Polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS）， a common reproductive endocrine disorder in women， is one of the leading causes of ovulatory infertility in women of reproductive age. Due to its heterogeneous etiology， complex symptoms， and challenging treatment， PCOS has become a focal point of research in gynecological and reproductive medicine globally. The pathogenesis of PCOS is complex and may involve regulatory mechanisms such as inflammatory responses， oxidative stress， and cellular autophagy. Crown-like structures （CLSs） refer to pro-inflammatory microenvironments formed by macrophages engulfing adipocytes. The inflammatory disorders induced by CLSs are one of the key factors contributing to the development of PCOS and its complications. Current studies have indicated that the obese status in PCOS accelerates the formation of CLSs， and the density of CLSs can predict the progression of metabolic disorders and influence the outcomes of various metabolic diseases. Traditional Chinese Medicine （TCM） offers the unique advantages of a holistic view， four diagnostic methods， and syndrome differentiation and treatment to ameliorate the symptoms and signs of PCOS through multiple levels， pathways， and targets. Although studies on the mechanisms of metabolic diseases and CLS formation have been reported in China and abroad， there is still a lack of literature on the correlation between CLSs and PCOS， as well as reviews on TCM interventions targeting CLSs for treating this disease. Therefore， this paper summarized the correlation between obese PCOS and CLSs and reviewed recent studies on TCM interventions based on CLS formation （adipose tissue-macrophage inflammatory crosstalk） in the treatment of obese PCOS， aiming to provide new research perspectives for the prevention and treatment of PCOS using TCM.

Polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS）， a common reproductive endocrine disorder in women， is one of the leading causes of ovulatory infertility in women of reproductive age. Due to its heterogeneous etiology， complex symptoms， and challenging treatment， PCOS has become a focal point of research in gynecological and reproductive medicine globally. The pathogenesis of PCOS is complex and may involve regulatory mechanisms such as inflammatory responses， oxidative stress， and cellular autophagy. Crown-like structures （CLSs） refer to pro-inflammatory microenvironments formed by macrophages engulfing adipocytes. The inflammatory disorders induced by CLSs are one of the key factors contributing to the development of PCOS and its complications. Current studies have indicated that the obese status in PCOS accelerates the formation of CLSs， and the density of CLSs can predict the progression of metabolic disorders and influence the outcomes of various metabolic diseases. Traditional Chinese Medicine （TCM） offers the unique advantages of a holistic view， four diagnostic methods， and syndrome differentiation and treatment to ameliorate the symptoms and signs of PCOS through multiple levels， pathways， and targets. Although studies on the mechanisms of metabolic diseases and CLS formation have been reported in China and abroad， there is still a lack of literature on the correlation between CLSs and PCOS， as well as reviews on TCM interventions targeting CLSs for treating this disease. Therefore， this paper summarized the correlation between obese PCOS and CLSs and reviewed recent studies on TCM interventions based on CLS formation （adipose tissue-macrophage inflammatory crosstalk） in the treatment of obese PCOS， aiming to provide new research perspectives for the prevention and treatment of PCOS using TCM.

This study aimed to characterize and identify the non-volatile components in aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the stems and leaves of Rhododendron tomentosum by using sensitive and efficient ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) combined with a self-built information database. By comparing with reference compounds, analyzing fragment ion information, searching relevant literature, and using a self-built information database, 118 compounds were identified from the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of R. tomentosum, including 35 flavonoid glycosides, 15 phenolic glycosides, 12 flavonoids, 7 phenolic acids, 7 phenylethanol glycosides, 6 tannins, 6 phospholipids, 5 coumarins, 5 monoterpene glycosides, 6 triterpenes, 3 fatty acids, and 11 other types of compounds. Among them, 102 compounds were reported in R. tomentosum for the first time, and 36 compounds were identified by comparing them with reference compounds. The chemical components in the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of R. tomentosum leaves and stems showed slight differences, with 84 common chemical components accounting for 71.2% of the total 118 compounds. This study systematically characterized and identified the non-volatile chemical components in the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of R. tomentosum for the first time. The findings provide a reference for active ingredient research, quality control, and product development of R. tomentosum.
Rhododendron/chemistry* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Mass Spectrometry/methods* ; Plant Leaves/chemistry*

The chemical components of Carthami Flos were investigated by using macroporous resin, silica gel column chromatography, reversed-phase octadecylsilane(ODS) column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20, and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). The planar structures of the compounds were established based on their physicochemical properties and ultraviolet-visible(UV-Vis), infrared(IR), high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry(HR-ESI-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) spectroscopic technology. The absolute configurations were determined by comparing the calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroism(ECD). Six flavonoid C-glycosides were isolated from the 30% ethanol elution fraction of macroporous resin obtained from the 95% ethanol extract of Carthami Flos, and identified as saffloquinoside F(1), 5-hydroxysaffloneoside(2), iso-5-hydroxysaffloneoside(3), isosafflomin C(4), safflomin C(5), and vicenin 2(6). Among these, the compounds 1 to 3 were new chalcone C-glycosides. The compounds 1, 2, 4, and 5 could significantly increase the viability of H9c2 cardiomyocytes damaged by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R) at a concentration of 50 μmol·L~(-1), showing their good cardioprotective activity.
Glycosides/pharmacology* ; Flowers/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Carthamus tinctorius/chemistry* ; Chalcones/pharmacology* ; Animals

Stroke is a critical health issue in China, and carotid artery stenosis and plaque play key roles in its prevalence. Despite the acknowledged significance of this condition, detailed information regarding the prevalence of carotid artery stenosis and plaque across the Chinese population has been scarce. This study analyzed data from the China Stroke High-risk Population Screening and Intervention Program for 2020-2021, focusing on 194 878 Chinese adults aged 40 years and above. It assessed the prevalence of carotid artery stenosis and plaque and identified their associated risk factors. Results revealed a standardized prevalence of 0.40% for carotid artery stenosis and 36.27% for carotid plaque. Notably, the highest rates of stenosis were observed in north and south China at 0.61%, while southwestern China exhibited the highest plaque prevalence at 43.17%. Key risk factors included older age, male gender, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, smoking, and atrial fibrillation. This study highlights significant geographical and demographic disparities in the prevalence of these conditions, underlining the urgent need for targeted interventions and policy reforms. These measures are essential for reducing the incidence of stroke and improving patient outcomes, addressing this significant health challenge in China.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Prevalence ; Middle Aged ; Carotid Stenosis/epidemiology* ; Risk Factors ; Aged ; Adult ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic/epidemiology* ; Stroke/epidemiology* ; Aged, 80 and over

Objective To investigate the anticoagulation status of patients with atrial fibrillation(AF)-related acute ischemic stroke(AIS)after revascularization therapy in the real world.Methods A retrospective study was performed on patients diagnosed as AIS and AF from Jan.2019 to Jan.2022 at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University.Patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis(IVT),endovascular thrombectomy(EVT),or both were enrolled.Clinical information,timing of anticoagulation initiation,treatment regimens,and outcomes were documented and statistically analyzed.Additionally,a questionnaire was administered to the primary physicians to understand reasons for delaying or not initiating anticoagulation.Results A total of 189 patients with AF-related AIS met the screening criteria,including 86(45.5%)cases in the IVT group,63(33.3%)cases in the EVT group,and 40(21.2%)cases in the IVT+EVT group.The mean age of 189 patients was(72.90±9.23)years old.There were 93(49.2%)female patients.Anticoagulation was initiated within 14 d after revascularization therapy in 36.0%(68/189)of patients,with the highest rate in the IVT group(58.8%,40/68),followed by the EVT group(22.1%,15/68)and IVT+EVT group(19.1%,13/68).A significant difference was found in the proportion of patients receiving anticoagulation within 14 d among the 3 groups(P=0.020).Univariate analysis was performed on the clinical data of patients who initiated anticoagulation within 14 d after revascularization therapy(68 cases)and those who delayed or did not initiate anticoagulation(121 cases).The results showed that there were significant differences in the stroke history,National Institutes of Health stroke scale(NIHSS)score before revascularization therapy,Alberta Stroke Program early computed tomography score,modified Rankin scale(mRs)score before revascularization therapy,imaging characteristics(lesions near cortex,large infarction,severe stenosis or occlusion of major intracranial arteries),revascularization therapy method,NIHSS score 3 d after revascularization therapy,and intracranial hemorrhagic transformation after revascularization therapy between the 2 groups(all P＜0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that higher NIHSS scores 3 d after revascularization therapy(odds ratio[OR]=1.113,95%confidence interval[CI]1.053-1.176,P＜0.001)and the presence of intracranial hemorrhage after revascularization therapy(OR=6.098,95%CI 2.004-18.193,P=0.001)were significant factors that contraindicated the initiation of anticoagulation.Large infarcts(40.8%),infarct location(35.8%),and hemorrhagic transformation after stroke(40.8%)were the common reasons cited by physicians for not initiating anticoagulation.In the 90-d prognosis of patients with AF-related AIS,6 patients had bleeding events,and 116 patients had a good prognosis(mRS score of 0-2).The 90-d good prognosis rate in the initiated anticoagulation group within 14 d after revascularization therapy(89.7%,61/68)was significantly higher than that in the delayed or non-anticoagulation group(45.5%,55/121;P＜0.001).Conclusion For patients with AF-related AIS who receive IVT,EVT or IVT+EVT,it is safe to initiate anticoagulation early after revascularization therapy,but the timing of anticoagulation in most patients is later than the currently recommended anticoagulation timing.

Objective:To analyze the trends in refractive error and ocular biological parameters in elementary school students over 5 years, and to investigate the patterns of change before and after myopia onset.Methods:A cohort study was adopted.A total of 1 986 first-grade students from the Anyang Childhood Eye Study were enrolled in this cohort study and their right eye data were taken for analysis, including 1 126 boys and 860 girls.Every year, cycloplegic autorefraction was performed with 1% cyclopentolate eyedrops to obtain the spherical equivalent (SE).The axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, mean corneal curvature (Km) and other parameters were obtained by ocular biometry.The lens refractive power (LP) was calculated using the Bennett formula.The subjects were assigned to persistent myopia group, non-myopia group and new onset myopia group.According to the age of myopia onset, the new onset myopia group was subdivided into the 8-, 9-, 10-, 11- and 12-year-old myopia groups to compare the differences in refractive error and ocular bioparameters among groups at different time points of follow-up.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University (No.TRECKY2018-030).Written informed consent form was obtained from the guardians of each subject.Results:All children had a gradual SE drift toward myopia and a gradual increase in the AL with age, and there were significant differences in SE and AL between adjacent follow-up ages within the three groups (all at P<0.05).The earlier the onset of myopia, the higher the myopia SE and the longer the AL of the eye at the same follow-up age, the differences in SE between adjacent groups were statistically significant (all at P<0.05), and the differences in AL between adjacent groups at the follow-up age of 8 to 12 years were statistically significant (all at P<0.05).In the nonmyopia group, SE drifted toward emmetropia at a slow and steady rate of (-0.23±0.27)D/year, and AL also increased slowly and steadily at (0.18±0.13)mm/year.In the new onset myopia group, the changes in SE in the third, second, and first years before myopia onset were (-0.32±0.25), (-0.45±0.33), and (-0.98±0.44)D, and the increases in AL were (0.25±0.12), (0.32±0.15), and (0.48±0.19)mm, respectively.Both SE and AL change rates began to accelerate before myopia onset and slowed down after myopia onset, with statistically significant differences in the overall comparison of SE and AL change rates at different time intervals before and after myopia onset (all at P<0.001).The AL at myopia onset in boys was (24.11±0.70)mm, which was longer than (23.60±0.66)mm in girls ( t=159.71, P<0.01).LP decreased with age in all groups, with a faster rate before the age of 9 years and a slower rate after the age of 9 years.The mean decrease rate in LP was (-0.48±0.19), (-0.44±0.20), (-0.49±0.16), (-0.51±0.18), and (-0.48±0.19)D/year in the persistent myopia group and 8~11-year-old myopia group, respectively, which were significantly faster than -0.42±0.17 D/year in 12-year-old myopia group and (0.37±0.15)D/year in nonmyopia group (all at P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in Km among groups at different follow-up ages (all at P>0.05). Conclusions:The AL begins to grow at an accelerated rate 3 years before myopia onset, and the increase rate of the AL slows down after the onset of myopia, but it is still significantly faster than that of non-myopic children.In this process, the decrease in LP plays a compensatory role; there is no significant change in corneal curvature.The AL of males at the onset of myopia is longer than that of females at the same age.AL is an important indicator for the prevention and control of myopia.It is important to consider gender differences and to pay more attention to the growth rate when assessing AL.

Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of the TRIANGLE operation after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced pancreatic cancer(LAPC).Methods:This study is a retrospective case series analysis. Between January 2020 and December 2022, a total of 103 patients were diagnosed as LAPC who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy at the Pancreas Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Among them, 26 patients (25.2%) underwent the TRIANGLE operation. There were 15 males and 11 females,with a age of (59±7) years (range: 49 to 74 years). The pre-treatment serum CA19-9( M(IQR)) was 248.8(391.6)U/ml (range: 0 to 1 428 U/ml),and the serum carcinoembryonic antigen was 4.1(3.8)μg/L(range: 1.4 to 13.4 μg/L). The neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens included: mFOLFIRINOX regimen in 6 cases(23.1%), GnP regimen in 14 cases(53.8%), and mFOLFIRINOX+GnP regimen in 6 cases(23.1%). The follow-up duration extended until June 2023 or until the occurrence of the patient′s death or loss to follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier method was employed to estimate the 1-year and 3-year overall survival rates. Results:After neoadjuvant chemotherapy,CA19-9 levels decreased by 92.3(40.1)%(range:2.1% to 97.7%). Evaluation of the response to treatment revealed 13 cases(50.0%) of stable disease,11 cases(42.3%) of partial response,and 2 cases(7.7%) of complete response. The surgical operation consisted of 12 cases(46.2%) of pancreaticoduodenectomy,12 cases(46.2%) of distal pancreatectomy,and 2 cases(7.7%) of total pancreatectomy. Margin determination was based on the “standardised pathology protocol” and the “1 mm” principle. No R2 and R1(direct) resections were observed,while the R0 resection rate was 61.5%(16/26), and the R1(1 mm) resection rate was 38.5%(10/26).The R1(1 mm) resection rates for the anterior margin,posterior margin,transected margin,portal vein groove margin,and uncinate margin were 23.1%(6/26),19.2%(5/26),12.5%(3/24),2/14, and 1/12, respectively. The overall postoperative complication rate was 57.8%(15/26),with major complications including grade B/C pancreatic fistula 25.0%(6/24,excluding 2 cases of total pancreatectomy),delayed gastric emptying in 23.1%(6/26),wound complications 11.5%(3/26),postoperative hemorrhage 7.7%(2/26), chylous fistula 7.7%(2/26) and bile fistula 3.8%(1/26). No reoperation was performed during the perioperative period(<90 days). One patient died on the 32 nd day postoperatively due to a ruptured pseudoaneurysm. A total of 25 patients were followed up,with a follow-up time of 21(24)months(range: 8 to 42 months). During the follow-up period,8 cases(32.0%) died due to tumor recurrence and metastasis,while 17 patients(68.0%) remained alive,including 11 cases of disease-free survival,5 cases of distant metastasis,and 1 case of local recurrence. The overall survival rates at 1- and 3-year after the initiation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy were 95.8% and 58.9%, respectively. The overall survival rates at 1- and 3-year after surgery were 77.7% and 57.8%, respectively. Conclusion:Performing pancreatoduodenectomy according to the Heidelberg triangle protocol in LAPC patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy might increase the R0 resection rate without increasing perioperative mortality or the incidence of major postoperative complications.

Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of the TRIANGLE operation after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced pancreatic cancer(LAPC).Methods:This study is a retrospective case series analysis. Between January 2020 and December 2022, a total of 103 patients were diagnosed as LAPC who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy at the Pancreas Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Among them, 26 patients (25.2%) underwent the TRIANGLE operation. There were 15 males and 11 females,with a age of (59±7) years (range: 49 to 74 years). The pre-treatment serum CA19-9( M(IQR)) was 248.8(391.6)U/ml (range: 0 to 1 428 U/ml),and the serum carcinoembryonic antigen was 4.1(3.8)μg/L(range: 1.4 to 13.4 μg/L). The neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens included: mFOLFIRINOX regimen in 6 cases(23.1%), GnP regimen in 14 cases(53.8%), and mFOLFIRINOX+GnP regimen in 6 cases(23.1%). The follow-up duration extended until June 2023 or until the occurrence of the patient′s death or loss to follow-up. The Kaplan-Meier method was employed to estimate the 1-year and 3-year overall survival rates. Results:After neoadjuvant chemotherapy,CA19-9 levels decreased by 92.3(40.1)%(range:2.1% to 97.7%). Evaluation of the response to treatment revealed 13 cases(50.0%) of stable disease,11 cases(42.3%) of partial response,and 2 cases(7.7%) of complete response. The surgical operation consisted of 12 cases(46.2%) of pancreaticoduodenectomy,12 cases(46.2%) of distal pancreatectomy,and 2 cases(7.7%) of total pancreatectomy. Margin determination was based on the “standardised pathology protocol” and the “1 mm” principle. No R2 and R1(direct) resections were observed,while the R0 resection rate was 61.5%(16/26), and the R1(1 mm) resection rate was 38.5%(10/26).The R1(1 mm) resection rates for the anterior margin,posterior margin,transected margin,portal vein groove margin,and uncinate margin were 23.1%(6/26),19.2%(5/26),12.5%(3/24),2/14, and 1/12, respectively. The overall postoperative complication rate was 57.8%(15/26),with major complications including grade B/C pancreatic fistula 25.0%(6/24,excluding 2 cases of total pancreatectomy),delayed gastric emptying in 23.1%(6/26),wound complications 11.5%(3/26),postoperative hemorrhage 7.7%(2/26), chylous fistula 7.7%(2/26) and bile fistula 3.8%(1/26). No reoperation was performed during the perioperative period(<90 days). One patient died on the 32 nd day postoperatively due to a ruptured pseudoaneurysm. A total of 25 patients were followed up,with a follow-up time of 21(24)months(range: 8 to 42 months). During the follow-up period,8 cases(32.0%) died due to tumor recurrence and metastasis,while 17 patients(68.0%) remained alive,including 11 cases of disease-free survival,5 cases of distant metastasis,and 1 case of local recurrence. The overall survival rates at 1- and 3-year after the initiation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy were 95.8% and 58.9%, respectively. The overall survival rates at 1- and 3-year after surgery were 77.7% and 57.8%, respectively. Conclusion:Performing pancreatoduodenectomy according to the Heidelberg triangle protocol in LAPC patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy might increase the R0 resection rate without increasing perioperative mortality or the incidence of major postoperative complications.