Background: Sex-based differences often influence the therapeutic efficacy and safety of medications. Semen Cuscutae is a traditional tonic botanical drug with sex-specific characteristics, traditionally indicated for conditions such as impotence (exclusive to males) and restless fetus (exclusive to pregnant females). However, most existing studies have focused on a single sex. Objective: To evaluate the sex-specific biological effects of Semen Cuscutae in rats and explore its molecular mechanisms, with the aim of uncovering its pharmacological characteristics through a multiomics approach. Methods: A traditional aqueous extract of Semen Cuscutae (SCA) was used as the experimental material. Forty adult Sprague-Dawley rats (equal numbers of males and females) were randomly divided into 4 groups: male control, male SCA treatment (240 mg/kg), female control, and female SCA treatment (240 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group. The biological effects were comprehensively evaluated using a combination of open field test, biochemical analyses, proteomics, and gut microbiota profiling. Results: As a tonic botanical drug, SCA appeared to directly affect the mental and behavioral state of rats. It significantly altered the time spent by rats in the center area during the open field test, showing a sex-dependent reversal of behaviors. Proteomic analysis of brain tissue identified 624 differentially expressed proteins across the groups, with 10 key differentially expressed proteins related to sex differences, including fibroblast growth factor receptor 3, transcription elongation factor A protein-like 1, 40S ribosomal protein S25, neural cell adhesion molecule, and anion exchange protein 2 (SLC4A2). Enrichment analysis revealed that in male rats, SCA upregulated proteins involved in biological processes such as ribosome function and energy derivation, supporting protein synthesis and enhancing energy supply, showing an overall gain effect. In contrast, in female rats, SCA downregulated proteins associated with processes such as positive regulation of target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling and vesicle transport, suggesting suppression of neuronal signaling and material transport, indicative of a shift toward a more restrained physiological state. Furthermore, SCA reduced gut microbiota diversity in female rats but increased it in males, including the abundance of Akkermansia, which may serve as a crucial mediator. Conclusion: Overall, the biological effects of SCA differ significantly between male and female rats, with evidence suggesting greater health benefits in males. These findings help elucidate the scientific basis of its traditional applications and provide guidance for the precise application of SCA as a functional health food.

This paper introduces professor WU Rongzu's clinical experience in using Fuyang Tongmi Decoction （扶阳通秘汤， FTD） to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation （IBS-C）. It is believed that yang qi depletion， water cold， earth dampness， and wood constraint are the key pathogenesis.The treatment principle is warming water， drying the earth and venting wood， with the basic formula FTD adjusted according to the symptoms. This approach aims to transport the qi movement of the middle jiao （焦） and support the recovery of intestinal function of directing turbidity downward， providing a treatment strategy for IBS-C caused by yang deficiency.

The paper reviews the evolution of the theory related to meridians and zangfu organs during the Warring States, Qin and Han dynasties, so as to reveal the rules and value of its development. By analyzing historical documents, especially Zubi Shiyimai Jiujing (Moxibustion Classics of Eleven Meridians of Legs and Arms), Yinyang Shiyimai Jiujing (Moxibustion Classic on Eleven Yin and Yang Meridians), Laoguanshan bamboo medical slips of Han Dynasty and lacquer figure of meridian points, the evolutionary stages, i.e. the germination, development, and maturity of meridian-zangfu theory, are explored. In the time of the Warring States, Qin and Han dynasties, the meridian-zangfu related theory was developed from the germination to the maturity. In the classics of the early time, Zubi Shiyimai Jiujing and Yinyang Shiyimai Jiujing demonstrated the preliminary relationship between meridians and zangfu organs, focusing on the physiological connection and pathogenesis of three yin meridians of foot and zangfu organs. In the literature of Laoguanshan bamboo medical slips of Han Dynasty and lacquer figure of meridian points, the physiological connection between the yin meridians of hand and foot, and five zang organs, as well as the related diseases were further clarified; additionally, the meridian-zangfu theory had been developed in the field of diagnosis and treatment. In the era of Chapter of Meridians in Lingshu (Miraculous Pivot), there were up to 31 descriptions relevant with the connection of meridian distribution and zangfu physiological functions. It marks the construction of the "circular" flow of meridians and the interior-exterior communication of zang and fu organs; and enriches the knowledge in diseases, diagnosis and treatment with meridians and zangfu organs involved. The review on the evolution of the meridian-zangfu theory is conductive to supplementing and improving the development history of this theory of early time, and further recognizing its development rules and value. The maturity of this theoretical system not only links the meridians with the five zang and six fu organs, but also provides an important theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of traditional Chinese medicine.
Meridians ; Humans ; History, Ancient ; China ; History, Medieval ; History, 19th Century ; History, 20th Century ; History, 18th Century ; History, 17th Century ; History, 16th Century ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/history*

