The prescription Mahuang Shengmatang in the Treatise on Cold Damage （《伤寒论》） has sparked considerable debate among medical practitioners throughout history， with varying opinions on its indications， pathogenesis described in the text， principle of compatibility， and clinical applications. Both ancient and modern interpreters of Mahuang Shengmatang often focus on herbal compatibility as a primary approach to deduce the pathogenesis and treatment methods. Building upon this foundation， this paper utilizes herbal dosage as a clue to discern the primary and secondary herbs in the prescription. It further analyzes the principle of compatibility based on herbal indications， summarizing the indications and therapeutic principles of this prescription. Ultimately， it reveals the underlying pathogenesis reflected in the text. The internal closure of heat and toxin leads to the stagnation of Qi， preventing Yang Qi from reaching the extremities and causing cold hands and feet. When the pathogenic Qi finds no outlet， it floods both the upper and lower regions of the body， attacking the throat and causing cough with expectoration of pus and blood， and descending to the large intestine to consume Yin fluids， resulting in persistent diarrhea. Based on this pathogenesis， the paper expands the scope of symptoms and signs associated with the prescription， providing a more detailed portrayal of the applicable patient population and enhancing the basis for clinical prescription references. Additionally， the paper presents considerations on several controversial topics， suggesting that the "lower pulse" described in the text refers to the lower limb arterial pulsation， and the symptoms and signs resemble those of septic shock in modern medicine. Therefore， Mahuang Shengmatang should be categorized as a prescription for treating warm diseases and it is not developed by ZHANG Zhongjing. By employing a detailed discussion on the syndrome， pathogenesis， and clinical application in the texts of Mahuang Shengmatang from the dosage， principle of compatibility， and herbal indications， this paper not only enriches the theoretical foundation of Mahuang Shengmatang but also provides a comprehensive perspective and fresh ideas for understanding its clinical application.

Objective To compare the mid- and long-term clinical results of mitral valve plasty (MVP) and mitral valve replacement (MVR) in the treatment of functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). Methods Patients with FMR who underwent surgical treatment in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command from 2012 to 2021 were collected. The patients who underwent MVP were divided into a MVP group, and those who underwent MVR into a MVR group. The clinical data and mid-term follow-up efficacy of two groups were compared. Results Finally 236 patients were included. There were 100 patients in the MVP group, including 53 males and 47 females, with an average age of (61.80±8.03) years. There were 136 patients in the MVR group, including 72 males and 64 females, with an average age of (61.29±8.97) years. There was no statistical difference in baseline data between the two groups (P＞0.05). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in the extracorporeal circulation time, aortic occlusion time, postoperative hospital and ICU stay, intraoperative blood loss, or hospitalization death (P＞0.05), but the time of mechanical ventilation in the MVP group was significantly shorter than that in the MVR group (P=0.022). The total follow-up rate was 100.0%, the longest follow-up was 10 years, and the average follow-up time was (3.60±2.55) years. There were statistical differences in the left atrial diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter and cardiac function between the two groups compared with those before surgery (P<0.05). The postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction in the MVP group was statistically higher than that before surgery (P=0.002), but there was no statistical difference in the MVR group before and after surgery (P=0.658). The left atrial diameter in the MVP group was reduced compared with the MVR group (P=0.026). The recurrence rate of mitral regurgitation in the MVP group was higher than that in the MVR group, and the difference was statistically significant (10.0% vs. 1.5%, P=0.003). There were 14 deaths in the MVP group and 19 in the MVR group. The cumulative survival rate (P=0.605) and cardiovascular events-free survival rate (P=0.875) were not statistically significant between the two groups by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Conclusion The safety, and mid- and long-term clinical efficacy of MVP in the treatment of FMR patients are better than MVR, and the left atrial and left ventricular diameters are statistically reduced, and cardiac function is statistically improved. However, the surgeon needs to be well aware of the indications for the MVP procedure to reduce the rate of mitral regurgitation recurrence.

