ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei prescription （SQWF） on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD）. MethodsA rat model of COPD with lung Qi deficiency was established using lipopolysaccharide （LPS） combined with cigarette smoke. Forty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group， a model group， low-， medium-， and high-dose SQWF groups （2.835， 5.67， 11.34 g·kg^-1）， and a Yupingfeng group （1.35 g·kg^-1）. Drug administration began on day 29 after modeling and continued for 2 weeks. The general condition of the rats was observed， and the lung function in each group was assessed. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung tissue. The proportion of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） was measured. Apoptosis in lung tissue was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling （TUNEL） staining. The release level of lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） in BALF was detected by a microplate assay. Reactive oxygen species （ROS） levels in lung tissue were detected using fluorescent probes. The levels of malondialdehyde （MDA）， total superoxide dismutase （SOD）， and reduced glutathione （GSH） in BALF were measured by biochemical methods. Ultrastructural changes in lung cells were observed via transmission electron microscopy. Double immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein （TXNIP） and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3） in lung tissue. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of TXNIP， NLRP3， apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD （ASC）， cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 （Caspase-1）， Caspase-1 p20， gasdermin D （GSDMD）， GSDMD N-terminal active fragment （GSDMD-N）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and IL-18 in lung tissue. Serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels were measured by ELISA. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group showed lassitude， fatigue， tachypnea， and audible phlegm sounds， and lung function significantly declined （P0.01）. Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were obvious. The level of inflammatory cells in BALF increased significantly （P0.05）. The number of TUNEL-positive cells increased （P0.01）. Levels of LDH， ROS， and MDA in BALF increased significantly （P0.01）， while GSH and SOD activities decreased significantly （P0.01）. Lung tissue cells showed irregular morphology， swollen mitochondria， disrupted cell membranes， and abundant vesicles， i.e.， pyroptotic bodies. Protein levels of TXNIP， NLRP3， ASC， Caspase-1， Caspase-1 p20， GSDMD， GSDMD-N， IL-1β， and IL-18 in lung tissue were significantly elevated （P0.01）， and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also increased significantly （P0.01）. Compared with the model group， each medication group showed alleviation of qi deficiency symptoms and improved lung function （P0.01）. Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were reduced. Inflammatory cell levels decreased （P0.05）. The number of TUNEL-positive cells decreased significantly （P0.01）. Levels of LDH， ROS， and MDA decreased significantly （P0.05）， while GSH and SOD activities significantly increased （P0.01）. Morphological and structural damage in lung tissue was improved to varying degrees. Protein levels of TXNIP， NLRP3， ASC， Caspase-1， Caspase-1 p20， GSDMD， GSDMD-N， IL-1β， and IL-18 in lung tissue significantly decreased （P0.01）， and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also decreased significantly （P0.05）. ConclusionSQWF can improve lung function and alleviate inflammatory responses in COPD rats. Its mechanism may be related to regulating the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway and inhibiting pyroptosis.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei prescription （SQWF） on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD）. MethodsA rat model of COPD with lung Qi deficiency was established using lipopolysaccharide （LPS） combined with cigarette smoke. Forty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group， a model group， low-， medium-， and high-dose SQWF groups （2.835， 5.67， 11.34 g·kg^-1）， and a Yupingfeng group （1.35 g·kg^-1）. Drug administration began on day 29 after modeling and continued for 2 weeks. The general condition of the rats was observed， and the lung function in each group was assessed. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung tissue. The proportion of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） was measured. Apoptosis in lung tissue was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling （TUNEL） staining. The release level of lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） in BALF was detected by a microplate assay. Reactive oxygen species （ROS） levels in lung tissue were detected using fluorescent probes. The levels of malondialdehyde （MDA）， total superoxide dismutase （SOD）， and reduced glutathione （GSH） in BALF were measured by biochemical methods. Ultrastructural changes in lung cells were observed via transmission electron microscopy. Double immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein （TXNIP） and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3） in lung tissue. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of TXNIP， NLRP3， apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD （ASC）， cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 （Caspase-1）， Caspase-1 p20， gasdermin D （GSDMD）， GSDMD N-terminal active fragment （GSDMD-N）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and IL-18 in lung tissue. Serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels were measured by ELISA. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group showed lassitude， fatigue， tachypnea， and audible phlegm sounds， and lung function significantly declined （P0.01）. Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were obvious. The level of inflammatory cells in BALF increased significantly （P0.05）. The number of TUNEL-positive cells increased （P0.01）. Levels of LDH， ROS， and MDA in BALF increased significantly （P0.01）， while GSH and SOD activities decreased significantly （P0.01）. Lung tissue cells showed irregular morphology， swollen mitochondria， disrupted cell membranes， and abundant vesicles， i.e.， pyroptotic bodies. Protein levels of TXNIP， NLRP3， ASC， Caspase-1， Caspase-1 p20， GSDMD， GSDMD-N， IL-1β， and IL-18 in lung tissue were significantly elevated （P0.01）， and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also increased significantly （P0.01）. Compared with the model group， each medication group showed alleviation of qi deficiency symptoms and improved lung function （P0.01）. Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were reduced. Inflammatory cell levels decreased （P0.05）. The number of TUNEL-positive cells decreased significantly （P0.01）. Levels of LDH， ROS， and MDA decreased significantly （P0.05）， while GSH and SOD activities significantly increased （P0.01）. Morphological and structural damage in lung tissue was improved to varying degrees. Protein levels of TXNIP， NLRP3， ASC， Caspase-1， Caspase-1 p20， GSDMD， GSDMD-N， IL-1β， and IL-18 in lung tissue significantly decreased （P0.01）， and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also decreased significantly （P0.05）. ConclusionSQWF can improve lung function and alleviate inflammatory responses in COPD rats. Its mechanism may be related to regulating the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway and inhibiting pyroptosis.