Background: Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, commonly known as “Danshen” in China due to the distinctive red color of its roots, is one of the most widely used traditional Chinese medicines. It is cultivated in various regions across China, and environmental differences among these regions can affect the secondary metabolites of plants, thereby influencing the quality of S. miltiorrhiza. In recent years, increasing demand for S. miltiorrhiza has exacerbated the problem of origin fraud. Therefore, ensuring the authenticity of its geographical origin is crucial for the sustainable development of the industry. Objective: The red coloration of S. miltiorrhiza is closely associated with the content of its primary active compounds, particularly tanshinones. Therefore, both its internal chemical composition and external color characteristics serve as key indicators for quality assessment. This study utilized hyperspectral imaging technology to evaluate its potential in classifying the geographical origin of S. miltiorrhiza. Methods: Spectral data reflecting the internal chemical properties of S. miltiorrhiza were integrated with color information representing its external features through 3 levels of data fusion. These fused datasets were then combined with deep learning algorithms to achieve accurate origin classification. Results: The results demonstrated that the Transformer model combined with soft-voting decision-level fusion achieved the highest classification accuracy of 98.72% by integrating image color and short-wave infrared spectral data. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that integrating hyperspectral imaging spectral data with color information provides a reliable and innovative approach for verifying the authenticity and traceability of S. miltiorrhiza.

Background:Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge,commonly known as"Danshen"in China due to the distinctive red color of its roots,is one of the most widely used traditional Chinese medicines.It is cultivated in various regions across China,and environmental differences among these regions can affect the secondary metabolites of plants,thereby influencing the quality of S.miltiorrhiza.In recent years,increasing demand for S.miltiorrhiza has exacerbated the problem of origin fraud.Therefore,ensuring the authenticity of its geo-graphical origin is crucial for the sustainable development of the industry.Objective:The red coloration of S.miltiorrhiza is closely associated with the content of its primary active compounds,particularly tanshinones.Therefore,both its internal chemical composition and external color characteristics serve as key indicators for quality assessment.This study utilized hyperspectral imaging technology to evaluate its potential in classifying the geographical origin of S.miltiorrhiza.Methods:Spectral data reflecting the internal chemical properties of S.miltiorrhiza were integrated with color information represent-ing its external features through 3 levels of data fusion.These fused datasets were then combined with deep learning algorithms to achieve accurate origin classification.Results:The results demonstrated that the Transformer model combined with soft-voting decision-level fusion achieved the highest classification accuracy of 98.72％by integrating image color and short-wave infrared spectral data.Conclusion:This study demonstrates that integrating hyperspectral imaging spectral data with color information provides a reliable and innovative approach for verifying the authenticity and traceability of S.miltiorrhiza.

