This study aimed to characterize and identify the non-volatile components in aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the stems and leaves of Rhododendron tomentosum by using sensitive and efficient ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) combined with a self-built information database. By comparing with reference compounds, analyzing fragment ion information, searching relevant literature, and using a self-built information database, 118 compounds were identified from the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of R. tomentosum, including 35 flavonoid glycosides, 15 phenolic glycosides, 12 flavonoids, 7 phenolic acids, 7 phenylethanol glycosides, 6 tannins, 6 phospholipids, 5 coumarins, 5 monoterpene glycosides, 6 triterpenes, 3 fatty acids, and 11 other types of compounds. Among them, 102 compounds were reported in R. tomentosum for the first time, and 36 compounds were identified by comparing them with reference compounds. The chemical components in the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of R. tomentosum leaves and stems showed slight differences, with 84 common chemical components accounting for 71.2% of the total 118 compounds. This study systematically characterized and identified the non-volatile chemical components in the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of R. tomentosum for the first time. The findings provide a reference for active ingredient research, quality control, and product development of R. tomentosum.
Rhododendron/chemistry* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Mass Spectrometry/methods* ; Plant Leaves/chemistry*

In this experiment, self-assembled nanoparticles(SANs) were prepared by the pH-driven method, and Her-HCP SAN was constructed by using herpetrione(Her) and Herpetospermum caudigerum polysaccharides(HCPs). The average particle size and polydispersity index(PDI) were used as evaluation indexes for process optimization, and the quality of the final formulation was evaluated in terms of particle size, PDI, Zeta potential, and microstructure. The proposed Her-HCP SAN showed a spheroid structure and uniform morphology, with an average particle size of(244.58±16.84) nm, a PDI of 0.147 1±0.014 8, and a Zeta potential of(-38.52±2.11) mV. Her-HCP SAN significantly increased the saturation solubility of Her by 2.69 times, with a cumulative release of 90.18% within eight hours. The results of in vivo unidirectional intestinal perfusion reveal that Her active pharmaceutical ingredient(API) is most effectively absorbed in the jejunum, where both K_a and P_(app) are significantly higher compared to the ileum(P<0.001). However, the addition of HCP leads to a significant reduction in the P_(app) of Her in the jejunum(P<0.05). Furthermore, the formation of the Her-HCP SAN results in a notably lower P_(app) in the jejunum compared to Her API alone(P<0.001), while both K_a and P_(app) in the ileum are significantly increased(P<0.001, P<0.05). The absorption of Her-HCP SAN at different concentrations in the ileum shows no significant differences, and the pH has no significant effect on the absorption of Her-HCP SAN in the ileum. The addition of the transporter protein inhibitors(indomethacin and rifampicin) significantly increases the absorption parameters K_a and P_(app) of Her-HCP SAN in the ileum(P<0.05,P<0.01), whereas the addition of verapamil has no significant effect on the intestinal absorption parameters of Her-HCP SAN, suggesting that Her may be a substrate for multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 and breast cancer resistance proteins but not a substrate of P-glycoprotein.