Background: In Malaysia, occupational allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is often under-reported. This case report describes a chemical engineer who developed possible ACD, likely due to workplace allergen exposure.Case presentation: He presented with a 4-month history of intensely itchy rashes on both hands, which improved during work breaks. A dermatological examination revealed lichenified, pruritic papules with well-defined borders on the palmar surfaces of both hands. A skin patch test identified reactions to five allergens, including ‘fragrance mix,’ ‘methyldibromo glutaronitrile,’ ‘clioquinol,’ ‘epoxy resin,’ and ‘textile dye mix.’ However, among these, only ‘bisphenol A diglycidyl ether,’ a component of ‘epoxy resin,’ was listed in the safety data sheet as a confirmed occupational exposure. In accordance with local regulations, this case was reported as ‘occupational dermatitis’ to the Department of Occupational Safety and Health. The patient was prescribed symptomatic topical treatments, including emollients and topical corticosteroids. Additionally, he was advised to switch to hypoallergenic products. On follow-up, his chronic inflammatory skin lesions showed improvement. Conclusions Thorough occupational history-taking and patch testing are essential for diagnosing ACD. Personalized health education and regular follow-ups, is crucial in monitoring lesion resolution and evaluating the effectiveness of preventive measures in workplace settings.

Objective: Patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis are assessed for coronary artery disease (CAD) prior to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with treatment implications. Invasive coronary angiography (ICA) is the recommended modality but is associated with peri-procedural complications. Integrating machine learning (ML)-based computed tomography-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) into existing TAVI-planning CT protocol may aid exclusion of significant CAD and thus avoiding ICA in selected patients. Materials and Methods: A single-center, retrospective study was conducted, 41 TAVI candidates with both TAVI-planning CT and ICA performed were analyzed. CT datasets were evaluated by a ML-based CT-FFR software. Beta-blocker and nitroglycerin were not administered in these patients. The primary outcome was to identify significant CAD. The diagnostic performance of CT-FFR was compared against ICA. Results: On per-patient level, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and diagnostic accuracy were 89%, 94%, 80%, 97% and 93%, respectively. On per-vessel level, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and diagnostic accuracy were 75%, 94%, 67%, 96% and 92%, respectively. The area under the receiver operative characteristics curve per individual coronary vessels yielded overall 0.90 (95% confidence interval 85%–95%). ICA may be avoided in up to 80% of patients if CT-FFR results were negative. Conclusion ML-based CT-FFR can provide accurate screening capabilities for significant CAD thus avoiding ICA. Its integration to existing TAVI-planning CT is feasible with the potential of improving the safety and efficiency of pre-TAVI CAD assessment.

Background: In Malaysia, occupational allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is often under-reported. This case report describes a chemical engineer who developed possible ACD, likely due to workplace allergen exposure.Case presentation: He presented with a 4-month history of intensely itchy rashes on both hands, which improved during work breaks. A dermatological examination revealed lichenified, pruritic papules with well-defined borders on the palmar surfaces of both hands. A skin patch test identified reactions to five allergens, including ‘fragrance mix,’ ‘methyldibromo glutaronitrile,’ ‘clioquinol,’ ‘epoxy resin,’ and ‘textile dye mix.’ However, among these, only ‘bisphenol A diglycidyl ether,’ a component of ‘epoxy resin,’ was listed in the safety data sheet as a confirmed occupational exposure. In accordance with local regulations, this case was reported as ‘occupational dermatitis’ to the Department of Occupational Safety and Health. The patient was prescribed symptomatic topical treatments, including emollients and topical corticosteroids. Additionally, he was advised to switch to hypoallergenic products. On follow-up, his chronic inflammatory skin lesions showed improvement. Conclusions Thorough occupational history-taking and patch testing are essential for diagnosing ACD. Personalized health education and regular follow-ups, is crucial in monitoring lesion resolution and evaluating the effectiveness of preventive measures in workplace settings.

