Childhood simple obesity has become a significant public health issue in China. Modern medicine primarily relies on lifestyle interventions and often suffers from poor long-term compliance， while pharmacological options are limited and associated with potential adverse effects. Traditional Chinese Medicine （TCM） has a long history in the prevention and management of this condition， demonstrating eight distinct advantages， including systematic theoretical foundation， diversified therapeutic approaches， definite therapeutic efficacy， high safety profile， good patient compliance， comprehensive intervention strategies， emphasis on prevention， and stepwise treatment protocols. Additionally， TCM is characterized by six distinctive features： the use of natural medicinal substances， non-invasive external therapies， integration of medicinal dietetics， simple exercise regimens， precise syndrome differentiation， and diverse dosage forms. By combining internal and external treatments， TCM facilitates individualized regimen adjustment and holistic regulation， demonstrating remarkable effects in improving obesity-related metabolic indicators， regulating constitutional imbalance， and promoting healthy behaviors. However， challenges remain， such as inconsistent operational standards， insufficient high-quality clinical evidence， and a gap between basic research and clinical application. Future efforts should focus on accelerating the standardization of TCM diagnosis and treatment， conducting multicenter randomized controlled trials， and fostering interdisciplinary integration， so as to enhance the scientific validity and international recognition of TCM in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.

Background: Adrenocortical hormones, particularly 11-oxygenated androgens, are pivotal in female reproductive health and fertility. Standardized detection kits and population-specific reference intervals are lacking in China, hindering related clinical applications. Methods: A HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) pipeline was developed, rigorously validated, and applied to simultaneously quantify corticosterone, cortisone, cortisol, 18-OH cortisol, androstenedione (A4), 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11-OH A4), dehydroepiandrosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in serum samples from 455 reproductive-aged women (18–45 yrs) in Guangxi, China. Age-dependent concentration trends were analyzed, and reference intervals stratified by age (2.5th to 97.5th percentiles) were established. Correlations with body-composition metrics, ethnicity, and the menstrual cycle were investigated. Results: The HPLC-MS/MS method demonstrated high precision (intra- and inter-assay CVs < 15%), accuracy, and sensitivity. All eight hormones exhibited significant age-related declines (P < 0.001 for seven hormones; P = 0.001 for 11-OH A4). Notably, 11-OH A4 levels were significantly lower in the 35–45-yr (3.05 nmol/L) and 25–34-yr (3.09 nmol/L) age groups than in the 18–24-yr (3.57 nmol/L) age group, whereas no significant difference was observed between the 35–45-yr and 25–34-yr age groups. Weak negative correlations were observed between the body mass index and corticosterone and cortisone levels, whereas ethnicity and the menstrual cycle showed no significant associations with hormone levels. Conclusions We developed an HPLC-MS/MS-based method for simultaneously quantifying eight adrenocortical hormones, including 11-OH A4, and defined age-specific reference intervals for reproductive-aged Chinese women. These findings advance the clinical utility of adrenocortical hormones in diagnosing and managing reproductive disorders.

