Sophorae Flavescentis Radix is one of the commonly used traditional Chinese medicine in China, and a large amount of pharmaceutical residue generated during its processing and production is discarded as waste, which not only wastes resources but also pollutes the environment. Therefore, elucidating the chemical composition of the residue of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and the differences between the residue and Sophorae Flavescentis Radix itself is of great significance for the comprehensive utilization of the residue. This study, based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) technology combined with multivariate statistical methods, provides a thorough characterization, identification, and differential analysis of the overall components of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and its residue. Firstly, 61 compounds in Sophorae Flavescentis Radix were rapidly identified based on their precise molecular weight, fragment ions, and compound abundance, using a self-constructed compound database. Among them, 41 compounds were found in the residue, mainly alkaloids and flavonoids. Secondly, through principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), 15 key compounds differentiating Sophorae Flavescentis Radix from its residue were identified. These included highly polar alkaloids, such as oxymatrine and oxysophocarpine, which showed significantly reduced content in the residue, and less polar flavonoids, such as kurarinone and kuraridin, which were more abundant in the residue. In summary, this paper clarifies the overall composition, structure, and content differences between Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and its residue, suggesting that the residue of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix can be used as a raw material for the extraction of its high-activity components, with promising potential for development and application in cosmetics and daily care. This research provides a scientific basis for the future comprehensive utilization of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and its residue.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods* ; Mass Spectrometry/methods* ; Sophora/chemistry* ; Flavonoids/chemistry* ; Alkaloids/chemistry*

To clarify the species, pathogenicity, and distribution of the pathogens causing the root rot of Atractylodes lancea in Hubei province, the tissue separation method was used to isolate the pathogens from root rot samples in the main planting areas of A. lancea in Hubei. Based on the preliminary identification of the Fusarium genus by the internal transcribed spacer(ITS) sequence, three housekeeping genes, EF1/EF2, Btu-F-FO1/Btu-F-RO1, and FF1/FR1, were amplified and sequenced. Subsequently, a phylogenetic tree was constructed based on these TEF gene sequences to classify the pathogens. The pathogenicity of these strains was determined using the root irrigation method. A total of 194 pathogen strains were isolated using the tissue separation method. Molecular identification using the three housekeeping genes identified the pathogens as F. solani, F. oxysporum, F. commune, F. equiseti, F. tricinctum, F. redolens, F. fujikuroi, F. avenaceum, F. acuminatum, and F. incarnatum. Among them, F. solani and F. oxysporum were the dominant strains, widely distributed in multiple regions, with F. solani accounting for approximately 54% of the total isolated strains and F. oxysporum accounting for approximately 34%. Other strains accounted for a relatively small proportion, totaling approximately 12%. The results of pathogenicity determination showed that there were certain differences in pathogenicity among strains. The analysis of the pathogenicity differentiation of the widely distributed F. solani and F. oxysporum strains revealed that these dominant strains in Hubei were mainly highly pathogenic. This study determined the species, pathogenicity, and distribution of the pathogens causing the root rot of A. lancea in Hubei province. The results provide a scientific basis for further understanding the root rot of A. lancea and its epidemic occurrence and scientifically preventing and controlling this disease.
Plant Diseases/microbiology* ; Atractylodes/microbiology* ; Phylogeny ; Plant Roots/microbiology* ; Fusarium/classification* ; China ; Virulence ; Fungal Proteins/genetics*