Nanoparticles/metabolism* ; Polysaccharides/pharmacokinetics* ; Intestinal Absorption/drug effects* ; Animals ; Rats ; Particle Size ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacokinetics* ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Drug Carriers/chemistry* ; Drug Compounding ; Cucurbitaceae/chemistry*

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between serum chloride levels and prognosis in patients with hepatic coma in the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: We analyzed 545 patients with hepatic coma in the ICU from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. Associations between serum chloride levels and 28-day and 1-year mortality rates were assessed using restricted cubic splines (RCSs), Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves, and Cox regression. Subgroup analyses, external validation, and mechanistic studies were also performed. RESULTS: A total of 545 patients were included in the study. RCS analysis revealed a U-shaped association between serum chloride levels and mortality in patients with hepatic coma. The KM curves indicated lower survival rates among patients with low chloride levels (< 103 mmol/L). Low chloride levels were independently linked to increased 28-day and 1-year all-cause mortality rates. In the multivariate models, the hazard ratio ( HR) for 28-day mortality in the low-chloride group was 1.424 (95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.041-1.949), while the adjusted hazard ratio for 1-year mortality was 1.313 (95% CI: 1.026-1.679). Subgroup analyses and external validation supported these findings. Cytological experiments suggested that low chloride levels may activate the phosphorylation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, promote the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and reduce neuronal cell viability. CONCLUSION Low serum chloride levels are independently associated with increased mortality in patients with hepatic coma.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Intensive Care Units ; Prognosis ; Chlorides/blood* ; Aged ; Coma/blood* ; Adult

PURPOSE: Lateral patellar compression syndrome (LPCS) is characterized by a persistent abnormally high stress exerted on the lateral articular surface of the patella due to lateral patellar tilt without dislocation and lateral retinaculum contracture, leading to anterior knee pain. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and prognosis of lateral retinaculum release (LRR) combined with chondroplasty in the treatment of LPCS. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated 40 patients who underwent LRR combined with chondroplasty for LPCS between 2020 and 2021. The assessment included improvement in postoperative tenderness and knee joint function. Patients were evaluated using the Lysholm, Tegner, and International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 scoring systems, as well as the visual analog scale, both preoperatively and postoperatively, with the paired comparisons analyzed using a t-test. Additionally, intraoperative observations were made regarding knee joint lesions, including cartilage damage and osteophyte formation, with analysis by the Chi-square test. RESULTS: The visual analog scale score for tenderness showed a significant decrease after surgery (p < 0.001). Evaluation of knee joint function also indicated significant improvements, as demonstrated by increased Lysholm, Tegner, and International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 scores postoperatively (p < 0.001, p = 0.011, p < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, all LPCS patients included in the study presented with cartilage injuries and osteophyte formation. Significant differences were noted in the incidence of cartilage damage and osteophyte formation at different locations within the knee among patients with LPCS. CONCLUSION LRR combined with chondroplasty is an effective surgical approach for treating patients with LPCS, with satisfactory recovery observed at the 1-year follow-up. Additionally, the incidence of cartilage damage and osteophyte formation in LPCS patients varies significantly depending on the specific location within the knee joint.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Patella/surgery* ; Knee Joint/physiopathology* ; Recovery of Function ; Young Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Cartilage, Articular/surgery* ; Adolescent

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia in the elderly. This study aimed to evaluate urban-rural disparities in its prevalence and management in elderly Chinese. METHODS: Consecutive participants aged ≥ 65 years attending outpatient clinics were enrolled for AF screening using handheld single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) from April 2017 to December 2022. Each ECG rhythm strip was reviewed from the research team. AF or uninterpretable single-lead ECGs were referred for 12-lead ECG. Primary study outcome comparison was between rural and urban areas for the prevalence of AF. The Student's t-test was used to compare mean values of clinical characteristics between rural and urban participants, while the Pearson's chi-square test was used to compare between-group proportions. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the association between AF and various patient characteristics. RESULTS: The 29,166 study participants included 13,253 men (45.4%) and had a mean age of 72.2 years. The 7073 rural participants differed significantly (P ≤ 0.02) from the 22,093 urban participants in several major characteristics, such as older age, greater body mass index, and so on. The overall prevalence of AF was 4.6% (n = 1347). AF was more prevalent in 7073 rural participants than 22,093 urban participants (5.6% vs. 4.3%, P < 0.01), before and after adjustment for age, body mass index, blood pressure, pulse rate, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and prior medical history. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified overweight/obesity (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.17-1.54) in urban areas and cigarette smoking (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.20-2.17) and alcohol consumption (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.04-1.93) in rural areas as specific risk factors for prevalent AF. In patients with known AF in urban areas (n = 781) and rural areas (n = 338), 60.6% and 45.9%, respectively, received AF treatment (P < 0.01), and only 22.4% and 17.2%, respectively, received anticoagulation therapy (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In China, there are urban-rural disparities in AF in the elderly, with a higher prevalence and worse management in rural areas than urban areas. Our study findings provide insight for health policymakers to consider urban-rural disparity in the prevention and treatment of AF.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) combined with sodium hyaluronate solution for facial microdroplet injection in improving facial skin photoaging.Methods:A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. From January to July 2024, patients with facial photoaging problems were recruited from the Plastic Surgery Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University and randomly divided into a monotherapy group (sodium hyaluronate solution droplet injection) and a combination therapy group (BTX-A + sodium hyaluronate solution droplet injection) by hierarchical block randomization method. The treatment regimen was 3 months, with one treatment for each month, with a total of 3 treatment. The combination therapy group only used a combination therapy of two drugs (BTX-A 25 U+ 5 ml sodium hyaluronate solution) during the first injection. During the three treatments of the monotherapy group and the second and third treatments of the combination therapy group, 5 ml of sodium hyaluronate solution was injected as the solo ingredient. Follow up was conducted at 1, 2, and 4 months after the last treatment. Serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were detected by test kit. Five skin texture indicators (moisture content, transepidermal water loss rate, elasticity, glossiness, and pH) were evaluated using the German CK skin tester. VISIA skin detector was used for facial two-dimensional photography and skin condition analysis. Clinical efficacy (significant improvement, obvious improvement, improvement, no improvement) and global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) scores on a 5-point scale were recorded. Patient satisfaction levels (very satisfied, satisfied, and dissatisfied) were investigated. The data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0 software. Count data was presented as examples and(or) percentages, and analyzed using a chi-square test. Normal distribution measurement data was represented by Mean±SD and analyzed using t-test. Results:A total of 100 patients were included, with 50 cases in each group. There were 17 males and 33 females in the monotherapy group, with an age of (31.3±7.1) years, and there were 5, 14, 29 and 2 patients in the Ⅰ to Ⅳ types of Glogau skin photoaging classification, respectively. There were 15 males and 35 females in the combination therapy group, with an age of (32.1±8.4) years old, and there were 4, 15, 27 and 4 patients in the Ⅰ to Ⅳ types of Glogau skin photoaging classification, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in gender composition, age, and Glogau skin photoaging classification between the two groups (all P>0.05). One month after the first treatment, both groups showed an increase in SOD activity and a decrease in MDA levels, with more significant changes observed in the combination therapy group ( P<0.01 for both). At the follow-up of 1, 2, and 4 months after the last treatment, the combination therapy group outperformed the monotherapy group in all 5 skin texture indicators (all P<0.05). One month after the last treatment, the total effective rate of the combination therapy group was 76.0% (38/50), which were significantly higher than that of the monotherapy group’s 50.0% (25/50) ( P<0.05); in addition, the combination therapy group showed significant advantages in facial aesthetic GAIS scores, as well as patient satisfaction, with a satisfaction rate of up to 98.0% (49/50), which was higher than the 88.0% (44/50) of the monotherapy group ( P<0.01). Throughout the entire treatment process, neither group experienced serious adverse reactions. Conclusion:Facial microdroplet injection of BTX-A combined with sodium hyaluronate solution effectively improves symptoms of facial skin photoaging, enhancing skin hydration and elasticity, reducing transepidermal water loss, improving skin gloss, regulating skin pH, and enhancing skin antioxidant capacity, ultimately achieving facial skin rejuvenation. This method is safe, effective and holds high clinical relevence and patient satisfaction.