Objective:To analyze the prediction of pathological classification of ground glass nodules based on artificial intelligence computed tomography (CT) quantitative parameters combined with histogram parameters.Methods:The clinical data of 268 suspected patients with ground glass nodules admitted to Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital from June 2021 to June 2023 were retrospectively selected as the research subjects. They were divided into pre invasive lesions group (100 cases) and invasive lesions group(168 cases) according to pathological classification. Basic data of patients with different pathological classifications and the CT characteristics were compared, the prediction of pathological classification of ground glass nodules based on CT quantitative parameters combined and histogram parameters were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results:The edge and boundary of the tumor, shape of the lesion, the peripheral signs of the lesion and the boundary between the two groups had statistical differences ( P<0.05). The CT quantitative parameters of maximum diameter, lesion volume, average CT value in the invasive lesions group and pre invasive lesions group had statistical differences: (15.29 ± 3.20) cm vs. (9.75 ± 2.14) cm, (1.54 ± 0.31) cm 3 vs. (0.51 ± 0.10) cm 3, (- 328.16 ± 46.35) HU vs. (-541.25 ± 100.30) HU, P<0.05. The CT histogram parameters of inproportion of solid components, entropy and maximum CT value in the invasive lesions group and pre invasive lesions group had statistical differences: (66.39 ± 13.25)% vs. (42.65 ± 11.20)%, 4.31 ± 0.52 vs. 3.32 ± 0.39, (-75.34 ± 21.27) HU vs. (-141.72 ± 32.43)HU, P<0.05. Compared with the single prediction of CT quantitative parameters and CT histogram parameters, the combined prediction of the two parameters had higher value in predicting different pathological subtypes of ground glass nodules (the area under the curve was 0.877, P = 0.001). Conclusions:The combined detection of CT quantitative parameters and histogram parameters based on artificial intelligence can effectively evaluate the invasion status of ground glass nodules, which is beneficial for improving the detection of different pathological types of ground glass nodules.

Background:Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge,commonly known as"Danshen"in China due to the distinctive red color of its roots,is one of the most widely used traditional Chinese medicines.It is cultivated in various regions across China,and environmental differences among these regions can affect the secondary metabolites of plants,thereby influencing the quality of S.miltiorrhiza.In recent years,increasing demand for S.miltiorrhiza has exacerbated the problem of origin fraud.Therefore,ensuring the authenticity of its geo-graphical origin is crucial for the sustainable development of the industry.Objective:The red coloration of S.miltiorrhiza is closely associated with the content of its primary active compounds,particularly tanshinones.Therefore,both its internal chemical composition and external color characteristics serve as key indicators for quality assessment.This study utilized hyperspectral imaging technology to evaluate its potential in classifying the geographical origin of S.miltiorrhiza.Methods:Spectral data reflecting the internal chemical properties of S.miltiorrhiza were integrated with color information represent-ing its external features through 3 levels of data fusion.These fused datasets were then combined with deep learning algorithms to achieve accurate origin classification.Results:The results demonstrated that the Transformer model combined with soft-voting decision-level fusion achieved the highest classification accuracy of 98.72％by integrating image color and short-wave infrared spectral data.Conclusion:This study demonstrates that integrating hyperspectral imaging spectral data with color information provides a reliable and innovative approach for verifying the authenticity and traceability of S.miltiorrhiza.

Objective:To analyze the prediction of pathological classification of ground glass nodules based on artificial intelligence computed tomography (CT) quantitative parameters combined with histogram parameters.Methods:The clinical data of 268 suspected patients with ground glass nodules admitted to Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital from June 2021 to June 2023 were retrospectively selected as the research subjects. They were divided into pre invasive lesions group (100 cases) and invasive lesions group(168 cases) according to pathological classification. Basic data of patients with different pathological classifications and the CT characteristics were compared, the prediction of pathological classification of ground glass nodules based on CT quantitative parameters combined and histogram parameters were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results:The edge and boundary of the tumor, shape of the lesion, the peripheral signs of the lesion and the boundary between the two groups had statistical differences ( P<0.05). The CT quantitative parameters of maximum diameter, lesion volume, average CT value in the invasive lesions group and pre invasive lesions group had statistical differences: (15.29 ± 3.20) cm vs. (9.75 ± 2.14) cm, (1.54 ± 0.31) cm 3 vs. (0.51 ± 0.10) cm 3, (- 328.16 ± 46.35) HU vs. (-541.25 ± 100.30) HU, P<0.05. The CT histogram parameters of inproportion of solid components, entropy and maximum CT value in the invasive lesions group and pre invasive lesions group had statistical differences: (66.39 ± 13.25)% vs. (42.65 ± 11.20)%, 4.31 ± 0.52 vs. 3.32 ± 0.39, (-75.34 ± 21.27) HU vs. (-141.72 ± 32.43)HU, P<0.05. Compared with the single prediction of CT quantitative parameters and CT histogram parameters, the combined prediction of the two parameters had higher value in predicting different pathological subtypes of ground glass nodules (the area under the curve was 0.877, P = 0.001). Conclusions:The combined detection of CT quantitative parameters and histogram parameters based on artificial intelligence can effectively evaluate the invasion status of ground glass nodules, which is beneficial for improving the detection of different pathological types of ground glass nodules.

