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

This paper aims to study the effect of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen extracts on chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)-induced depression-like and insomnia behavior models of mice. The CUMS-induced depression-like and insomnia behavior model of mice was established by CUMS treatment for three weeks. The mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, positive drug diazepam group(2 mg·kg~(-1)), as well as low-dose group(1.95 g·kg~(-1)), medium-dose group(3.9 g·kg~(-1)), and high-dose group(7.8 g·kg~(-1)) of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen extracts, with 18 mice in each group. On the 15th day of modeling, the drug was administered intragastrically once a day for one week. Then, the pentobarbital sodium cooperative righting experiment, open field experiment, and elevated plus maze experiment were carried out, respectively. The contents of neurotransmitters 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid(5-HIAA) in serum and thalamus of mice, as well as the levels of corticotropin releasing hormone(CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH), and corticosterone(CORT) in serum, were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The neuron damage in the hippocampus of mice was observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and Nissl staining. Western blot was used to detect the expressions of tryptophan hydroxylase 2(TPH2), serotonin transporter(SERT), monoamine oxidase A(MAOA), five prime repressors under dual repression binding protein 1(Freud1), synaptic plasticity-related proteins [cellular gene FOS(C-FOS), postsynaptic density protein 95(PSD95), synapsin 1(SYN1), and activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated gene(ARC)], blood-brain barrier(BBB) permeability-related proteins [zonula occludens 1(ZO-1), occludin, and claudin 1], inflammatory factors [NOD-, LRR-and pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein(ASC), gasdermin D(GSDMD), caspase-3, and caspase-8], and antioxidant factors [nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(NRF2) and heme oxygenase 1(HO1)] in thalamic tissue of mice. The results indicated that compared with that in the model group, the sleep latency was significantly shortened, and the sleep duration was significantly prolonged in each dose group of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen extracts. The number of visits to the central area of the open field and the distance and time of visits were significantly increased in each dose group of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen extracts. In addition, the proportion of distance and time of entering the open arm area of the elevated plus maze was significantly increased in each dose group of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen extracts. The contents of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in serum and thalamus of mice increased to varying degrees in each dose group of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen extracts; the contents of CRH, ACTH, and CORT in serum of mice were significantly decreased. The protein expression of TPH2 was significantly increased. The protein expression of MAOA, SERT, and Freud1 was significantly decreased. Ziziphi Spinosae Semen extracts could also significantly reduce the protein expression of C-FOS but significantly increase the protein expression of PSD95, ARC, and SYN1. They could reduce the pathological damage of the hippocampus in mice and significantly increase the protein expression of ZO-1, occluding, and claudin 1. The protein expression of NLRP3, GSDMD, ASC, caspase-3, and caspase-8 in the thalamic tissue of mice was significantly decreased, and the protein expression of HO1 and NRF2 was significantly increased. In conclusion, Ziziphi Spinosae Semen extracts could effectively improve sleep disorders and depression-like behaviors in CUMS-induced model mice, which may be related to regulating the 5-HT anabolism process and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA) axis-related hormone levels, reducing pathological damage in the hippocampus, improving synaptic plasticity, repairing BBB integrity, and alleviating inflammatory response and oxidative stress damage.
Animals ; Ziziphus/chemistry* ; Mice ; Male ; Depression/psychology* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/psychology* ; Stress, Psychological/complications* ; Behavior, Animal/drug effects* ; Humans ; Disease Models, Animal

This study explores the effect of total secondary ginsenosides(TSG) on apoptosis and energy metabolism in H9c2 cells under hypoxia and its potential mechanisms. H9c2 cell viability was observed and the apoptosis rate was calculated to determine suitable intervention concentrations of TSG, antimycin A complex(AMA), and coenzyme Q10(CoQ10), along with the duration of hypoxia. H9c2 cells at the logarithmic phase were divided into a normal group, a model group, a TSG group, an AMA group, a TSG+AMA group, and a CoQ10 group. All groups, except the normal group, were treated with their respective intervention drugs and cultured under hypoxic conditions. Adenosine triphosphate(ATP) content and creatine kinase(CK) activity were measured using an ATP chemiluminescence assay kit and a CK colorimetric assay kit. Flow cytometry was used to assess apoptosis rates, and Western blot evaluated the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins, including B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease(caspase)-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9, as well as mitochondrial biogenesis-related proteins peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α(PGC-1α), estrogen-related receptor-α(ERRα), nuclear respiratory factor(NRF)-1, NRF-2, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-α(PPARα), and Na~+-K~+-ATPase. RT-PCR was employed to analyze the mRNA expression of mitochondrial biogenesis factors, including PGC-1α, ERRα, NRF-1, NRF-2, PPARα, mitochondrial transcription factor A(TFAM), mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase 1(COX1), and mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1(ND1), ND2. The selected intervention concentrations were 7.5 μg·mL~(-1) for TSG, 10 μmol·L~(-1) for AMA, and 1×10~(-4) mol·L~(-1) for CoQ10, with a hypoxia duration of 6 h. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed decreased ATP content and CK activity, increased apoptosis rates, decreased Bcl-2 expression, and increased Bax, caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 expression in H9c2 cells. Additionally, the protein and mRNA expression levels of mitochondrial biogenesis-related factors(PGC-1α, ERRα, NRF-1, NRF-2, PPARα), mRNA expression of TFAM, COX1, and ND1, ND2, and protein expression of Na~+-K~+-ATPase in mitochondrial DNA, were also reduced. In the TSG and CoQ10 groups, ATP content and CK activity increased, and apoptosis rates decreased compared with those in the model group. The TSG group showed decreased protein expression of apoptosis-related proteins Bax, caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9, increased protein and mRNA expression of mitochondrial biogenesis factors PGC-1α, ERRα, NRF-1, and PPARα, and increased NRF-2 protein expression and TFAM mRNA expression in mitochondrial DNA. Conversely, in the AMA group, ATP content and CK activity decreased, the apoptosis rate increased, Bcl-2 expression decreased, and Bax, caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 expression increased, alongside reductions in PGC-1α, ERRα, NRF-1, NRF-2, PPARα protein and mRNA expression, as well as TFAM, COX1, ND1, ND2 mRNA expression and Na~+-K~+-ATPase protein expression. Compared with the TSG group, the TSG+AMA group exhibited decreased ATP content and CK activity, increased apoptosis rates, decreased Bcl-2 expression, and increased Bax, caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 expression, along with decreased PGC-1α, ERRα, NRF-1, NRF-2, and PPARα protein and mRNA expression and TFAM, COX1, and ND1, ND2 mRNA expression. Compared with the AMA group, the TSG+AMA group showed increased CK activity, decreased apoptosis rate, increased Bcl-2 expression, and decreased Bax, caspase-8, and caspase-9 expression. Additionally, the protein and mRNA expression of PGC-1α, ERRα, NRF-1, PPARα, mRNA expression of TFAM, COX1, ND1, ND2, and Na~+-K~+-ATPase protein expression increased. In conclusion, TSG enhance ATP content and CK activity and inhibit apoptosis in H9c2 cells under hypoxia, and the mechanisms may be related to the regulation of PGC-1α, ERRα, NRF-1, NRF-2, PPARα, and TFAM expression, thus promoting mitochondrial biogenesis.
Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Ginsenosides/pharmacology* ; Energy Metabolism/drug effects* ; Mitochondria/metabolism* ; Animals ; Rats ; Cell Line ; Cell Hypoxia/drug effects* ; Organelle Biogenesis ; Adenosine Triphosphate/metabolism* ; Humans ; Cell Survival/drug effects*

This study aims to explore the pharmacodynamic material basis of Jinbei Oral Liquid(JBOL) against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF) based on serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology. The ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) technology was employed to analyze and identify the components absorbed into rat blood after oral administration of JBOL. Combined with network pharmacology, the study explored the pharmacodynamic material basis and potential mechanism of JBOL against IPF through protein-protein interaction(PPI) network construction, "component-target-pathway" analysis, Gene Ontology(GO) functional enrichment, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. First, a total of 114 compounds were rapidly identified in JBOL extract according to the exact relative molecular mass, fragment ions, and other information of the compounds with the use of reference substances and a self-built compound database. Second, on this basis, 70 prototype components in blood were recognized by comparing blank serum with drug-containing serum samples, including 28 flavonoids, 25 organic acids, 4 saponins, 4 alkaloids, and 9 others. Finally, using these components absorbed into blood as candidates, the study obtained 212 potential targets of JBOL against IPF. The anti-IPF mechanism might involve the action of active ingredients such as glycyrrhetinic acid, cryptotanshinone, salvianolic acid B, and forsythoside A on core targets like AKT1, TNF, and ALB and thereby the regulation of multiple signaling pathways including PI3K/AKT, HIF-1, and TNF. In conclusion, JBOL exerts the anti-IPF effect through multiple components, targets, and pathways. The results would provide a reference for further study on pharmacodynamic material basis and pharmacological mechanism of JBOL.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacokinetics* ; Animals ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Network Pharmacology ; Rats ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male ; Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis/metabolism* ; Humans ; Administration, Oral ; Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects*

