The chemical constituents of the petroleum ether extract derived from the 90% ethanol extract of Elephantopus scaber were investigated. By silica gel column chromatography, C_(18), MCI column chromatography and semi-preparative high performance liquid chromatography, ten compounds were isolated. Their structures were identified as 3β-hydroxy-6β,7β-epoxytaraxeran-14-ene(1), 3β-hydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid(2), D-friedoolean-14-ene-3β,7α-diol(3), 3β-hydroxy-11α-methoxyolean-12-ene(4), 3β-hydroxyolean-11,13(18)-diene(5), 11α-hydroxy-β-amyrin(6), betulinic acid(7), 3β-hydroxy-30-norlupan-20-one(8), 6-acetonylchelerythrine(9), and 4',5'-dehydrodiodictyonema A(10) by analysis of the 1D NMR, 2D NMR, MS, and IR spectral data. Among them, compound 1 was a new triterpene and other compounds except compounds 2 and 7 were isolated from this plant for the first time.
Triterpenes/isolation & purification* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification* ; Molecular Structure ; Asteraceae/chemistry* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

The chemical constituents of the chloroform extract of the 90% methanol extract obtained from the dried branches and leaves of Croton lauioides were investigated. By using silica gel column chromatography, C_(18 )column chromatography, MCI column chromatography, and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC), six compounds were isolated. Their structures were identified as lauioidine(1), 2α-methoxy-8α-hydroxy-6-oxogermacra-1(10),7(11)-dien-8,12-olide(2), myrrhanolide B(3), gossweilone(4), 6β,7β-epox-4α-hydroxyguaian-10-ene(5), and 4(15)-eudesmane-1β,5α-diol(6) by analyzing the HR-ESI-MS, IR, ECD, 1D NMR and 2D NMR data, as well as their physicochemical properties. All compounds were isolated from C. lauioides for the first time, among which compound 1 is a new nor-clerodane diterpenoid.
Croton/chemistry* ; Diterpenes, Clerodane/isolation & purification* ; Molecular Structure ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification* ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid

This study aims to investigate the effect of Chaijin Jieyu Anshen Formula on the neuroinflammation of rats with insomnia complicated with depression through the regulation of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2(TREM2)/complement protein C1q signaling pathway. Rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a positive drug group, as well as a high, medium, and low-dose groups of Chaijin Jieyu Anshen Formula, with 10 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, the other groups were injected with p-chlorophenylalanine and exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress to establish the rat model of insomnia complicated with depression. The sucrose preference experiment, open field experiment, and water maze test were performed to evaluate the depression in rats. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to detect serum 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT), dopamine(DA), and norepinephrine(NE) levels. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the damage in nucleus accumbens neurons. Western blot and immunofluorescence were performed to detect TREM2, C1q, postsynaptic density 95(PSD-95), and synaptophysin 1(SYN1) expressions in rat nucleus accumbens, respectively. Golgi-Cox staining was utilized to observe the synaptic spine density of nucleus accumbens neurons. The results show that, compared with the model group, Chaijin Jieyu Anshen Formula can significantly increase the sucrose preference as well as the distance and number of voluntary activities, shorten the immobility time in forced swimming test and the successful incubation period of positioning navigation, and prolong the stay time of space exploration in the target quadrant test. The serum 5-HT, DA, and NE contents in the model group are significantly lower than those in the normal group, with the above contents significantly increased after the intervention of Chaijin Jieyu Anshen Formula. In addition, Chaijin Jieyu Anshen Formula can alleviate pathological damages such as swelling and loose arrangement of tissue cells in the nucleus accumbens, while increasing the Nissl body numbers. Chaijin Jieyu Anshen Formula can improve synaptic damage in the nucleus accumbens and increase the synaptic spine density. Compared to the normal group, the expression of C1q protein was significantly higher in the model group, while the expression of TREM2 protein was significantly lower. Compared to the model group, the intervention with Chaijin Jieyu Anshen Formula significantly downregulated the expression of C1q protein and significantly upregulated the expression of TREM2. Compared with the model group, the PSD-95 and SYN1 fluorescence intensity is significantly increased in the groups receiving different doses of Chaijin Jieyu Anshen Formula. In summary, Chaijin Jieyu Anshen Formula can reduce the C1q protein expression, relieve the TREM2 inhibition, and promote the synapse-related proteins PSD-95 and SNY1 expression. Chaijin Jieyu Anshen Formula improves synaptic injury of the nucleus accumbens neurons, thereby treating insomnia complicated with depression.
Animals ; Male ; Rats ; Nucleus Accumbens/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Depression/complications* ; Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/complications* ; Neurons/metabolism* ; Receptors, Immunologic/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Synapses/metabolism*

