Diabetic cardiomyopathy （DCM） is a common chronic complication of diabetes， categorized as consumptive thirst in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， and it subsequently gives rise to chest impediment. DCM is characterized by a complex pathogenesis and exhibits long-term progression with poor prognosis in clinical practice. Astragali Radix， as a medicinal material with edible value， possesses diverse active components including saponins， polysaccharides， and flavonoids. It has the effects of tonifying Qi， elevating Yang， promoting fluid production， nourishing blood， expressing toxin， and expelling pus. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that Astragali Radix and its active components exert therapeutic effects in various aspects such as inhibition of inflammation， alleviation of stress injury， regulation of programmed cell death， modulation of glucose and lipid metabolism， inhibition of myocardial fibrosis， and regulation of gut microbiota and metabolites， treating DCM in a multi-component， multi-target， and multi-pathway manner. The compatibility of Astragali Radix exerts both synergistic and antagonistic effects. The compound preparations and extracts of Astragali Radix are widely used in clinical practice， and the development of novel nano and gel materials and extracellular vesicles helps to improve the oral bioavailability， providing more possibilities for the clinical application of Astragali Radix in DCM， though its potential for clinical translation requires ongoing exploration. This review summarizes the TCM theoretical basis of Astragali Radix in the treatment of DCM， and integrates modern pharmacological research results to delve into the effects and mechanisms of the herb combinations， compound preparations， extracts， and new composite materials of Astragali Radix in the treatment of DCM， aiming to provide a reference for in-depth research and new drug development of Astragali Radix for DCM.

The recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone (rhTSH) can be used for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) preparation before ¹³¹I therapy, and follow-up. Since its approval by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998, rhTSH has been clinically used in European countries, the United States, and other countries for nearly 30 years. In April 2024, China’s first independently developed rhTSH agent was approved. Based on clinical experience and evidence from domestic and international studies, an expert consensus on the application of rhTSH has been developed following thorough consultations among experts. The consensus offers evidence-based recommendations to guide the appropriate use of rhTSH in clinical practice.

Objective:To report the follow-up status of patients participating phase Ⅲ clinical trial (ZGDD3) of Donafenib tosilate (abbreviated as Donafenib) in the treatment of progressive radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC), and to explore its efficacy, safety and prognostic factors.Methods:This study was a randomized controlled trial, and the clinicopathological data and follow-up results of 29 patients (16 males, 13 females, age 40-68 years) who participated in the clinical trial ZGDD3 between August 2018 and March 2021 were analyzed. Patients were divided into Donafenib group and placebo group using the central dynamic randomization method with the ratio of 2∶1. Adverse reactions (AE) during the trial were observed. Independent-sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher exact test were used to analyze the differences of baseline characteristics between the two groups. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were followed up. Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw the survival curve (log-rank test) and Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the prognostic factors. Results:There were 22 patients in Donafenib group and 7 patients in placebo group. There were no significant differences of baseline characteristics between the two groups ( t values: -0.68, Z values: from -1.47 to -0.56, all P>0.05). The follow-up was 32.07(21.07, 49.85) months. During the trial, drug-related AEs occurred in all patients in Donafenib group, mostly was grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ, no grade Ⅳ or Ⅴ AEs were found. The median PFS was significantly longer in Donafenib group than that in placebo group (13.23 vs 4.03 months; χ2=9.68, P=0.002), and the median OS was 55.00 and 24.30 months respectively ( χ2=2.07, P=0.150). Metastasis to less common sites was the independent risk factor for OS (hazard ratio ( HR)=6.789, 95% CI: 1.272-36.246, P=0.025). Conclusions:Donafenib shows good clinical application in the treatment of RAIR-DTC, demonstrating good safety and efficacy. Metastasis to less common sites is closely related to OS.