Radiopharmaceuticals operate by combining radionuclides with carriers. The radiation energy emitted by radionuclides is utilized to selectively irradiate diseased tissues while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. In comparison to external beam radiation therapy, radionuclide drugs demonstrate research potential due to their biological targeting capabilities and reduced normal tissue toxicity. This article reviews the applications and research progress of radiopharmaceuticals in cancer treatment. Several key radionuclides are examined, including ²²³Ra, ⁹⁰Y, Lutetium-177 (¹⁷⁷Lu), ²¹²Pb, and Actinium-225 (²²⁵Ac). It also explores the current development trends of radiopharmaceuticals, encompassing the introduction of novel radionuclides, advancements in imaging technologies, integrated diagnosis and treatment approaches, and equipment-medication combinations. We review the progress in the development of new treatments, such as neutron capture therapy, proton therapy, and heavy ion therapy. Furthermore, we examine the challenges and breakthroughs associated with the clinical translation of radiopharmaceuticals and provide recommendations for the research and development of novel radionuclide drugs.
Humans ; Radiopharmaceuticals/therapeutic use* ; Neoplasms/radiotherapy* ; Radioisotopes/therapeutic use* ; Animals

Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) is one of the most commonly occurring pathogens associated with genital tract infections in infertile males, but the impact of seminal UU infection in semen on intrauterine insemination (IUI) outcomes is poorly understood. We collected data from 245 infertile couples who underwent IUI at The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC (Hefei, China) between January 2021 and January 2023. The subjects were classified into two groups according to their UU infection status: the UU-positive group and the UU-negative group. We compared semen parameters, pregnancy outcomes, and neonatal birth outcomes to investigate the impact of UU infection on IUI outcomes. There were no significantly statistical differences in various semen parameters, including semen volume, sperm concentration, total and progressive motility, sperm morphology, leukocyte count, the presence of anti-sperm antibody, and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), between the UU-positive and UU-negative groups of male infertile patients (all P > 0.05). However, the high DNA stainability (HDS) status of sperm differed between the UU-positive and UU-negative groups, suggesting that seminal UU infection may affect sperm nuclear maturation ( P = 0.04). Additionally, there were no significant differences in pregnancy or neonatal birth outcomes between the two groups (all P > 0.05). These results suggest that IUI remains a viable and cost-effective option for infertile couples with UU infection who are facing infertility issues.
Humans ; Male ; Ureaplasma Infections/complications* ; Female ; Infertility, Male/therapy* ; Ureaplasma urealyticum/isolation & purification* ; Pregnancy ; Adult ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Semen Analysis ; Insemination, Artificial ; Semen/microbiology* ; China

The aim of this investigation was to determine the optimal storage medium for testicular hypothermic transportation and identify the ideal concentration for the application of the protective agent 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA). Furthermore, this study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism of the protective effects of 5-ALA. First, we collected and stored mouse testicular fragments in different media, including Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS; n = 5), Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium/Nutrient Mixture F-12 (DMEM/F12; n = 5), and alpha-minimum essential medium (αMEM; n = 5). Storage of testicular tissue in HBSS preserved the integrity of testicular morphology better than that in the DMEM/F12 group ( P < 0.05) and the αMEM group ( P < 0.01). Testicular fragments were subsequently placed in HBSS with various concentrations of 5-ALA (0 [control], 1 mmol l -1 , 2 mmol l -1 , and 5 mmol l -1 ) to determine the most effective concentration of 5-ALA. The 2 mmol l -1 5-ALA group ( n = 3) presented the highest positive rate of spermatogonial stem cells compared with those in the control, 1 mmol l -1 , and 5 mmol l -1 5-ALA groups. Finally, the tissue fragments were preserved in HBSS with control ( n = 3) and 2 mmol l -1 5-ALA ( n = 3) under low-temperature conditions. A comparative analysis was performed against fresh testes ( n = 3) to elucidate the underlying mechanism of 5-ALA. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) for WikiPathways revealed that the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway was downregulated in the 2 mmol l -1 5-ALA group compared with that in the control group (normalized enrichment score [NES] = -1.57, false discovery rate [FDR] = 0.229, and P = 0.019). In conclusion, these data suggest that using 2 mmol l -1 5-ALA in HBSS effectively protected the viability of spermatogonial stem cells upon hypothermic transportation.
Male ; Animals ; Testis/cytology* ; Aminolevulinic Acid/pharmacology* ; Mice ; Organ Preservation/methods* ; Organ Preservation Solutions/pharmacology* ; Cryopreservation/methods*

