ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang （MLC） improves obesity-type polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS） through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt） signaling pathway. MethodsThirty-six female Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into a blank control group （Con） and an obesity-type PCOS model preparation group. The model was induced by gavage with letrozole （1 mg·kg^-1） combined with a high-fat diet （HFD）. After model establishment， the obesity-type PCOS model preparation group was further divided into the model group （Mod， normal saline）， metformin group （Met， 0.3 g·kg^-1）， low-dose MLC group （MLC-L， 4.3 g·kg^-1）， medium-dose MLC group （MLC-M， 8.6 g·kg^-1）， and high-dose MLC group （MLC-H， 17.2 g·kg^-1）. Active components of MLC and targets of obesity-type PCOS were screened from databases， a protein-protein interaction （PPI） network was constructed， and gene ontology（GO）and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） pathway enrichment analysis was performed. The gut microbiota structure was analyzed based on 16S rRNA sequencing and correlated with network pharmacology pathways. Body weight and estrous cycle were dynamically monitored. Ovarian morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling （TUNEL）. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect levels of follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， luteinizing hormone （LH）， anti-Müllerian hormone （AMH）， testosterone （T）， and estradiol （E₂）. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K/PI3K （p-PI3K/PI3K）， phosphorylated Akt/Akt （p-Akt/Akt）， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， and Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax）. ResultsNetwork pharmacology screening identified 124 active components of MLC and 408 overlapping targets between the herbal formula and the disease. Core targets such as Akt1 and Bcl-2 were revealed. As indicated by 16S rRNA sequencing， the abundances of Lachnospiraceae， Lachnoclostridium， and Dorea were increased in the MLC groups （P<0.05）， while the abundance of Veillonella was decreased （P<0.05）. KEGG correlation analysis integrating network pharmacology and gut microbiota data showed significant enrichment of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Animal experiments showed that， compared with the Mod group， body weight decreased to normal levels in the Met， MLC-M， and MLC-H groups. The estrous cycle became regular. The number of corpora lutea increased and cystic follicles decreased. Serum levels of T， FSH， and LH/FSH were reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while the E₂ level was increased （P<0.01）. Ovarian cell apoptosis was reduced （P<0.01）， and the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissue were significantly increased， whereas Bax protein expression was significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionMLC can regulate gut microbiota structure， effectively improve ovarian pathology in rats with obesity-type PCOS， and inhibit ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. The mechanism may be associated with upregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodoutang （MLC） improves obesity-type polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS） through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt） signaling pathway. MethodsThirty-six female Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into a blank control group （Con） and an obesity-type PCOS model preparation group. The model was induced by gavage with letrozole （1 mg·kg^-1） combined with a high-fat diet （HFD）. After model establishment， the obesity-type PCOS model preparation group was further divided into the model group （Mod， normal saline）， metformin group （Met， 0.3 g·kg^-1）， low-dose MLC group （MLC-L， 4.3 g·kg^-1）， medium-dose MLC group （MLC-M， 8.6 g·kg^-1）， and high-dose MLC group （MLC-H， 17.2 g·kg^-1）. Active components of MLC and targets of obesity-type PCOS were screened from databases， a protein-protein interaction （PPI） network was constructed， and gene ontology（GO）and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） pathway enrichment analysis was performed. The gut microbiota structure was analyzed based on 16S rRNA sequencing and correlated with network pharmacology pathways. Body weight and estrous cycle were dynamically monitored. Ovarian morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling （TUNEL）. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect levels of follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， luteinizing hormone （LH）， anti-Müllerian hormone （AMH）， testosterone （T）， and estradiol （E₂）. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K/PI3K （p-PI3K/PI3K）， phosphorylated Akt/Akt （p-Akt/Akt）， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， and Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax）. ResultsNetwork pharmacology screening identified 124 active components of MLC and 408 overlapping targets between the herbal formula and the disease. Core targets such as Akt1 and Bcl-2 were revealed. As indicated by 16S rRNA sequencing， the abundances of Lachnospiraceae， Lachnoclostridium， and Dorea were increased in the MLC groups （P<0.05）， while the abundance of Veillonella was decreased （P<0.05）. KEGG correlation analysis integrating network pharmacology and gut microbiota data showed significant enrichment of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Animal experiments showed that， compared with the Mod group， body weight decreased to normal levels in the Met， MLC-M， and MLC-H groups. The estrous cycle became regular. The number of corpora lutea increased and cystic follicles decreased. Serum levels of T， FSH， and LH/FSH were reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while the E₂ level was increased （P<0.01）. Ovarian cell apoptosis was reduced （P<0.01）， and the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissue were significantly increased， whereas Bax protein expression was significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionMLC can regulate gut microbiota structure， effectively improve ovarian pathology in rats with obesity-type PCOS， and inhibit ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis. The mechanism may be associated with upregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of metoprolol combined with trimetazidine on elderly patients with coronary heart disease(CHD)and chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods:This randomized controlled trial enrolled 120 elderly CHD+CHF patients admitted to Army 73rd Group Military Hospital of Chinese PLA between June 2020 and June 2023.Patients were divided into control group(metoprolol based on routine treatment)and in-tervention group(additional trimetazidine therapy).Each group consisted of 60 patients,treated for 1 month.The clinical efficacy,left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),cardiac index(CI),left ventricular end-systolic diame-ter(LVESd),left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDd),serum levels of brain natriuretic peptide(BNP),high sensitive C-reactive protein(hsCRP),platelet a granule membrane protein-140(GMP-140),intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1)and growth differentiation factor 15(GDF-15),and incidence of adverse reac-tions were compared between the two groups.Results:The total effective rate of the intervention group was significant-ly higher than that of the control group(95.00％vs.81.67％,P=0.023).Compared to patients in the control group,those in the intervention group had significant lower LVESd[(35.03±5.14)mm vs.(40.63±3.87)mm],LVEDd[(43.53±4.27)mm vs.(48.36±5.22)mm],levels of BNP[(94.35±7.55)pg/ml vs.(127.86±45.11)pg/ml],hsCRP[(0.91±0.28)mg/L vs.(1.47±0.52)mg/L],GMP-140[(7.14±1.06)μg/L vs.(9.37±1.59)μg/L],ICAM-1[(43.81±5.75)pg/ml vs.(52.74±5.83)pg/ml]andGDF-15[(891.46±62.51)pg/ml vs.(1025.57±110.08)pg/ml],and significant higher LVEF[(55.62±5.11)％vs.(47.35±8.61)％]and CI[(3.41±0.38)L·min-1·m-2 vs.(3.08±0.31)L·min-1·m-2](P＜0.001 all).There was no significant difference in the total inci-dence of adverse reactions between the intervention group and control group(8.33％vs.11.67％,P=0.543).Conclu-sion:Metoprolol combined trimetazidine may relieve myocardial inflammatory response and injury,and inhibit ventricular remodeling,thereby improve cardiac function in elderly patients with CHD and CHF.

IgA vasculitis is a common childhood vasculitis disorder.Its primary clinical manifestation is cutaneous purpura,which is often accompanied by gastrointestinal and joint symptoms.Renal involvement can present as hematuria or proteinuria.This condition is recurrent and protracted,significantly affecting the health of children.The pathogenic factors in pediatric IgA vasculitis are diverse."Wind-toxin damaging collaterals"is presented as the core pathogenesis based on clinical practice and theoretical exploration.This concept essentially entails the latent attack of wind-toxin,collateral damage leading to blood extravasation,and healthy qi deficiency and lingering toxins,with the disease primarily located in the collateral vessels.The disease course is divided into three stages:acute,lingering,and recovery.Clinical practice should adhere to the pathogenesis principles and apply stage-based pattern differentiation and treatment.The acute stage involves wind-toxin attacking collaterals with dampness-heat accumulation.Treatment focuses on dispersing wind,clearing heat,and eliminating dampness to expel wind-toxin from the muscular exterior.The self-prescribed Qufeng Xiaodian Formula is a frequently selected modified formula.The lingering stage features latent wind-toxin in the collaterals and congealed accumulations in the kidney collaterals.Treatment aims to resolve wind-toxin,disperse stasis,and eliminate accumulation to remove densely accumulated wind-toxin.A modified Taohong Siwu Decoction is selected.The recovery stage involves deficient healthy qi with persistent wind assault and lingering toxins.Emphasis should be placed on cultivating the fundamental,strengthening the root,and nourishing yin,as well as supporting the healthy qi to dispel wind and expel toxins,while conditioning the body to prevent recurrence.A modified Guomin Decoction is selected.Clinical application emphasizes the combination of characteristic medicines,such as wind medicines to expel pathogens,insect medicines to identify collaterals,and vine medicines to unblock the meridians,to enhance the effects of identifying wind,resolving toxins,unblocking collaterals,and dispersing congealed accumulations.This study aims to systematically elaborate on the stage-based treatment strategy from the perspective of"wind-toxin damaging collaterals,"providing a theoretical basis and clinical practice reference for the traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment of pediatric IgA vasculitis.