This article systematically reviews and examines the historical evolution of Bambusae Succus as a medicinal material， covering aspects such as nomenclature， origin， geographical distribution， harvesting and processing methods， quality assessment， therapeutic effects and indications， by consulting ancient herbal texts， medical compendia， and modern literature. The aim is to provide a reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. Research indicated that Bambusae Succus was first documented in the Shennong Bencaojing during the Han dynasty， with Zhuli being the standard name used throughout history， alongside aliases like Zhuzhi， Zhuyou and Huoquan. Historically， the primary source of Bambusae Succus has been Phyllostachys nigra var. henonis（Danzhu）， although other species such as Pleioblastus amarus and Bambusa emeiensis have also been used medicinally. Ancient records predominantly noted its origin in Yizhou（present-day Chengdu and surrounding areas in Sichuan） and the Wuling region（between present-day Hunan， Guangdong， Guangxi and Jiangxi provinces）， while contemporary sources are mainly from regions south of the Yangtze River and southwestern China. Traditionally， Bambusae Succus was harvested from bamboo that had grown for exactly one year， today， it can be collected year-round without strict age requirements. Ancient preparation methods included direct fire roasting or dry distillation， whereas modern industrial production employs dry distillation， reflux extraction， and percolation. In terms of quality evaluation， ancient texts considered a sweet taste to be superior， while today， clarity and transparency are prioritized. Historically， Bambusae Succus was characterized as sweet and cold nature， targeting the lung and stomach meridians， with uses evolving from clearing heat and resolving phlegm to nourishing Yin， moistening dryness， and relaxing tendons and unblocking meridians. Modern descriptions classify it as sweet， bitter， and cold in nature， affecting the heart， liver， and lung meridians， with functions including clearing heat， resolving phlegm， and facilitating orifices. It is indicated for conditions such as stroke with phlegm confusion， lung heat with phlegm congestion， convulsions， epilepsy， excessive phlegm in febrile diseases， high fever with thirst， irritability during pregnancy， and tetanus， with more clearly defined applications. Based on the results of the research， it is recommended that when developing and utilizing famous classical formulas containing Bambusae Succus， the one-year-old Phyllostachys nigra var. Henonis， which has been highly praised throughout history， should be selected as the source material. Industrial production should adopt the dry distillation method. Furthermore， in-depth research should be conducted on the modern technological characterization of the traditional quality control indicator of sweet taste， and reasonable modern quality control standards should be established.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and underlying mechanism of modified Wubei powder combined with Banxia Xie Xin decoction in the treatment of reflux esophagitis (RE). Methods:A case-control study was conducted involving 82 patients with RE who received treatment at Department of Spleen and Stomach Diseases, Xi'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from June 2022 to June 2023. The patients were randomly assigned to either a control group or an observation group, with 41 patients in each group. The control group received conventional treatment, while the observation group was given Wubei powder combined with modified Banxia Xie Xin decoction orally in addition to the conventional treatment. The traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores, lower esophageal sphincter relaxation rate (LESR), percentage of abnormal esophageal contractions, and levels of substance P (SP), cholecystokinin (CCK), motilin (MTL), gastrin (GAS), serum ghrelin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were compared between the two groups before treatment and at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment. Results:There was no statistically significant difference in traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores between the two groups before treatment ( P > 0.05). However, both groups showed lower symptom scores at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment compared with before treatment ( t = 6.87, 10.87, 9.59, 15.39, all P < 0.05). The observation group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in symptom scores at 2 and 4 weeks compared with the