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of chronic disseminated candidiasis (CDC) in children with acute leukemia (AL) following chemotherapy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on children diagnosed with CDC (including confirmed, clinically diagnosed, and suspected cases) after AL chemotherapy from January 2015 to December 2023 at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Zhangzhou Municipal Hospital, and Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University. Clinical characteristics and prognosis were analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence of CDC in children with AL following chemotherapy was 1.92% (32/1 668). Among the children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the incidence of CDC in the high-risk group was significantly higher than in the low-risk group (P=0.002). All patients presented with fever unresponsive to antibiotics during the neutropenic period, with 81% (26/32) involving the liver. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly elevated (≥50 mg/L) in 97% (31/32) of the patients. The efficacy of combined therapy with liposomal amphotericin B and caspofungin or posaconazole for CDC was 66% (19/29), higher than with caspofungin (9%, 2/22) or liposomal amphotericin B (18%, 2/11) monotherapy. The overall cure rate was 72% (23/32). The proportion of patients with CRP ≥50 mg/L and/or a positive β-D-glucan test for more than 2 weeks and breakthrough infections during caspofungin treatment was significantly higher in the treatment failure group compared to the successful treatment group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS CDC in children with AL after chemotherapy may be associated with prolonged neutropenia due to intensive chemotherapy. Combination antifungal regimens based on liposomal amphotericin B have a higher cure rate, while persistently high CRP levels and positive β-D-glucan tests may indicate poor prognosis.
Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Antifungal Agents/therapeutic use* ; Candidiasis/diagnosis* ; Chronic Disease ; Leukemia/complications* ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/complications* ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies

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

Near infrared spectroscopy(NIRS)analysis technology has become an important process analysis tool in industrial and agricultural production,and has been widely used for qualitative and quantitative analysis in the fields of tobacco,agriculture,and pharmaceuticals.To address issues such as poor generalization ability and low prediction accuracy in NIRS modeling,a two-dimensional convolutional neural network(2DCNN)quantitative analysis model based on competitive adaptive reweighted sampling(CARS)and Gramian angular difference field(GADF)(CARS-GADF-2DCNN)was proposed.CARS-GADF-2DCNN used the CARS method to select an optimal wavelength set from the full spectrum,then employed GADF to encode the selection results into two-dimensional images,and finally used 2DCNN for prediction analysis.The 2DCNN model consisted of convolutional layers,parallel convolution modules,flattening layer,and fully connected layers.Simulation experiments were conducted on three public near-infrared(NIR)spectral datasets encompassing soil,tablet,and grain datasets to evaluate the CARS-GADF-2DCNN model.The results demonstrated that,compared to the one-dimensional convolutional neural network(1DCNN),the GADF-2DCNN model achieved 16.74％,23.40％,and 7.13％improvement in prediction accuracy for the soil,tablet,and grain datasets,respectively.Compared to GADF-2DCNN,VCPA-GADF-2DCNN,and IRIV-GADF-2DCNN models,the CARS-GADF-2DCNN model further improved prediction accuracy.For the soil dataset,prediction accuracy improved by 39.00％,30.78％and 4.13％;for the tablet dataset,the improvements were 9.52％,6.94％and 2.56％;for the grain dataset,the improvements were 20.57％,9.85％and 15.66％.In conclusion,CARS-GADF-2DCNN effectively selected the optimal wavelength subset from near infrared spectra,and revealed the latent features between different wavelengths.CARS-GADF-2DCNN addresses the issues of high complexity in prediction models and low prediction accuracy in near infrared spectral modeling,and could be effectively applied to near infrared spectral prediction analysis of different substances.