Objective:To explore the relationship between life events, anxiety, depression, and behavior problems in adolescents.Methods:From September to October 2022, the cluster sampling method was used to select 5 341 adolescents from 4 middle schools in Xinxiang urban area.The subjects and their parents were investigated by the adolescent self-rating life events check list (ASLEC), generalized anxiety disorder scale (GAD-7), patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9), and child behavior checklist (CBCL). SPSS 27.0 software was used for Spearman correlation analysis, and AMOS 28.0 software was used to construct the structural equation model.Results:The scores of anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems were 1 (0, 4), 1 (0, 4), and 3 (0, 10). The total score of life events was 5 (1, 13), and the dimensions scored as follows: interpersonal conflict 1 (0, 4), academic pressure 2 (0, 5), punishment 0 (0, 2), loss 0 (0, 0), health and adaptation problem 0 (0, 1), and others 0 (0, 2). There were positive correlations between life events and its dimensions, depression, anxiety and behavioral problems ( r=0.28-0.69, all P<0.01). In the overall population, anxiety and depression played parallel mediating roles in the impact of life events on behavior problems. Life events could positively predict anxiety ( β=0.68, P<0.01), and anxiety could positively predict behavior problems ( β=0.04, P=0.02). Life events could positively predict depression ( β=0.77, P<0.01), and depression could positively predict behavior problems ( β=0.18, P<0.01). The standardized total effect size of the impact of life events on behavioral problems was 0.622 (95% CI=0.564-0.675). The standardized direct effect size and indirect effect size were 0.460 (95% CI=0.374-0.539) and 0.162 (95% CI=0.108-0.218), accounting for 74.0% and 26.0%of the total effect, respectively. After stratification by gender, the results for male adolescents were consistent with the overall population, while the mediating effect of anxiety was not significant in the female adolescents. Conclusion:Life events can lead to anxiety and depression in adolescents, thereby increasing the risk of behavior problems.

IgA vasculitis is a common childhood vasculitis disorder.Its primary clinical manifestation is cutaneous purpura,which is often accompanied by gastrointestinal and joint symptoms.Renal involvement can present as hematuria or proteinuria.This condition is recurrent and protracted,significantly affecting the health of children.The pathogenic factors in pediatric IgA vasculitis are diverse."Wind-toxin damaging collaterals"is presented as the core pathogenesis based on clinical practice and theoretical exploration.This concept essentially entails the latent attack of wind-toxin,collateral damage leading to blood extravasation,and healthy qi deficiency and lingering toxins,with the disease primarily located in the collateral vessels.The disease course is divided into three stages:acute,lingering,and recovery.Clinical practice should adhere to the pathogenesis principles and apply stage-based pattern differentiation and treatment.The acute stage involves wind-toxin attacking collaterals with dampness-heat accumulation.Treatment focuses on dispersing wind,clearing heat,and eliminating dampness to expel wind-toxin from the muscular exterior.The self-prescribed Qufeng Xiaodian Formula is a frequently selected modified formula.The lingering stage features latent wind-toxin in the collaterals and congealed accumulations in the kidney collaterals.Treatment aims to resolve wind-toxin,disperse stasis,and eliminate accumulation to remove densely accumulated wind-toxin.A modified Taohong Siwu Decoction is selected.The recovery stage involves deficient healthy qi with persistent wind assault and lingering toxins.Emphasis should be placed on cultivating the fundamental,strengthening the root,and nourishing yin,as well as supporting the healthy qi to dispel wind and expel toxins,while conditioning the body to prevent recurrence.A modified Guomin Decoction is selected.Clinical application emphasizes the combination of characteristic medicines,such as wind medicines to expel pathogens,insect medicines to identify collaterals,and vine medicines to unblock the meridians,to enhance the effects of identifying wind,resolving toxins,unblocking collaterals,and dispersing congealed accumulations.This study aims to systematically elaborate on the stage-based treatment strategy from the perspective of"wind-toxin damaging collaterals,"providing a theoretical basis and clinical practice reference for the traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment of pediatric IgA vasculitis.

