Coagulation factor XIa (FXIa) plays a crucial role in thrombus formation; therefore, the development of potent and safe FXIa inhibitors is of great significance. In this study, compound F22, previously discovered by our group, was selected as the lead compound. Based on the principles of bioisosterism and fragment-based drug design, four series comprising 14 novel Asundexian derivatives not previously reported in the literature were designed and synthesized. The structures of the target compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR and HRMS, and their inhibitory activities against FXIa were evaluated using chromogenic substrate assay. Results showed that compound FD-1 exhibited the most potent activity, with an IC50 value of 2.8 nmol/L, which was superior to that of the lead compound F22 (IC50 = 4.5 nmol/L) and the reference drug Asundexian (IC50 = 5.0 nmol/L). Furthermore, in the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) assay, compound FD-1 demonstrated excellent anticoagulant activity, outperforming Asundexian, showing no significant effect on prothrombin time (PT). These findings provide valuable insights for further structural optimization and rational design of small-molecule FXIa inhibitors.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the contrast-enhanced ultrasound with Sonazoid (Sonazoid-CEUS) features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: In this retrospective study, patients who underwent surgical resection and were histopathologically diagnosed with NAFLD or cirrhosis-related HCC were included. All patients received Sonazoid-CEUS examinations within 1 week prior to hepatic surgery. The enhancement patterns of HCC lesions were evaluated and compared between the two groups according to the current World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology guidelines. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the correlations between Sonazoid-CEUS enhancement patterns and clinicopathologic characteristics. Results: From March 2022 to April 2023, a total of 151 patients with HCC were included, comprising 72 with NAFLD-related HCC and 79 with hepatitis B virus (HBV) cirrhosis–related HCC. On Sonazoid-CEUS, more than half of the NAFLD-related HCCs exhibited relatively early and mild washout within 60 seconds (54.2%, 39/72), whereas most HBV cirrhosis–related HCCs displayed washout between 60 and 120 seconds (46.8%, 37/79) or after 120 seconds (39.2%, 31/79) (P<0.001). In the patients with NAFLD-related HCC, multivariate analysis revealed that international normalized ratio (odds ratio [OR], 0.002; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.000 to 0.899; P=0.046) and poor tumor differentiation (OR, 21.930; 95% CI, 1.960 to 245.319; P=0.012) were significantly associated with washout occurring within 60 seconds. Conclusion Characteristic Sonazoid-CEUS features are useful for diagnosing HCC in patients with NAFLD.

AIM: To investigate the correlation of the expression of stromal cell-derived factor-1(SDF-1)and angiopoietin like protein 4(ANGPTL4)in serum with the severity of disease in patients with diabetic macular edema(DME).METHODS: From April 2020 to August 2023, 193 patients with diabetic retinopathy who were admitted to our hospital were prospectively separated into DME group(128 cases)(56 cases in mild group, 44 cases in moderate group, 28 cases in severe group)and non DME group(65 cases)according to whether the patients had macular edema and the severity of disease. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was applied to determine the levels of ANGPTL4 and SDF-1 in serum. Multivariate Logistic regression was applied to analyze the factors that affected the severity of DME; receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was applied to analyze the diagnostic value of ANGPTL4 and SDF-1 levels in serum of DME patients for the severity of DME.RESULTS: The levels of ANGPTL4 and SDF-1 in serum of the DME group were obviously higher than those of the non DME group(P<0.01); the expression levels of ANGPTL4 and SDF-1 in serum of the mild, moderate, and severe groups increased obviously in sequence(P<0.05); multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the levels of ANGPTL4 and SDF-1 in serum were risk factors affecting the severity of DME(P<0.01); The area under the curve(AUC)of serum SDF-1 in the diagnosis of DME severity was 0.772(95%CI: 0.690-0.842), and the AUC of ANGPTL4 in the diagnosis of DME severity was 0.801(95%CI: 0.722-0.867). The AUC of ANGPTL4 combined with SDF-1 in the diagnosis of DME was 0.884(95%CI: 0.816-0.934), the sensitivity was 87.50%, and the specificity was 85.71%, which were significantly higher than ANGPTL4 or SDF-1 alone(Z=2.658, 2.469, all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The levels of ANGPTL4 and SDF-1 in serum of DME patients are significantly increased, and their levels increase with the severity of the disease. They can be used as auxiliary indicators for diagnosing the severity of DME disease, and the combined diagnosis has a better effect.

