kidney Yang deficiency. TCM employs a holistic view, utilizing multi-component TCM, multi-site acupuncture, and multi-target and multi-pathway interventions to treat POI. It offers unique advantages such as strong personalization, high safety, and good efficacy. In this paper, the animal and clinical research literature on the prevention and treatment of POI in the past 10 years was systematically summarized and reviewed. It is found that TCM mainly treats POI and alleviates POI-caused issues such as menstrual disorders, infertility, and emotional instability by regulating the neuroendocrine system(hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, HPOA) and related signaling pathways, improving ovarian function and antioxidant capacity, enhancing immune function, maintaining mitochondrial energy metabolism, inhibiting ferroptosis, and controlling endoplasmic reticulum stress.
Humans ; Primary Ovarian Insufficiency/physiopathology* ; Female ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Animals ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

A single-center, randomized, double-blind, dose-controlled trial of modified Sini Powder in treating mild to moderate generalized anxiety disorder(GAD) in the patients with syndrome of liver depression transforming into fire was conducted at Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. A total of 80 patients with mild to moderate GAD and the syndrome of liver depression transforming into fire were included. Patients were assigned by the central randomization system at a ratio of 3∶1 into an observation group(n=60, receiving a conventional-dose of granules of modified Sini Powder) and a control group(n=20, receiving low-dose granules with the active ingredients being 50% of that in observation group). Assessments were conducted before treatment(baseline), after 2 weeks of introduction, after 2/4/8 weeks of treatment, and after 4 weeks of follow-up. The results were summarized as follows. In terms of primary outcome indicators, the observation group(62.2%) showed higher total response rate than the control group(26.6%)(P<0.05), and greater Hamilton anxiety scale(HAMA) score reduction after 8 weeks of treatment(P<0.05). In terms of secondary outcome indicators, the HAMA score(somatic anxiety score), traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndrome scores, Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI) scale, and clinical global impression(CGI) scale score in the observation group showed a significant compared to the control group at each visit points(P<0.05). Adverse events occurred in 10 cases, including 9(16.9%) cases in the observation group and 1(6.6%) case in the control group. No adverse reaction was observed. In conclusion, conventional-dose modified Sini Powder demonstrated superior efficacy and favorable safety for mild and moderate GAD in the patients with the syndrome of liver depression transforming into fire over low-dose treatment.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Double-Blind Method ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Anxiety Disorders/drug therapy* ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult ; Powders ; Aged ; Liver/drug effects* ; Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response caused by severe infection or trauma, and is one of the common causes of acute lung injury(ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS). Sepsis-acute lung injury(SALI) is a critical clinical condition with high morbidity and mortality. Its pathogenesis is complex and not yet fully understood, and there is currently a lack of targeted and effective treatment options. Pyroptosis, a novel form of programmed cell death, plays a key role in the pathological process of SALI by activating inflammasomes and releasing inflammatory factors, making it a potential therapeutic target. In recent years, the role of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) in regulating signaling pathways related to pyroptosis through multi-components and multi-targets has attracted increasing attention. TCM may intervene in pyroptosis by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and regulating the expression of Caspase family proteins, thus alleviating inflammatory damage in lung tissues. This paper systematically reviews the molecular regulatory network of pyroptosis in SALI and explores the potential mechanisms and research progress on TCM intervention in cellular pyroptosis. The aim is to provide new ideas and theoretical support for basic research and clinical treatment strategies of TCM in SALI.
Pyroptosis/drug effects* ; Humans ; Sepsis/genetics* ; Acute Lung Injury/physiopathology* ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Inflammasomes/metabolism* ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics*

Microbial detection and control of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) decoction pieces are crucial for the quality control of TCM preparations. It is also a key area of research in the measurement technology and equipment development for TCM manufacturing. Guided by TCM manufacturing measurement methodologies, this study presented a design of a novel portable microbial detection device, using Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma decoction pieces as a demonstration. Immunomagnetic separation technology was employed for specific isolation and labeling of target microorganisms. Enzymatic signal amplification was utilized to convert weak biological signals into colorimetric signals, constructing an optical biosensor. A self-developed smartphone APP was further applied to analyze the colorimetric signals and quantify target concentrations. A portable and automated detection system based on Arduino microcontroller was developed to automatically perform target microbial separation/extraction, as well as mimetic enzyme labeling and catalytic reactions. The developed equipment specifically focuses on the rapid and quantitative microbial analysis of TCM active pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates in TCM manufacturing, and final TCM products. Experimental results demonstrate that the equipment could detect Salmonella in samples within 2 h, with a detection limit as low as 5.1 × 10~3 CFU·mL~(-1). The equipment enables the rapid detection of microorganisms in TCM decoction pieces, providing a potential technical solution for on-site rapid screening of microbial contamination indicators in TCM. It has broad application prospects in measurement technology for TCM manufacturing and offers strong technical support for the modernization, industrialization, and intelligent development of TCM.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/analysis* ; Atractylodes/microbiology* ; Rhizome/microbiology* ; Biosensing Techniques/methods* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Colorimetry/instrumentation* ; Quality Control