Objective:To explore the application of 1 565 nm non-ablative fractional laser in the treatment of enlarged facial pores.Methods:It was a longitudinal cohort study. From September 2020 to September 2021, 68 patients with enlarged facial pores, including 5 male patients and 63 female patients, aged between 20 and 41 (29.3±4.6) years, were treated at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Ningbo Sixth Hospital. They received 1 565 nm non-ablative fractional laser once every month for a total of 3 times. The number, score and percentile ranking of facial pores before and after treatment were recorded and compared by VISIA, and adverse reactions were observed.Results:The facial pores number before and after treatment were 890.75±312.61 and 834.37±289.94, the facial pores score were 25.76±1.08 and 24.81±8.59, respectively, indicating a statistically significant decrease in facial pores number and score compared to before treatment ( t=4.19, 2.65, P<0.05). The facial pores percentile ranking before and after treatment were 4.00% (2.00%, 7.00%) and 5.00% (2.25%, 8.00%), respectively, indicating a statistically significant increase in facial pores percentile ranking compared to before treatment ( Z=-3.35, P<0.05). Three patients had transient pigmentation, all of which were gradually faded within 1 month after the last treatment. One patient had a few inflammatory papules scattered on the cheek, which faded in 3 days by using erythromycin eye cream. Conclusions:The 1 565 nm non-ablative laser can effectively improve enlarged facial pores with light adverse reactions.

Background: Pleuropterus multiflorum Thunb. cv. “Heshouwu”(HSW) has been used as a classical material for both medicine and food in China for millennia. Recently, the cultivation region of HSW has shifted from Guangdong to Sichuan, Guizhou, and other regions. The investigation of geographic variation in bioactive metabolite contents and their relationship with soil mineral elements holds academic significance. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the variations in the distribution of active components in HSW across diverse planting regions and their relationship with soil mineral elements. Methods: A reliable quantitative analysis based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-QQQ-MS) was developed to assess the levels of 15 bioactive metabolites in 60 HSW samples collected from 4 distinct regions. A total of 43 soil mineral elements in corresponding 60 soil samples were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), heatmap analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and random forest (RF) regression were conducted based on the above quantitative data. Results: The content of stilbene glycosides displayed a wider range of variation compared with emodin and physcion among different regions. Eight compounds were screened as the differential metabolites in HSW samples from various sources using the supervised OPLS-DA analysis. Among these, 2 important functional compounds including physcion and 2, 3, 5, 4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-(6″-O-ace-tyl)-glucoside (THSG-5) are the most abundant in HSW samples from Deqing, a geographical indicative production region. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the impact of soil mineral elements on the levels of stilbene glycosides is greater compared to that on anthraquinones. A negative correlation was observed between the levels of elements Na, Zn, Ba, Ti, and 2, 3, 5, 4′-tetrahydroxysilbene 2-O-glucoside (THSG-1). Conversely, a positive correlation was found between the contents of elements Na, Ce, Ti, and physcion and THSG-5, 2 components that exhibited higher levels in Deqing. Furthermore, an RF algorithm was employed to establish an interrelationship model, effectively forecasting the abundance of the majority of differential metabolites in HSW samples based on the content data of soil mineral elements. Conclusions: The variation of stilbene glycosides is wider than emodin and physcion in HSW. The levels of metabolites in HSW samples are influenced by soil mineral elements, with stilbene glycosides being more susceptible to such influences compared to anthraquinones. Specifically, THSG-1 shows a negative association withmost soil mineral elements, notably Na, Zn, Ba, and Ti, whereas the content of physcion displays a positive correlation.