The antidepressant activity and molecular mechanisms of Yueju Wan volatile oil were investigated. The Yueju Wan volatile oil was extracted by using supercritical CO_2. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS) combined with network pharmacology identified 28 chemical constituents in Yueju Wan volatile oil, primarily terpenes and lactones. A total of 123 overlapping targets were associated with depression, including core targets of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), and caspase-3(CASP3). These targets were mainly involved in the prolactin, advanced glycation end products/receptor(AGE/RAGE), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt) signaling pathways. A reserpine-induced depression mouse model was established to evaluate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Yueju Wan volatile oil. The effects of Yueju Wan volatile oil on depression-like behavior in mice were evaluated by analyzing body mass, body temperature index, tail suspension immobility time, forced swimming immobility time, and sucrose preference. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining revealed neuronal protection of Yueju Wan volatile oil in the brain of mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) and Western blot were employed to detect the protein expression of AGEs, IL-1β, phosphorylated PI3K(p-PI3K), Akt, phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt), nuclear factor κB(NF-κB), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF). Behavioral evaluation showed that Yueju Wan volatile oil could effectively control the decline of body mass and body temperature of depressed mice, reduce tail suspension and swimming immobility time, and enhance their preference for sucrose. Histopathological examination showed that Yueju Wan volatile oil could alleviate the neuronal damage in CA1 and dentate gyrus(DG) of the hippocampus of mice. ELISA and Western blot results showed that Yueju Wan volatile oil could significantly increase the protein expression levels of PI3K, Akt, and BDNF and significantly decrease the protein expression levels of AGEs, IL-1β, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and NF-κB in the hippocampus of mice. Furthermore, the p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt ratios were significantly decreased at medium and high doses. These findings suggest that the aromatherapy of Yueju Wan volatile oil can significantly improve reserpine-induced depression-like behavior in mice, which may be related to reducing the expression of neuronal membrane protein AGEs, reducing the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt, inhibiting NF-κB entry into the nucleus, and alleviating the release of pro-inflammatory factors and nerve injury.
Animals ; Antidepressive Agents/chemistry* ; Mice ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/immunology* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/immunology* ; Oils, Volatile/chemistry* ; Male ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Depression/metabolism* ; Glycation End Products, Advanced/immunology* ; Humans

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) encompasses damage to nerves located outside the central nervous system, adversely affecting both motor and sensory functions. Although peripheral nerves possess an intrinsic capacity for self-repair, severe injuries frequently result in significant tissue loss and erroneous axonal junctions, thereby impeding complete recovery and potentially causing neuropathic pain. Various therapeutic strategies, including surgical interventions, biomaterials, and pharmacological agents, have been developed to enhance nerve repair processes. While preclinical studies in animal models have demonstrated the efficacy of certain pharmacological agents in promoting nerve regeneration and mitigating inflammation, only a limited number of these agents have been translated into clinical practice to expedite nerve regeneration. Chinese herb medicine (CHM) possesses a longstanding history in the treatment of various ailments and demonstrates potential efficacy in addressing PNI through its distinctive, cost-effective, and multifaceted methodologies. This review critically examines the advancements in the application of CHM for PNI treatment and nerve regeneration. In particular, we have summarized the most commonly employed and rigorously investigated CHM prescriptions, individual herbs, and natural products, elucidating their respective functions and underlying mechanisms in the context of PNI treatment. Furthermore, we have deliberated on the prospective development of CHM in both clinical practice and fundamental research.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Humans ; Peripheral Nerve Injuries/drug therapy* ; Animals ; Nerve Regeneration/drug effects* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Immunotherapy represents the third revolution in the pharmacological treatment of tumors and has demonstrated considerable efficacy in the management of malignant solid tumors, including melanoma and lung cancer. By contrast, breast cancer is frequently categorized as a “cold tumor” because of its limited immunogenicity and immunoreactivity, which hinder research progress and clinical outcomes in immunotherapy. Only a small proportion of patients derive benefits from immunotherapeutic interventions, and the development of drug resistance remains a concern. In this regard, novel strategies should be explored for converting immunologically inert “cold tumors” into immunologically active “hot tumors”, thereby expanding the population that will benefit from breast cancer immunotherapy. This study reviews new strategies to transform breast cancer from “cold tumor” to “hot tumor”. Strategies include enhancing the expression of tumor antigens, promoting immune infiltration, and reversing the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Results also emphasize the importance of comprehensive treatment to enhance systemic immunity.

