1.Influence of atrial septal defect on mitral valve growth after repair of coarctation of the aorta or an interrupted aortic arch in infants
Yi-Chia WANG ; Heng-Wen CHOU ; Chi-Hsiang HUANG ; Hsing-Hao HUANG ; Yih-Sharng CHEN ; En-Ting WU ; Shyh-Jye CHEN ; Ming-Tai LIN ; Shuenn-Nan CHIU ; Shu-Chien HUANG
Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics 2026;69(4):322-329
Background:
Patients with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) and an interrupted aortic arch (IAA) may present with small mitral valves (MVs) and a reduced left ventricular (LV) volume. Biventricular repair (BVR) in these patients is dependent on adequate size of the left cardiac structures.Purpose: This study evaluated the impact of the hemodynamic characteristics of atrial septal defects (ASDs) on MV growth following surgical repair.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients diagnosed with CoA or IAA between 2007 and 2024. The z score for MV size measured 6 months postoperatively (Z2) was compared with the preoperative MV size (Z1). The factors associated with MV growth were also studied.
Results:
A total of 161 patients with CoA or IAA were included. Transthoracic echocardiography was used to assess the MV and LV dimensions preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Of the cohort, 155 (96.3%) underwent initial BVR and 6 underwent single-ventricle palliation. MV z scores significantly increased following BVR (mean change: +0.45±1.35; P<0.001) but decreased after single-ventricle repair (-0.56±0.49, P=0.04). Multivariate analysis identified the initial MV z score and ASD pressure gradient as independent predictors of MV growth (R2=0.39).
Conclusion
Annular growth of the MV was not observed in patients who underwent single-ventricle palliation. In contrast, among patients who achieved BVR, those with a small preoperative MV annulus and low ASD pressure gradient demonstrated subsequent catch-up MV growth, suggesting that adequate left-sided preload is essential for MV development.
2.The Predictive Value of Epicardial Adipose Thickness for Pre-eclampsia Evalu-ated by Echocardiography
Qingqing ZHANG ; Ming WEN ; Qi CHEN
Journal of Practical Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;41(3):242-245
Objective:To explore the predictive value of epicardial adipose thickness(EAT)for pre-eclampsia(PE)evaluated by echocardiography.Methods:The clinical data of 242 early pregnant women admitted to Wuhu First People's Hospital from September 2020 to November 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.According to whether PE occurred,they were divided into PE group(n=31)and non-PE group(n=211).The echocardio-graphic data of pregnant women at 11+0-13+6 weeks of gestation were collected,and the influencing factors of PE in pregnant women were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn to evaluate the predictive value of EAT for PE in pregnant women.Results:There were statisti-cally significant differences in age,pregnancy mode,body mass index(BMI),history of hypertension,systolic and diastolic blood pressure,serum soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1(sFlt-1)/placental growth fac-tor(PLGF)ratio and EAT between PE group and non-PE group(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analy-sis showed that increased BMI(OR 1.492,95%CI 1.161-2.724),history of hypertension(OR 3.684,95%CI 2.074-6.542),increased serum sFlt-1/PLGF value(OR 1.982,95%CI 1.268-3.099),and increased EAT(OR 2.246,95%CI 1.292-3.903)were independent risk factors for PE in pregnant women(P<0.05).The results of ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of ultrasound evaluation of EAT in predicting PE in pregnant women was0.848(95%CI0.785-0.910,P<0.001).When the optimal cutoff value was5.63 mm,the sensitivity was 85.71%and the specificity was 67.14%.Conclusions:Ultrasound evaluation of EAT for PE pre-diction has good application value.