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) combined with sodium hyaluronate solution for facial microdroplet injection in improving facial skin photoaging.Methods:A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. From January to July 2024, patients with facial photoaging problems were recruited from the Plastic Surgery Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University and randomly divided into a monotherapy group (sodium hyaluronate solution droplet injection) and a combination therapy group (BTX-A + sodium hyaluronate solution droplet injection) by hierarchical block randomization method. The treatment regimen was 3 months, with one treatment for each month, with a total of 3 treatment. The combination therapy group only used a combination therapy of two drugs (BTX-A 25 U+ 5 ml sodium hyaluronate solution) during the first injection. During the three treatments of the monotherapy group and the second and third treatments of the combination therapy group, 5 ml of sodium hyaluronate solution was injected as the solo ingredient. Follow up was conducted at 1, 2, and 4 months after the last treatment. Serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were detected by test kit. Five skin texture indicators (moisture content, transepidermal water loss rate, elasticity, glossiness, and pH) were evaluated using the German CK skin tester. VISIA skin detector was used for facial two-dimensional photography and skin condition analysis. Clinical efficacy (significant improvement, obvious improvement, improvement, no improvement) and global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) scores on a 5-point scale were recorded. Patient satisfaction levels (very satisfied, satisfied, and dissatisfied) were investigated. The data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0 software. Count data was presented as examples and(or) percentages, and analyzed using a chi-square test. Normal distribution measurement data was represented by Mean±SD and analyzed using t-test. Results:A total of 100 patients were included, with 50 cases in each group. There were 17 males and 33 females in the monotherapy group, with an age of (31.3±7.1) years, and there were 5, 14, 29 and 2 patients in the Ⅰ to Ⅳ types of Glogau skin photoaging classification, respectively. There were 15 males and 35 females in the combination therapy group, with an age of (32.1±8.4) years old, and there were 4, 15, 27 and 4 patients in the Ⅰ to Ⅳ types of Glogau skin photoaging classification, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in gender composition, age, and Glogau skin photoaging classification between the two groups (all P>0.05). One month after the first treatment, both groups showed an increase in SOD activity and a decrease in MDA levels, with more significant changes observed in the combination therapy group ( P<0.01 for both). At the follow-up of 1, 2, and 4 months after the last treatment, the combination therapy group outperformed the monotherapy group in all 5 skin texture indicators (all P<0.05). One month after the last treatment, the total effective rate of the combination therapy group was 76.0% (38/50), which were significantly higher than that of the monotherapy group’s 50.0% (25/50) ( P<0.05); in addition, the combination therapy group showed significant advantages in facial aesthetic GAIS scores, as well as patient satisfaction, with a satisfaction rate of up to 98.0% (49/50), which was higher than the 88.0% (44/50) of the monotherapy group ( P<0.01). Throughout the entire treatment process, neither group experienced serious adverse reactions. Conclusion:Facial microdroplet injection of BTX-A combined with sodium hyaluronate solution effectively improves symptoms of facial skin photoaging, enhancing skin hydration and elasticity, reducing transepidermal water loss, improving skin gloss, regulating skin pH, and enhancing skin antioxidant capacity, ultimately achieving facial skin rejuvenation. This method is safe, effective and holds high clinical relevence and patient satisfaction.

Objective To explore the potential target and mechanism of Dengzhan Shengmai capsule (DZSM) in the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. Methods TCMSP and ETCM databases were employed to search the chemical components of DZSM. Swiss ADME database was used to screen active ingredients, and Swiss Target Prediction database was used to obtain potential targets of active ingredients. The CHD target was obtained by searching GeneCards and DisGeNET databases, and the DZSM-active ingredient-CHD target network was constructed. Molecular docking of key active ingredients and core targets was performed to verify binding properties. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed in the DAVID database. A mouse macrophage cell line (RAW264.7 cells) model induced by oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) was used to test the therapeutic effect of scutellarin on CHD in vitro. The production of nitric oxide (NO) in cell supernatant was measured by Griess reaction. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression level of serine/threonine kinase (AKT); The expression and phosphorylation of AKT protein were detected by Western Blot. Results A total of 56 active compounds of DZSM were obtained to regulate CHD progression by acting on 136 targets. Among them, kaempferol, quercetin, luteolin, apigenin, scutellarein, 6-hydroxykaempferol, scutellarin, nonylphenol, Ophiopogonin D, and Ginsenoside Rb1 could regulate 113 CHD targets. AKT1, SRC, PPARG, EGFR, ESR1, PTGS2, SIRT1, MAPK1, MMP9 and PPARA genes were the core targets of DZSM therapy for CHD. Molecular docking showed that the key active ingredients and core targets had good binding properties. The results of in vitro experiments showed that scutellarin could reduce the production of nitric oxide and increase the level of AKT, protein expression and phosphorylation in macrophages (P < 0.05). KEGG enrichment analysis showed that DZSM treated CHD mainly by regulating cancer pathways, endocrine resistance, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, lipid and atherosclerosis, and relaxin signaling pathway. Conclusion DZSM plays a role in the treatment of CHD through multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway.