ObjectiveMigraine is a leading neurological disorder and the fourth most common cause of years lived with disability worldwide, affecting nearly 116 million individuals. Although pharmacological treatments are available, their efficacy is often limited by side effects and variable response rates. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) offers a safe, non-invasive alternative for migraine management. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms, particularly how rTMS modulates local cortical excitability and distributed pain-related circuits, remain poorly understood. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for optimizing treatment protocols and improving clinical outcomes. MethodsThis study employed concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) to investigate neuroplastic and neurocircuitry mechanisms of DLPFC-rTMS in migraine. Study 1 compared 30 migraineurs and 28 healthy controls to identify abnormalities in TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) and significant current density (SCD) within sensory-discriminative regions including the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and posterior insula (pINS), cognitive-affective regions including the anterior insula (aINS) and midcingulate cortex (MCC), and a descending modulatory region, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Study 2 used a single-blind, crossover, sham-controlled design in 34 healthy participants. Each participant received both active (10 Hz, 80% RMT, 1 500 pulses) and sham DLPFC-rTMS in counterbalanced order. TMS-EEG and cold pain tolerance were assessed before and after each session. ResultsIn Study 1, migraineurs showed a significantly less negative N120 amplitude compared to healthy controls (P=0.027, Cohen’s d=0.60), indicating local intracortical disinhibition. No group differences were observed for N40, P60, or P180 components. At the source level, migraineurs exhibited significantly higher SCD in the S1, pINS, aINS, and MCC (allQ<0.05), but not in the ventroposterior thalamus (vpTHAL), mediodorsal thalamus (mdTHAL), or PAG. In Study 2, active rTMS significantly reduced SCD from pre- to post-stimulation in the S1, aINS, and MCC (all Q<0.05). Sham stimulation also reduced SCD in the S1 (Q<0.05) but not in the aINS or MCC. Although no significant group-level analgesic effect was observed between active and sham conditions (P=0.107), correlation analyses revealed that greater SCD reductions in the S1 and MCC were significantly associated with higher post-rTMS pain tolerance (R=-0.487 and -0.495, both Q<0.01) and larger improvements in pain tolerance(R=-0.487 and -0.451, both Q<0.05). No such correlations were found following sham stimulation, suggesting that the behavioural relevance of neural changes is specific to active rTMS. ConclusionThis study provides novel evidence that migraineurs exhibit both local neuroplastic abnormalities (reduced N120 amplitude) and hyperactivity in key pain-processing regions (S1, pINS, aINS, MCC). A single session of DLPFC-rTMS reduced hyperactivity in the aINS, MCC, and S1. Notably, greater reductions in the S1 and MCC were associated with improved pain tolerance. These findings identify distinct cortical circuitries, particularly within the cognitive-affective pain network, that may serve as potential biomarkers for optimizing rTMS treatment in migraine and other chronic pain conditions. Future studies should validate these results in patient populations experiencing spontaneous migraine attacks and explore multi-session or accelerated rTMS protocols.

AIM To study the chemical constituents from ethyl acetate fraction of Balanophora harlandii Hook.f.and their tyrosinase inhibitory activity.METHODS Separation and purification were performed using silica gel,MCI,ODS,Sephadex LH-20 and semi-preparative HPLC,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.The monophenolase inhibitory activity was determined by the tyrosinase-catalyzed oxidation of L-tyrosine.RESULTS Twenty-four compounds were isolated and identified as sesamin(1),methyl caffeate(2),quercetin(3),5,7-dihydroxychromanone(4),methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate(5),esculetin(6),kaempferol(7),naringenin(8),pyrogallic acid(9),pinosylvin(10),methyl propionate(11),caffeic acid(12),saccharinol(13),ferulic acid(14),trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid(15),cinnamic acid(16),vanillic acid(17),vanillin(18),4-hydroxyacetophenone(19),4-hydroxybenzaldehyde(20),apigenin(21),(-)-isolariciresinol(22),(-)-secoisolariciresinol(23)and meso-2,3-di(3′,4′-methylenedioxybenzyl)butane-1,4-diol(24).The IC50 values of compounds 3,5,7,8,19,and 20 ranged from(0.246 5±0.028 3)to(1.278 2±0.021 3)mmol/L.CONCLUSION Compounds 1-9、11、15、17-21、24 are isolated from this plant for the first time,and 1,6,9,17-19,24 are first isolated from genus Balanophora.Compounds 3、5、7、8、19 and 20 have tyrosinase inhibitory activity.