Background: In Malaysia, occupational allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is often under-reported. This case report describes a chemical engineer who developed possible ACD, likely due to workplace allergen exposure.Case presentation: He presented with a 4-month history of intensely itchy rashes on both hands, which improved during work breaks. A dermatological examination revealed lichenified, pruritic papules with well-defined borders on the palmar surfaces of both hands. A skin patch test identified reactions to five allergens, including ‘fragrance mix,’ ‘methyldibromo glutaronitrile,’ ‘clioquinol,’ ‘epoxy resin,’ and ‘textile dye mix.’ However, among these, only ‘bisphenol A diglycidyl ether,’ a component of ‘epoxy resin,’ was listed in the safety data sheet as a confirmed occupational exposure. In accordance with local regulations, this case was reported as ‘occupational dermatitis’ to the Department of Occupational Safety and Health. The patient was prescribed symptomatic topical treatments, including emollients and topical corticosteroids. Additionally, he was advised to switch to hypoallergenic products. On follow-up, his chronic inflammatory skin lesions showed improvement. Conclusions Thorough occupational history-taking and patch testing are essential for diagnosing ACD. Personalized health education and regular follow-ups, is crucial in monitoring lesion resolution and evaluating the effectiveness of preventive measures in workplace settings.

Objective: To understand the association of physical exercise willingness and insomnia with depressive symptoms among college students, so as to provide reference for improving depressive symptoms of college students. Methods: From October 2022 to April 2023, cluster sampling was used to recruit 11 101 college students from four colleges in Anhui Province. The questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the willingness to engage in physical exercise, insomnia and depressive symptoms of college students. The multivariate Logistic regression model was used to analyze the association of physical exercise willingness and insomnia with depressive symptoms of college students. Results: The prevalence of depressive symptoms among college students was 9.24%. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that college students who were passive participants/non participants in physical activity, or who experienced insomnia, had a higher likelihood of depressive symptoms compared to those who were active participants or did not experience insomnia ( OR =1.84, 2.07, 4.02, all P <0.01). College students who were passive participants or non participants in physical activity and concurrently experienced insomnia had a higher risk of depressive symptoms compared with those who were active participants or did not experience insomnia ( OR =1.87-8.39, all P <0.01). Gender stratified analysis showed that the combined effect of passive physical exercise and insomnia increased the risk of depressive symptoms in both male ( OR = 1.81 -9.87) and female college students ( OR =1.67-7.39) (all P <0.05). Conclusions Both physical exercise willingness and insomnia are associated with depressive symptoms in college students. In order to improve the depressive symptoms of college students, it is necessary to improve the enthusiasm of physical exercise and strengthen the education of sleep health awareness.

BACKGROUND: The available evidence regarding the benefits of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on patients receiving dialysis with coronary artery disease (CAD) is limited and inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the association between PCI and clinical outcomes as compared with medical therapy alone in patients undergoing dialysis with CAD in China. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective study was conducted in 30 tertiary medical centers across 12 provinces in China from January 2015 to June 2021 to include patients on dialysis with CAD. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal stroke. Secondary outcomes included all-cause death, the individual components of MACE, and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium criteria types 2, 3, or 5 bleeding. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association between PCI and outcomes. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and propensity score matching (PSM) were performed to account for potential between-group differences. RESULTS: Of the 1146 patients on dialysis with significant CAD, 821 (71.6%) underwent PCI. After a median follow-up of 23.0 months, PCI was associated with a 43.0% significantly lower risk for MACE (33.9% [ n  = 278] vs . 43.7% [ n  = 142]; adjusted hazards ratio 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.45-0.71), along with a slightly increased risk for bleeding outcomes that did not reach statistical significance (11.1% vs . 8.3%; adjusted hazards ratio 1.31, 95% confidence interval, 0.82-2.11). Furthermore, PCI was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause and cardiovascular mortalities. Subgroup analysis did not modify the association of PCI with patient outcomes. These primary findings were consistent across IPTW, PSM, and competing risk analyses. CONCLUSION This study indicated that PCI in patients on dialysis with CAD was significantly associated with lower MACE and mortality when comparing with those with medical therapy alone, albeit with a slightly increased risk for bleeding events that did not reach statistical significance.
Humans ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention/methods* ; Male ; Female ; Coronary Artery Disease/drug therapy* ; Retrospective Studies ; Renal Dialysis/methods* ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; China ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Treatment Outcome