AIM: To investigate the correlation of the expression of stromal cell-derived factor-1(SDF-1)and angiopoietin like protein 4(ANGPTL4)in serum with the severity of disease in patients with diabetic macular edema(DME).METHODS: From April 2020 to August 2023, 193 patients with diabetic retinopathy who were admitted to our hospital were prospectively separated into DME group(128 cases)(56 cases in mild group, 44 cases in moderate group, 28 cases in severe group)and non DME group(65 cases)according to whether the patients had macular edema and the severity of disease. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was applied to determine the levels of ANGPTL4 and SDF-1 in serum. Multivariate Logistic regression was applied to analyze the factors that affected the severity of DME; receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was applied to analyze the diagnostic value of ANGPTL4 and SDF-1 levels in serum of DME patients for the severity of DME.RESULTS: The levels of ANGPTL4 and SDF-1 in serum of the DME group were obviously higher than those of the non DME group(P<0.01); the expression levels of ANGPTL4 and SDF-1 in serum of the mild, moderate, and severe groups increased obviously in sequence(P<0.05); multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the levels of ANGPTL4 and SDF-1 in serum were risk factors affecting the severity of DME(P<0.01); The area under the curve(AUC)of serum SDF-1 in the diagnosis of DME severity was 0.772(95%CI: 0.690-0.842), and the AUC of ANGPTL4 in the diagnosis of DME severity was 0.801(95%CI: 0.722-0.867). The AUC of ANGPTL4 combined with SDF-1 in the diagnosis of DME was 0.884(95%CI: 0.816-0.934), the sensitivity was 87.50%, and the specificity was 85.71%, which were significantly higher than ANGPTL4 or SDF-1 alone(Z=2.658, 2.469, all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The levels of ANGPTL4 and SDF-1 in serum of DME patients are significantly increased, and their levels increase with the severity of the disease. They can be used as auxiliary indicators for diagnosing the severity of DME disease, and the combined diagnosis has a better effect.

Background: Rhei Radix et Rhizoma has been traditionally used as a potent laxative for centuries due to its remarkable efficacy. Raw pieces of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (RP) are known for their strong laxative effects, often accompanied by side effects, while steamed Rhei Radix et Rhizoma pieces (SP) possess a milder laxative effect and are widely used clinically. However, there is a lack of comprehensive evidence examining the mechanisms underlying SP's effectiveness, particularly from a bioavailability perspective. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the steaming process on the in vivo disposition of RP and SP through pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, and excretion assays. Methods: An ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of prototype anthraquinones and their glucuronide metabolites. Pharmacokinetic, tissue distribution, and excretion assays were conducted in constipation rats following oral administration of RP and SP. Blood, tissue, urine, and fecal samples were collected and analyzed to compare the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion profiles of anthraquinones, highlighting differences in bioavailability and safety between RP and SP. Results: Compared with the RP group, the SP group showed significantly reduced area under the plasma concentration-time curve, mean residence time, and half-life time values for rhein-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, rhein, emodin, aloe-emodin, and their glucuronide metabolites. The clearance values were significantly increased in the SP group. These results demonstrate that SP led to lower exposure levels and higher elimination rates of these components compared with RP. Additionally, these components were primarily distributed in the large intestine, where they exerted their laxative effects. Glucuronide metabolites were mainly excreted through urination, while prototype components were excreted in both urine and feces. Notably, the cumulative excretion of aloe-emodin, emodin, rhein, and their glucuronide metabolites was significantly higher in both urine and feces after SP administration, indicating that SP enhances the excretion of these components compared with RP. Conclusion: The findings suggest that SP reduced anthraquinone exposure levels while enhancing their excretion, demonstrating that the steaming process significantly promotes the elimination of key components. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of how steaming alters the in vivo disposition of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, offering a scientific basis for the improved safety and clinical use of SP. These insights not only clarify the mechanistic differences between RP and SP but also contribute to a broader understanding of processing-induced modifications in Chinese medicines. This research paves the way for optimizing Chinese medicine processing techniques to enhance the safety and efficacy of herbal therapies.

