ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the anti-Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) activity of luteolin and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. MethodsLuteolin was identified as the primary active compound from the polyphenol extract ofF. diotrys using network pharmacology. Its efficacy was evaluated against two MP strains: the standard strain M129 and the multidrug-resistant strain M19. A modified culture medium with visual characteristics was employed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of luteolin. The expression of key proteins involved in MP growth and pathogenicity was assessed by qRT-PCR following luteolin treatment. Additionally, the viability of A549 cells infected with MP was compared between luteolin-treated and untreated groups. In vivo anti-MP activity was evaluated using a mouse model, and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in lung tissues was analyzed. ResultsLuteolin effectively inhibited both MP strains, with MIC₉₀ values of 100 mg/L for M19 and M129. Treatment with luteolin significantly downregulated the expression of adhesion proteins P1 and P30 in both strains. However, the expression of P65, HMW3, TrmB, and CARDS TX was reduced only in the M19 strain following luteolin intervention. Luteolin also enhanced the growth and viability of A549 cells infected with MP. In the mouse model, luteolin treatment resulted in steady weight gain and was well tolerated. The bacteriostatic rate of luteolin in lung tissues was 50.7%, significantly higher than the 25.2% observed in the roxithromycin group. Furthermore, luteolin reduced the expression of inflammatory factors, including IL-6, TNF-α, and HMGB1, in MP-infected mice. ConclusionLuteolin effectively and safely inhibits the proliferation and pathogenicity of MP, particularly the drug-resistant M19 strain, by downregulating the expression of toxicity-associated proteins (P1, P30, P65, HMW3, TrmB, CARDS TX) and modulating host inflammatory responses. These findings suggest that luteolin may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for treating MP infections, especially those caused by drug-resistant strains.

OBJECTIVE To observe the clinical efficacy of evolocumab combined with atorvastatin in the treatment of patients with borderline coronary heart disease （CHD）. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study， 342 hospitalized patients diagnosed with borderline CHD were enrolled in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanyang Medical College from August 2021 to June 2024， and divided into control group （treated with atorvastatin， 190 cases） and trial group （treated with evolocumab combined with atorvastatin， 152 cases） according to therapeutic regimen. Blood lipid indexes， high-sensitivity C-reactive protein （hs-CRP） and intravascular ultrasound of the coronary artery at baseline and after 1 year of treatment， and incidence of cardiovascular adverse events were compared after propensity score matching. RESULTS A total of 295 patients （158 in control group and 137 in trial group） were finally included in the analysis. One year after the treatment， compared with control group， total cholesterol， triglycerides， low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and hs-CRP levels were decreased significantly in trial group （ P ＜0.05）， whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was increased significantly （ P ＜0.05）. The lumen diameter， lumen area， and the minimum lumen area were significantly increased （ P ＜0.05）， while plaque area and plaque burden were significantly decreased （ P ＜0.05）. Overall incidence of adverse events in trial group was significantly lower than that in control group （ P ＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Evolocumab combined with atorvastatin can significantly improve coronary luminal narrowing and reduce plaque burden， as well as reduce the incidence of cardiovascular adverse events in patients with borderline CHD.

ObjectiveGastrodia elata has evolved ecological types with shortened rhizome internodes and diversified flower and fruit coloration in response to different altitudes. Studying the genetic mechanisms of different ecotype germplasm is significant for guiding variety breeding in different cultivation areas. MethodsThe bHLH gene family was identified based on the whole-genome datasets of G. elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Subsequently， the gene family members were subject to analysis， including gene structure， chromosomal localization， cis-acting elements， gene synteny， and phylogeny. Combined with transcriptome data and quantitative Real-time PCR， the expression patterns of bHLH genes in the stems of the different G. elata ecotype germplasm were analyzed. Finally， correlation analysis was conducted between gene expression patterns and color to obtain the key bHLH genes regulating the color formation of stem. ResultsA total of 63 bHLH genes were identified in both G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca， unevenly distributed across 17 chromosomes and clustered into 16 subfamilies， with significant expansion in some family members. Obvious inversions of bHLH genes on the same chromosome and interchromosomal translocations were detected in the two ecotype germplasm. Among these genes， 12 bHLH genes （such as bHLH62-3 and bHLH74） were associated with the bright yellow color of G elata f. elata stem， while 9 bHLH genes （such as PIL13， UNE12， and bHLH130） were correlated with the red color of G. elata f. glauca stem. Compared to G. elata f. glauca， the bHLH48 expression level was significantly higher in flowers and scale leaves of G elata f. elata， and the bHLH62-3 expression level was significantly higher in all organs of G elata f. elata. ConclusionsFunctional pathway divergence of the bHLH family members has occurred across different chromosomes in G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Through synergism or antagonism with other genes， 21 bHLH genes participate in the coloration metabolic pathway regulation of stems， flowers， and fruits. Specifically， bHLH62-3 is involved in regulating stem color differentiation in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway of G. elata， thus relevant to the color formation of stem. Additionally， GebHLH48 positively regulates flowering-related pathways to promote the early-flowering phenotype of G. elata f. elata. These findings have laid the foundation for analyzing the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying the color formation of the G. elata stem.