3.Effects of Yiqi Jiedu Tongluo Formula on renal injury in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus via TGF-β/SMAD and VEGF pathways
Wen-xuan XU ; Lei-lei MA ; Ming-yu SHEN ; Xiao-jin LA ; Bi-wei ZHANG ; Shuo WANG ; Chao LI ; Peng CUI ; Zhen CHEN ; Ji-an LI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(2):421-429
AIM To observe the effects of Yiqi Jiedu Tongluo Formula(YQJDTL)on renal microvascular endothelial function and prevention of renal injury in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).METHODS The SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group and a model group.The model group was administered with high-fat diet combined with a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ to establish the T2DM model.The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group,the canagliflozin group(9 mg/kg),and the low-dose and high-dose YQJDTL groups(4.77,9.45 g/kg).The corresponding doses of the drug were administered by gavage for a total of 12 weeks,during which the rats underwent observation of their general condition and blood glucose changes.After the end of administration,the rats had their levels of renal index,24-hour UP,serum SCr,BUN,TC,TG,HDL-C,LDL-C,ET-1 and NOS measured;their changes in renal microvasculature and the degree of renal fibrosis observed using HE staining,Masson staining,PAS staining,and PASM staining;their ultrastructure of the glomeruli observed using transmission electron microscopy;their renal protein expressions of TGF-β,SMAD2,SMAD3,Col-1,VEGFA and PKC detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot;and their renal mRNA expressions of VEGFA,TGF-β,SMAD2 determined by RT-qPCR.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the high-dose YQJDTL group showed decreased levels of renal index,blood glucose,TG,TC,HDL,24 h UP,BUN,SCr and ET-1(P<0.05,P<0.01);increased LDL and NOS levels(P<0.05,P<0.01);reduced renal inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis degree,inhibited fusion of foot processes and thickening of basement membrane;decreased renal protein expressions of TGF-β,SMAD2,SMAD3,VEGFA,PKC and Col-1(P<0.05,P<0.01);and decreased mRNA expressions of VEGFA,TGF-β and SMAD2(P<0.01).CONCLUSION In the rat models of T2DM,YQJDTL can reduce their levels of blood glucose and lipids by improving the renal indices levels and the renal microvascular endothelial functions to alleviate renal fibrosis and microangiopathy as well,and the mechanism may be associated with the down-regulated expressions of TGF-β/SMAD and VEGF pathway-related proteins.
4.Epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal aggregation of dengue fever in Fujian Province,2011-2023
Mei-rong ZHAN ; Can-ming ZHANG ; Shao-jian CAI ; Zhong-hang XIE ; Sheng-gen WU ; Wu CHEN ; Jian-ming OU ; Wen-jing YE
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(2):200-207
The epidemiological and spatiotemporal clustering characteristics of dengue fever in Fujian Province were ana-lyzed,to provide a scientific basis for dengue fever prevention and control.Descriptive epidemiology,spatial autocorrelation a-nalysis,and spatiotemporal scanning were used to analyze dengue fever cases in Fujian Province from 2011 to 2023.In this peri-od,a total of 3 586 cases of dengue fever were reported in Fujian Province,including 2 360 local cases,1 134 imported cases from abroad,and 92 imported cases from China.Cases were reported in ten prefectures and cities of the province,and 81 out of 88 counties reported cases.Imported cases were reported throughout the year in Fujian Province,but the occurrence of local ca-ses showed clear seasonality.Local cases and domestic imports were concentrated in August to October,whereas overseas im-ports occurred primarily from June to October.The imported cases were mainly from Southeast Asian countries,but a trend of spreading from Southeast Asian countries to South Asia,Africa,the Americas,and other regions,was observed.Spatio-tem-poral clustering of dengue fever was found in Fujian Province(Moran's I value 0.14-0.66,P<0.05),and the high-high ag-gregation areas were distributed primarily in Fuzhou,Quanzhou,and Putian.Spatio-temporal scanning detected three aggrega-tion areas:one main and two secondary.The aggregation time was from the end of July to October,and the distribution was primarily in Fuzhou,Quanzhou,Putian,Zhangzhou,and Xiamen.The distribution of dengue fever in Fujian Province showed clear spatial and temporal clustering from the end of July to October,and the distribution was primarily in Fuzhou,Quanzhou,Putian,Zhangzhou,and Xiamen.For high concentration areas,national health campaigns,mosquito prevention and control,epidemic surveillance,medical personnel training,and other relevant measures could be carried out in advance before local cases appear every year.Reduce local transmission of dengue fever due to importation.