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of supplementing early rehabilitation with local vibration therapy in the prevention and treatment of ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW).Methods:Ninety-six critically ill patients were randomly divided into a control group, a rehabilitation group, and a combination group, each of 32. All received routine treatment and care, but the rehabilitation group and the combination group received earlier rehabilitation and the combination group early rehabilitation + local vibration therapy. Before and after 2 weeks of the treatments, the incidence of ICU-AW was recorded, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE-II) scoring was performed and ultrasound was used to detect the rehabilitation effect. The incidence of adverse events was also recorded.Results:The incidence of ICU-AW was significantly lower in the combination group than among the rehabilitation group, while that of the rehabilitation group was significantly lower than among the control group. The APACHE II scores showed the same progression. The thickness, cross-sectional area, muscle echo, and diaphragm thickness and activity of the rectus femoris, rectus abdominis, and biceps brachii muscles in the combination group were, on average, significantly better than among the rehabilitation group, but with the rehabilitation group′s results significantly better than among the control group. The average mechanical ventilation time and ICU stay of patients in the combination group were significantly shorter than the rehabilitation group′s averages, which in turn were significantly shorter than those of the control group. The combination group′s average Barthel Index after the experiment was significantly higher than that of the rehabilitation group, which was in turn significantly higher than the control group′s average. The incidence of adverse events in the combination group was significantly lower than in the rehabilitation group, with that of the latter significantly lower than among the control group.Conclusions:Combining local vibration therapy with early rehabilitation is beneficial for the safe prevention and treatment of ICU-AW.

BACKGROUND: While emotional distress, encompassing anxiety and depression, has been associated with negative clinical outcomes, its impact across various clinical departments and general hospitals has been less explored. Previous studies with limited sample sizes have examined the effectiveness of specific treatments (e.g., antidepressants) rather than a systemic management strategy for outcome improvement in non-psychiatric inpatients. To enhance the understanding of the importance of addressing mental health care needs among non-psychiatric patients in general hospitals, this study retrospectively investigated the impacts of emotional distress and the effects of early detection and management of depression and anxiety on hospital length of stay (LOS) and rate of long LOS (LLOS, i.e., LOS >30 days) in a large sample of non-psychiatric inpatients. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 487,871 inpatients from 20 non-psychiatric departments of a general hospital. They were divided, according to whether they underwent a novel strategy to manage emotional distress which deployed the Huaxi Emotional Distress Index (HEI) for brief screening with grading psychological services (BS-GPS), into BS-GPS ( n = 178,883) and non-BS-GPS ( n = 308,988) cohorts. The LOS and rate of LLOS between the BS-GPS and non-BS-GPS cohorts and between subcohorts with and without clinically significant anxiety and/or depression (CSAD, i.e., HEI score ≥11 on admission to the hospital) in the BS-GPS cohort were compared using univariable analyses, multilevel analyses, and/or propensity score-matched analyses, respectively. RESULTS: The detection rate of CSAD in the BS-GPS cohort varied from 2.64% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.49%-2.81%) to 20.50% (95% CI: 19.43%-21.62%) across the 20 departments, with a average rate of 5.36%. Significant differences were observed in both the LOS and LLOS rates between the subcohorts with CSAD (12.7 days, 535/9590) and without CSAD (9.5 days, 3800/169,293) and between the BS-GPS (9.6 days, 4335/178,883) and non-BS-GPS (10.8 days, 11,483/308,988) cohorts. These differences remained significant after controlling for confounders using propensity score-matched comparisons. A multilevel analysis indicated that BS-GPS was negatively associated with both LOS and LLOS after controlling for sociodemographics and the departments of patient discharge and remained negatively associated with LLOS after controlling additionally for the year of patient discharge. CONCLUSION Emotional distress significantly prolonged the LOS and increased the LLOS of non-psychiatric inpatients across most departments and general hospitals. These impacts were moderated by the implementation of BS-GPS. Thus, BS-GPS has the potential as an effective, resource-saving strategy for enhancing mental health care and optimizing medical resources in general hospitals.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Male ; Length of Stay/statistics & numerical data* ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Psychological Distress ; Inpatients/psychology* ; Aged ; Anxiety/diagnosis* ; Depression/diagnosis*

Objective To investigate the safety and efficacy of zero-ischemia and sutureless laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using thulium laser for the treatment of localized renal cell carcinoma.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 28 patients with localized renal cell carcinoma admitted to our hospital from January 2020 to March 2023.Laparoscopic zero-ischemia suturing thulium laser partial nephrectomy was adopted.The surgical data,postoperative changes in renal function,perioperative complications,and prognosis were analyzed.Results Three patients underwent traditional partial nephrectomy immediately by blocking the renal arteries during the operation due to poor hemostasis.The remaining 25 patients successfully completed zero-ischemia and sutureless laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using thulium laser,without intraoperative blood transfusion or open surgery.The surgical time ranged from 85 to 135 min,with an average of(108.4±14.7)min,the estimated blood loss was 50-250 ml,with an average of(117.7±51.7)ml.The drainage tube was removed 4-7 days postoperative,with an average of(5.6±0.9)days.The postoperative hospital day was 6～10 days,with an average of(7.7±0.9)days.There were no severe complications such as urinary fistula or secondary bleeding occurred.Preoperative serum creatinine was 60.4-116.0 μmol/L,with an average of(74.0±20.5)μmol/L.One week after the operation,the creatinine was 58.6-120.8 μmol/L,with an average of(73.5±21.8)μmol/L,which was not significant compared with that before surgery(P＞0.05).Postoperative pathology revealed 23 cases of clear cell renal cell carcinoma,4 cases of papillary renal cell carcinoma,and 1 case of chromophobe cell carcinoma.All cases was shown negative margins and there was no recurrence or metastasis during a follow-up period of 12 to 24 months.Conclusion Zero-ischemia and sutureless laparoscopic partial nephrectomy using thulium laser can better preserve kidney function without ischemia reperfusion injury.It is a safe and feasible surgical option for patients with localized renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND:The lower-limb muscle strength shows a significant physiological decline with aging.There may be a certain correlation between sedentary behavior,fear of falling,age and lower-limb muscle strength,but the influence path and effect relationship among them are not yet clear.OBJECTIVE:To examine the relationship between sedentary behavior and lower-limb muscle strength,and to explore the influences of fear of falling and age in such an association among community-dwelling older adults.METHODS:This cross-sectional study recruited 331 community-dwelling older adults(aged≥60 years)in Shanghai.A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect basic information,demographic data,etc.The Short Form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was applied to measure sedentary time.Lower-limb muscle strength was assessed by the 30-second chair-stand test.Fear of falling was measured by the Chinese version of Fall Efficacy Scale-International.Descriptive statistics analysis,correlation analysis,regression-based path analysis and mediation analyses were performed on the data.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Valid data from 318 community-dwelling older adults[78.9%females,mean age(67.8±5.5)years old]were finally included in the analysis.There were 185 with sedentary time≥3 hours and 133 with sedentary time<3 hours.(1)There was a positive correlation between sedentary behavior and fear of falling(P<0.01),and there were negative correlations between lower-limb muscle strength and sedentary behavior(P<0.01)and between lower-limb muscle strength and fear of falling(P<0.001).(2)Sedentary behavior negatively predicted lower-limb muscle strength(β=-0.125,P<0.05),and positively predicted fear of falling(β=0.182,P<0.01).Fear of falling negatively predicted lower-limb muscle strength(β=-0.293,P<0.001).(3)Fear of falling mediated the relationship between sedentary behavior and lower-limb muscle strength(β=-0.053,95%confidence interval:-0.100 to-0.018).(4)Sedentary behavior had a statistically significant predictive effect on fear of falling(β=0.164,P<0.01),indicating that age moderates the effect of sedentary behavior on fear of falling.

Objective To investigate the effects and mechanisms of combined prescriptions of essential oils from five traditional Chinese medicinal herbs,namely peppermint,turmeric,ginger,Tibetan fennel,and cumin,on symptoms related to functional abdominal pain syndrome(FAPS).Methods Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)was employed to analyze the chemical constituents of five essential oils,while network pharmacology was utilized to predict the key targets and signaling pathways associated with these essential oils in alleviating functional abdominal pain syndrome.A formula design methodology centered on these core targets and signaling pathways was developed for creating new prescriptions.Molecular docking technology was conducted to predict its the underlying mechanisms.Subsequently,animal experiments were performed to assess pharmacological activity,including hot plate tests and acetic acid-induced writhing assays to validate the analgesic effects of the newly formulated prescription,as well as xylene-induced ear swelling tests to evaluate its anti-inflammatory properties.The impact of the essential oil formulation on intestinal peristaltic function was examined through intestinal propulsion experiments.Additionally,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)methods were employed to measure levels of serotonin(5-HT),prostaglandin E2(PGE2),and gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)in brain tissue.Western blot analysis was conducted to determine protein expression levels of TPH1 and SERT in the intestine,along with TPH2 and SERT in the brain.Results The main chemical components in five essential oils were identified and screened(peppermint:12,turmeric:8,ginger:14,cumin:2,fennel:6).Based on the network pharmacology analysis,four new essential oil prescriptions were successfully designed according to the complementary relationship between the five essential oils in improving functional abdominal pain syndrome at the target level,including 4 new prescription named Prescription A,B,C and D,these four prescriptions were all based on ginger and turmeric essential oils,with other essential oils serving as supplements or enhancements.The results of animal experiments showed that Prescription D could significantly reduce the writhe frequency of mice(P<0.05),all the four groups could significantly prolong the pain threshold of mice(P<0.05),and Prescription C had a significant effect on reducing the degree of ear swelling(P<0.05).The prescription of essential oil did not significantly affect the function of peristalsis and the speed of propulsion.The levels of 5-HT and PGE2 in the brain tissue were significantly inhibited(P<0.05),and the level of GABA was significantly increased(P<0.05).Prescription C could reduce the expression of TPH1 in the intestinal tissue(P<0.05),Prescription A,C and D could reduce the expression of TPH2,and all groups had a tendency to increase the expression of SERT in the brain tissue.Conclusion In summary,the therapeutic effects of the four novel prescriptions composed of the five essential oils demonstrated potential in improving symptoms related to FAPS,the mechanism might be through modulating abnormalities in the brain-gut axis system.