ObjectiveGastrodia elata has evolved ecological types with shortened rhizome internodes and diversified flower and fruit coloration in response to different altitudes. Studying the genetic mechanisms of different ecotype germplasm is significant for guiding variety breeding in different cultivation areas. MethodsThe bHLH gene family was identified based on the whole-genome datasets of G. elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Subsequently， the gene family members were subject to analysis， including gene structure， chromosomal localization， cis-acting elements， gene synteny， and phylogeny. Combined with transcriptome data and quantitative Real-time PCR， the expression patterns of bHLH genes in the stems of the different G. elata ecotype germplasm were analyzed. Finally， correlation analysis was conducted between gene expression patterns and color to obtain the key bHLH genes regulating the color formation of stem. ResultsA total of 63 bHLH genes were identified in both G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca， unevenly distributed across 17 chromosomes and clustered into 16 subfamilies， with significant expansion in some family members. Obvious inversions of bHLH genes on the same chromosome and interchromosomal translocations were detected in the two ecotype germplasm. Among these genes， 12 bHLH genes （such as bHLH62-3 and bHLH74） were associated with the bright yellow color of G elata f. elata stem， while 9 bHLH genes （such as PIL13， UNE12， and bHLH130） were correlated with the red color of G. elata f. glauca stem. Compared to G. elata f. glauca， the bHLH48 expression level was significantly higher in flowers and scale leaves of G elata f. elata， and the bHLH62-3 expression level was significantly higher in all organs of G elata f. elata. ConclusionsFunctional pathway divergence of the bHLH family members has occurred across different chromosomes in G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Through synergism or antagonism with other genes， 21 bHLH genes participate in the coloration metabolic pathway regulation of stems， flowers， and fruits. Specifically， bHLH62-3 is involved in regulating stem color differentiation in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway of G. elata， thus relevant to the color formation of stem. Additionally， GebHLH48 positively regulates flowering-related pathways to promote the early-flowering phenotype of G. elata f. elata. These findings have laid the foundation for analyzing the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying the color formation of the G. elata stem.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the anti-Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) activity of luteolin and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. MethodsLuteolin was identified as the primary active compound from the polyphenol extract ofF. diotrys using network pharmacology. Its efficacy was evaluated against two MP strains: the standard strain M129 and the multidrug-resistant strain M19. A modified culture medium with visual characteristics was employed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of luteolin. The expression of key proteins involved in MP growth and pathogenicity was assessed by qRT-PCR following luteolin treatment. Additionally, the viability of A549 cells infected with MP was compared between luteolin-treated and untreated groups. In vivo anti-MP activity was evaluated using a mouse model, and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in lung tissues was analyzed. ResultsLuteolin effectively inhibited both MP strains, with MIC₉₀ values of 100 mg/L for M19 and M129. Treatment with luteolin significantly downregulated the expression of adhesion proteins P1 and P30 in both strains. However, the expression of P65, HMW3, TrmB, and CARDS TX was reduced only in the M19 strain following luteolin intervention. Luteolin also enhanced the growth and viability of A549 cells infected with MP. In the mouse model, luteolin treatment resulted in steady weight gain and was well tolerated. The bacteriostatic rate of luteolin in lung tissues was 50.7%, significantly higher than the 25.2% observed in the roxithromycin group. Furthermore, luteolin reduced the expression of inflammatory factors, including IL-6, TNF-α, and HMGB1, in MP-infected mice. ConclusionLuteolin effectively and safely inhibits the proliferation and pathogenicity of MP, particularly the drug-resistant M19 strain, by downregulating the expression of toxicity-associated proteins (P1, P30, P65, HMW3, TrmB, CARDS TX) and modulating host inflammatory responses. These findings suggest that luteolin may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for treating MP infections, especially those caused by drug-resistant strains.