Chronic diabetic wounds, severely complicated by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections, represent a profound and escalating global health crisis. The intrinsically hostile microenvironment of diabetic wounds, characterized by localized hypoxia, persistent oxidative stress, and poor vascularization, creates an ideal niche for opportunistic pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These bacteria readily construct dense extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) biofilms, which not only physically shield the microbes from host immune responses but also actively trap the wound in a state of chronic, unresolved inflammation. Consequently, conventional systemic and topical antibiotic therapies are becoming increasingly futile, as poor perfusion at the wound site restricts drug bioavailability, while the rapid genetic evolution of bacteria and the impenetrable nature of biofilms lead to catastrophic treatment failures, often culminating in severe tissue necrosis and lower-extremity amputations. To circumvent the limitations of traditional antimicrobials, therapeutic gas delivery has emerged as a highly promising, paradigm-shifting strategy. Gaseous signaling molecules, particularly nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), and hydrogen (H₂), possess unique physicochemical properties that allow them to seamlessly penetrate dense biofilm matrices and cellular membranes. Once inside, these gases operate via multi-targeted mechanisms that are incredibly difficult for bacteria to develop resistance against; for instance, NO induces severe lipid peroxidation and DNA cleavage in bacteria, CO downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, H₂S significantly accelerates endothelial cell migration for neovascularization, and H₂ acts as a powerful selective antioxidant to neutralize tissue-damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Together, these therapeutic gases not only exert broad-spectrum bactericidal effects but also actively reprogram the wound bed by promoting the critical M1-to-M2 macrophage polarization and stimulating angiogenesis. Despite their immense biological potential, the direct clinical translation of gas therapies is severely hindered by inherent physicochemical drawbacks, including extreme volatility, short physiological half-lives, poor aqueous solubility, and the high risk of off-target systemic toxicity, if applied indiscriminately. To conquer these immense pharmacokinetic barriers, cutting-edge advancements in materials science have driven the development of gas-releasing micro- and nanoplatforms. Utilizing sophisticated carriers such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), mesoporous silica, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and injectable hydrogels, researchers can now encapsulate gas-donor molecules to achieve sustained, localized delivery. More importantly, these advanced nanoplatforms are ingeniously engineered to be stimuli-responsive. By exploiting the pathological hallmarks of the diabetic wound environment, such as elevated glucose concentrations, acidic pH, and overexpressed ROS, or by utilizing external triggers like near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation and ultrasound, these intelligent platforms ensure on-demand, precise spatio-temporal gas release. This often allows for powerful synergistic combinations, such as photothermal or photodynamic therapy coupled with gas release, thereby obliterating biofilms while sparing healthy tissue. While the therapeutic outcomes of these smart delivery systems in eradicating MDR infections and accelerating tissue repair are unprecedented, several critical challenges remain before widespread clinical adoption, as long-term biosafety profiles of the carrier nanomaterials, complexities in large-scale good manufacturing practice (GMP) production, and stringent regulatory hurdles must be rigorously addressed. Looking forward, the next frontier lies in the realm of precision medicine and theranostics, where future research must focus on the seamless integration of these gas-releasing platforms with flexible, wearable biosensors capable of continuously monitoring wound biomarkers (e.g., pH, temperature, uric acid) in real-time. Coupled with artificial intelligence algorithms to govern automated, closed-loop adaptive dosing, these next-generation smart dressings hold the ultimate potential to comprehensively transform the clinical management of complex, infected diabetic wounds.

Chronic diabetic wounds, severely complicated by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections, represent a profound and escalating global health crisis. The intrinsically hostile microenvironment of diabetic wounds, characterized by localized hypoxia, persistent oxidative stress, and poor vascularization, creates an ideal niche for opportunistic pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These bacteria readily construct dense extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) biofilms, which not only physically shield the microbes from host immune responses but also actively trap the wound in a state of chronic, unresolved inflammation. Consequently, conventional systemic and topical antibiotic therapies are becoming increasingly futile, as poor perfusion at the wound site restricts drug bioavailability, while the rapid genetic evolution of bacteria and the impenetrable nature of biofilms lead to catastrophic treatment failures, often culminating in severe tissue necrosis and lower-extremity amputations. To circumvent the limitations of traditional antimicrobials, therapeutic gas delivery has emerged as a highly promising, paradigm-shifting strategy. Gaseous signaling molecules, particularly nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), and hydrogen (H₂), possess unique physicochemical properties that allow them to seamlessly penetrate dense biofilm matrices and cellular membranes. Once inside, these gases operate via multi-targeted mechanisms that are incredibly difficult for bacteria to develop resistance against; for instance, NO induces severe lipid peroxidation and DNA cleavage in bacteria, CO downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, H₂S significantly accelerates endothelial cell migration for neovascularization, and H₂ acts as a powerful selective antioxidant to neutralize tissue-damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Together, these therapeutic gases not only exert broad-spectrum bactericidal effects but also actively reprogram the wound bed by promoting the critical M1-to-M2 macrophage polarization and stimulating angiogenesis. Despite their immense biological potential, the direct clinical translation of gas therapies is severely hindered by inherent physicochemical drawbacks, including extreme volatility, short physiological half-lives, poor aqueous solubility, and the high risk of off-target systemic toxicity, if applied indiscriminately. To conquer these immense pharmacokinetic barriers, cutting-edge advancements in materials science have driven the development of gas-releasing micro- and nanoplatforms. Utilizing sophisticated carriers such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), mesoporous silica, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and injectable hydrogels, researchers can now encapsulate gas-donor molecules to achieve sustained, localized delivery. More importantly, these advanced nanoplatforms are ingeniously engineered to be stimuli-responsive. By exploiting the pathological hallmarks of the diabetic wound environment, such as elevated glucose concentrations, acidic pH, and overexpressed ROS, or by utilizing external triggers like near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation and ultrasound, these intelligent platforms ensure on-demand, precise spatio-temporal gas release. This often allows for powerful synergistic combinations, such as photothermal or photodynamic therapy coupled with gas release, thereby obliterating biofilms while sparing healthy tissue. While the therapeutic outcomes of these smart delivery systems in eradicating MDR infections and accelerating tissue repair are unprecedented, several critical challenges remain before widespread clinical adoption, as long-term biosafety profiles of the carrier nanomaterials, complexities in large-scale good manufacturing practice (GMP) production, and stringent regulatory hurdles must be rigorously addressed. Looking forward, the next frontier lies in the realm of precision medicine and theranostics, where future research must focus on the seamless integration of these gas-releasing platforms with flexible, wearable biosensors capable of continuously monitoring wound biomarkers (e.g., pH, temperature, uric acid) in real-time. Coupled with artificial intelligence algorithms to govern automated, closed-loop adaptive dosing, these next-generation smart dressings hold the ultimate potential to comprehensively transform the clinical management of complex, infected diabetic wounds.

Objective:To evaluate the role of splenic sympathetic nerve-regulated infiltration and polarization of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) macrophages in diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) in mice.Methods:Forty-eight specific pathogen-free male C57BL/6 mice, aged 6 weeks, weighing 20-22 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=12 each) using a random number table method: control group (Con group), DNP group, DNP plus sham operation group (DNP+ Sham group), and diabetes mellitus induced by DNP plus splenic sympathetic denervation group (DNP+ SS group). In DNP+ SS group, the splenic sympathetic denervation procedures were performed using 6-hydroxydopamine solution, while a solvent of 0.2% ascorbic acid saline solution was used as a substitute for 6-hydroxydopamine solution in DNP+ Sham group. After a two-week recovery, the diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin 120 mg/kg in mice at 8 weeks of age. The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT) were measured on day 1 before developing the model and on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 after developing the model. After the last behavioral testing, the DRG was taken after anesthesia for determination of the expression of the macrophage marker ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1(Iba1), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (by immunofluorescence) and expression of M1 phenotype markers (CD16, TNF-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS]) and M2 phenotype markers (interleukin-10 [IL-10], transforming growth factor-β1 [TGF-β1], and CD206) mRNA (using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction). Results:Compared with Con group, the MWT was significantly decreased on days 14, 21 and 28 after developing the model, the expression of CGRP and TNF-α in the DRG was up-regulated, the count of Iba1-positive cells was increased, the expression of CD16, TNF-α and iNOS mRNA was up-regulated ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the expression of IL-10, TGF-β1 and CD206 in DNP group ( P>0.05). Compared with DNP group and DNP+ Sham group, the MWT was significantly increased on days 14, 21 and 28 after developing the model, the expression of CGRP and TNF-α in the DRG was down-regulated, the count of Iba1-positive cells was decreased, the expression of CD16, TNF-α and iNOS mRNA was down-regulated, and the expression of IL-10, TGF-β1 and CD206 mRNA was up-regulated in DNP+ SS group ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the aforementioned parameters at each time point in DNP and DNP+ Sham groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Activation of splenic sympathetic nerve can promote the infiltration and polarization of DRG macrophages, thus participating in the process of diabetic neuropathic pain in mice.

Objective:To evaluate the role of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated microglia activation in myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion-induced brain injury in mice.Methods:Fifty-two SPF healthy male wild-type C57BL/6 mice and 52 NLRP3 -/- mice, aged 8-10 weeks, were divided into 4 groups ( n=26 each) using a random number table method: wild type sham operation group (W-S group), wild type myocardial ischemia-reperfusion group (W-IR group), NLRP3 -/- sham operation group (NLRP3 -/--S group), and NLRP3 -/- myocardial ischemia-reperfusion group (NLRP3 -/--IR group). The myocardial ischemia-reperfusion-induced brain injury model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery for 45 min followed by 24 h of reperfusion in anesthetized mice. The cognitive function was evaluated using the modified Morris water maze test at 24 h of reperfusion. The mice were sacrificed after blood specimens were collected, and brain tissues were obtained for measurement of the blood-brain barrier permeability and water content, for microscopic examination of the pathological changes of brain tissues, and for determination of serum S-100β protein and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) concentrations, contents of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in hippocampal tissues (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), expression of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), cleaved cysteine aspartate protease 1 (cleaved-caspase-1), gasdermin D (GSDMD), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), and occludin in hippocampal tissues (by immunofluorescence and/or Western blot). The apoptosis rate of neurons and density of dendritic spine were calculated. Results:Compared with sham operation group, the escape latency was significantly prolonged, the number of crossing the original platform was decreased, and the time spent in the target quadrant was shortened, the concentrations of serum S-100β protein and NSE were increased, the blood-brain barrier permeability and brain water content were increased, the dendritic spine density in the hippocampal CA1 area was decreased, the contents of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were increased, the expression of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved-caspase-1, GSDMD and Iba-1 was up-regulated, and the expression of occludin was down-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological injury to brain tissues was found in ischemia-reperfusion group. Compared with W-IR group, the escape latency was significantly shortened, the number of crossing the original platform was increased, and the time spent in the target quadrant was prolonged, the concentrations of serum S-100β protein and NSE were decreased, the blood-brain barrier permeability and brain water content were decreased, the dendritic spine density in the hippocampal CA1 area was increased, the contents of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were decreased, the expression of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved-caspase-1, GSDMD and Iba-1 was down-regulated, and the expression of occludin was up-regulated ( P<0.05), and the pathological injury to brain tissues was alleviated in NLRP3 -/--IR group. Conclusions:NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated microglia activation is involved in myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion-induced brain injury in mice.

Objective:To analyze the characteristics and changes in incidence and mortality of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke among Chinese residents from 2015 to 2019.Methods:The incidence and mortality data of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke from 2015 to 2019 were collected from the China Registry of Cardiovascular Events (China RACE), which was established in 2014 and covered 100 counties (cities and districts) in 31 provinces in China. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) was calculated using the Seventh National Census data as the standard population. The ratio of the incidence rate of ischemic stroke to hemorrhagic stroke was calculated. The subtype-specific mortality-to-incidence ratio (M/I) was calculated by the ratio of the number of deaths to the reported incidence cases. The relative ratio (RR) of M/I for ischemic to hemorrhagic stroke was calculated. The Joinpoint model was used to analyze the annual percentage change (APC) and trend of the incidence rate of stroke.Results:From 2015 to 2019, a total of 1 354 614 new stroke cases were reported, including 1 077 244 (79.52%) ischemic stroke and 277 370 (20.48%) hemorrhagic stroke cases, respectively. A total of 248 620 stroke deaths were reported, including 119 819 (48.19%) ischemic stroke deaths and 128 801 (51.81%) hemorrhagic stroke deaths. The incidence ratio of ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke from 2015 to 2019 was 3.50∶1, 3.76∶1, 3.63∶1, 4.23∶1, and 4.35∶1, respectively. From 2015 to 2019, there was no statistically significant annual trend of ASIR of ischemic stroke in overall, urban and rural areas and males ( Ptrend>0.05), while there was a downward trend in females (APC=-1.02%, Ptrend=0.042). The incidence of hemorrhagic stroke in the whole population, rural areas, males and females showed a downward trend ( Ptrend<0.05). Patients aged 45-49 years had an upward trend in the incidence rate of ischemic stroke (APC=3.82%, Ptrend=0.011), while those aged 70-74 years (APC=-7.37%, Ptrend=0.034), 80-84 years (APC=-9.75%, Ptrend=0.001) and 85 years and over (APC=-11.22%, Ptrend=0.017) presented a downward trend in the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke. During the period, the overall relative ratio of M/I (RR) for ischemic to hemorrhagic stroke was 4.2∶1, which was lower in urban than in rural areas (3.8 vs. 4.3). The largest gap between urban and rural areas was in the 55-59 age group (6.8 vs. 9.3). Conclusion:The incidence and mortality of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke among Chinese residents are severe from 2015 to 2019, and there are regional and population differences.