The dried mature peel of Citrus reticulata, a plant in the Rutaceae family and its cultivated varieties, is a commonly used Chinese medicinal material known as Chenpi(Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium). It is rich in nutritional components and medicinal value, with pharmacological effects including relieving cough and eliminating phlegm, strengthening the spleen and drying dampness, protecting the liver and benefiting the stomach, tonifying Qi, and calming the mind. Huanglongbing(HLB), also known as Citrus Huanglongbing, is a destructive disease in citrus production that seriously threatens the development of the citrus industry. HLB causes symptoms such as the inability of Rutaceae plants to produce mature fruit, gradual weakening of the tree, and eventual death, posing a significant threat to the yield and quality of Chenpi. Due to the uneven distribution of the HLB pathogen in infected plants, accurate detection of the pathogen requires the collection of a large number of plant samples. Current sample pretreatment methods, such as traditional extraction methods and commercial extraction kits, are time-consuming and involve multiple steps, which significantly increase the difficulty and workload of HLB diagnosis and have become a bottleneck in HLB detection. In this study, a rapid high-throughput detection method combining alkali lysis and TaqMan qPCR was developed. This method allows the pretreatment of multiple samples within 5 min, and the entire detection process can be completed within 45 min, with a detection limit of 6.67 fg·μL~(-1). The alkali lysis method and commercial kits were used for parallel detection of field-collected citrus samples, and the results showed no significant difference. The sample pretreatment method established in this study is characterized by low cost, simplicity, and high efficiency. Combined with TaqMan qPCR, it can provide technical support for early and on-site diagnosis of HLB. This method is of great significance for disease prevention and control in the citrus industry and is expected to help improve the yield and quality of citrus medicinal materials.
Citrus/microbiology* ; Plant Diseases/microbiology* ; Rhizobiaceae/physiology* ; High-Throughput Screening Assays/methods* ; Liberibacter/physiology*

This study selected 6 529 plant-based Chinese materia medica(PCMM) from Chinese Materia Medica as research subjects and applied a random permutation test to explore the overall correlation characteristics between nature and flavor, as well as the correlation characteristics after distinguishing different medicinal parts and harvest seasons. The results showed that the overall correlation characteristics between nature and flavor in PCMM were significantly associated in the following pairs: cold and bitter, cool and bitter, cool and astringent, cool and light, neutral and sweet, neutral and astringent, neutral and light, neutral and sour, hot and pungent, and warm and pungent. When analyzing the data by distinguishing medicinal parts and/or harvest seasons, new correlation patterns emerged, characterized by the disappearance of some significant correlations and the emergence of new ones. When analyzing by medicinal parts alone, significant correlations were found in the following cases: cold and light in leaves, cold and salty in barks, cool and sweet in fruits and seeds, neutral and pungent in whole herbs, neutral and salty in stems, and warm and salty in flowers. However, no significant correlations were found between cool and bitter in stems and other types of herbs, cool and astringent in fruits, seeds, flowers, and other types of herbs, cool and light in leaves, fruits, seeds, barks, flowers and other types of herbs, neutral and sweet in barks, neutral and astringent in whole herbs and stems, neutral and light in leaves, fruits, seeds, and flowers, neutral and sour in whole herbs, stems, barks, flowers, and other types of herbs, and hot and pungent in whole herbs, stems, flowers, and other types of herbs. When analyzing by harvest season alone, significant correlations were found in the following cases: cold and salty, and cool and sour in herbs harvested in winter, and neutral and salty in herbs harvested year-round. However, no significant correlation was found between cool and light in herbs harvested in winter. When considering both medicinal parts and harvest seasons, compared to the independent influence of medicinal parts, 14 new significant correlations emerged(e.g., the correlation between cool and bitter in stems harvested in spring), while 53 previously significant correlations disappeared(e.g., the correlation between cool and bitter in barks harvested in summer). Compared to the independent influence of harvest seasons, 11 new significant correlations appeared(e.g., the correlation between cold and light in barks harvested in autumn), while 50 previously significant correlations disappeared(e.g., the correlation between hot and pungent in leaves harvested in winter). This study is the first to reveal the influence of medicinal parts and harvest seasons on the correlation between nature and flavor in PCMM, which highlights that these two factors can interact and jointly affect nature-flavor correlations. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms. This study provides a deeper understanding of the inherent scientific connotations of herbal properties and offers a theoretical foundation for the cultivation and harvesting of PCMM.
Seasons ; Plants, Medicinal/growth & development* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Taste