5.Lycium barbarum polysaccharide ameliorates ovarian granulosa cell aging in rats by activating CAMKK2/AMPK/MCU signaling pathway
Xiao-dan LIU ; Chen LING ; Lu LIU ; Jing PU ; Hai-bin MA ; Hui-ming MA ; Wen-ping ZHANG ; Dong-mei CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1116-1125
Aim To explore the mechanism of Lycium barbarum glycopeptide(LbGP)improving aging in rat primary ovarian granulosa cells.Methods This study divided the cells into a normal group,a DOX group,and four different LbGP concentration treatment groups post-DOX intervention.Results Cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8,EDU,and Ki67 assays,while aging markers and mitochondrial function-related fac-tors were detected using immunofluorescence and West-ern blotting.The results showed that,compared to the DOX group,LbGP treatment significantly increased cell viability(P<0.05)and promoted proliferation(P<0.05).Post LbGP treatment,the β-galactosidase-posi-tive area in cells was significantly reduced compared to the DOX group(P<0.05).Immunofluorescence re-sults indicated that,compared to the DOX group,levels of p21 and γH2AX significantly decreased(P<0.05),while pRB increased(P<0.05)after LbGP treatment.Western blot results showed that,compared to the DOX group,the aging phenotype proteins p21 and p53 significantly decreased(P<0.05),and pRB notably increased(P<0.05)in the LbGP treatment group.The release of cytC into the cytoplasm and the activated caspase-9 significantly decreased(P<0.05);levels of CAMKK2,pAMPK,and mitochondrial calcium homeostasis regulator MCU increased(P<0.05);nuclear energy metabolism-related proteins SirT1,PGC1α/β and ATP5A1 significantly increased(P<0.05);compared to the DOX group,ROS levels significantly decreased after LbGP treatment(P<0.05).Conclusions The results suggest that LbGP can ameliorate DOX-induced aging in rat primary ovar-ian granulosa cells,potentially through the upregulation of the CAMKKβ/AMPK signaling pathway,thereby im-proving mitochondrial calcium homeostasis and increas-ing the expression levels of cell energy metabolism-re-lated regulatory proteins.This provides an experimen-tal basis for LbGP's potential role in supporting the im-provement of ovarian function.
6.Epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal aggregation of dengue fever in Fujian Province,2011-2023
Mei-rong ZHAN ; Can-ming ZHANG ; Shao-jian CAI ; Zhong-hang XIE ; Sheng-gen WU ; Wu CHEN ; Jian-ming OU ; Wen-jing YE
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(2):200-207
The epidemiological and spatiotemporal clustering characteristics of dengue fever in Fujian Province were ana-lyzed,to provide a scientific basis for dengue fever prevention and control.Descriptive epidemiology,spatial autocorrelation a-nalysis,and spatiotemporal scanning were used to analyze dengue fever cases in Fujian Province from 2011 to 2023.In this peri-od,a total of 3 586 cases of dengue fever were reported in Fujian Province,including 2 360 local cases,1 134 imported cases from abroad,and 92 imported cases from China.Cases were reported in ten prefectures and cities of the province,and 81 out of 88 counties reported cases.Imported cases were reported throughout the year in Fujian Province,but the occurrence of local ca-ses showed clear seasonality.Local cases and domestic imports were concentrated in August to October,whereas overseas im-ports occurred primarily from June to October.The imported cases were mainly from Southeast Asian countries,but a trend of spreading from Southeast Asian countries to South Asia,Africa,the Americas,and other regions,was observed.Spatio-tem-poral clustering of dengue fever was found in Fujian Province(Moran's I value 0.14-0.66,P<0.05),and the high-high ag-gregation areas were distributed primarily in Fuzhou,Quanzhou,and Putian.Spatio-temporal scanning detected three aggrega-tion areas:one main and two secondary.The aggregation time was from the end of July to October,and the distribution was primarily in Fuzhou,Quanzhou,Putian,Zhangzhou,and Xiamen.The distribution of dengue fever in Fujian Province showed clear spatial and temporal clustering from the end of July to October,and the distribution was primarily in Fuzhou,Quanzhou,Putian,Zhangzhou,and Xiamen.For high concentration areas,national health campaigns,mosquito prevention and control,epidemic surveillance,medical personnel training,and other relevant measures could be carried out in advance before local cases appear every year.Reduce local transmission of dengue fever due to importation.