control group [(17.68 ± 2.13) vs. (23.76 ± 2.48); (11.44 ± 1.12) vs. (18.82 ± 1.85), t = 4.18, 4.35, both P < 0.05]. There were no statistically significant differences in LESR or percentage of abnormal contractions between the two groups before treatment (both P > 0.05). However, both LESR and the percentage of abnormal esophageal contractions improved at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment compared with before treatment ( t = 4.25, 5.73, 5.86, 6.49, 3.79, 4.84, 4.48, 5.56, all P < 0.05). Additionally, the observation group had significantly lower LESR at 2 and 4 weeks compared with the control group [(71.62 ± 6.37)% vs. (75.46 ± 6.89)%, (64.92 ± 5.82)% vs. (70.78 ± 6.45)%, t = 5.43, 5.86, both P < 0.05]. The percentage of abnormal esophageal contractions was also significantly lower in the observation group [(45.28 ± 5.18)% vs. (59.56 ± 5.84)%; (33.53 ± 4.24)% vs. (47.74 ± 5.31)%, t = 6.08, 7.24, both P < 0.05]. Before treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in levels of SP, MTL, GAS, or CCK between the two groups (all P > 0.05). The levels of SP, MTL, GAS, and CCK improved in both groups at 2 and 4 weeks compared with before treatment ( t = 4.67, 7.15, 7.24, 9.87, 3.62, 5.85, 4.58, 7.17, 3.55, 5.41, 5.42, 6.89, 3.53, 5.43, 5.39, 6.82, all P < 0.05). Furthermore, the observation group had significantly higher levels of SP, MTL, and GAS at 2 and 4 weeks compared with the control group ( t = 3.65, 4.12, 3.86, 4.25, 4.48, 5.36, all P < 0.05), while CCK levels were significantly lower in the observation group ( t = 4.38, 4.51, both P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in ghrelin or VIP levels between the two groups before treatment (both P > 0.05). However, both ghrelin and VIP levels improved in both groups at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment compared with before treatment ( t = 3.35, 3.72, 3.69, 4.28, 3.76, 4.88, 4.11, 5.69, all P < 0.05). Additionally, the observation group had significantly higher levels of ghrelin compared with the control group ( t = 3.43, 4.11, both P < 0.05), while VIP levels were significantly lower in the observation group ( t = 4.59, 5.71, both P < 0.05). Conclusions:The addition of modified Wubei powder combined with Banxia Xie Xin decoction to conventional treatment can considerably alleviate clinical symptoms in patients with RE and improve esophageal pressure. Furthermore, this combined therapy can effectively regulate serum levels of SP, CCK, MTL, GAS, ghrelin, and VIP, thereby modulating the contraction and relaxation of gastrointestinal smooth muscle, enhancing lower esophageal sphincter pressure, and reducing reflux.

Central nervous system(CNS)degenerative disorders refer to a spectrum of pathological alterations triggered by struc-tural damage to cerebral neural tissues,clinically manifested as diverse neurological dysfunction syndromes,including multiple sclerosis(MS),neurodegenerative diseases(NDs),and ische-mic stroke.The hallmark pathological features of these disorders involve irreversible neuronal damage and decompensation of functional neural networks,ultimately leading to progressive neurological deficits.Notably,with the accelerating global popu-lation aging,the incidence of these diseases has surged signifi-cantly.According to WHO statistics,they now rank among the top three global causes of disability and mortality.Current re-search has confirmed that the pathogenesis of CNS degenerative disorders exhibits high heterogeneity,encompassing multifaceted pathophysiological processes such as genetic predisposition,oxi-dative stress,protein misfolding,and metabolic dysregulation.This intricate pathogenic network not only complicates clinical differential diagnosis but also poses substantial challenges to the development of precision therapeutic strategies.Importantly,re-cent studies have revealed that mitochondrial homeostasis disrup-tion-induced inflammatory cascades(termed mitochondrial in-flammation)play a pivotal regulatory role in neurodegenerative progression.Key molecular mechanisms include impaired mito-phagy,aberrant mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA)release and NL-RP3 inflammasome activation.This review systematically deci-phers the molecular regulatory network of mitochondrial inflam-mation,with a focus on its biological effects in critical pathologi-cal events such as blood-brain barrier disruption,microglial hy-peractivation and neuronal apoptosis.The overarching aim is to provide a theoretical foundation for developing innovative thera-peutic strategies targeting mitochondrial homeostasis restoration.