Readiness for Hospital Discharge(RHD)refers to a multidimensional assessment of a patient's ability to transition safely from hospital to home,encompassing physiological stability,psychological preparedness,and social support adequacy.For patients requiring Home Nutrition Support(HNS),discharge readiness is particularly critical due to their heightened need for post-discharge specialized care,which significantly influences long-term recovery and quality of life.This paper reviews the concept,influencing factors,and unmet needs of RHD in patients with HNS and proposes targeted strategies to enhance discharge preparedness.By addressing gaps in current practices,we aim to optimize RHD in this vulnerable population and provide clinicians with evidence-based guidance for developing effective discharge plans.

Objective:To investigate the changes of exam scores of retrained peritoneal dialysis (PD) operators (patients, family members, or nannies) with an internal of one year during COVID-19 epidemic and provide basis for targeted training.Methods:It was a cross-sectional survey study. The maintenance PD patients who participated in two trainings with an interval of one year during COVID-19 epidemic from November 1, 2019 to February 28, 2021 in Department of Nephrology in Peking University People's Hospital were enrolled. During COVID-19 epidemic, retraining was extended from once every six months to once a year. The clinical data were collected, the self-designed training exam score table including theoretical knowledge and operational skills assessment was used to investigate the exam scores of two trainings, and the total exam scores and sub-item scores of PD operators before and after one year were compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the associated factors of the reduction of exam scores.Results:A total of 59 patients were enrolled, with 35 males (59.32%), age of (58.41±14.52) years, and dialysis duration of 42 (12, 84) months. There were 54 patients (91.53%) operating by themselves, 22 operators (37.29%) having college degree or above, and 35 operators (59.32%) having decreased exam scores. The total exam scores were 83.17±7.90 and 80.61±8.20 before and after one year, respectively ( t=2.732, P=0.008). In the six contents of itemized scoring, compared with one year ago, the exam scores of complication treatment ( t=4.928, P<0.001) and self-monitoring ( t=3.222, P=0.002) were significantly decreased. There was no statistically significant difference in the exam scores of environment and hygiene, dialysate replacement operation, exit nursing and diet before and after one year (all P>0.05). The total exam scores in patients with dialysis duration <12 months and 36-60 months after one year were significantly lower than before one year ( t=2.309, P=0.041; t=3.086, P=0.009). There was no statistically significant difference in the exam scores of PD operators with dialysis duration of 12-<36 months and >60 months before and after one year (both P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that dialysis duration was an independent associated factor of exam scores reduction (dialysis duration 36-60 months/>60 months, OR=6.233, 95% CI 1.035-37.529, P=0.046). Conclusions:During COVID-19 epidemic, the reduced frequency of retraining reduces the training exam scores of PD operators, especially in patients with dialysis duration of 36-60 months. The weak points are focused on complication management and self-monitoring. Training should be strengthened for key patients and key contents if regular retraining is not possible due to special circumstances.

Ferroptosis is a new type of programmed cell death different from apoptosis and necrosis.Its mechanism involves iron overload,lipid peroxidation,and reactive oxygen species(ROS)generation caused by disordered iron metabolism.Ferroptosis is associated with primary osteoporosis as well as the secondary osteoporosis such as steroid-induced osteoporosis,diabetic osteoporosis and postmenopausal osteoporosis.The Chinese medicines for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis through the mechanism of ferroptosis mainly involve Chinese herbal compounds such as herbal pair of Eucommiae Cortex-Dipsaci Radix,Jintiange Capsules,and Bugu Shengsui Prescription,the single Chinese herbal medicine of Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix,and the active ingredients of herbal medicines such as icariin,gastrodin,quercetin,and artesunate.The prevention and treatment of osteoporosis by Chinese medicine monomer and Chinese herbal compound can inhibit ferroptosis through multiple targets and multiple pathways.At present,Chinese medicine has advantages in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.The prevention and treatment of osteoporosis by regulating the mechanism of ferroptosis can provide a direction for the future research on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis by Chinese medicine.