OBJECTIVE To deeply explore the in vivo pharmacodynamic substance basis of Zhigancao Decoction,a classic tradi-tional Chinese medicine formula,and provide scientific evidence for its rational application and development in modern clinical practice.METHODS Wistar rats were treated with 12.15 g·kg-1 Zhigancao Decoction by gavage.Rat plasma samples were collect-ed at 10 time points(5,15,30,60,120,240,360,480,600 and 720 min after administration)and rat heart(atrial and ventricu-lar)tissue samples were collected at 12 h after administration.Components in the plasma and heart samples were qualitatively identi-fied by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF/MS),and the distri-bution characteristics of Zhigancao Decoction in vivo were analyzed.At the same time,the time-concentration curve of the prototype components and metabolites in Zhigancao Decoction was drawn to observe the changes of blood drug concentration.RESULTS A total of 11 prototype components(Ajugol,Nicotiflorin,Isoschaftoside,4-Hydroxycinnamic acid,Rehmapicrogenin,4-Hydroxybenzoic acid,4′,7-Dihydroxyflavone,Calycosin,3′,4′,7-Trihydroxyflavone,Pinellic acid,Truxillic acid)and 7 metabolites were identified from the plasma samples of Zhigancao Decoction,mainly including flavonoids(flavonoids glycosides),organic acids,and iridoid glyco-sides,etc.Additionally,6 prototype components(Ajugol,Isoschaftoside,Rehmapicrogenin,4′,7-Dihydroxyflavone,Liquiritigenin,3′,4′,7-Trihydroxyflavone)and 3 metabolites were identified from the cardiac samples(the atrium and the ventricle showed the same results).The metabolic pathways mainly involved Phase Ⅰ metabolism and glucuronidation.CONCLUSION The prototype compo-nents and metabolites in plasma and heart tissue of Zhigancao Decoction is preliminarily determined,providing a reference for analyzing the active components of Zhigancao Decoction in heart tissue.

Atrial fibrillation is a prevalent rapid arrhythmia.Patients often develop kinesiophobia and avoidance behaviors due to reduced exercise tolerance and recurrent episodes of atrial fibrillation symptoms,which adversely affect cardiac rehabilitation outcomes.This study reviewed the definition,occurrence mechanisms,assessment tools,influencing factors,and intervention measures of kinesio-phobia in patients with atrial fibrillation,aiming to provide references for implementing nursing prac-tices and promoting exercise rehabilitation in these patients.

Objective:To design a vest-type breast dressing bra and explore its application effect in the external application of traditional Chinese medicine therapy for patients with granulomatous lobular mastitis(GLM).Methods:A randomized controlled study was conducted, utilizing convenience sampling to select female patients with 122 GLM who underwent their first topical medication treatment in the Breast Department of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January and May 2023. The patients were divided into a control group and an observation group, with 61 patients in each, using a random number table. Following medication application, patients in the control group used a regular sports bra to secure the medication, while patients in the observation group used a custom-designed vest-style breast medication bra for the same purpose. Three hours after the intervention, comparisons were made between the two groups in terms of the incidence of medication detachment, medication displacement, clothing contamination, patient satisfaction, and safety.Results:Both groups of patients completed the study. The age of the observation group was (32.18 ± 5.50) years old, while the age of the control group was (33.66 ± 5.20) years old. Three hours after the intervention, the incidence of medication detachment, medication displacement, clothing contamination in the observation group were 3.28% (2/61), 6.56% (4/61), and 8.20% (5/61), which were lower than those in the control group with 18.03% (11/61), 26.23% (16/61), and 67.21% (41/61), respectively. The differences were statistically significant ( χ2=6.97, 8.61, 45.23; all P<0.05). The satisfaction level of patients towards the bra in the observation group was (4.43 ± 0.85) points, higher than that of the control group (3.85 ± 1.08) points, with a statistically significant difference ( t=3.30, P<0.05). The incidence rates of skin allergic reactions were 3.28%(2/61) and 4.92%(3/61) in the observation group and the control group, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The vest-type breast dressing bra designed in this study can properly secure the medicinal paste, reduce the rate of medication detachment, medication displacement, clothing contamination, and enhance patient satisfaction. It facilitates the external application of traditional Chinese medicine for patients with GLM and is worthy of clinical promotion.