Objective:To present the epidemiological characteristics of ≤28 days case fatality in both hemorrhagic stroke (HS) and ischemic stroke (IS) patients in national cardiovascular disease surveillance areas from 2015 to 2019.Methods:Data on all new patients with stroke and ≤28 days outcomes from 2015 to 2019 were from the China Registry of Cardiovascular Events, which was established in 2014, covering 100 counties (cities, districts) in 31 provinces in China. Poisson regression was used to analyze the annual trend of ≤28 days case fatality. The age-standardized case fatality was directly calculated based on all new stroke onset.Results:In total, 112 069 deaths in HS patients ≤28 days after the onset, as well as 94 373 in IS patients, were identified during the study period. In 2019, the ≤28 days case fatality rate in HS patients was 4.75 times that of IS patients (37.08% vs. 7.80%), as well as that 4.06 times in urban areas (30.13% vs. 7.43%) and 5.30 times in rural areas (42.63% vs. 8.05%), respectively. Thus, in rural areas, HS patients showed 41.49% higher ≤28 days case fatality rate than that in urban areas, as well as 8.34% higher in IS patients. Those ≤28 days case fatality in both stroke subtypes onset increased with age and reached the highest level in those aged 85 years and over. During the study period, HS and IS patients in each age group displayed significant decrease trend in ≤28 days case fatality rate (trend P<0.001). Compared with that in 2015, the age-standardized ≤28 days case-fatality in HS patients in 2019 decreased by 28.52%, which was more in urban areas (-34.27%) than that in rural areas (-23.19%). Meanwhile, IS patients experienced a 39.90% reduction in ≤28 days case fatality, which was much lower in urban areas (-31.62%) than in rural areas (-45.10%, all trend P<0.001). Conclusions:From 2015 to 2019, ≤28 days case fatality in both HS and IS patients decreased in China. Wide variations of ≤28 days case-fatality were evident in the level and trend in stroke subtype, age of patients, as well as urban and rural areas. More precise and comprehensive strategies for stroke prevention, treatment, and post-stroke management are urgently required in China.

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.

AIM To optimize the extraction process for total polyphenols from Conioselinum vaginatu(Spreng.)Thell.,make component analysis,and evaluate their anti-oxidant,hypoglycemic activities.METHODS The effects of ultrasound,enzymatic hydrolysis,acid hydrolysis,alcohol extraction and hydrolysis processes on the extraction quantity of total polyphenols were investigated,respectively.With extraction temperature,extraction time,ethanol concetration and liquid-solid ratio as influencing factors,extraction quantity of total polyphenols as an evaluation index,the extraction process was optimized by response surface method.HPLC was adopted in the identification of polyphenolic composition and determination of their contents.Subsequently,total polyphenols' scavenging capacities on DPPH,ABTS,OH free radicals,total reducing power and inhibitory capacity on α-glucosidase were determined.RESULTS The highest extraction quantity of total polyphenols was observable when extraction process was employed.The optimal conditions were determined to be 62 ℃ for extraction temperature,54 min for extraction time,69％for ethanol concentration,and 50∶1 for liquid-solid ratio,the extraction quantity of total polyphenols was(9.51±0.2)mg GAE/g.Seven constituents existed in C.vaginatu,among which ferulic acid demonstrated the highest content,followed by that of myricetin,while D-tryptophan content was the lowest.At the concentration of 7.61 mg/L,total polyphenols displayed the scavenging rates on DPPH,ABTS,OH free radicals of 80.70％,85.97％,28.60％,total reducing power of 0.22,and inhibition rate on α-glucosidase of 77.23％,respectively.CONCLUSION This stable and reliable method can be used for the extraction of total polyphenols from C.vaginatum with strong anti-oxidant,hypoglycemic activities.