BACKGROUND: Serum osmolality is a prognostic indicator in critically ill patients. This study aimed to evaluate the association between high osmolality and 28-day mortality in patients with cardiac arrest (CA) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: Baseline data of adult patients with CA who were admitted to the ICU from 2008 to 2019 were collected from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-IV. Patients were divided into survivor and non-survivor groups according to the 28-day prognosis. Serum concentrations of sodium, potassium, glucose, and urea nitrogen on the first day of ICU admission were used to determine serum osmolarity. The primary endpoint of this study was 28-day all-cause mortality. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to reduce bias between the survivor and non-survivor groups. RESULTS: Among the 798 included CA patients, the high osmolarity on the first day of ICU admission remained significantly associated with increased 28-day mortality (62.0% vs. 35.5%, P<0.001) and reduced cumulative survival (log-rank P<0.05) after PSM. Cox regression identified the high osmolarity on the first day of ICU admission as an independent predictor. High serum osmolarity on the first day of ICU admission effectively predicted 1-, 3-, 7-, and 28-day all-cause mortality, with the strongest predictive performance for 1-day mortality both before and after PSM (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, elevated serum osmolarity on the first day of ICU admission was independently associated with increased 28-day mortality in CA patients and could serve as a prognostic marker.

Objective To elucidate the changes in the gut microbiota and molecular mechanism of huaier in enhancing the efficacy of oxaliplatin (OXA) chemotherapy in gastric cancer (GC). Methods The effects of huaier on the gut microbiota structure and intestinal barrier function in MKN45-bearing mice were analyzed by using 16S rRNA sequencing, RT-qPCR, and IHC. UPLC-MS and network pharmacology, as well as in vivo experimental approaches, were employed to investigate the key bioactive constituents of huaier systematically and elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which huaier exerts therapeutic effects against GC. The expression of the PI3K/AKT/SREBP pathway was detected in cancer cells and tissues via Western blot analysis. The safety profile of huaier combined with OXA was verified through serum biochemistry and HE-stained tissue section analyses. Results Huaier inhibited the PI3K/AKT/SREBP pathway by increasing the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, reduced lipid droplet deposition, and ultimately enhanced the sensitivity to OXA in the treatment of GC. Conclusion This study demonstrates the value of huaier in gastric cancer treatment by enhancing chemosensitivity and provides novel insights into its systemic therapeutic effects through molecular mechanisms and gut microbiota modulation.

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.

Background: Influenza A virus (IAV) is a negative-sense RNA virus of the Orthomyxoviridae family and is the etiological agent of a highly contagious acute respiratory disease that can lead to acute lung injury. Objective: To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of IAV infection, an integrative research approach combining gene expression profiling, multinetwork analysis, and in vivo experimental validations was employed. Methods: First, a series of network-based analyses were performed, including protein-protein interaction network construction, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and subsequent gene set enrichment analysis, to identify the major underlying mechanisms of IAV infection. Following gene expression analysis, core targets, both direct and indirect regulators, were screened. An IAV (H1N1) strain A/PR/8/34-induced acute lung injury mouse model was constructed for in vivo validations. Batch one included two groups to evaluate findings from the multi-network analysis: Mock (n = 10; 5 males and 5 females) and IAV (n = 10; 5 males and 5 females). Batch two included three groups to assess the role of toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) in IAV infection: Mock (n = 6; 3 males and 3 females), IAV (n = 6; 3 males and 3 females), and TLR3 inhibitor (n = 6; 3 males and 3 females). Body weight was measured on days 0, 3, and 5 after infection. On day 5, lung tissues were collected to assess viral load and histopathological changes. Key targets were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining, both in sera and lung tissues. Results: IAV infection was significantly associated with dysregulation of the immune-inflammation system, such as the LTR, nucle-otide-binding oligomerization domain-(NOD) like receptor, retinoic acid-inducible gene I-like receptor, and nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathways. Gene set enrichment analysis further indicated that the TLR and necroptosis signaling pathways played crucial roles in the progression of IAV infection (TLR signaling pathway normalized enrichment score = 2.3941, P = 1.00 × 10 ⁻¹⁰; necroptosis normalized enrichment score = 1.9421, P = 6.21 × 10 ⁻⁷). Among the core targets, TLR3 and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) may regulate gene expression at the transcriptional level (all P < 0.05). In vivo validation using an IAV (PR8) infected acute lung injury mouse model demonstrated increased viral load and lung index, alveolar structural damage, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Immunofluorescence staining exhibited large gaps in Lamin B1 staining and breaches in Emerin signals following IAV-PR8 infection. Expression levels of TLR3, p-receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3 (RIPK3)/RIPK3, and p-mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL)/MLKL proteins in lung tissues, as well as proinflammatory factors and mediators in sera, were significantly elevated after IAV infection. Moreover, enhanced neutrophil infiltration (myeloperoxidase) and citrullinated histone H3 (a neutrophil extracellular trap-specific marker), both established indicators of neutrophil extracellular trap formation, were observed. Notably, treatment with a TLR3 inhibitor significantly ameliorated IAV-induced acute lung injury by regulating necroptosis-related targets. Conclusion: Our study provides network-based in vivo evidence that TLR3-receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3-MLKL-mediated necroptosis may underlie IAV-induced acute lung injury and could serve as a potential therapeutic target in severe influenza cases.

