Objective To systematically analyze the disease burden, long-term trends, and age-sex distribution of major valvular heart disease (VHD) subtypes—rheumatic heart disease (RHD), non-rheumatic valvular disease (NRVD), and non-rheumatic calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD)—in global, Chinese, and US populations from 1990 to 2021, providing evidence for public health strategies and clinical resource allocation. Methods Based on publicly available data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021, we extracted incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for VHD from 1990 to 2021. Age-standardized rates (ASRs) were calculated using the GBD 2021 global standard population, and the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) with its 95% uncertainty interval (UI) was computed for the period. Data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/Eurostat surveys, and Chinese national registries were used for trend triangulation and contextual background. Results From 1990 to 2021, the ASR and disease burden of RHD significantly decreased globally and in China (EAPC for DALYs in China: −4.8%, 95%UI: −5.0% to −4.6%). In contrast, the burden of NRVD and CAVD steadily increased in aging populations like those in China and the US, with a higher burden observed in older adults and males. In 2021, the incidence of NRVD and CAVD peaked in individuals aged ≥65 years, with rates being significantly higher in men than in women. RHD burden was concentrated in low socio-demographic index (SDI) regions, whereas NRVD/CAVD burden was strongly associated with high-SDI regions. Conclusion The global VHD epidemiological landscape is transitioning from an RHD-dominant to an NRVD/CAVD-dominant pattern. China faces a dual challenge of a residual RHD burden and a rapidly growing burden of degenerative valvular diseases. Developing tailored screening, prevention, and treatment strategies for different disease subtypes and populations is crucial.

ObjectiveTo establish an objective evaluation system based on the quality characteristics of Gardeniae Fructus without relying on the origin label according to the theory of excellent shape， high quality， and superior effect of authentic medicinal materials， thus providing a scientific basis for the standardization of Gardeniae Fructus. MethodsDifferent batches of Gardeniae Fructus samples were collected from different producing areas. Through herbal textual research and a review of modern literature， fruit length， maximum fruit diameter， and chroma were selected as quantitative indicators to characterize the traditional appearance traits of Gardeniae Fructus. The above indicators were measured by a vernier caliper and a spectrophotometer. Through classical famous prescription data and literature analysis， total iridoid glycosides， total crocus glycosides， and total flavonoids were selected as the core component indicators related to efficacy， and their content was determined. Finally， through cluster analysis， the threshold ranges of the quantitative indicators of excellent shape and high quality were determined， and the applicability of the established evaluation system was verified by the determination of the indicators for each batch of medicinal materials. ResultsThe excellent shape indicators of Gardeniae Fructus were the fruit length-to-maximum fruit diameter ratio ≤1.86， 0°≤h≤45°， and L^*≥ 37.32. The content of total iridoid glycosides， total crocus glycosides， and total flavonoids should be no less than 2.2%， 0.44%， and 0.028%， respectively. The measurement results of different batches of Gardeniae Fructus showed that the evaluation system could effectively distinguish the Gardeniae Fructus samples in line with the traditional cognition of excellent shape and high quality. ConclusionThis study preliminarily constructs an excellent shape and high quality-based quality evaluation system for Gardeniae Fructus， which links appearance traits with chemical indicators and provides a methodological basis for the quality control and scientific grading of this herbal medicine.

Objective To analyze the global pattern, long-term trends, and regional and population heterogeneity in the burden of 375 diseases and injuries and 88 risk factors from 1990 to 2023 using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023 (GBD 2023). Methods Publicly available GBD 2023 estimates were extracted for incidence, deaths, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and age-standardized rates at the global level and by socio-demographic index (SDI), GBD region, age group, and sex. Descriptive analysis, ranking comparison, stratified analysis, and trend analysis were performed, and 95% uncertainty interval was used to assess the stability of estimates. Results In 2023, non-communicable diseases were the leading contributor to global DALYs, accounting for 64.39% of DALYs across the three major disease and injury groups (communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases, non-communicable diseases, and injuries), and also had the highest age-standardized DALYs rate. From 1990 to 2023, age-standardized DALYs rates declined for three major disease and injury groups, with estimated annual percentage changes of −2.69%, −0.78%, and −1.47%, respectively. Cardiovascular diseases ranked first by both DALYs and deaths in 2023, whereas respiratory infections and tuberculosis ranked first by incidence. Non-communicable diseases were the leading cause of disease burden across all SDI strata. As the SDI level declined, the burden of communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases, as well as injuries, increased markedly. Behavioral and metabolic risks remained the main contributors to attributable deaths and DALYs. Conclusion From 1990 to 2023, the global burden of disease continues to shift toward non-communicable diseases; however, some regions still face a double burden of infectious, maternal and child, injury-related, and chronic diseases. Integrating deaths, DALYs, YLLs, YLDs, and risk-attributable burden helps identify priority areas for prevention and resource allocation across regions and populations.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize a glycosyltransferase (RpUGT1) from Rheum palmatum and investigate its specificity toward flavonoid compounds. METHODS: The RpUGT1 was expressed in Escherichia coli and screened for catalytic activity against a range of flavonoid substrates using a high-throughput HPLC assay method. Mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were used to determine the structure of the product. Homology modeling, molecular docking analyses and site-directed mutagenesis studies were conducted to identify key residues responsible for its function. RESULTS: The recombinant RpUGT1 protein exhibited catalytic activity towards various flavonoids. Notably, RpUGT1 catalyzed the glycosylation of isorhamnetin to form 3-O-glucoside and kaempferol to form 7-O-glucoside, utilizing uridine diphosphate (UDP) glucose as the sugar donor. The homology modeling and molecular docking analyses identified key residues responsible for its activity. Subsequent site-directed mutagenesis studies highlighted the crucial role of K307 in catalysis. CONCLUSION These discoveries offer valuable perspectives on the role of the UGT family and establish a groundwork for forthcoming research on the synthesis of flavonoids in plants.

Objective To investigate the correlation between the clinical characteristics of allergic rhinitis(AR)in adults located in Shenzhen area and the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitutions.Methods A cross-sectional survey of adult AR patients in Shenzhen was conducted.From June 2022 to December 2023,adult AR patients admitted to the Department of Otolaryngology outpatient clinic of Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine(Shenzhen Bao'an District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine)were selected as the study subjects.The clinical baseline data,Total Nasal Symptoms Score(TNSS),and Total Non-Nasal Symptoms Score(TNNSS)of the patients were collected for the analysis of clinical characteristics,and TCM constitutions were differentiated based on the information collected by TCM constitutions questionnaire.After that,the correlation between the biased TCM constitutions and clinical characteristics were explored by using analysis of variance,non-parametric test and Logistic regression analysis.Results(1)A total of 215 cases of adult AR patients from Shenzhen were included.Most of the patients were male(60.93％),and the patients were usually aged 18-29 years old(accounting for 48.84％).AR in adults often arose in the spring(33.49％)and fall(30.70％).(2)Lung qi deficiency-cold syndrome was the predominated TCM syndrome type of AR in adults,accounting for 40.93％,and then came kidney yang deficiency syndrome(26.98％),spleen qi deficiency syndrome(20.00％),and heat accumulation in lung meridian syndrome(12.09％).Lung qi deficiency-cold syndrome and heat accumulation in lung meridian syndrome were more common in young males,and kidney yang deficiency syndrome was frequently seen in middle-aged and elderly males.(3)The leading three TCM constitution types of AR in adults were qi deficiency constitution(30.23％),yang deficiency constitution(24.65％),and inherited special constitution(15.81％).In adult AR patients with lung qi deficiency-cold syndrome,the commonly-seen TCM constitution types were qi deficiency constitution,inherited special constitution,and balanced constitution.In adult AR patients with spleen qi deficiency syndrome,the commonly-seen TCM constitution types were inherited special constitution,phlegm-damp constitution,and yang deficiency constitution.In adult AR patients with kidney yang deficiency syndrome,the commonly-seen TCM constitution types were yang deficiency constitution,qi stagnation constitution,and inherited special constitution.In adult AR patients with heat accumulation in lung meridian syndrome,the commonly-seen TCM constitution types were damp-heat constitution,yin deficiency constitution,and blood-stasis constitution.The leading five TNSS scores were shown in adult AR patients with inherited special constitution,qi deficiency constitution,yang deficiency constitution,phlegm-damp constitution,and qi stagnation constitution,respectively.And the leading five TNNSS scores were shown in adult AR patients with yang deficiency constitution,inherited special constitution,qi stagnation constitution,yin deficiency constitution,and damp-heat constitution,respectively.(4)The results of statistical analysis showed that the differences in gender among the adult AR patients with various TCM constitution types were not statistically significant(P＞0.05),but the differences in age groups,TCM syndrome types,TNSS scores and TNNSS scores were statistically significant(P＜0.01 or P＜0.001).(5)The results of Logistic regression analysis showed that the TNSS scores and TNNSS scores were all positively correlated with qi deficiency constitution,yang deficiency constitution,and inherited special constitution,and spleen qi deficiency syndrome was negatively correlated with damp-heat constitution,the differences being all statistically significant(P＜0.01 or P＜0.001).Conclusion The onset of AR in adults from Shenzhen area is closely related to age,gender,season,and TCM constitutions.The adult AR patients usually have the biased constitutions,in particular qi deficiency constitution,yang deficiency constitution,and inherited special constitution.In adult AR patients,higher TNSS scores are correlated with inherited special constitution,higher TNNSS scores are correlated with yang deficiency constitution,and the primary TCM syndrome type of lung qi deficiency-cold syndrome is correlated with qi deficiency constitution.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus(AFI)on slow-transit constipation(STC)in mice.Methods A STC model was established via intragastric administration of Loperamide Hydrochloride.Successfully modeled mice were randomized into a model group,low-and high-dose AFI groups,a high-dose AFI+Masitinib[tyrosine kinase(c-Kit)inhibitor]group,additionally,a normal group was set up.After intervention,intestinal transit rate,6-hour fecal pellet number,fecal water content,and colonic histomorphology(hematoxylin-eosin staining)were assessed.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to measure levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT),vasoactive intestinal polypeptide(VIP),substance P(SP),nitric oxide(NO),and nitric oxide synthase(NOS)activity in colon tissue.Quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)was used to evaluate mRNA expression of stem cell factor(SCF)and c-Kit in colon tissue,Western Blot was used to analyze relative protein expression of aquaporin 3(AQP3),aquaporin 8(AQP8),SCF,and c-Kit in colon tissue.Results Compared with the normal group,there was devere colonic damage observed in the colon tissue of the mice in the model group,the fecal pellet number,fecal water content,intestinal transit rate,colon tissue SP content,c-Kit and SCF gene and protein expression levels were reduced.The contents of 5-HT,VIP and NO,NOS activity and the protein expression levels of AQP3 and AQP8 in colon tissue were increased,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,the colonic injury of mice in the low-and high-does AFI groups showed obvious improvement,the fecal pellet number,fecal water content,intestinal transit rate,colon tissue SP content,c-Kit and SCF gene and protein expression levels were increased,the contents of 5-HT,VIP and NO,NOS activity and the protein expression levels of AQP3 and AQP8 in colon tissue were decreased(P＜0.05).Masitinib partially reversed the laxative effects of AFI(P＜0.05).Conclusion AFI enhances intestinal motility,alleviates colonic injury,and improves defecation in STC mice,potentially via activation of the SCF/c-Kit pathway.

Objective:By analyzing the disease spectrum and composition of inpatients in general surgery department of a children′s hospital in Beijing from January 2018 to June 2024, to understand the impact of the COVID-19 on the number of inpatients in children′s hospitals and the composition of disease types, and to provide scientific evidence for hospital capacity building and medical response after the outbreak of the epidemic.Methods:The hospitalization medical records of children in the general surgery ward of the children′s hospital from January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2024 were collected. SPSS 22.0 software and EXCEL tools were used to analyze the ranking and composition of general surgery diseases in the hospital from three dimensions: different years, different genders, and different age groups. At the same time, the source of children in the hospital was counted by province.Results:Overall, the total number of hospitalized children has shown a significant decrease since 2020, and has since slowly rebounded; Acute appendicitis, inguinal hernia, and common bile duct cyst rank among the top three diseases annually; From a gender perspective, inguinal hernia and acute appendicitis are the most common in male children, while acute appendicitis and common bile duct cysts are the most common in female children; In terms of age, the 1-year-old group has the highest number of patients with inguinal hernia, while the 5-year-old and 10-18-year-old groups have the highest number of patients with acute appendicitis; Compared with 2018-2019, the number of hospitalized children with inguinal hernia decreased sharply in the first half of 2020-2024, and the first priority disease changed from inguinal hernia to acute appendicitis.Conclusions:This study analyzed the disease spectrum and composition of the children′s hospital before and after the COVID-19 epidemic, which has important reference value for the capacity building, resource allocation and epidemic response of the children′s hospital.

Objective:To explore baseline clinical and imaging characteristics of children with neonatal arterial ischaemic stroke based on their long-term motor function prognoses.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Clinical data, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalogram (EEG) findings, were collected from 31 neonates diagnosed with ischemic stroke admitted to the Department of Neonataology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province between January 2015 and December 2019. Unified follow-up was conducted between May and July 2024. Long-term motor function outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin scale(mRS) and categorized into two groups: the good motor function group (mRS score 0-1) and the motor impairment group (mRS score≥2).Baseline clinical and imaging data were summarized for all children, and differences between the two groups were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher′s exact test. Results:A total of 31 neonates (21 males, 10 females) with an admission age of 1-19 days, all diagnosed within 28 days of birth, were included. At follow-up, 4-8 years after disease onset, 26 neonates (84%) showed good motor function, while 5 (16%) had motor impairments. Compared to the good motor function group, the motor impairment group had higher proportions of females (4/5 vs. 23% (6/26)), main middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction (4/5 vs. 19% (5/26)), basal ganglia involvement (4/5 vs. 27% (7/26)), corticospinal tract involvement (posterior limb of internal capsule (PLIC) 5/5 vs. 38% (10/26) and cerebral peduncles 5/5 vs. 31% (8/26)) shown by MRI images, and meconium-stained amniotic fluid (4/5 vs. 15% (4/26))(all P<0.05).No significant differences were observed in gestational age, birth weight, abnormalities in muscle tone or primitive reflexes at admission or discharge, or abnormal EEG findings (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Neonatal arterial ischemic stroke commonly manifests as seizures, which are generally controllable, with a relatively stable clinical course and a low incidence of long-term motor impairment. Children with long-term motor impairments are more likely to have main MCA infarction, basal ganglia and corticospinal tract involvement (PLIC and cerebral peduncles), as well as meconium-stained amniotic fluid. This condition is also more commonly observed in females.

BACKGROUND:When performing percutaneous minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion to implant an intervertebral cage,due to the narrow operating range of the approach,there is a risk of nerve root injury or poor position of cage. To solve the above problems,a novel mechanical deformable press-fit cage (YP-cage) was invented.OBJECTIVE:To preliminarily evaluate the mechanical strength characteristics of this new lumbar fusion device YP-cage.METHODS:Static axial compression and torsion tests were conducted on 9,11,and 13 mm YP-cages (n=9) and poly (ether ether ketone) (PEEK)-cages (n=9). The force-displacement curves were collected to calculate yield displacement and load,ultimate load displacement and stiffness,yield angular displacement and torque,ultimate load and angle displacement torque and stiffness for comparative analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) In the static axial compression test,YP-cage was superior to PEEK-cage in terms of stiffness,yield load,ultimate displacement,and load limit in three groups of tests (9,11,13 mm) (P<0.01),but the yield displacement of YP-cage was smaller than that of PEEK-cage (P<0.05). (2) In the static torsion test,there was no significant difference in the ultimate torsion angle between YP-cage and PEEK-cage in 9 mm group. YP-cage was lower thanPEEK-cage in yield torque,yield torsion angle,and ultimate torque (P<0.01),while YP-cage torsional stiffness was greater than PEEK-cage in 9 mm group and 11 mm group (P<0.01). (3) The results show that the novel press-fit mechanical lumbar cage has higher compressive strength than PEEK cage,but the torsional strength is not as good as PEEK-cage.

Objective To explore the correlation between aging and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)and reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods IPF models were established using young(2-month-old)and aged(18-month-old)C57BL/6J mice by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin(BLM)hydrochloride(2.5 mg/kg)after fully exposing the trachea.The control groups received an equal volume of saline administered in the same manner.Mice were divided randomly into four groups:a young control(Ctrl-Y)group,young model(IPF-Y)group,aged control(Ctrl-A)group,and aged model(IPF-A)group.Histopathological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining.Collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 chain(COL1A1),α-smooth muscle actin(SMA),and fibronectin(FN)expression were detected by immunohistochemistry.Cell senescence was detected by senescence-associated beta-galactosidase(SA-β-Gal)staining.Differentially expressed genes were detected by transcrip tome sequencing,followed by gene ontology functional annotation(GO)and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis.Core gene expression was validated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.Results The fibrosis score was significantly higher in the IPF-A group compared with the IPF-Y group(P＜0.05).Expression levels of α-SMA,and FN were significantly upregulated in the IPF-A group versus the IPF-Y group by 36％,and 25％,respectively(P＜0.05).The SA-β-Gal-positive area indicating senescence was significantly larger in the IPF-A group than in the IPF-Y group.Fifty-five senescence-IPF interactive genes were identified,among which Cdkn1a,MMP3,and Pdcd1 were synergistically upregulated in the IPF-A group(P＜0.05).KEGG analysis revealed the activation of signaling pathways such as extracellular matrix(ECM)-receptor interaction,phagosome,cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction,efferocytosis,and PI3K-Akt(FDR＜0.05).Conclusions aging promotes IPF progression,which induces lung tissue senescence.The underlying mechanism may involve ECM remodeling driven by immunosenescence,inflammatory accumulation,and metabolic disorders.