Objective:To explore the relationship between life events, anxiety, depression, and behavior problems in adolescents.Methods:From September to October 2022, the cluster sampling method was used to select 5 341 adolescents from 4 middle schools in Xinxiang urban area.The subjects and their parents were investigated by the adolescent self-rating life events check list (ASLEC), generalized anxiety disorder scale (GAD-7), patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9), and child behavior checklist (CBCL). SPSS 27.0 software was used for Spearman correlation analysis, and AMOS 28.0 software was used to construct the structural equation model.Results:The scores of anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems were 1 (0, 4), 1 (0, 4), and 3 (0, 10). The total score of life events was 5 (1, 13), and the dimensions scored as follows: interpersonal conflict 1 (0, 4), academic pressure 2 (0, 5), punishment 0 (0, 2), loss 0 (0, 0), health and adaptation problem 0 (0, 1), and others 0 (0, 2). There were positive correlations between life events and its dimensions, depression, anxiety and behavioral problems ( r=0.28-0.69, all P<0.01). In the overall population, anxiety and depression played parallel mediating roles in the impact of life events on behavior problems. Life events could positively predict anxiety ( β=0.68, P<0.01), and anxiety could positively predict behavior problems ( β=0.04, P=0.02). Life events could positively predict depression ( β=0.77, P<0.01), and depression could positively predict behavior problems ( β=0.18, P<0.01). The standardized total effect size of the impact of life events on behavioral problems was 0.622 (95% CI=0.564-0.675). The standardized direct effect size and indirect effect size were 0.460 (95% CI=0.374-0.539) and 0.162 (95% CI=0.108-0.218), accounting for 74.0% and 26.0%of the total effect, respectively. After stratification by gender, the results for male adolescents were consistent with the overall population, while the mediating effect of anxiety was not significant in the female adolescents. Conclusion:Life events can lead to anxiety and depression in adolescents, thereby increasing the risk of behavior problems.

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognostic risk factors of patients with atrial fibrillation(AF)related to septic shock admitted to the intensive care unit(ICU).Methods This retrospective cohort study included 152 patients with septic shock who were admitted to the ICU between January 2020 and December 2023.Patients were categorized into AF(n=48)and non-AF(n=104)groups based on the occurrence of AF.Clinical parameters were compared between the two groups,and variables with statistically significant differences(P<0.05)were entered into a multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify clinical features associated with AF.Patients were also stratified into survival(n=103)and death(n=49)groups based on 28-day outcomes.Variables showing signifi-cant intergroup differences(P<0.05)were further included in a multivariate model to identify independent risk factors for mortality.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed using AF as a binary variable,and log-rank tests were applied to compare survival curves.Results The incidence of AF was 31.58%among patients with septic shock.Compared with the non-AF group,the AF group was older,received higher cumulative doses of vasoactive agents,and had elevated levels of lactate(Lac),N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide precursor(NT-proBNP),troponin I(cTnI),tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α),and C-reactive protein(CRP).The AF group also had higher E/e'ratios,left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-Ⅱ(APACHEⅡ)scores,Sequen-tial Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)scores,and 28-day mortality rates(all P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression identified age(odds ratio[OR]=1.060,P=0.015),SOFA score(OR=1.525,P=0.001),TNF-α(OR=1.009,P=0.026),CRP(OR=1.008,P=0.002),and E/e'(OR=1.363,P=0.023)as independent risk factors for AF.The 28-day mortality rate was 32.24%.Compared with survivors,non-survivors had significantly higher Lac,cTnI,E/e',LVEF,and TNF-α levels,higher APACHEⅡand SOFA scores,longer ICU stays,and a higher incidence of AF(all P<0.05).Multivariate analysis identified SOFA score,cTnI,E/e',and AF as independent predictors of 28-day mortality.Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed significantly poorer survival in patients with AF(χ2=6.747,P=0.009).Conclusion AF is common in ICU patients with septic shock.Advanced age,greater organ dysfunction,elevated inflammatory markers,and diastolic dysfunction are associated with AF occurrence.Organ dysfunction,myocardial injury,diastolic dysfunction,and AF are inde-pendent predictors of mortality in this population.Greater clinical attention is warranted in patients with AF and septic shock due to their elevated risk of poor outcomes.

Objective To investigate the effect of epifriedelanol(Epi)on gene expression of P-glycoprotein(P-gp)in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line LS174T and its mechanism.Methods LS174T cells were divided into control group and experimental-L,-M,-H groups.Experimental-L,-M,-H groups were treated with 5,10,20 μmol·L-1 Epi,respectively.Control group was treated with 0.1％dimethyl sulfoxide.Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the mRNA expression level of P-gp.Theeffect of Epi on multidrug resistance protein 1(MDR1/P-gp)luciferase activity was investigated by pregnane X receptor(PXR)-MDR1/P-gp dual luciferase reporter gene assay.In addition,Western Blot was used to detect the protein expression level of P-gp and the nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)pathway related proteins.Results The relative expression levels of P-gp mRNA in experimental-M,-H groups and control group were 52.24±5.19,23.00±3.52 and 100.00±9.00;the relative expression levels of P-gp protein were 86.37±9.96,74.85±15.92 and 100.00±12.91;the relative activities P-gp luciferase were 230.19±41.32,203.10±52.84 and 279.67±19.20;the relative expression levels of p65(RelA/p65)in nucleus were 132.36±23.93,145.96±25.15 and 100.00±10.88;the relative expression levels of phosphorylation NF-κB inhibits protein kinase α/β(p-IKKα/β)in cytoplasm were 184.00±54.82,290.10±49.59 and 100.00±15.34;the relative expression levels of phosphorylated NF-κB inhibitory protein α(p-IκBα)in cytoplasm were 125.73±18.77,133.69±20.25 and 100.00±8.12;the relative expression levels of IκBα in cytoplasm were 78.36±14.83,70.44±14.57 and 100.00±22.82,respectively.The above indexes of experimental-M and experimental-H groups were compared with control group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05,P＜0.01,P＜0.001).Conclusion Epi can down-regulate the gene expression of P-gp in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line LS174T,and the mechanism may be related to activation of NF-κB and suppression of PXR.

Objective:To evaluate the association between heatwaves and fall-related mortality.Methods:A total of 61 421 fall-related mortality from 2013 to 2022 in 7 provinces of China were included in a time-stratified case-crossover design, with daily meteorological data derived from the fifth generation European Reanalysis dataset produced by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. Conditional logistic regression chimeric distributed lag nonlinear model was used to analyze the association between heatwaves and fall-related mortality and stratified analysis was conducted according to gender and age.Results:Heatwaves were associated with an increased risk of fall-related morality. The risk of fall-related mortality during heatwaves was higher than during non-heatwave periods ( OR=1.11, 95% CI: 1.05-1.18). The attributable fraction of fall-related motality due to heatwaves was 10.25% (95% CI: 4.49%-15.36%). For each 1 ℃ increase above the heatwave threshold, the risk of fall-related mortality increased by 34% ( OR=1.34, 95% CI: 1.02-1.76). The effect of heatwave duration on fall-related mortality was not statistically significant. Stratified analyses indicated that women experienced a higher risk of fall-related mortality during heatwaves ( OR=1.13, 95% CI: 1.04-1.22) compared to man ( OR=1.10, 95% CI: 1.04-1.17). Conclusions:Heatwave increases the risk of fall-related mortality, and the intensity of heatwaves modify this risk. Women are vulnerable populations.