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the observational chart for traumatic limb swelling (OCTLS) for osteofascial compartment syndrome (OCS). METHODS: This was a descriptive-longitudinal study. Data of 316 patients who underwent surgical treatment for tibial fractures in our department from January 2015 to December 2023 were collected. Patients with Gustilo type II or higher open fractures, vascular injury, or bilateral fractures were excluded from the study. Two groups of double-blinded investigators independently assessed patients for the presence of OCS using 2 distinct diagnostic methods. Three senior orthopedic trauma surgeons evaluated patients with post-fracture calf swelling for OCS and the need for fasciotomy based on clinical signs and their extensive clinical experience. Subsequently, fasciotomy was performed according to their judgment, followed by postoperative examination of muscle and soft tissue conditions. Additionally, a follow-up evaluation was conducted to assess for complications such as ischemic muscle contracture. Another 3 trained researchers used OCTLS to grade swelling severity and determine the need for fasciotomy. The final diagnostic gold standard of OCS was determined by referring to whether there was escape of muscles at fasciotomy and/or color change in the muscles or muscle necrosis intraoperatively, and neurological abnormality or contracture at the last follow-up. The results of the 2 diagnostic methods were compared with the final diagnostic result. Kappa consistency test, paired χ² test (McNemar test), and receiver operating characteristic curve were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the 2 diagnostic methods. RESULTS: Of the 316 patients, 211 were finally included in the study, including 160 males and 51 females, with an average follow-up time of (14.5 ± 2.7) months. Among the 211 patients with tibial fracture-associated swelling, 42 were definitively diagnosed with OCS. Based on clinical symptoms and signs judgment, among the 65 fasciotomy patients, 38 were confirmed as correct, while among the 146 non-fasciotomy patients, 4 developed ischemic muscle contractures. Based on the OCTLS for assessment, fasciotomy was correctly recommended in 36 out of 43 cases, while 6 out of 168 non-fasciotomy patients developed OCS. Compared to the use of the gold standard, clinical signs judgment showed moderate consistency (McNemar's test p < 0.001, Kappa = 0.618, p < 0.001), whereas OCTLS demonstrated strong agreement (McNemar's test p = 1.000, Kappa = 0.808, p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed higher diagnostic accuracy for OCTLS (area under curve = 0.908, 95% CI: 0.843 - 0.972) compared to clinical signs judgment (area under curve = 0.872, 95% CI: 0.812 - 0.933). OCTLS achieved superior accuracy (93.8% vs. 85.3%, χ² = 8.221, p < 0.001) and a lower fasciotomy rate (20.4% vs. 30.8%, χ² = 6.023, p = 0.014). CONCLUSION Compared to clinical signs judgment, OCTLS significantly reduces unnecessary fasciotomy, improves diagnostic accuracy for OCS, and enables non-invasive, dynamic, and quantitative assessment, making it a valuable tool for clinical practice.
Humans ; Compartment Syndromes/etiology* ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Tibial Fractures/surgery* ; Middle Aged ; Fasciotomy ; Edema/etiology* ; Longitudinal Studies ; Aged ; Young Adult

Compounds isolated from Epimedium include the total flavonoids of Epimedium , icariin, and its metabolites (icaritin, icariside I, and icariside II), which have similar molecular structures. Modern pharmacological research and clinical practice have proved that Epimedium and its active components have a wide range of pharmacological effects, especially in improving sexual function, hormone regulation, anti-osteoporosis, immune function regulation, anti-oxidation, and anti-tumor activity. To date, we still need a comprehensive source of knowledge about the pharmacological effects of Epimedium and its bioactive compounds on the male reproductive system. However, their actions in other tissues have been reviewed in recent years. This review critically focuses on the Epimedium , its bioactive compounds, and the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that modulate vital pathways associated with the male reproductive system. Such intrinsic knowledge will significantly further studies on the Epimedium and its bioactive compounds that protect the male reproductive system and provide some guidances for clinical treatment of related male reproductive disorders.
Male ; Epimedium/chemistry* ; Humans ; Genitalia, Male/drug effects* ; Flavonoids/therapeutic use* ; Animals

BACKGROUND: Our understanding of the correlation between postdischarge cancer and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) remains incomplete. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between postdischarge cancers and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in CAD patients. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, 25% of CAD patients without prior cancer history who underwent coronary artery angiography between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015, were randomly enrolled using SPSS 26.0. Patients were monitored for the incidence of postdischarge cancer, which was defined as cancer diagnosed after the index hospitalization, survival status and cause of death. Cox regression analysis was used to explore the association between postdischarge cancer and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in CAD patients. RESULTS: A total of 4085 patients were included in the final analysis. During a median follow-up period of 8 years, 174 patients (4.3%) developed postdischarge cancer, and 343 patients (8.4%) died. A total of 173 patients died from cardiovascular diseases. Postdischarge cancer was associated with increased all-cause mortality risk (HR = 2.653, 95% CI: 1.727-4.076, P < 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality risk (HR = 2.756, 95% CI: 1.470-5.167, P = 0.002). Postdischarge lung cancer (HR = 5.497, 95% CI: 2.922-10.343, P < 0.001) and gastrointestinal cancer (HR = 1.984, 95% CI: 1.049-3.750, P = 0.035) were associated with all-cause mortality in CAD patients. Postdischarge lung cancer was significantly associated with cardiovascular death in CAD patients (HR = 4.979, 95% CI: 2.114-11.728, P < 0.001), and cardiovascular death was not significantly correlated with gastrointestinal cancer or other types of cancer. CONCLUSIONS Postdischarge cancer was associated with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in CAD patients. Compared with other cancers, postdischarge lung cancer had a more significant effect on all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in CAD patients.