The present study employed UPLC-MS/MS to analyze and identify compounds in the raw powder of Tongluo Shenggu capsules. An HPLC method for the determination of vitexin content was established. The analysis of this drug was performed on a 30 ℃ thermostatic Acquity UPLC® BEH C18 (2.1 mm×100 mm,1.7 μm) column, with the mobile phase comprising 0.2% formic acid-methanol flowing at 0.3 mL /min in a gradient elution manner. Mass spectrometry was detected by ESI sources in both positive and negative ion modes for qualitative identification of chemical constituents. 12 flavonoid and 3 stilbenes compounds in the raw powder of Tongluo Shenggu capsules were successfully identified. Additionally, an HPLC method for the determination of vitexin content was established using a XBridge C18 column (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 µm) with a mobile phase of 0.05% glacial acetic acid in methanol for gradient elution, at a column temperature of 30 °C, a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, and an injection volume of 20 μL. The method demonstrated good linearity in the concentration range of 10 µg/mL to 40 µg/mL (R=1.000) with an average recovery rate of 96.7%. The establishment of these methods provides a scientific basis for the quality control and development of the raw powder of Tongluo Shenggu capsules.

ObjectiveTo explore psychological experiences and care needs of elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) following dysphagia. MethodsFrom April to June, 2024, 13 elderly patients with COPD and dysphagia received treatment in Yixing No. 2 People's Hospital (Yixing Occupational Disease Institute) and Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital were interviewed. Nvivo 11.0 and content analysis were employed to analyze and summarize themes. ResultsTwo main themes were identified. The psychological experiences included fear of eating due to swallowing and choking, swallowing anxiety in social situations, concerns about malnutrition, and emotional loss related to family. The care needs included improvement in swallowing function, adjustment of food texture, assistance with disease adaptation and effective access to health education information. ConclusionHealthcare professionals should thoroughly understand the psychological and needs of elderly patients with COPD-related dysphagia, and comprehensive nursing strategies should be developed and implemented to improve swallowing function and overall quality of life.

Oral solid dosage forms require processes such as disintegration and dissolution to release the drug before it can be absorbed and utilized by the body. In this manuscript, imaging technology was used to continuously visualize and characterize the in vitro static drug release process of gliclazide modified release tablets from 15 manufacturers, combined with the traditional method of in vitro dissolution testing, to determine the release profile of gliclazide modified release tablets, to evaluate the similarity of the release profiles by using the similarity factor (f₂) method and based on the analysis of the release profiles fitted with a variety of mathematical models. The results indicate that the gliclazide modified release tablets produced by 14 companies are hydrophilic gel matrix tablets. Compared to the reference listed drug, the release profiles of formulations from 11 companies show high similarity (f₂ > 50) to the reference. Among these, formulations with visual characteristics similar to the reference exhibit similar release curves. This study provides an alternative method for the in vitro consistency evaluation of gliclazide modified release tablets, aiming to assess the in vitro release behaviour of generic formulations more accurately and comprehensively.