Hepatic fibrosis(HF)is an inevitable process for many chronic liver diseases to develop into liver cirrhosis and even liver cancer.More than 80%of hepatocellular carcinomas are formed after the process of chronic hepatitis,HF or liver cirrhosis.The immune microenvironment produced by inflammation and fi-brosis plays a significant role in promoting the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma.He-patic stellate cells(HSC),extracellular matrix(ECM),and fibroblasts are involved in the progression of HF by influencing innate immunity and adaptive immunity.This article,by analyzing the role of immune cells in HF,is expected to provide new intervention approaches and therapeutic targets for the clinical treatment of HF,thereby further enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy and offering safer and more effective treat-ment options for HF patients.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) has high morbidity and mortality, but effective clinical drugs and management are lacking. Previous studies have suggested that macrophages play a crucial role in the inflammatory response to AKI and may serve as potential therapeutic targets. Emerging evidence has highlighted the importance of forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) in mediating macrophage activation and polarization in various diseases, but the specific mechanisms by which FoxO1 regulates macrophages during AKI remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the role of FoxO1 in macrophages in the pathogenesis of AKI. We observed a significant upregulation of FoxO1 in kidney macrophages following ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Additionally, our findings demonstrated that the administration of FoxO1 inhibitor AS1842856-encapsulated liposome (AS-Lipo), mainly acting on macrophages, effectively mitigated renal injury induced by I/R injury in mice. By generating myeloid-specific FoxO1-knockout mice, we further observed that the deficiency of FoxO1 in myeloid cells protected against I/R injury-induced AKI. Furthermore, our study provided evidence of FoxO1's pivotal role in macrophage chemotaxis, inflammation, and migration. Moreover, the impact of FoxO1 on the regulation of macrophage migration was mediated through RhoA guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1 (ARHGEF1), indicating that ARHGEF1 may serve as a potential intermediary between FoxO1 and the activity of the RhoA pathway. Consequently, our findings propose that FoxO1 plays a crucial role as a mediator and biomarker in the context of AKI. Targeting macrophage FoxO1 pharmacologically could potentially offer a promising therapeutic approach for AKI.

Objective:To analyze the surveillance results of brucellosis in Shanxi Province, to gain a understanding of the epidemic characteristics and changing trend of brucellosis in Shanxi Province, and to provide scientific basis for formulating prevention and control strategies and measures for brucellosis.Methods:The surveillance data of brucellosis in Shanxi Province from Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management System of China Disease Prevention and Control Information System, and the active surveillance results of 5 national brucellosis surveillance sites from 2018 to 2023 were collected for descriptive analysis.Results:From 2018 to 2023, a total of 24 041 cases of human brucellosis were reported in Shanxi Province, with the number of cases increased from 2 800 in 2018 to 5 131 in 2023. The annual reported incidence was 11.22/100 000, ranging from 7.56/100 000 to 14.74/100 000, showing an overall upward trend (χ 2trend = 1 377.43, P < 0.001). The epidemic had affected all counties (cities and districts) in the province, mainly concentrated in Linfen City, Jinzhong City, Datong City, and Shuozhou City, with a total of 13 489 cases of human brucellosis reported, accounting for 56.11%. The population distribution was mainly composed of individuals aged 40 - 69 (17 682 cases), males (18 513 cases), farmers (20 295 cases), and household and unemployed individuals (1 017 cases). The onset of the disease showed obvious seasonality, with the peak time from March to August, accounting for 66.39% (15 961/24 041). A total of 14 130 occupational individuals were investigated at the surveillance sites, and 11 141 underwent serological tests, with a positive rate of 5.25% (585/11 141), including 299 new cases. The positive rate of serological tests was relatively high in Qinyuan County, at 8.51% (241/2 832). Etiological culture was conducted on 338 human blood samples, and 43 strains of Brucella were isolated, with a detection rate of 12.72%. All strains were Brucella melitensis, including 42 strains of Brucella melitensis biovar 3. Conclusions:The overall trend of human brucellosis epidemic in Shanxi Province from 2018 to 2023 is on the rise, and it is still at a high level. It is suggested to continue strengthening monitoring, study the epidemic situation in a timely manner, take comprehensive prevention and control measures, and effectively control the spread of brucellosis.

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between the composition of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and depression/anxiety/sleep disturbances (D/A/S) in patients with chronic pain.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at 13 tertiary hospitals across China, enrolling patients who experienced chronic pain between November 2023 and May 2024. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and TCM constitution categories were used to assess the patients. The association between the TCM constitution and the D/A/S ratio was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsA total of 1107 patients (63.2% women) were analyzed. Compared with those with a balanced constitution, patients who had qi-deficiency and yin-deficiency were at a higher risk of depression. Qi-deficiency and yin-deficiency were associated with anxiety. Sleep disturbances were common in patients with qi-deficiency constitution (odds ratio [OR]: 2.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.42–3.81), yang-deficiency constitution (OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.26–2.98), yin-deficiency constitution (OR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.24–3.32), blood stasis constitution (OR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.01–4.22), and qi-stagnation constitution (OR: 2.66, 95% CI: 1.35–5.25).ConclusionIn patients with chronic pain, specific TCM constitutions may be associated with D/A/S. Further longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the potential causal relationships between TCM constitution types and these conditions.

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy and medical costs of high ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein,simple foam sclerotherapy,and high ligation of the great saphenous vein combined with foam sclerotherapy for treating varicose of great saphenous vein.Methods The clinical data of patients with varicose of great saphenous vein undergoing high ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein,simple foam sclerotherapy,or high ligation of the great saphenous vein combined with foam sclerotherapy were analyzed retrospectively.The evaluation included efficacy assessment,quality of life evaluation,hospitalization days and costs,postoperative complications,and recurrence after surgery.Results There were no statistical differences in gender,age,disease course and clinical etiology anatomy pathophysiology(CEAP)grading system among the three groups(P＞0.05).The clinical efficacy assessments in all patients among the three groups showed significant effects at 3 and 6 months postoperatively.One patient in the group treated with high ligation of the great saphenous vein combined with foam sclerotherapy suffered deep vein thrombosis of lower extremity after operation.In terms of quality of life,there was no statistically significant difference in venous clinical severity score(VCSS)among the three groups at 3 months postoperatively(P＞0.05).The group treated with simple foam sclerotherapy showed significantly shorter hospitalization days compared with the other two groups.Additionally,the group treated with simple foam sclerotherapy showed lower hospitalization expenses,which was not statistically significant when compared to the group treated with high ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein group(P＞0.05),but there was a statistical difference compared to the group treated with high ligation of the great saphenous vein combined with foam sclerotherapy(P＜0.05).Conclusion There are no significant differences in clinical efficacy,postoperative pain,and quality of life evaluation among the three methods.However,simple foam scle-rotherapy may reduce the length of hospitalization stay and direct medical costs.

Objective:To explore the effects of peripheral nerve injury(PNI)on neuropathic pain(NP)and memo-ry function in mice,as well as the activation of neurons in the paraventricular nucleus(PVT)of the thalamus,so as to provide a basis for studying the relationship between NP and memory impairment.Methods:Twenty one 8-week-old male C57 BL/6J mice were randomly divided into sham group and experimental group,and the routine spared nerve inju-ry(SNI)was constructed in the mice of experimental group.The pain behavior and memory impairment of mice after SNI were evaluated with hot plate and eight-arm maze behavioral tests.Pearson correlation analysis was performed to an-alyze the correlation between pain behavior and memory impairment.The c-FOS expression in PVT was detected with immuno-staining.Results:Compared with the sham group,the heat pain threshold of mice in the experimental group was significantly reduced(P＜0.001).The results of the eight-arm maze test showed that the total rest time was signifi-cantly increased(P＜0.001),and the working memory error was increased from 1 to 4 days after SNI(P＜0.01).Correlation analysis indicated that early working memory errors were negatively correlated with heat pain threshold after SNI(P＜0.001).The immunofluorescence revealed that the number of c-FOS positive cells in PVT increased signifi-cantly(P＜0.001).Conclusion:SNI can cause abnormal pain behavior and memory impairment in mice,and cause neuronal activation in PVT.This study provides a basis for neurons in PVT to participate in the regulation of memory impairment in the context of NP.