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.), a widely used herbal medicine and dietary supplement, has attracted increasing attention from both academia and industry in recent years. To better understand the research frontiers and hotspots, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of American ginseng studies indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection from 1985 to 2024, using CiteSpace and VOSviewer. A total of 1169 publications were identified, with a marked increase in output since 2011. Hotspot analysis revealed growing interest in pharmacological effects, ginsenoside analysis, polysaccharide studies, and quality control. Furthermore, we assessed future research trends, suggesting that quality control and the modulation of gut microbiota will remain central topics. This study provides a clearer understanding of the evolving research landscape on American ginseng and offers guidance for future investigations.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl- diethy-lenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) enhanced MRI features in the preoperative prediction of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) within hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions.Methods:This retrospective cross-sectional study included clinical and pathological data from 297 HCC patients treated at the Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University between June 2021 and November 2022. Based on postoperative pathology, patients were categorized into TLS-negative ( n=93) and TLS-positive ( n=204) groups. MRI features of HCC lesions using Gd-EOB-DTPA enhancement and relevant clinical data were analyzed. Intergroup comparisons of imaging features and laboratory findings were performed using independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test, or Fisher exact test, as appropriate. The logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors of TLS positivity. A predictive model was constructed and visualized using a nomogram. The model′s predictive performance and clinical utility were assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was compared using the DeLong test. Results:Significant differences were observed between the TLS-negative and TLS-positive groups in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, intratumoral hemorrhage, and peritumoral satellite nodules in the hepatobiliary phase ( P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression identified intratumoral hemorrhage ( OR=0.123, 95% CI 0.070-0.216, P<0.001) and peritumoral satellite nodules in the hepatobiliary phase ( OR=0.236, 95% CI 0.093-0.596, P=0.002) as independent predictive factors for TLS-positivity. The imaging model based on these two features yielded an AUC of 0.764 (95% CI 0.709-0.809) for predicting TLS-positivity. When combined with AFP levels, the resulting clinical-imaging model achieved a superior AUC of 0.784 (95% CI 0.732-0.829), which was significantly higher than that of the imaging model alone ( Z=2.20, P=0.028). A nomogram was constructed based on the clinical-imaging model. The calibration curve demonstrated good predictive performance of the nomogram, and the DCA showed that the curve remained above the default line across a range of reasonable threshold probabilities, indicating that patients could derive clinical benefit. Conclusion:A nomogram model based on Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI features combined with AFP levels can effectively predict the presence of TLS in HCC.

AIM To investigate the effects of Heixiaoyao Powder on neuroinflammation in APP/PS1 transgenic mice.METHODS The 16-week-old male APP/PS1 transgenic mice were randomly divided into the model group,the BBG group(P2X7R specific antagonist,30 mg/kg)and high,medium and low dose Heixiaoyao Powder groups of(22.10,11.05,5.53 g/kg),in contrast to the male C57BL/6J mice of the same age and the same strain of the blank groups,with 12 mice in each group.When normal saline by gavage was dosed upon the blank group and the model group,and the other groups were treated with corresponding drug by gavage.After 90 days of administration,the mice had their learning and memory ability detected by Morris water maze test;their hippocampal pathological changes observed with HE staining;their MyD88 expression detected by immunofluorescence staining;their hippocampal levels of pro-inflammatory factors(TNF-α,IL-6),anti-inflammatory factors(IL-10),ATP and amyloid protein β(Aβ)detected by ELISA;their hippocampal mRNA expressions of P2X7R,TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB-P65 detected by RT-qPCR method;and their hippocampal protein expressions of P2X7R,TLR4,MyD88,NF-κB-P65 and p-NF-κB-P65 detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the blank group,the model group demonstrated prolonged escape latency and reduced frequency in crossing platform(P＜0.01);decreased number of hippocampal neurons,deranged neurons,and darker cytoplasm staining;increased immunofluorescence expression of hippocampal MyD88(P＜0.01);decreased IL-10 level(P＜0.01);increased levels of TNF-α,IL-6,ATP and Aβ(P＜0.01);increased mRNA and protein expressions ofP2X7R,TLR4 and MyD88(P＜0.01),and increased protein expression of p-NF-κB-P65(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with Heixiaoyao Powder or BBG demonstrated shortened escape latency and increased frequency in crossing platform(P＜0.01);more number of neatly arranged hippocampal neurons;increased hippocampal IL-10 level(P＜0.01),decreased levels of TNF-α,IL-6,ATP and Aβ(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);decreased mRNA and protein expressions of P2X7R,TLR4 and MyD88(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);and decreased protein expression of p-NF-κB-P65(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Except the low dose Heixiaoyao Powder group,the other treatment groups shared decreased immunofluorescence expression of MyD88(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Heixiaoyao Powder can significantly improve the learning and memory ability of APP/PS1 model mice,and its mechanism may lie in its function in alleviating cerebral neuroinflammation by reducing the abnormal Aβ aggregation via inhibiting the activation of ATP/P2X7R/NF-κB signaling pathway.