BACKGROUND:According to different locations of lumbar disc herniation,it can be classified into many types.Among them,patients with intradural sac type lumbar disc herniation have severe clinical symptoms,which greatly affect their quality of life.Therefore,this article studies the risk factors for its onset,and improving the preoperative diagnostic rate is of great significance for the treatment and prevention of this disease.OBJECTIVE:To explore the risk factors for intradural lumbar disc herniation.METHODS:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 15 patients with intradural lumbar disc herniation(herniation group)admitted to three hospitals in Xuzhou city from May 2014 to November 2022.Propensity score matching was used to match patients with lumbar disc herniation who did not protrude into the dura mater in a ratio of 1:4.A total of 59 patients were selected and included in the non-herniation group.Clinical data were observed in the two groups.Univariate and binary logistic regression analysis,multiple linear regression,and PROBIT regression analysis were utilized to identify the relevant risk factors for intradural lumbar disc herniation.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The results of univariate analysis showed that the average disease course,proportion of segments,modified Pfiirmann grading,sacral tilt angle,proportion of previous lumbar spine surgery history,and proportion of heavy manual workers,proportion of lumbar spinal stenosis,redundancy of the cauda equina,and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament all showed statistical differences in the herniation and non-herniation groups(P＜0.05).(2)Multivariate regression analysis showed that duration of disease,protruding segment,history of lumbar surgery,modified Pfiirmann grading,cauda equina redundancy,and lumbar spinal stenosis were independent risk factors for intradural lumbar disc herniation.(3)Based on the influencing factors,an receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed,with an area under curve of 0.956(95％CI:0.913-0.998),indicating good discrimination.(4)There was a significant correlation between the duration of the disease,the protruded segment,the history of lumbar spine surgery,the modified Pfirmann classification,cauda equina redundancy,lumbar spinal canal stenosis,and the incidence rate of intradural lumbar disc herniation.

Objective:To investigate the epidemiological dynamics and spatiotemporal diffusion trend of brucellosis in China from 2010 to 2024.Methods:Data on reported human brucellosis cases in mainland China from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2024, were collected via the"China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention", including detailed information on the date of onset, gender, age, occupation, and residential address of the cases. The Joinpoint regression and spatial interpolation techniques were used to investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics and population distribution characteristics of human brucellosis in pastoral/semi-pastoral areas and other regions, as well as urban and rural areas, and explore the epidemic trends of the disease.Results:From 2010 to 2024, pastoral/semi-pastoral regions reported 252 094 brucellosis cases, with a mean annual incidence rate of 36.57±7.28 per 100 000. In contrast, other regions cumulatively recorded 519 748 cases during the same period, demonstrating a significantly lower mean annual incidence rate of 2.54±0.74 per 100 000. The incidence rate of human brucellosis in pastoral/semi-pastoral regions exhibited a declining-rebounding-declining trend. Specifically, the incidence rate decreased significantly from 2010 to 2017 (APC=-7.20; P<0.001) and increased notably from 2017 to 2021 (APC=18.00; P=0.015) with a decline again from 2021 to 2024 (APC=-7.53; P=0.027). In other regions, the incidence rate showed a fluctuating upward trend. Specifically, the incidence rate increased significantly from 2010 to 2015 (APC=20.37; P<0.001) and decreased notably from 2015 to 2018 (APC=-21.78; P<0.001), followed by an increase again from 2018 to 2024, a significant upward trend in incidence rate from 2018 to 2021 (APC=26.73; P<0.001) and a non-significant decline from 2021 to 2024 (APC=-0.99; P=0.735), resulting in the maintenance of a relatively high incidence level. Rural areas demonstrated significantly higher brucellosis incidence rates than urban settings (all P<0.001). Brucellosis exhibited a diffusion trend from the northern epidemic areas of China to neighboring regions, along with sporadic diffusion in southern regions between 2010 and 2024. The age structure of patients in pastoral/semi-pastoral areas differed significantly from that in other regions. Specifically, in pastoral/semi-pastoral areas, the incidence rate was higher among the 35-49 age groups, while in other regions, the incidence rate was higher among those aged 55-64. Conclusion:There are notable disparities in the incidence of human brucellosis between pastoral/semi-pastoral areas and other regions in China. Human brucellosis exhibits a diffusion trend from the northern epidemic areas of China to neighboring regions, along with sporadic diffusion in southern regions.