7.Lycium barbarum polysaccharide ameliorates ovarian granulosa cell aging in rats by activating CAMKK2/AMPK/MCU signaling pathway
Xiao-dan LIU ; Chen LING ; Lu LIU ; Jing PU ; Hai-bin MA ; Hui-ming MA ; Wen-ping ZHANG ; Dong-mei CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1116-1125
Aim To explore the mechanism of Lycium barbarum glycopeptide(LbGP)improving aging in rat primary ovarian granulosa cells.Methods This study divided the cells into a normal group,a DOX group,and four different LbGP concentration treatment groups post-DOX intervention.Results Cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8,EDU,and Ki67 assays,while aging markers and mitochondrial function-related fac-tors were detected using immunofluorescence and West-ern blotting.The results showed that,compared to the DOX group,LbGP treatment significantly increased cell viability(P<0.05)and promoted proliferation(P<0.05).Post LbGP treatment,the β-galactosidase-posi-tive area in cells was significantly reduced compared to the DOX group(P<0.05).Immunofluorescence re-sults indicated that,compared to the DOX group,levels of p21 and γH2AX significantly decreased(P<0.05),while pRB increased(P<0.05)after LbGP treatment.Western blot results showed that,compared to the DOX group,the aging phenotype proteins p21 and p53 significantly decreased(P<0.05),and pRB notably increased(P<0.05)in the LbGP treatment group.The release of cytC into the cytoplasm and the activated caspase-9 significantly decreased(P<0.05);levels of CAMKK2,pAMPK,and mitochondrial calcium homeostasis regulator MCU increased(P<0.05);nuclear energy metabolism-related proteins SirT1,PGC1α/β and ATP5A1 significantly increased(P<0.05);compared to the DOX group,ROS levels significantly decreased after LbGP treatment(P<0.05).Conclusions The results suggest that LbGP can ameliorate DOX-induced aging in rat primary ovar-ian granulosa cells,potentially through the upregulation of the CAMKKβ/AMPK signaling pathway,thereby im-proving mitochondrial calcium homeostasis and increas-ing the expression levels of cell energy metabolism-re-lated regulatory proteins.This provides an experimen-tal basis for LbGP's potential role in supporting the im-provement of ovarian function.
8.Research on the operational efficiency of traditional Chinese medicine hospitals in China's Yangtze River Economic Belt in the context of high-quality development
Yi-fan MOU ; Jia-ying SUN ; Jin-ping LUO ; Bao-xuan ZHANG ; Ming-hui GENG ; Wen-qiang YIN ; Zhong-ming CHEN ; Dong-ping MA
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(1):66-72
Objective:Based on the background of high-quality development,we analyze the operational efficiency of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)hospitals in China's Yangtze River Economic Belt in 2021 and explore the impact of external environmental factors on operational efficiency,so as to provide a reference for promoting the high-quality development of TCM hospitals in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.Methods:The three-stage DEA model was used to analyze the operational efficiency of TCM hospitals in 11 provinces and cities in the Yangtze River Economic Zone in China in 2021.Results:After three-stage DEA analysis,the values of comprehensive efficiency,pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency of TCM hospitals in China's Yangtze River Economic Belt are 0.976,0.986 and 0.990,respectively.5 provinces and cities,Shanghai,Jiangsu,Hunan,Chongqing and Guizhou,are efficient before and after the adjustment,and the comprehensive efficiency of Zhejiang,Anhui,Hubei,Jiangxi,Sichuan and Yunnan have increased compared with that before the adjustment.Ranking of the average value of the comprehensive efficiency of TCM hospitals operation in the three major city clusters of the Yangtze River Economic Belt after adjustment:Chengdu-Chongqing city cluster(0.998)>city cluster in the Yangtze River Delta(0.964)>city cluster in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River(0.962).Conclusion:The operational efficiency of TCM hospitals in the Yangtze River Economic Zone has been underestimated,and the comprehensive efficiency is mainly affected by scale efficiency;there are differences in the operational efficiency of TCM hospitals in the three major urban agglomerations,and balanced development is needed between regions;the operational efficiency of TCM hospitals is affected by the external environment,and it is necessary to improve the external environment;it is necessary to strengthen the construction of digital and informatization of TCM,and to pay attention to the role of talents in TCM,so as to promote the high-quality development of TCM hospitals.