BACKGROUND: Medical informatics accumulated vast amounts of data for clinical diagnosis and treatment. However, limited access to follow-up data and the difficulty in integrating data across diverse platforms continue to pose significant barriers to clinical research progress. In response, our research team has embarked on the development of a specialized clinical research database for cardiology, thereby establishing a comprehensive digital platform that facilitates both clinical decision-making and research endeavors. METHODS: The database incorporated actual clinical data from patients who received treatment at the Cardiovascular Medicine Department of Chinese PLA General Hospital from 2012 to 2021. It included comprehensive data on patients' basic information, medical history, non-invasive imaging studies, laboratory test results, as well as peri-procedural information related to interventional surgeries, extracted from the Hospital Information System. Additionally, an innovative artificial intelligence (AI)-powered interactive follow-up system had been developed, ensuring that nearly all myocardial infarction patients received at least one post-discharge follow-up, thereby achieving comprehensive data management throughout the entire care continuum for high-risk patients. RESULTS: This database integrates extensive cross-sectional and longitudinal patient data, with a focus on higher-risk acute coronary syndrome patients. It achieves the integration of structured and unstructured clinical data, while innovatively incorporating AI and automatic speech recognition technologies to enhance data integration and workflow efficiency. It creates a comprehensive patient view, thereby improving diagnostic and follow-up quality, and provides high-quality data to support clinical research. Despite limitations in unstructured data standardization and biological sample integrity, the database's development is accompanied by ongoing optimization efforts. CONCLUSION The cardiovascular specialty clinical database is a comprehensive digital archive integrating clinical treatment and research, which facilitates the digital and intelligent transformation of clinical diagnosis and treatment processes. It supports clinical decision-making and offers data support and potential research directions for the specialized management of cardiovascular diseases.

Seven compounds(1-7) were isolated from Isodon henryi through silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, ODS, MCI column chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC. Their structures were identified as isogallicacid(1), caffeic acid(2), syringic acid(3), protocatechuic acid(4), oresbiusin A(5), lophanthoside A(6), and 8-hydroxypinoresinol(7), by spectroscopic techniques including HR-MS, IR, UV, NMR, and ECD. Compound 1 was a new galloyl derivative. Moreover, it demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on the lipopolysaccharide-induced release of nitric oxide from RAW264.7 cells.
Mice ; Animals ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; Nitric Oxide/metabolism* ; Isodon/chemistry* ; Molecular Structure ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Macrophages/drug effects* ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Gallic Acid/analogs & derivatives*

Based on the focal adhesion kinase(FAK)/steroid receptor coactivator(Src)/extracellular regulated protein kinase(ERK) pathway, this study explored the effects of Xihuang Pills on angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis in prostate cancer. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS) was used to analyze and identify the active ingredients of Xihuang Pills. Bioinformatics techniques, including R language and Perl programs, were employed to analyze the interactions between prostate cancer-related targets and the potential targets of Xihuang Pills. A subcutaneous transplantation tumor model of prostate cancer was established in nude mice using PC3 cells to verify the efficacy and molecular mechanisms of Xihuang Pills. In vitro cellular experiments, including cell proliferation assays(CCK-8), Transwell assays, scratch assays, real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR, and Western blot, were used to detect the effects of Xihuang Pills on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of prostate cancer cells, as well as on FAK/Src/ERK pathway-related targets. LC-MS/MS identified 99 active ingredients in Xihuang Pills, including gallic acid, gentisic acid, artemisinin, corilagin, phenylbutazone-glucoside, thujic acid, and arecoic acid B. Network pharmacological analysis of the active ingredients in Xihuang Pills revealed that the FAK/Src/ERK signaling pathway was a key pathway in its anti-prostate cancer effects. In vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed that Xihuang Pills significantly inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration of PC3 and LNCaP cells, suppressed the growth of PC3 subcutaneous tumors, and reduced the protein expression levels related to the FAK/Src/ERK signaling pathway. In conclusion, the inhibition of angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis by regulating the FAK/Src/ERK pathway is one of the mechanisms by which Xihuang Pills exert anti-prostate cancer effects.
Humans ; Male ; Prostatic Neoplasms/enzymology* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Animals ; Mice ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Mice, Nude ; Cell Movement/drug effects* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; src-Family Kinases/genetics* ; Neovascularization, Pathologic/metabolism* ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Focal Adhesion Kinase 1/genetics* ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/genetics* ; MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects* ; Focal Adhesion Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Angiogenesis