Objective:To investigate the effect of long non-coding RNA glucuronidase β pseudogene 11(GUSBP11)regulating miR-339-5p/mouse two-minute homolog 2(MDM2)axis on the proliferation,migration,and invasion of gastric cancer AGS cells.Methods:Cancerous and adjacent tissues from 25 gastric cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment at Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from December 2023 to June 2024 were collected.Gastric cancer AGS cells and normal gastric mucosal epithelial GES-1 cells were routinely cultured.The control plasmids and knockdown plasmids were transfected into AGS cells using transfection reagents,dividing the cells into Ctrl group,sh-NC group,sh-GUSBP11 group,sh-GUSBP11+anti-NC group,and sh-GUSBP11+anti-miR-339-5p group.The mRNA expression of GUSBP11,miR-339-5p,and MDM2 in gastric cancer tissues and cells of each group was detected by qPCR.A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to detect the targeting relationship between GUSBP11 or MDM2 and miR-339-5p.EdU staining,scratch healing assay,and Transwell chamber assay were adopted to assess the proliferation,migration,and invasion abilities of AGS cells,respectively.WB assay was used to measure the protein expression of CDK1,MMP-2,and MMP-9 in AGC cells.The effects of GUSBP11 knockdown on tumor growth were examined through AGS cell xenograft experiments.Results:The mRNA expression of GUSBP11 and MDM2 were significantly upregulated in gastric cancer tissues and cells(both P<0.05),while miR-339-5p was significantly downregulated(P<0.05).A targeting relationship was found between GUSBP11 and miR-339-5p,as well as between MDM2 and miR-339-5p.Knockdown of GUSBP11 in AGS cells significantly inhibited MDM2 protein expression and promoted miR-339-5p expression,while inhibition of miR-339-5p promoted MDM2 protein expression.GUSBP11 knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation,migration,and invasion of AGS cells,while inhibition of miR-339-5p reversed this effect.GUSBP11 knockdown significantly inhibited the protein expression of CDK1,MMP-2,and MMP-9,and inhibition of miR-339-5p reversed this effect.Furthermore,GUSBP11 knockdown significantly inhibited the growth of AGS cell xenografts.Conclusion:GUSBP11 is highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues and cells,and knocking down GUSBP11 expression may inhibit malignant biological behaviors of gastric cancer cells through regulating the miR-339-5p/DM2 axis.

AIM To study the chemical constituents from salt-processed Litchi Semen and their antioxidant activities.METHODS The 85％ethanol extract from salt-processed Litchi Semen was isolated and purified by silica gel,Sephadex LH-20,MCI,ODS and semi-preparative HPLC,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.DPPH and ABTS+free radical scavenging method were used to evaluate their antioxidant activities.RESULTS Fifteen compounds were isolated and identified as dehydrocostuslactone(1),ananosmoside A(2),funingensin A(3),(2S)-pinocembrin-7-O-(6-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-β-D-glucopyranoside)(4),liquiritienin(5),quercetin(6),rutin(7),isorhamnetin-3-O-β-rutinoside(8),procyanidin A2(9),procyanidin A1(10),ethyl protocatechuate(11),5-hydroxymethylfurfural(12),di(2-ethyl-hexyl)phthalate(13),nicotinamide(14),(10E,15Z)-9,12,13-trihydroxyoctadeca-10,15-dienoic acid(15).Compounds 6-7,9-10 exhibited scavenging activities against DPPH radicals with IC50 values of(12.929±1.232),(14.104±0.946),(10.417±1.736),(6.944±0.030)μmol/L,respectively.Compounds 6-10 exhibited scavenging activities against ABTS+radicals with IC50 values of(21.952±0.577),(25.683±0.625),(22.970±1.336),(20.210±1.435),(18.725±0.324)μmol/L,respectively.CONCLUSION Compounds 1,5,14-15 are isolated from Litchi genus for the first time.Compounds 6-7,9-10 have strong in vitro antioxidant activities.

Hypothermia is a clinical syndrome characterized by core body temperature<35℃,caused by significant heat loss from body surface in cold environment.As a systemic cold injury,it can be lethal if treatment is delayed.Emergent diagnosis and treatment of hypothermia are expected to improve the prognosis of patients.In 2005,the U.S.Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine(USARIEM)issued guidelines for the prevention and management of cold injuries,but there has been no corresponding standard in China.Therefore,Emergency Branch of Chinese Medical Rescue Association,Emergency Medical Equipment Society of China Association of Medical Equipment,Integrated Rehabilitation Medical Branch of Chinese Medical Rescue Association,and Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Working Committee of Chinese Aging Well Association jointly developed the Chinese Expert Consensus on Emergent Treatment of Hypothermia(2025 edition).The consensus covers the pathophysiology,etiology and epidemiology,diagnosis and severity grading,prehospital treatment,and in-hospital treatment of hypothermia,including 15 recommendations in total,aiming to provide guidance for the relevant clinical rescue work.

AIM To study the chemical constituents from salt-processed Litchi Semen and their antioxidant activities.METHODS The 85％ethanol extract from salt-processed Litchi Semen was isolated and purified by silica gel,Sephadex LH-20,MCI,ODS and semi-preparative HPLC,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.DPPH and ABTS+free radical scavenging method were used to evaluate their antioxidant activities.RESULTS Fifteen compounds were isolated and identified as dehydrocostuslactone(1),ananosmoside A(2),funingensin A(3),(2S)-pinocembrin-7-O-(6-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-β-D-glucopyranoside)(4),liquiritienin(5),quercetin(6),rutin(7),isorhamnetin-3-O-β-rutinoside(8),procyanidin A2(9),procyanidin A1(10),ethyl protocatechuate(11),5-hydroxymethylfurfural(12),di(2-ethyl-hexyl)phthalate(13),nicotinamide(14),(10E,15Z)-9,12,13-trihydroxyoctadeca-10,15-dienoic acid(15).Compounds 6-7,9-10 exhibited scavenging activities against DPPH radicals with IC50 values of(12.929±1.232),(14.104±0.946),(10.417±1.736),(6.944±0.030)μmol/L,respectively.Compounds 6-10 exhibited scavenging activities against ABTS+radicals with IC50 values of(21.952±0.577),(25.683±0.625),(22.970±1.336),(20.210±1.435),(18.725±0.324)μmol/L,respectively.CONCLUSION Compounds 1,5,14-15 are isolated from Litchi genus for the first time.Compounds 6-7,9-10 have strong in vitro antioxidant activities.

AIM To study the chemical constituents from ethyl acetate fraction of Balanophora harlandii Hook.f.and their tyrosinase inhibitory activity.METHODS Separation and purification were performed using silica gel,MCI,ODS,Sephadex LH-20 and semi-preparative HPLC,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.The monophenolase inhibitory activity was determined by the tyrosinase-catalyzed oxidation of L-tyrosine.RESULTS Twenty-four compounds were isolated and identified as sesamin(1),methyl caffeate(2),quercetin(3),5,7-dihydroxychromanone(4),methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate(5),esculetin(6),kaempferol(7),naringenin(8),pyrogallic acid(9),pinosylvin(10),methyl propionate(11),caffeic acid(12),saccharinol(13),ferulic acid(14),trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid(15),cinnamic acid(16),vanillic acid(17),vanillin(18),4-hydroxyacetophenone(19),4-hydroxybenzaldehyde(20),apigenin(21),(-)-isolariciresinol(22),(-)-secoisolariciresinol(23)and meso-2,3-di(3′,4′-methylenedioxybenzyl)butane-1,4-diol(24).The IC50 values of compounds 3,5,7,8,19,and 20 ranged from(0.246 5±0.028 3)to(1.278 2±0.021 3)mmol/L.CONCLUSION Compounds 1-9、11、15、17-21、24 are isolated from this plant for the first time,and 1,6,9,17-19,24 are first isolated from genus Balanophora.Compounds 3、5、7、8、19 and 20 have tyrosinase inhibitory activity.

Objective To investigate the changes of serum microRNA (miR)-138-5p and microRNA(miR)-574-5p expression levels and their clinical significance in newborns acute respiratory distress syndrome (nARDS). Methods A total of 112 infants with nARDS from September 2018 to August 2023 in the Neonatal Department of Xiaogan Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology were collected as the observation group. They were divided into good prognosis group (n=98) and the poor prognosis group (n=14). A total of 104 healthy full-term newborns born at the same time were selected as the control group. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of miR-138-5p and miR-574-5p in serum. ROC curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of serum miR-574-5p and miR-138-5p levels for poor prognosis of infants with nARDS. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis of factors affecting the poor prognosis of infants with nARDS. Results Compared with the control group,the expression level of serum miR-574-5p in the observation group increased (1.72±0.23 vs 1.04±0.17),with the expression level of miR-138-5p decreased (0.55±0.08 vs 1.02±0.16),with statistically significant differences (t=24.557,25.597,all P<0.05). Compared with the good prognosis group,the serum miR-138-5p expression level in the poor prognosis group decreased (0.41±0.06 vs 0.57±0.08),with the miR-574-5p expression level increased (2.07±0.25 vs 1.67±0.19),with statistically significant differences (t=7.188,7.069,all P<0.05). The age,intrauterine distress,and proportion of abnormal amniotic fluid in the poor prognosis group were higher than those in the good prognosis group (t=5.359,4.257,6.577,all P<0.05). MiR-574-5p was an independent risk factor for poor prognosis with nARDS,and miR-138-5p was a protective factor (all P<0.05).The AUC (95％ CI) of serum miR-138-5p and miR-574-5p alone and combined diagnosis of nADRS were 0.793 (0.706～0.864),0.898 (0.826～0.947) and 0.931 (0.867～0.970),respectively. The combined prediction of miR-138-5p and miR-574-5p were better than that of miR-138-5p alone and miR-574-5p alone (Z=2.151,1.982,all P<0.05). Conclusion The expression levels of miR-138-5p in serum of infant with nARDS were lower and the expression levels of miR-574-5p were higher,both of which have certain diagnostic value for poor prognosis of infant with nARDS .

Objective To investigate the changes of serum microRNA (miR)-138-5p and microRNA(miR)-574-5p expression levels and their clinical significance in newborns acute respiratory distress syndrome (nARDS). Methods A total of 112 infants with nARDS from September 2018 to August 2023 in the Neonatal Department of Xiaogan Hospital Affiliated to Wuhan University of Science and Technology were collected as the observation group. They were divided into good prognosis group (n=98) and the poor prognosis group (n=14). A total of 104 healthy full-term newborns born at the same time were selected as the control group. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of miR-138-5p and miR-574-5p in serum. ROC curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of serum miR-574-5p and miR-138-5p levels for poor prognosis of infants with nARDS. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis of factors affecting the poor prognosis of infants with nARDS. Results Compared with the control group,the expression level of serum miR-574-5p in the observation group increased (1.72±0.23 vs 1.04±0.17),with the expression level of miR-138-5p decreased (0.55±0.08 vs 1.02±0.16),with statistically significant differences (t=24.557,25.597,all P<0.05). Compared with the good prognosis group,the serum miR-138-5p expression level in the poor prognosis group decreased (0.41±0.06 vs 0.57±0.08),with the miR-574-5p expression level increased (2.07±0.25 vs 1.67±0.19),with statistically significant differences (t=7.188,7.069,all P<0.05). The age,intrauterine distress,and proportion of abnormal amniotic fluid in the poor prognosis group were higher than those in the good prognosis group (t=5.359,4.257,6.577,all P<0.05). MiR-574-5p was an independent risk factor for poor prognosis with nARDS,and miR-138-5p was a protective factor (all P<0.05).The AUC (95％ CI) of serum miR-138-5p and miR-574-5p alone and combined diagnosis of nADRS were 0.793 (0.706～0.864),0.898 (0.826～0.947) and 0.931 (0.867～0.970),respectively. The combined prediction of miR-138-5p and miR-574-5p were better than that of miR-138-5p alone and miR-574-5p alone (Z=2.151,1.982,all P<0.05). Conclusion The expression levels of miR-138-5p in serum of infant with nARDS were lower and the expression levels of miR-574-5p were higher,both of which have certain diagnostic value for poor prognosis of infant with nARDS .

This study employed the "disease-medicine-dose" pattern to mine the medication rules of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) prescriptions containing Astragali Radix in ancient Chinese medical books, aiming to provide a scientific basis for the clinical application of Astragali Radix and the development of new medicines. The TCM prescriptions containing Astragali Radix were retrieved from databases such as Chinese Medical Dictionary and imported into Excel 2020 to construct the prescription library. Statical analysis were performed for the prescriptions regarding the indications, syndromes, medicine use frequency, herb effects, nature and taste, meridian tropism, dosage forms, and dose. SPSS statistics 26.0 and IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0 were used for association rules analysis and cluster analysis. A total of 2 297 prescriptions containing Astragali Radix were collected, involving 233 indications, among which sore and ulcer, consumptive disease, sweating disorder, and apoplexy had high frequency(>25), and their syndromes were mainly Qi and blood deficiency, Qi and blood deficiency, Yin and Yang deficiency, and Qi deficiency and collateral obstruction, respectively. In the prescriptions, 98 medicines were used with the frequency >25 and they mainly included Qi-tonifying medicines and blood-tonifying medicines. Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium were frequently used. The medicines with high frequency mainly have warm or cold nature, and sweet, pungent, or bitter taste, with tropism to spleen, lung, heart, liver, and kidney meridians. In the treatment of sore and ulcer, Astragali Radix was mainly used with the dose of 3.73 g and combined with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma to promote granulation and heal up sores. In the treatment of consumptive disease, Astragali Radix was mainly used with the dose of 37.30 g and combined with Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma to tonify deficiency and replenish Qi. In the treatment of sweating disorder, Astragali Radix was mainly used with the dose of 3.73 g and combined with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma to consolidate exterior and stop sweating. In the treatment of apoplexy, Astragali Radix was mainly used with the dose of 7.46 g and combined with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma to dispell wind and stop convulsions. Astragali Radix can be used in the treatment of multiple system diseases, with the effects of tonifying Qi and ascending Yang, consolidating exterior and stopping sweating, and expressing toxin and promoting granulation. According to the manifestations of different diseases, when combined with other medicines, Astragali Radix was endowed with the effects of promoting granulation and healing up sores, tonifying deficiency and Qi, consolidating exterior and stopping sweating, and dispelling wind and replenishing Qi. The findings provide a theoretical reference and a scientific basis for the clinical application of Astragali Radix and the development of new medicines.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/history* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/history* ; History, Ancient ; Astragalus Plant/chemistry* ; China ; Astragalus propinquus