AIM To explore the clinical effects of Jiawei Yanghe Decoction combined with Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate Powder for Inhalation on patients with mild to moderate bronchial asthma in chronic and persistent period.METHODS One hundred and eighteen patients were randomly assigned into control group(59 cases)for 4-week administration of Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate Powder for Inhalation,and observation group(59 cases)for 4-week administration of both Jiawei Yanghe Decoction and Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate Powder for Inhalation.The changes in clinical effects,ACT score,bronchial asthma control rate,pulmonary function indices(FEV1,PEF,FEV1％,PEF％),inflammatory indices(EOS,EOS％,FeNO),TCM syndrome score and incidence of adverse reactions were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P＜0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed increased bronchial asthma control rate,ACT score,PEF(P＜0.05),and decreased TCM syndrome score(P＜0.05),especially for the observation group(P＜0.05);the observation group exhibited increased FEV1,FEV1％,PEF％(P＜0.05),among which FEV1,PEF％were higher than those in the control group(P＜0.05);the observation group showed decreased inflammatory indices(P＜0.05),among which FeNO was lower than that in the control group(P＜0.05).No significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions was found between the two groups(P＞0.05).CONCLUSION For the patients with mild to moderate bronchial asthma in chronic and persistent period,Jiawei Yanghe Decoction combined with Budesonide and Formoterol Fumarate Powder for Inhalation can safely and effectively alleviate clinical symptoms,improve pulmonary functions,airway inflammatory reactions,and enhance bronchial asthma control rate.

Objective:To investigate the clinical value of puncture biopsy for the diagnosis of vessels that encapsulate tumor clusters (VETC) and macrotrabecular-massive (MTM) subtypes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:One hundred and eighty-four patients with HCC who underwent surgical resection at the Fifth Medical Centre of Chinses PLA General Hospital from November 2023 to July 2024 were prospectively collected, including 154 males and 30 females, aged (57.1±8.6) years. By simulating the clinical puncture procedure, puncture biopsy tissue specimens were obtained postoperatively from the patient's isolated tumors. The puncture biopsies and surgical resection specimens were stained with HE and CD34, and evaluated for VETC and MTM. Patients were divided into two groups based on the histopathological VETC results of surgically resected specimens: the VETC-positive group ( n=41) and the VETC-negative group ( n=143); and two groups based on the histopathological MTM results of surgically resected specimens: the MTM-positive group ( n=39) and the MTM-negative group ( n=145). Clinical data such as gender, age, tumor length, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was performed to screen the risk factors of VETC and MTM. Evaluating the diagnostic efficacy of puncture biopsy for VETC and MTM. Results:The results of multivariable logistic analysis showed that puncture biopsy VETC-positive ( OR=63.97, 95% CI: 16.28-251.29), grade of M2 microvascular invasion ( OR=5.07, 95% CI: 1.31-19.59) and tumor length ≥5 cm ( OR=3.42, 95% CI: 1.11-10.52) were the risk factors for VETC-positive (all P<0.05); whereas the risk factors for MTM-positive were only puncture biopsy MTM-positive ( OR=34.78, 95% CI: 12.06-100.29, P<0.001). Puncture biopsy correctly diagnosed VETC subtype in 163 patients with a diagnostic accuracy of 0.89, sensitivity of 0.61, specificity of 0.97, positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.83, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.90; MTM subtype was correctly diagnosed in 164 patients with a diagnostic accuracy of 0.89, sensitivity of 0.72, specificity of 0.94, PPV of 0.76, and NPV of 0.93. Using the three indicators of puncture biopsy diagnosis, tumor length and AFP level as a combined indicator, the accuracy to diagnose VETC was 0.83, sensitivity was 0.71, specificity was 0.87, PPV was 0.60, and NPV was 0.91; and the combined indicator diagnosis of MTM had a diagnostic accuracy of 0.85, a sensitivity of 0.82, specificity of 0.86, PPV of 0.68 and NPV of 0.95. Conclusion:Puncture biopsy has high specificity and accuracy in the diagnosis of VETC and MTM subtypes, but the sensitivity is relatively limited, and the role of puncture combined with clinical factors in improving diagnostic efficacy is limited.