This study aims to explore whether Naoxintong Capsules improve multiple cerebral infarctions and myocardial injury via promoting angiogenesis, thereby exerting a simultaneous treatment effect on both the brain and heart. Male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: sham-operated group, model group, high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose groups of Naoxintong Capsules(440, 220, and 110 mg·kg~(-1)), and nimodipine group(10.8 mg·kg~(-1)). Rat models of multiple cerebral infarctions were established by injecting autologous thrombus, and samples were collected and tested seven days after modeling. Evaluations included multiple cerebral infarction model assessments, neurological function scores, grip strength tests, and rotarod tests, so as to evaluate neuromotor functions. Morphological structures of brain and heart tissue were observed using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, Nissl staining, and Masson staining. Network pharmacology was employed to screen the mechanisms of Naoxintong Capsules in improving multiple cerebral infarctions and myocardial injury. Neuronal and myocardial cell ultrastructures were observed using transmission electron microscopy. Apoptosis rate in brain neuronal cells was detected by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL) staining, and reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels in myocardial cells were measured. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1(CD31), antigen identified by monoclonal antibody Ki67(Ki67), hematopoietic progenitor cell antigen CD34(CD34), and hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α) in brain and myocardial tissue. Western blot, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) were used to detect the expression of HIF-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2(VEGFR2), sarcoma(Src), basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF), angiopoietin-1(Ang-1), and TEK receptor tyrosine kinase(Tie-2). Compared with the model group, the medium-dose group of Naoxintong Capsules showed significantly lower neurological function scores, increased grip strength, and prolonged time on the rotarod. Pathological damage in brain and heart tissue was reduced, with increased and more orderly arranged mitochondria in neurons and cardiomyocytes. Apoptosis in brain neuronal cells was decreased, and ROS levels in cardiomyocytes were reduced. The microvascular density and endothelial cells of new blood vessels in brain and heart tissue increased, with increased overlapping regions of CD31 and Ki67 expression. The relative protein and mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α, VEGF, VEGFR2, Src, Ang-1, Tie-2, and bFGF were elevated in brain tissue and myocardial tissue. Naoxintong Capsules may improve multiple cerebral infarctions and myocardial injury by mediating HIF-1α/VEGF expression to promote angiogenesis.
Animals ; Male ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Cerebral Infarction/genetics* ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics* ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/genetics* ; Capsules ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Humans ; Brain/metabolism* ; Myocardium/metabolism* ; Apoptosis/drug effects*

Ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS), network pharmacology, and animal experiments were integrated o explore the blood glucose-lowering effects and mechanisms of Poria aqueous extract. Firstly, the active components of Poria aqueous extract were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Subsequently, network pharmacology was employed to predict the blood glucose-lowering components and mechanisms of Poria aqueous extract. Finally, a rat model of diabetes mellitus, 16S rDNA sequencing, and Western blot were employed to investigate the blood glucose-lowering effect and mechanism of Poria aqueous extract. A total of 39 triterpenoids were identified in the Poria aqueous extract, among them, 25-hydroxypachymic acid, 25α-hydroxytumulosic acid, 16α-hydroxytrametenolic acid, polyporenic acid C, and tumulosic acid may be the main active ingredients for treating diabetes. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis revealed that Poria might exert its therapeutic effects through multiple pathways such as NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB) signaling pathway, and tumor necrosis factor(TNF) signaling pathway. The results of animal experiments demonstrated that Poria aqueous extract significantly reduced the levels of blood glucose and lipids and regulated the intestinal flora in diabetic rats. The main affected taxa included g＿Escherichia-Shigella, g＿Corynebacterium, g＿Prevotella＿9, g＿Prevotellaceae＿UCG-001, and g＿Bacteroidota＿unclassified. In addition, Poria aqueous extract lowered the levels of D-lactic acid and lipopolysaccharide, alleviated colonic mucosal damage, significantly down-regulated the protein levels of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3), NF-κB, and TNF-α, and significantly up-regulated the protein levels of zonula occludens 1 and occludin in diabetic rates. Poria aqueous extract may play a role in treating diabetes mellitus by repairing the intestinal flora disturbance, protecting the intestinal barrier function, and inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. The results provide a scientific basis for clinical application and expansion of indications of Poria.
Animals ; Rats ; Network Pharmacology ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Male ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Blood Glucose/drug effects* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Hypoglycemic Agents/administration & dosage* ; Poria/chemistry* ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/metabolism* ; NF-kappa B/genetics* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Humans