Postoperative acute pain can significantly hinder early postoperative recovery if inadequately managed,and may even progress to chronic postsurgical pain(CPSP).The current clinical practice primarily relies on multimodal analgesia strategies,with intravenous opioids being the cornerstone.Although effective in alleviating postoperative pain,the associated adverse effects of opioids have limited their widespread use.In recent years,with the development of integrative medicine combining Western and traditional Chinese medicine,numerous studies have demonstrated that incorporating transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS)into multimodal analgesia protocols confers significant benefits for postoperative pain management.TEAS not only reduces postoperative pain and opioid consumption but also mitigates opioid-related side effects,thereby facilitating patient recovery.This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the analgesic mechanisms of TEAS,its application within multimodal analgesia for postoperative pain,and its potential to serve as a valuable reference for clinicians seeking to optimize postoperative pain management strategies.

OBJECTIVE To study the therapeutic effect of Hongqi Shenmai Drink on heart failure(HF)after acute myocardial in-farction(AMI)with qi-yin deficiency and blood stasis,and its regulatory effect on serum secretory phosphoprotein 1(SPP1)in AMI-HF patients.METHODS Seventy-six patients with AMI-HF of qi-yin deficiency and blood stasis type were enrolled in this study from three centers:Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine,Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine;Hangzhou Xiaoshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine;and Changzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine.They were randomly di-vided into a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)group and a control group,with 38 patients in each group.During the treatment period,4 patients in the TCM group and 3 patients in the control group dropped out.The control group received conventional Guideline-directed medical therapy(GDMT),while the TCM group received GDMT plus Hongqi Shenmai Drink.The treatment course for both groups was 12 weeks.The TCM syndrome scores of the two groups of patients were compared before and after treatment,and the clini-cal efficacy and readmission rate were assessed.Echocardiography was used to assess cardiac structure and function.ELISA was used to detect changes in serum SPP1,N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),type Ⅰ collagen α1(COL1α1),and matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP9)levels.The 6-minute walk test(6MWT)was used to assess exercise tolerance,and the Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire(MLHFQ)was used to assess patients'quality of life.Adverse reactions were monitored in both groups during treatment.RESULTS After treatment,the TCM syndrome scores of both groups decreased signifi-cantly(P<0.01),with the TCM group showing a significantly lower score than the control group(P<0.01).The total effective rate of TCM clinical efficacy in the TCM group was superior to that in the control group(P<0.05),and the readmission rate in the TCM group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.01).Left ventricular end diastolic diameter(LVEDD),left ventricular end-systolic diameter(LVESD),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),6MWT,and MLHFQ scores improved in both groups(P<0.01),with the TCM group showing superior improvement compared to the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Serum levels of NT-proBNP,IL-1β,COL1α1,and MMP9 decreased in both groups(P<0.05,P<0.01).Serum SPP1 levels were significantly decreased in the TCM group(P<0.01),and serum levels of NT-proBNP,IL-1β,COL1α1,and MMP9 in the TCM group were significantly lower than those in the con-trol group(P<0.01).The change in SPP1(ΔSPP1)showed a negative correlation with the change in the cardiac function ΔLVEF(r=-0.42,P<0.01),and a positive correlation with the myocardial fibrosis marker ΔCOL1α1(r=0.58,P<0.01)and the matrix degradation marker ΔMMP9(r=0.51,P<0.01).There was no significant difference in adverse reaction rates between the two groups during treat-ment(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Hongqi Shenmai Drink combined with GDMT can effectively improve clinical symptoms and cardiac function in patients with AMI-HF of qi-yin deficiency and blood stasis type,with good safety.Its mechanism may be related to the in-hibition of SPP1-mediated inflammation-fibrosis pathway and the downregulation of IL-1β,COL1α1,and MMP9 expression.