Methods: Sixty-two patients (2014–2019) were divided into the SC (n=32) and PC (n=30) groups. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score, and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Radiological parameters, including cervical lordosis (CL), fused segment angle (FSA), and disc height (DH), were assessed. Cage subsidence, adjacent segment degeneration (ASD), and other complications were also documented. The relationship between postoperative radiological changes and symptoms was also analyzed. Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in symptoms, with fusion achieved in all surgical segments. The SC group had a shorter operative time and reduced intraoperative blood loss. However, the SC group had a higher subsidence rate (16.7% vs. 5.6%, p=0.017). The PC group maintained better cervical alignment in terms of CL, FSA, and DH (p<0.05), with an increased incidence of dysphagia and ASD (p<0.05). Spearman correlation analyses showed that neither CL nor FSA loss at the 5-year follow-up was significantly associated with improvements in the mJOA, VAS, and NDI scores (p>0.05) in either group. Regression analyses indicated that subsidence or loss of lordosis did not correlate with the degree of postoperative symptoms (p<0.05). Conclusions Both SC and PC achieved sustained pain relief, neurological improvement, and solid fusion in three-level ACDF at the 5-year follow-up. SC demonstrated significant advantages in reducing dysphagia and ASD, while PC better maintained cervical alignment and segmental stability. Patient-specific factors should be used to guide implant selection. Further multicenter studies are required to validate these findings.

Objective: To evaluate the causal effects and population heterogeneity of Guangzhou′s Voluntary Blood Donation Privilege Certificate Policy on blood donation behavior, and to provide empirical evidence for optimizing blood management policies. Methods: Using an interrupted time series (ITS) design, we analyzed 30 quarters of blood collection data from Guangzhou Blood Center (from July 2018 to December 2025). Taking the third quarter of 2021 as the intervention node, we constructed ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models incorporating level and trend effects, and conducted stratified analyses by gender, age group, previous donation frequency, and per-donation volume. Results: The tiered incentive policy demonstrated significant heterogeneous effects. Apheresis donations showed sustained growth, with 2 units of component blood exhibiting a significant trend effect (β=304.58, P<0.001); high-frequency donors (11+ times) demonstrated sustained growth trends in apheresis donations. For whole blood, immediate effects were significant for donors with 1-2 previous donations (β=4 537.55, P<0.001) and 3-10 previous donations (β=2 159.69, P<0.05); high-frequency donors (11-30 times) showed sustained growth trends (P<0.01). Stratified by per-donation volume, 400 mL whole blood demonstrated a significant immediate effect (β=4 391.01, P<0.1), while 200 mL whole blood showed a significant declining trend (β=-893.24, P<0.01). Conclusion: The tiered incentive policy effectively enhanced blood donation participation while maintaining the donors’ altruistic motivations. Young and middle-aged adults primarily drove apheresis donations. The policy demonstrated immediate incentive effects on low-frequency whole blood donors and long-term retention effects on high-frequency donors. Per-donation volume showed an "upward migration" trend, optimizing the blood collection structure. Differentiated outreach, conversion and retention strategies are recommended to further strengthen blood supply security.

OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy and prognosis between dapagliflozin and empagliflozin in elderly patients with heart failure （HF） complicated by cardiac pacemaker implantation.METHODS The clinical data of 237 elderly patients with HF complicated by cardiac pacemaker implantation， who were admitted to the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanyang Medical College from July 1， 2023， to January 1， 2025， were retrospectively collected. According to medication use， the patients were divided into the control group （conventional therapy， n ＝90）， dapagliflozin group （conventional therapy plus dapagliflozin， n ＝77）， and empagliflozin group （conventional therapy plus empagliflozin， n ＝70）. Cardiac function and HF-related indicators were evaluated before treatment and after 6 months of treatment among the 3 groups. The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events （MACE）， HF rehospitalization rate， and the occurance of adverse reaction were compared among the 3 groups.RESULTS After 6 months of treatment， compared with the same group before treatment， left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly increased， 6-minute walk distance was significantly prolonged， left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular end-systolic diameter were significantly shortened， and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were significantly decreased in all 3 groups （ P ＜0.05）. The improvements in most of the above indicators were greater in the dapagliflozin and empagliflozin groups than in the control group （ P ＜0.05）， and were all greater in the empagliflozin group than in the dapagliflozin group （ P ＜0.05）. The HF rehospitalization rate was significantly lower in both dapagliflozin and empagliflozin groups than in the control group （ P ＜0.05）， and was significantly lower in the empagliflozin group than in the dapagliflozin group （ P ＜0.05）. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of MACE among the 3 groups （ P ＞0.05）， although the incidence was numerically lower in the dapagliflozin and empagliflozin groups than in the control group. There was also no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions among the 3 groups （ P ＞0.05）.CONCLUSIONS Both dapagliflozin and empagliflozin can improve cardiac function and HF-related indicators and reduce the risk of HF rehospitalization in elderly patients with HF complicated by cardiac pacemaker implantation on the basis of conventional therapy， without increasing the risk of adverse reactions. Compared with dapagliflozin， empagliflozin shows more pronounced effects.

ObjectiveTo investigate the potential therapeutic effects of Dengzhan Shengmai capsules （DZSM） on myocardial fibrosis after myocardial infarction and decipher the underlying molecular mechanisms by virtue of network robustness algorithm. MethodsA rat model of myocardial infarction was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. Successfully modeled Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into a model group， an enalapril group（3.15 mg·kg^-1）， and high- and low-dose DZSM groups（226.8，113.4 mg·kg^-1）. In addition， a sham group was set up. After four consecutive weeks of intervention， the cardiac function was assessed via echocardiography， and myocardial collagen deposition was observed through Sirius red staining. The key regulatory pathways of DZSM were analyzed by the network robustness algorithm. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） and immunofluorescence assay were employed to validate the mechanisms. ResultsCompared with the sham group， the model group exhibited decreased left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF%） and fractional shortening （FS%） （P<0.01） and increased myocardial collagen volume fraction （CVF%） （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， high-dose DZSM and enalapril improved LVEF% and FS% （P<0.01）. Both high- and low-dose DZSM reduced the CVF% （P<0.05， P<0.05，）. Network analysis indicated that DZSM exerted its effects by regulating neutrophil infiltration and related inflammatory pathways. Experimental validation showed that DZSM significantly reduced the protein levels of nuclear factor （NF）-κB， Janus kinase 2 （JAK2）， and signal transduction activator and transducer 3 （STAT3） in the cardiac tissue， as well as the levels of chemokine （C-X-C motif） ligand 1 （CXCL1）， interleukin （IL）-1β， neutrophil elastase-DNA complex （NE-DNA）， and myeloperoxidase-DNA complex （MPO-DNA） in the plasma. ConclusionDZSM may ameliorate myocardial fibrosis by inhibiting neutrophil infiltration and extracellular trap formation and regulating the NF-κB/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Zishen Tiaogan prescription on the oxidative stress injury in the rat model of diminished ovarian reserve （DOR） and explore the role of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 （Keap1）/nuclear factor E₂-related factor 2 （Nrf2）/heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1） signaling pathway. MethodsForty-eight female SD rats were randomly assigned into a normal group （n=12） and a modeling group （n=36）. The rats in the modeling group received subcutaneous injection of galactose （350 mg·kg^-1） combined with immobilization stress daily. After 28 days of modeling， 6 rats in the normal group and 6 rats in the modeling group were sacrificed to examine the modeling results. The successfully modeled rats were assigned into model， estradiol valerate （0.09 mg·kg^-1）， and low-， medium-， and high-dose （6.39， 12.78， 25.56 g·kg^-1， respectively） Zishen Tiaogan prescription groups. The intervention lasted for 4 weeks with 6 animals per group. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the estrous cycle and the pathological changes in the ovarian tissue. The ovarian index was calculated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the serum levels of sex hormones and oxidative stress-related indexes. Western blot and real-time PCR were employed to determine the protein and mRNA levels， respectively， of Nrf2， Keap1 and HO-1 in the ovarian tissue. The positive expression of superoxide dismutase 2 （SOD2） in the ovarian tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry （IHC）. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group showed reduced follicles in the ovary， loose arrangement of the follicle granule layer， declined levels of anti-Mullerian hormone （AMH） and estradiol （E₂） in the serum， elevated levels of luteinizing hormone （LH） and follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH） （P<0.01）， lowered levels of superoxide dismutase （SOD）， catalase （CAT）， and glutathione （GSH） （P<0.01）， and increased accumulation of malondialdehyde （MDA） （P<0.01）. In addition， the modeling led to up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Keap1 （P<0.01）， the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 protein was significantly decreased （P<0.01）， the mRNA expression of Nrf2 was significantly decreased （P<0.05）， the mRNA expression of HO-1 was significantly decreased （P<0.01）， in the ovarian tissue. Compared with model group， the estradiol valerate and low-， medium-， and high-dose Zishen Tiaogan prescription groups showed increases in the ovarian index （P<0.01） and serum E₂ and AMH levels （P<0.01）， declined levels of FSH and LH （P<0.01）， increased follicles in the ovary， elevated levels of SOD， CAT， and GSH， and reduced accumulation of MDA （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Furthermore， these groups showcased down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Keap1 （P<0.01）， the expression of Nrf2 protein was significantly increased （P<0.01）， the expression level of HO-1 protein was increased （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and increased positive expression of SOD2 （P<0.01）. ConclusionZishen Tiaogan prescription can regulate the serum levels of hormones， down-regulate the expression of Keap1， up-regulate the expression of Nrf2， HO-1， and SOD2， enhance the antioxidant capacity， and reduce the peroxidation damage in the ovarian tissue to improve the ovarian reserve function in the rat model of DOR. High-dose Zishen Tiaogan prescription demonstrated the best effect and the mechanism is associated with the regulation of the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.