Adipose tissue is a critical energy reservoir in animals and humans, with multifaceted roles in endocrine regulation, immune response, and providing mechanical protection. Based on anatomical location and functional characteristics, adipose tissue can be categorized into distinct types, including white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), beige adipose tissue, and pink adipose tissue. Traditionally, adipose tissue research has centered on its morphological and functional properties as a whole. However, with the advent of single-cell transcriptomics, a new level of complexity in adipose tissue has been unveiled, showing that even under identical conditions, cells of the same type may exhibit significant variation in morphology, structure, function, and gene expression——phenomena collectively referred to as cellular heterogeneity. Single-cell transcriptomics, including techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), enables in-depth analysis of the diversity and heterogeneity of adipocytes at the single-cell level. This high-resolution approach has not only deepened our understanding of adipocyte functionality but also facilitated the discovery of previously unidentified cell types and gene expression patterns that may play key roles in adipose tissue function. This review delves into the latest advances in the application of single-cell transcriptomics in elucidating the heterogeneity and diversity within adipose tissue, highlighting how these findings have redefined the understanding of cell subpopulations within different adipose depots. Moreover, the review explores how single-cell transcriptomic technologies have enabled the study of cellular communication pathways and differentiation trajectories among adipose cell subgroups. By mapping these interactions and differentiation processes, researchers gain insights into how distinct cellular subpopulations coordinate within adipose tissues, which is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis and function. Understanding these mechanisms is essential, as dysregulation in adipose cell interactions and differentiation underlies a range of metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2. Furthermore, single-cell transcriptomics holds promising implications for identifying therapeutic targets; by pinpointing specific cell types and gene pathways involved in adipose tissue dysfunction, these technologies pave the way for developing targeted interventions aimed at modulating specific adipose subpopulations. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of single-cell transcriptomic technologies in uncovering the heterogeneity and functional diversity of adipose tissues.

The traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) industry is a crucial part of China's pharmaceutical sector and plays a strategic role in ensuring public health and promoting economic and social development. In response to the practical demand for high-quality development of the TCM industry, this paper focused on the bottlenecks encountered during the digital and intelligent transformation of TCM production systems. Specifically, it explored technical strategies and methodologies for constructing the best TCM production mode. An innovative artificial intelligence(AI)-centered technical architecture for TCM production was proposed, focusing on key aspects of production management including process modeling, state evaluation, and decision optimization. Furthermore, a series of critical technologies were developed to realize the best TCM production mode. Finally, a novel AI-driven TCM production mode characterized by a closed-loop system of "measurement-modeling-decision-execution" was presented through engineering case studies. This study is expected to provide a technological pathway for developing new quality productive forces within the TCM industry.
Artificial Intelligence ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Humans

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the midterm clinical efficacy of medial patellofemoral complex (MPFC) reconstruction for recurrent patellar dislocation with high-grade trochlear dysplasia. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out among adult patients who underwent arthroscopically assisted MPFC reconstruction between January 2014 and December 2020. Dejour classification was evaluated to grade trochlear dysplasia; tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance and Insall-Salvati index were measured. Preoperative and postoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were compared, including International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Kujala score, Lysholm score and Tegner score. Information regarding returning-to-sport rate, re-instability events and complications was collected. Patellar tilt (PT), lateral patellar displacement (LPD) and bisect offset (BSO) ratio were measured based on axial computed tomography before and after surgery to assess the patellofemoral congruence. RESULTS: A total of 46 MPFC reconstructions in 43 patients were enrolled, including 16 male and 27 female. Mean age at surgery was (22.2±7.6) years (range: 14-44 years). Mean follow-up was (49.9±22.6) months (range: 18-102 months). The percentages of Dejour B, C and D dysplasia were 37.0% (17/46), 43.5% (20/46), and 19.6% (9/46), respectively. Mean Insall-Salvati index was 1.2±0.2 (range: 0.85-1.44), and mean TT-TG distance was (19.6±3.5) mm (range: 10.6-28.7 mm). At latest follow-up, there were significant improvements in all PROMs (P < 0.001): IKDC score, from 56.3±15.1 to 86.2±8.1; Kujala score, from 58.9±15.6 to 92.6±5.4; Lysholm score, from 63.7±15.0 to 94.0±5.7; Tegner score, from 3.1±1.4 to 4.7±1.4, and there were no significant differences in the improvements of the scores between the patients with Dejour B, C and D dysplasia. Overall, ninety percent of the patients returned to their preoperative sports level. One patient reported a postoperative subluxation, while no cases of infection, limited range of motion or patella fracture were observed. PT, LPD and BSO ratio were all significant altered (P < 0.001) after MPFC reconstruction. CONCLUSION Arthroscopically assisted MPFC reconstruction yielded satisfactory midterm clinical results for recurrent patellar dislocation with high-grade trochlear dysplasia. No significant differences of improvements in knee function were observed among the three types of high-grade trochlear dysplasia.
Humans ; Patellar Dislocation/surgery* ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Arthroscopy/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Patellofemoral Joint/surgery* ; Recurrence ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Patella/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome