BACKGROUND: Preclinical studies have indicated that Angong Niuhuang Pills (ANP) reduce cerebral infarct and edema volumes. This study aimed to investigate whether ANP safely reduces cerebral infarct and edema volumes in patients with moderate to severe acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial included patients with acute ischemic stroke with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores ranging from 10 to 20 in 17 centers in China between April 2021 and July 2022. Patients were allocated within 36 h after onset via block randomization to receive ANP or placebo (3 g/day for 5 days). The primary outcomes were changes in cerebral infarct and edema volumes after 14 days of treatment. The primary safety outcome was severe adverse events (SAEs) for 90 days. RESULTS: There were 57 and 60 patients finally included in the ANP and placebo groups, respectively for modified intention-to-treat analysis. The median age was 66.0 years, and the median NIHSS score at baseline was 12.0. The changes in cerebral infarct volume at day 14 were 0.3 mL and 0.4 mL in the ANP and placebo groups, respectively (median difference: -7.1 mL; interquartile range [IQR]: -18.3 to 2.3 mL, P = 0.30). The changes in cerebral edema volume of the ANP and placebo groups on day 14 were 11.4 mL and 4.0 mL, respectively ( median difference: 3.0 mL, IQR: -1.3 to 9.9 mL, P = 0.15). The rates of SAE within 90 days were similar in the ANP (3/57, 5%) and placebo (7/60, 12%) groups ( P = 0.36). Changes in serum mercury and arsenic concentrations were comparable. In patients with large artery atherosclerosis, ANP reduced the cerebral infarct volume at 14 days (median difference: -12.3 mL; IQR: -27.7 to -0.3 mL, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: ANP showed a similar safety profile to placebo and non-significant tendency to reduce cerebral infarct volume in patients with moderate-to-severe stroke. Further studies are warranted to assess the efficacy of ANP in reducing cerebral infarcts and improving clinical prognosis. TRAIL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov , No. NCT04475328.
Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Double-Blind Method ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Ischemic Stroke/drug therapy* ; Pilot Projects ; Stroke/drug therapy* ; Treatment Outcome

Homo- or heterodimeric compounds that affect dimeric protein function through interaction between monomeric moieties and protein subunits can serve as valuable sources of potent and selective drug candidates. Here, we screened an in-house dimeric natural product collection, and panepocyclinol A (PecA) emerged as a selective and potent STAT3 inhibitor with profound anti-tumor efficacy. Through cross-linking C712/C718 residues in separate STAT3 monomers with two distinct Michael receptors, PecA inhibits STAT3 DNA binding affinity and transcription activity. Molecular dynamics simulation reveals the key conformation changes of STAT3 dimers upon the di-covalent binding with PecA that abolishes its DNA interactions. Furthermore, PecA exhibits high efficacy against anaplastic large T cell lymphoma in vitro and in vivo, especially those with constitutively activated STAT3 or STAT3^Y640F. In summary, our study describes a distinct and effective di-covalent modification for the dimeric compound PecA to disrupt STAT3 function.