9.The comprehensive evaluation of primary healthcare in China's new era:Index construction and empirical analysis
Yan-qing MIAO ; Pei-lin WU ; Wen-jing CHEN ; Hong-ming ZHU
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(6):18-25
Objective:To construct the Primary Health Development Index(PHDI)and measure the performance of primary health care development in China.Methods:The PHDI was established through expert consultation.The indicator weights were determined using a comprehensive weighting method.Spatial autocorrelation and regional disparities in PHDI were analyzed using Moran's I and Theil indices.Results:(1)The PHDI framework comprises three dimensions—public accountability,health resources,and integrated services—covering 14 indicators.(2)The PHDI exhibited sustained growth,increasing from 70.46 in 2018 to 83.02 in 2022,with an average annual growth rate of 4.19%.(3)Spatial clustering of PHDI was observed,where provinces with high(low)scores neighbored provinces with similarly high(low)scores,though this positive spatial correlation gradually weakened.(4)Regional disparities in primary health care development showed continuous narrowing,with intra-regional differences dominating overall disparities.Intra-regional variations exhibited as"Eastern>Western>Central".Conclusions and suggestions:China's primary health care system has made rapid progress,with a growing trend toward more equitable access.However,disparities within regions persist.It is recommended to routinize and institutionalize the monitoring and evaluation of primary health care development indicators,enhance evidence-based policy implementation,strengthen inter-provincial collaboration within regions,and promote coordinated resource allocation to support balanced development.
10.Mechanism of Lizhong decoction in treating cold-damp diarrhea through network pharmacology,molecular docking and animal experiments
Hao ZHANG ; Wen-wen MI ; Rong-xia GUO ; Chun NIU ; Bao-xia CHEN ; Peng JI ; Yan-ming WEI ; Fang YANG ; Zhen-he LI ; Yong-li HUA
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(8):1552-1561
Aim To explore the key components and mechanisms of Lizhong decoction in treating rats with cold-damp diarrhea based on network pharmacology,molecular docking technology and animal experiments.Methods By literature review and database collec-tion,the components of Lizhong decoction,therapeutic targets,and the mapping with diarrhea disease targets were conducted to construct an intersection target pro-tein-protein interaction network for screening core tar-gets,and GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed to build an"active component-target-pathway"network,followed by molecular docking vali-dation.Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into the normal control group(K),model group(DG),Lizhong decoction group(LZDG),and Pulsatilla decoction group(BTDG).Subsequently,a rat cold-damp diar-rhea model was established using Senna combined with low-temperature high-humidity environment,and the rats were intervened with Lizhong decoction and Pul-satilla decoction.HE staining was used to detect path-ological changes in intestinal tissue,ELISA was em-ployed to measure the levels of peripheral blood IL-6,IL-10,IL-1 β,and TNF-α,and western blot was used to determine the expression of colon tight junction pro-teins.Results Network pharmacology initially identi-fied 125 compounds in Lizhong decoction,5 186 drug target components,438 disease targets,and 60"drug-disease"shared targets.GO and KEGG enrichment a-nalysis showed that signaling pathways such as IL-17 and TNF were highly enriched.Molecular docking in-dicated that the core components of the drug had good binding activity with corresponding key targets.Liz-hong decoction could effectively improve the clinical symptoms of rats with cold-damp diarrhea,and com-pared with the DG group,the diarrhea rate,diarrhea in-dex,and other related indicators also gradually de-creased to normal levels.Compared with the DG group,the LZDG group showed reduced inflammation levels and a recovery in energy metabolism levels.Conclusion It can regulate targets such as MMP9 and IL-17 signaling pathways through multi-components like Calycosin and formononetin to exert its therapeutic effect on cold-damp diarrhea.

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