OBJECTIVES: To report the development, validation, and findings of the Multi-dimensional Attention Rating Scale (MARS), a self-report tool crafted to evaluate six-dimension attention levels. METHODS: The MARS was developed based on Classical Test Theory (CTT). Totally 202 highly educated healthy adult participants were recruited for reliability and validity tests. Reliability was measured using Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability. Structural validity was explored using principal component analysis. Criterion validity was analyzed by correlating MARS scores with the Toronto Hospital Alertness Test (THAT), the Attentional Control Scale (ACS), and the Attention Network Test (ANT). RESULTS: The MARS comprises 12 items spanning six distinct dimensions of attention: focused attention, sustained attention, shifting attention, selective attention, divided attention, and response inhibition.As assessed by six experts, the content validation index (CVI) was 0.95, the Cronbach's alpha for the MARS was 0.78, and the test-retest reliability was 0.81. Four factors were identified (cumulative variance contribution rate 68.79%). The total score of MARS was correlated positively with THAT (r = 0.60, P < 0.01) and ACS (r = 0.78, P < 0.01) and negatively with ANT's reaction time for alerting (r = -0.31, P = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS The MARS can reliably and validly assess six-dimension attention levels in real-world settings and is expected to be a new tool for assessing multi-dimensional attention impairments in different mental disorders.
Humans ; Adult ; Male ; Attention/physiology* ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Reproducibility of Results ; Young Adult ; Psychometrics

OBJECTIVE: To investigate short-term effectiveness of using expert adolescent lateral femoral nail (EALFN) in treating femoral shaft fractures in older children and adolescents. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 17 patients with femoral shaft fractures who met the inclusion criteria and were admitted between July 2020 and June 2024. All fractures were fixed with EALFN after reduction. There were 11 males and 6 females, with a mean age of 13.3 years (range, 11-16 years). The average body weight was 51.2 kg (range, 40-84 kg), and the average height was 162.1 cm (range, 150-172 cm). The causes of injury included traffic accidents ( n=9), falling from height ( n=1), and simple falls ( n=7). One patient had an open fracture treated with an external fixator and experienced delayed fracture healing. The remaining patients were closed fractures, with an average time from injury to operation of 5.8 days (range, 2-10 days). Operation time and postoperative hospital stay were documented. During follow-up, X-ray films were taken to observe the fracture healing, and the bilateral femoral length, femoral neck-shaft angle, widest femoral neck diameter (FND), and articular trochanteric distance (ATD) were measured at last follow-up. Hip function was assessed using the Harris score. The differences in the all indicators between the healthy and affected sides were compared. RESULTS: The operation time ranged from 65 to 130 minutes (mean, 94.1 minutes). Postoperative hospital stay ranged from 5 to 40 days (mean, 16.7 days). All patients were followed up 7-36 months (mean, 14.4 months). One patient exhibited delayed fracture healing during follow-up. The distal locking nail was removed at 6 months after operation, and partial weight-bearing was initiated following dynamic fracture stabilization. The fracture healing was achieved, and the intramedullary nail was removed at 24 months after operation. The other fractures healed with the healing time of 6-20 months (mean, 9.6 months), and the intramedullary nails were removed. During follow-up, no femoral fracture, abnormal development of the greater trochanter, or ischemic necrosis of the femoral head occurred. At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in femoral length, femoral neck-shaft angle, FND, ATD, or Harris score between the affected and healthy sides ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION For older children and adolescents with femoral neck fractures, the application of EALFN fixation aligns more closely with the principles of intramedullary central fixation and rapid rehabilitation. This approach is associated with fewer complications and superior short-term effectiveness.
Humans ; Male ; Femoral Fractures/surgery* ; Female ; Child ; Adolescent ; Retrospective Studies ; Bone Nails ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary/instrumentation* ; Fracture Healing ; Treatment Outcome

The circadian clock is an important internal time regulatory system for a range of physiological and behavioral rhythms within living organisms. Testosterone, as one of the most critical sex hormones, is essential for the development of the reproductive system, maintenance of reproductive function, and the overall health of males. The secretion of testosterone in mammals is characterized by distinct circadian rhythms and is closely associated with the regulation of circadian clock genes. Here we review the central and peripheral regulatory mechanisms underlying the influence of circadian clock genes upon testosterone synthesis. We also examined the specific effects of these genes on the occurrence, development, and treatment of common male diseases, including late-onset hypogonadism, erectile dysfunction, male infertility, and prostate cancer.
Testosterone/metabolism* ; Humans ; Male ; Circadian Clocks/genetics* ; Circadian Rhythm Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism* ; Circadian Rhythm/physiology* ; Hypogonadism/metabolism* ; Erectile Dysfunction/metabolism* ; Infertility, Male/metabolism* ; Prostatic Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Men's Health