Objective: To investigate the current status and influencing factors of quality of life among HIV/AIDS cases, so as to provide the basis for improving HIV/AIDS cases quality of life. Methods: From March to July 2024, HIV/AIDS cases under follow-up management at various community health service centers in Jinshan District, Shanghai Municipality, were selected as the survey subjects using a convenience sampling method. Demographic information and receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) were collected through questionnaire surveys. Quality of life was assessed using the Chinese version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire for HIV brief version. A multiple linear regression model was employed to analyze the factors affecting quality of life. Results: A total of 179 HIV/AIDS cases were investigated, including 150 males (83.80%) and 29 females (16.20%), with a mean age of (47.00±12.90) years. The subjective self-evaluation score for the quality of life among HIV/AIDS cases was (13.87±2.84) points. The scores in the domains of physical, psychological, independence, social relationship, environment, and spiritual support/religion/personal beliefs were (14.77±2.64) (13.57±2.04) (13.86±2.04) (12.99±2.26) (13.58±1.98) (14.59±3.05) points, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed statistically significant associations (all P<0.05) between the following factors and quality of life domain scores: educational level (college degree or above, β' =0.162) and receiving ART (β' =-0.197) were associated with the subjective self-evaluation domain score; educational level (college degree or above, β' =0.186) and receiving ART (β' =-0.299) were associated with physical domain score; receiving ART (β' =-0.263) and symptoms related to sexually transmitted diseases (β' =-0.243) were associated with psychological domain score; occupation (retirees, β' =-0.191) and symptoms related to sexually transmitted diseases (β' =-0.220) were correlated with the independence domain score; annual household income per capita (≥30 000 yuan, β' =0.281) and receiving ART (β' =-0.299) were correlated with the social relationship domain score; educational level (college degree or above, β' =0.206) and receiving ART (β' =-0.285) were correlated with the environment domain score; and receiving ART (β' =-0.492) and duration since HIV confirmation (3 to <6 years, β' =0.233; ≥6 years, β' =0.161) were correlated with the spiritual support/religion/personal beliefs domain score. Conclusions The overall quality of life among HIV/AIDS cases in Jinshan District is relatively good, but the domains of psychological, independence, and social relationship were still room for improvement. It is mainly influenced by factors such as occupation, educational level, annual household income per capita, receiving ART, symptoms related to sexually transmitted diseases, and duration since HIV confirmation.

Objective To compare the clinical effect of left atrial appendage(LAA)plus atrial septal defect(ASD)closure therapy and ASD closure therapy in treating ASD associated with atrial fibrillation(AF).Methods A total of 102 patients with ASD complicated by non-valvular AF,who were admitted to the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command of China from January 2016 to December 2023,were enrolled in this study.Of the 102 patients,simultaneous one-stop interventional transcatheter LAA plus ASD closure was performed in 52(LAA+ASD closure group)and ASD closure was performed in 50.(ASD closure group).The perioperative and postoperative 30 d,90 d,180 d clinical safety and efficacy were compared between the two groups.Telephone follow-up was conducted,the complications such as embolization and bleeding were recorded,and the medium-to-long-term follow-up results were compared between the two groups.Results The immediate surgical success rate in both groups was 100％.The immediate postoperative monitoring showed that the occlusion effect was satisfactory.In LAA plus ASD closure group,LACBES LAA occluder was used in 27 patients and LAmbre LAA occluder was adopted in 25.There were no statistically significant differences in the patients' baseline characteristics between the two groups(all P＞0.05).In the LAA+ASD closure group,3 patients developed cardiac tamponade,among them 2 patients were cured after pericardiocentesis drainage and one patient was referred to the surgery department to receive occluder removal and intracardiac repair.Medium-to-long-term follow-up was conducted in 101 patients with a median follow-up period of 37.6 months.The incidence of embolic events in the LAA+ASD closure group was lower than that in the ASD closure group(3.9％vs.18.0％,P=0.028).The incidence of bleeding events in the ASD closure group was higher than that in the LAA+ASD closure group(16.00％vs.1.96％,P=0.016).Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that the risk of occurring embolic events and bleeding events in the LAA+ASD closure group was strikingly lower than that in the ASD closure group(HR=4.295 and 7.888 respectively,95％CI:1.317-14.010 and 2.135-29.140 respectively,P=0.040 9 and P=0.020 8 respectively).Conclusion Simultaneous interventional transcatheter LAA plus ASD closure can effectively prevent embolic events such as stroke,etc.in patients with ASD complicated by AF,and its bleeding risk is lower than simple ASD closure.

Objective To make an investigation on the current situation of the general surgical nurse's knowledge-attitude-practice for mechanical prevention of venous thromboembolism(VTE),and to analyze its influencing factors,so as to provide scientific basis for improving the mechanical prevention care work of VTE.Methods Using convenience sampling method,from April 2023 to May 2023 a total of 508 general surgery nurses from 28 provinces,municipalities and autonomous regions were selected as the study subjects.A VTE mechanical prevention knowledge-attitude-practice questionnaire designed based on expert consensus was used to conduct the questionnaire survey.Linear regression analysis was used to determine the related factors affecting the knowledge-attitude-practice level of mechanical prevention care work of VTE in general surgery nurses.Results Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the sub-specialty of vascular surgery(P＜0.001)and the frequency of VTE mechanical prevention theory training in hospital(P=0.023)were the factors influencing VTE mechanical prevention knowledge dimension score of general surgery nurses;the sub-specialty of vascular surgery(P=0.033)was the factor influencing attitude dimension score;the sub-specialty of vascular surgery(P＜0.001)and the frequency of VTE mechanical prevention theory training in hospital(P=0.043)were the factors influencing practice dimension score.Conclusion General surgery nurses have a high level of attitude and practice in mechanical prevention of VTE for hospitalized patients,but their knowledge reserve is relatively insufficient.Therefore,the study of VTE-related knowledge and vascular surgery specialty should be strengthened,meanwhile,the frequency of VTE mechanical prevention training at the hospital and department level should be increased.

Objective To assess the clinical value of a novel surgical technique—Tubeless subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with percutaneous suspension technique via balance-shaped sternal elevation device in the resection of anterior mediastinal masses. Methods Patients who underwent tubeless subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery via balance-shaped sternal elevation device in anterior mediastinal masses process at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University from March to April 2025 were included, and their clinical data were analyzed. Results A total of 4 patients were included, with 2 males and 2 females, aged 58-75 years. The diameter of the tumor was 2.5-3.0 cm. The operation time was 60.0-150.0 min, intraoperative blood loss was 5-10 mL, pain score on the 3rd day after surgery was 0 points, and postoperative hospital stay was 2-3 days. All patients achieved complete resection of the masses and thymus without perioperative complications. Conclusion The tubeless subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with percutaneous suspension technique via balance-shaped sternal elevation device technique optimizes surgical visualization and instrument maneuverability while avoiding complications related to conventional anesthesia and tubing, thereby markedly enhancing the minimally invasive profile of anterior mediastinal masses resections. In addition to maintaining procedural safety, this approach effectively reduces postoperative pain and accelerates patient recovery, highlighting its potential for widespread clinical adoption.

Objective:To explore the predictors and reasons for restenosis in patients with Takayasu′s arteritis(TA) involved renal artery after plain old balloon angioplasty(POBA).Methods:The clinical data of 47 TA patients (47) with renal artery admitted to Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2014 to December 2020 were analyzed, including 12 man and 35 female. The age ranged from 21 to 43 years old, with an average of (28.52±10.78) years old. All patient were diagnosed as TA and underwent POBA. The patients were divided into restenosis group ( n=18) and non-restenosis group ( n=29). The patients were followed up at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery, and after 6 months, the patients were followed up every 6 months. All patients were followed up from 36 to 108 months.The basic clinical data of the two groups were compared, and the length of stent and residual stenosis were also compared. Measurement data were expressed as ( ± s), and t-test was used for comparison between groups. Counting data were expressed as the number of cases and percentage, and comparison between groups was analyzed using the chi-square test. Multivariate Logistic regression model was used to analyze the independent risk factors of restenosis after balloon dilation, and the OR value and 95% confidence interval were calculated. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the independent risk factors for restenosis after balloon dilation. Results:All patients received POBA and operation was successfully. Restenosis was found in 18 patients, and 29 patients remained normal during the follow-up. The primary patency rate was 61.7%. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that HDL-C and lesion length were the influencing factors of restenosis after POBA in TA of renal artery. The serum HDL-C level was significantly lower and the lesion was significantly longer in restenosis group than in non-restenosis group ( P<0.05). The proportion of residual stenosis>20% was higher in restenosis group than in non-restenosis group ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Serum HDL-C level, lesion length may be may be independent influencing factors of restenosis after plain old balloon angioplasty in TA of the renal artery restenosis.