Objective To retrospectively assess the clinical efficacy of acupuncture at the Huiyin point combined with Qingdu wash solution in the treatment of high-risk HPV infection.Methods A total of 264 patients who were initially diagnosed with high-risk HPV infection at the University City Gynecology Department of Guang-dong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January 2022 and June 2024 were enrolled in the study.These patients were divided into two groups based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.The ob-servation group included 134 patients who received acupuncture at the Huiyin acupoint combined with Qingdu wash solution,while the control group consisted of 130 patients who did not receive any intervention.The treatment pe-riod lasted for three months,during which the short-term clinical efficacy and safety profile were evaluated.Results The HR-HPV clearance rates in the observation group at 3 months and 6 months were 61.9%and 65.7%,respectively,which were significantly higher than those in the control group(16.9%and 21.5%),and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant(P<0.001).Following a three-month treatment regimen,the rate of HR-HPV positive-to-negative conversion in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group,with a statistically significant intergroup difference(P<0.001).The improvement in tra-ditional Chinese medicine(TCM)-related symptoms was also significantly better in the observation group compared to the control group(P<0.05).During the follow-up period,no cases of recurrence were observed in the observa-tion group,whereas the recurrence rate in the control group was 1.5%.Furthermore,no adverse reactions were re-ported in the observation group throughout the treatment period.Conclusion Acupuncture at the Huiyin point,when combined with Qingdu wash solution,can enhance the therapeutic outcomes of high-risk HPV infection and demonstrates a favorable safety profile.

Objective To retrospectively assess the clinical efficacy of acupuncture at the Huiyin point combined with Qingdu wash solution in the treatment of high-risk HPV infection.Methods A total of 264 patients who were initially diagnosed with high-risk HPV infection at the University City Gynecology Department of Guang-dong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January 2022 and June 2024 were enrolled in the study.These patients were divided into two groups based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.The ob-servation group included 134 patients who received acupuncture at the Huiyin acupoint combined with Qingdu wash solution,while the control group consisted of 130 patients who did not receive any intervention.The treatment pe-riod lasted for three months,during which the short-term clinical efficacy and safety profile were evaluated.Results The HR-HPV clearance rates in the observation group at 3 months and 6 months were 61.9%and 65.7%,respectively,which were significantly higher than those in the control group(16.9%and 21.5%),and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant(P<0.001).Following a three-month treatment regimen,the rate of HR-HPV positive-to-negative conversion in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group,with a statistically significant intergroup difference(P<0.001).The improvement in tra-ditional Chinese medicine(TCM)-related symptoms was also significantly better in the observation group compared to the control group(P<0.05).During the follow-up period,no cases of recurrence were observed in the observa-tion group,whereas the recurrence rate in the control group was 1.5%.Furthermore,no adverse reactions were re-ported in the observation group throughout the treatment period.Conclusion Acupuncture at the Huiyin point,when combined with Qingdu wash solution,can enhance the therapeutic outcomes of high-risk HPV infection and demonstrates a favorable safety profile.

BACKGROUND:Monounsaturated fatty acids are mostly recognized as a fatty acid with beneficial effects on human health,and some studies have suggested that they may contribute to non-inflammatory pain at multiple sites in the body.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of monounsaturated fatty acids on the incidence of low back pain and all-cause mortality,thereby providing potential biomarkers and intervention strategies for low back pain management and prevention.METHODS:A Mendelian randomization method was used to analyze the potential association of monounsaturated fatty acids on the incidence of low back pain and all-cause mortality in conjunction with large sample data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(NHANES)database.Results were validated and sensitivity analyzed using multiple statistical models(e.g.,inverse variance weighting,MR-Egger regression,simple median,weighted median,and weighted median)to enhance the reliability of causal inferences.In the NHANES study,multivariate Cox proportional risk regression models were used to assess the independent predictive values of different fatty acid ratios and to control for confounders.Potential nonlinear relationships between monounsaturated fatty acids and all-cause mortality were assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves,log-rank tests,and restricted cubic spline curves.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Elevated monounsaturated fatty acids have been found to be associated with a significantly higher risk of low back pain,suggesting an unfavorable effect of this fatty acid.Also,monounsaturated fatty acids may increase all-cause mortality in patients with low back pain.This provides new insights into the potential effects of monounsaturated fatty acids on low back pain and all-cause mortality,and provides a scientific basis for nutritional interventions for low back pain.The results support the use of dietary modification as one of the strategies for the prevention and management of low back pain in the European population,but further studies are needed to explore the specific biological mechanisms and potential for clinical application,thereby improving guidance for the prevention and treatment of diseases in China.

BACKGROUND:Monounsaturated fatty acids are mostly recognized as a fatty acid with beneficial effects on human health,and some studies have suggested that they may contribute to non-inflammatory pain at multiple sites in the body.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of monounsaturated fatty acids on the incidence of low back pain and all-cause mortality,thereby providing potential biomarkers and intervention strategies for low back pain management and prevention.METHODS:A Mendelian randomization method was used to analyze the potential association of monounsaturated fatty acids on the incidence of low back pain and all-cause mortality in conjunction with large sample data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(NHANES)database.Results were validated and sensitivity analyzed using multiple statistical models(e.g.,inverse variance weighting,MR-Egger regression,simple median,weighted median,and weighted median)to enhance the reliability of causal inferences.In the NHANES study,multivariate Cox proportional risk regression models were used to assess the independent predictive values of different fatty acid ratios and to control for confounders.Potential nonlinear relationships between monounsaturated fatty acids and all-cause mortality were assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves,log-rank tests,and restricted cubic spline curves.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Elevated monounsaturated fatty acids have been found to be associated with a significantly higher risk of low back pain,suggesting an unfavorable effect of this fatty acid.Also,monounsaturated fatty acids may increase all-cause mortality in patients with low back pain.This provides new insights into the potential effects of monounsaturated fatty acids on low back pain and all-cause mortality,and provides a scientific basis for nutritional interventions for low back pain.The results support the use of dietary modification as one of the strategies for the prevention and management of low back pain in the European population,but further studies are needed to explore the specific biological mechanisms and potential for clinical application,thereby improving guidance for the prevention and treatment of diseases in China.

OBJECTIVE To deeply explore the in vivo pharmacodynamic substance basis of Zhigancao Decoction,a classic tradi-tional Chinese medicine formula,and provide scientific evidence for its rational application and development in modern clinical practice.METHODS Wistar rats were treated with 12.15 g·kg-1 Zhigancao Decoction by gavage.Rat plasma samples were collect-ed at 10 time points(5,15,30,60,120,240,360,480,600 and 720 min after administration)and rat heart(atrial and ventricu-lar)tissue samples were collected at 12 h after administration.Components in the plasma and heart samples were qualitatively identi-fied by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF/MS),and the distri-bution characteristics of Zhigancao Decoction in vivo were analyzed.At the same time,the time-concentration curve of the prototype components and metabolites in Zhigancao Decoction was drawn to observe the changes of blood drug concentration.RESULTS A total of 11 prototype components(Ajugol,Nicotiflorin,Isoschaftoside,4-Hydroxycinnamic acid,Rehmapicrogenin,4-Hydroxybenzoic acid,4′,7-Dihydroxyflavone,Calycosin,3′,4′,7-Trihydroxyflavone,Pinellic acid,Truxillic acid)and 7 metabolites were identified from the plasma samples of Zhigancao Decoction,mainly including flavonoids(flavonoids glycosides),organic acids,and iridoid glyco-sides,etc.Additionally,6 prototype components(Ajugol,Isoschaftoside,Rehmapicrogenin,4′,7-Dihydroxyflavone,Liquiritigenin,3′,4′,7-Trihydroxyflavone)and 3 metabolites were identified from the cardiac samples(the atrium and the ventricle showed the same results).The metabolic pathways mainly involved Phase Ⅰ metabolism and glucuronidation.CONCLUSION The prototype compo-nents and metabolites in plasma and heart tissue of Zhigancao Decoction is preliminarily determined,providing a reference for analyzing the active components of Zhigancao Decoction in heart tissue.

Objective:To design a vest-type breast dressing bra and explore its application effect in the external application of traditional Chinese medicine therapy for patients with granulomatous lobular mastitis(GLM).Methods:A randomized controlled study was conducted, utilizing convenience sampling to select female patients with 122 GLM who underwent their first topical medication treatment in the Breast Department of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January and May 2023. The patients were divided into a control group and an observation group, with 61 patients in each, using a random number table. Following medication application, patients in the control group used a regular sports bra to secure the medication, while patients in the observation group used a custom-designed vest-style breast medication bra for the same purpose. Three hours after the intervention, comparisons were made between the two groups in terms of the incidence of medication detachment, medication displacement, clothing contamination, patient satisfaction, and safety.Results:Both groups of patients completed the study. The age of the observation group was (32.18 ± 5.50) years old, while the age of the control group was (33.66 ± 5.20) years old. Three hours after the intervention, the incidence of medication detachment, medication displacement, clothing contamination in the observation group were 3.28% (2/61), 6.56% (4/61), and 8.20% (5/61), which were lower than those in the control group with 18.03% (11/61), 26.23% (16/61), and 67.21% (41/61), respectively. The differences were statistically significant ( χ2=6.97, 8.61, 45.23; all P<0.05). The satisfaction level of patients towards the bra in the observation group was (4.43 ± 0.85) points, higher than that of the control group (3.85 ± 1.08) points, with a statistically significant difference ( t=3.30, P<0.05). The incidence rates of skin allergic reactions were 3.28%(2/61) and 4.92%(3/61) in the observation group and the control group, respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The vest-type breast dressing bra designed in this study can properly secure the medicinal paste, reduce the rate of medication detachment, medication displacement, clothing contamination, and enhance patient satisfaction. It facilitates the external application of traditional Chinese medicine for patients with GLM and is worthy of clinical promotion.

BACKGROUND:Yougui Pill is a famous formula of the Chinese traditional medicine,which has good efficacy for lumbar disc herniation due to kidney yang insufficiency. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the potential targets and mechanism of action of Yougui Pill in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation by using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology,and verified by animal experiments. METHODS:(1)Network pharmacological analysis:We obtained the active ingredients and targets of Yougui Pill from TCMSP and other databases,collected genes related to lumbar disc herniation from GeneCards database,and took the intersection of the two for the topological analysis to derive the main active ingredients and core therapeutic targets.Gene ontology function analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analysis were performed using R software.(2)Molecular docking:Autodock and Pymol software were utilized for the prediction of molecular binding energy of TCM active ingredients to core therapeutic targets.(3)Animal experiments:Eighteen Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group,a degeneration group and a Yougui Pill group,with 6 rats in each group.A rat model of intervertebral disc degeneration was prepared by fiber puncture method in the degeneration and Yougui Pill groups.At 2 weeks after modeling,Yougui Pill was given by gavage in the Yougui Pill group,once a day for 2 consecutive weeks.The level of tumor necrosis factor-α in serum was detected by the ELISA method,and morphological changes of the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus cells were observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:There were 90 active ingredients and 64 targets,and the main active ingredients were found to be quercetin,kaempferol,β-carotene,soybean flavonoid,and 4'-O-methylnyasol.The core targets of Yougui Pill for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation were interleukin 6,tumor necrosis factor-α,AKT1,interleukin 1B,and vascular endothelial growth factor A.Enrichment analysis revealed that the intersecting genes might be expressed through the interleukin-17 signaling pathway,tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway,MAPK signaling pathway,PI3K-AKT signaling pathway,and other signaling pathways to improve intervertebral disc degeneration.The molecular docking test verified that quercetin,kaempferol,and β-carotene had strong binding ability to the core targets.Animal experiments showed that the level of serum tumor necrosis factor α in the degeneration group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05),and the level of serum tumor necrosis factor α in the Yougui Pill group was lower than that in the degeneration group(P<0.05).Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that the fibrous annulus of the intervertebral discs and the structure of the nucleus pulposus in the degeneration group were destroyed,and the number of nucleus pulposus cells was reduced;there was a tendency to reconstructing the fibrous annulus of the intervertebral discs in the Yougui Pill group,and the number of nucleus pulposus cells increased compared with the degeneration group.To conclude,Yougui Pill may treat lumbar disc herniation by improving disc degeneration through the effects of quercetin,kaempferol,beta-carotene and other key active ingredients on core targets such as tumor necrosis factor.