Objective Systematic identification and analysis of the cytochrome P450(CYP450)gene family members and their functions in Chrysanthemum indicum L.to provide a basis for further studies on their roles in the flavonoid synthesis pathway.Methods Based on the genomic data of a diploid Chrysanthemum indicum L.,the members of the P450 gene family were identified and analyzed using bioinformatics methods.Moreover,the transcriptome and quasi-targeted metabolome analysis were combined to screen the flavone synthase Ⅱ(FNSII)genes from the CYP93 family,and their expression levels were tested in different tissues of C.indicum using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(qPCR).Results A total of 460 P450 genes were identified from the C.indicum genome,belonging to 43 families within 8 family clans.The encoded proteins ranged from 336 to 1538 amino acids in length,with a relative molecular mass between 38.01 to 175.00 kDa,and an isoelectric point between 5.61 to 9.71.Chromosome localization analysis indicated that these 460 P450 genes were unevenly distributed on nine chromosomes,with the highest number of light-responsive elements in the promoter regions.Expression pattern analysis showed that the expression levels of two FNSII genes(CindChr2G00102820.1 and CindChr8G00552890.1)were significantly higher in leaf of C.indicum than in flower.Conclusion The comprehensive analysis of the P450 gene family in C.indicum is helpful to further elucidate the function of the P450 gene family in flavonoid biosynthesis.

Central nervous system(CNS)degenerative disorders refer to a spectrum of pathological alterations triggered by struc-tural damage to cerebral neural tissues,clinically manifested as diverse neurological dysfunction syndromes,including multiple sclerosis(MS),neurodegenerative diseases(NDs),and ische-mic stroke.The hallmark pathological features of these disorders involve irreversible neuronal damage and decompensation of functional neural networks,ultimately leading to progressive neurological deficits.Notably,with the accelerating global popu-lation aging,the incidence of these diseases has surged signifi-cantly.According to WHO statistics,they now rank among the top three global causes of disability and mortality.Current re-search has confirmed that the pathogenesis of CNS degenerative disorders exhibits high heterogeneity,encompassing multifaceted pathophysiological processes such as genetic predisposition,oxi-dative stress,protein misfolding,and metabolic dysregulation.This intricate pathogenic network not only complicates clinical differential diagnosis but also poses substantial challenges to the development of precision therapeutic strategies.Importantly,re-cent studies have revealed that mitochondrial homeostasis disrup-tion-induced inflammatory cascades(termed mitochondrial in-flammation)play a pivotal regulatory role in neurodegenerative progression.Key molecular mechanisms include impaired mito-phagy,aberrant mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA)release and NL-RP3 inflammasome activation.This review systematically deci-phers the molecular regulatory network of mitochondrial inflam-mation,with a focus on its biological effects in critical pathologi-cal events such as blood-brain barrier disruption,microglial hy-peractivation and neuronal apoptosis.The overarching aim is to provide a theoretical foundation for developing innovative thera-peutic strategies targeting mitochondrial homeostasis restoration.

Background:Optimizing cultivation techniques for traditional Chinese medicine has become a crucial means to improve the quality of medicinal materials.Microbial agents,as environmentally friendly and efficient plant growth promoters and soil conditioners,have increasingly attracted attention in eco-agriculture research.Objective:Our understanding remains limited regarding how the application of microbial agents,alone or in combination,affects changes in the rhizosphere microbiome and its association with the bioactive components of medicinal materials.Methods:In this study,Epimedium pubescens Maxim.was employed as a model plant to examine the effects of 2 microbial agents(Paenibacillus mucilaginosus and Bacillus subtilis)applied individually and in combination on plant growth and the accumulation of bioactive components.Additionally,this study explored the relationship between the rhizosphere microbiome and plant development.Results:The application of microbial agents increased the yield of E.pubescens leaves by 20.30％to 33.66％and enhanced the total flavonol glycosides content by 11.40％to 29.94％.Meanwhile,microbial treatments reshaped the rhizosphere microbiome,promoted the enrichment of beneficial microorganisms(e.g.,Frankia and Paenibacillus),suppressed phytopathogenic fungi such as Didymella and Scytalidium,and enhanced the stability of the soil microbial co-occurrence network.The partial least squares path model suggested that microbial agents not only directly impact the quality of medicinal herbs but also indirectly alter the accumula-tion of bioactive components by modulating the soil microbiome.Conclusion:These findings deepen our understanding of the relationship between medicinal plant quality and rhizosphere micro-biomes as mediated by microbial agents.They also provide a basis for designing and manipulating synthetic microbial communities to promote sustainable development in eco-agriculture.