OBJECTIVE To study the pharmacological substance basis of Shaoyao gancao decoction for relieving acute and chronic pain. METHODS The antispasmodic effect of Shaoyao gancao decoction， ethyl acetate extract of Shaoyao gancao decoction and its effluent part of macroporous resin and 90% ethanol elution part of macroporous resin （the concentration of 4 drugs was 13.44 g/mL according to crude drug） was observed by in vitro small intestine tension test in rats. The acetic acid writhing test was conducted in mice to evaluate the analgesic effects of macroporous resin efflux site and macroporous resin 90% ethanol elution site （the dosage of 2.4 g/kg according to crude drug）. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-1β （IL- 1β）， prostaglandin E2 （PGE2） and cyclooxygenase-2 （COX-2） in serum of mice were detected. The serum prototype and metabolites of mice after intragastric administration of macroporous resin 90% ethanol elution site were identified by high performance liquid chromatogre-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. RESULTS In vitro experiment showed that 90% ethanol eluting part of macroporous resin represented the best antispasmodic effect， and the inhibitory rate of small intestine tension was significantly higher than macroporous resin efflux site of Shaoyao gancao decoction （P＜0.05） without statistical significance， compared with Shaoyao gancao decoction （P＞0.05）. In the acetic acid writhing experiment， compared with model group， the writhing times of mice in the macroporous resin 90% ethanol elution part group were reduced significantly （P＜0.05）， the writhing latency was prolonged significantly （P＜0.05）， and the levels of COX-2， IL-1β， PGE2 and TNF-α in serum were decreased significantly （P＜0.05）. Ten kinds of protoproducts including paeoniflorin and glycyrrhizic acid were identified from serum of mice， and twenty-two kinds of metabolites including hydroxylated glycyrrhizin and glucosylated liquiritin were identified. CONCLUSIONS The effective part of Shaoyao gancao decoction for relieving acute and chronic pain is 90% ethanol elution part prepared by macroporous resin from the ethyl acetate extract. Ten components， including glycyrrhetinic acid and paeoniflorin， may be the basis of its pharmacological substances.

177Lu-prostate specific membrane antigen(PSMA)radio-ligand therapy has been approved abroad for advanced prostate cancer and has been in several clinical trials in China.Based on domestic clinical practice and experimental data and referred to international experience and viewpoints,the expert group forms a consensus on the clinical application of 177Lu-PSMA radio-ligand therapy in prostate cancer to guide clinical practice.

Objective:To analyze the incidence trend and epidemiological characteristics of typhoid fever in Fujian Province from 2011 to 2022, and understand the high-incidence population and hotspot areas, and provide evidences to develop more targeted prevention and control measures.Methods:The surveillance data of typhoid fever during 2011-2022 in Fujian Province were obtained from the National Disease Reporting Information System and analyzed with SAS 9.4. The spatial autocorrelation analysis of typhoid fever incidence at county/district levels was performed with ArcGlS 10.8.Results:A total of 5 126 cases of typhoid fever were reported in Fujian Province from 2011 to 2022, with an average annual incidence rate of 1.10/100 000. The average annual incidence rate was 0.96/100 000 from 2011 to 2015, 1.49/100 000 from 2016 to 2019, and 0.81/100 000 from 2020 to 2022. The disease occurred all the year round, with high epidemic season from May to September. A total of 23.59% (1 209/5 126) of the cases occurred at the age of 0-4, and 9.62% (493/5 126) at the age of 5-9. The male to female ratio of the cases was 0.97∶1 (2 524∶2 602) for the whole population, 1.19∶1 (925∶777) for people under 10 years old, 0.75∶1 (1 060∶1 404) for people between 10 and 54 years old, and 1.28∶1 (539∶421) for people over 55 years old. Cases in Ningde City accounted for 30.65% (1 571/5 126) of the total cases. Most hotspots were occurred in Ningde City. Recurrent and clustered cases were found in family members.Conclusions:Typhoid fever was prevalent at a low level in Fujian Province during 2011-2022, indicating that strengthening the prevention and control measures should target key areas and populations. The incidence of typhoid fever in Fujian Province showed spatial aggregation phenomenon, and most cases gathered in Ningde City. Intensive study for the influencing factors of spatial clustering should be conducted.