Astragali Radix (AR), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy against various diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, over centuries of use. While doxorubicin serves as an effective chemotherapeutic agent against multiple cancers, its clinical application remains constrained by significant cardiotoxicity. Research has indicated that AR exhibits protective properties against doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy (DIC); however, the specific bioactive components and underlying mechanisms responsible for this therapeutic effect remain incompletely understood. This investigation seeks to identify the protective bioactive components in AR against DIC and elucidate their mechanisms of action. Through network medicine analysis, astragaloside IV (AsIV) and formononetin (FMT) were identified as potential cardioprotective agents from 129 AR components. In vitro experiments using H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes revealed that the AsIV-FMT combination (AFC) effectively reduced doxorubicin-induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner, with optimal efficacy at a 1∶2 ratio. In vivo, AFC enhanced survival rates and improved cardiac function in both acute and chronic DIC mouse models. Additionally, AFC demonstrated cardiac protection while maintaining doxorubicin's anti-cancer efficacy in a breast cancer mouse model. Lipidomic and metabolomics analyses revealed that AFC normalized doxorubicin-induced lipid profile alterations, particularly by reducing fatty acid accumulation. Gene knockdown studies and inhibitor experiments in H9c2 cells demonstrated that AsIV and FMT upregulated peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) and PPARα, respectively, two key proteins involved in fatty acid metabolism. This research establishes AFC as a promising therapeutic approach for DIC, highlighting the significance of multi-target therapies derived from natural herbals in contemporary medicine.
Animals ; Doxorubicin/adverse effects* ; Saponins/administration & dosage* ; Isoflavones/pharmacology* ; Rats ; Cardiomyopathies/prevention & control* ; Mice ; Fatty Acids/metabolism* ; Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism* ; Triterpenes/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Humans ; Cardiotonic Agents/administration & dosage* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Cell Line ; Astragalus Plant/chemistry* ; Astragalus propinquus

Objective:To understand the epidemiology, clinical characteristics and associated risk factors of severe adenovirus(ADV)pneumonia in children, providing the basis for targeted prevention and treatment.Methods:Clinical features of children with ADV pneumonia at Children′s Hospital of Soochow University from January 2011 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the severity of the disease, cases were divided into severe ADV pneumonia group and common ADV pneumonia group.The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of two groups were compared, and risk factors for the occurrence of severe ADV pneumonia were analyzed.Results:A total of 1 158 patients with ADV pneumonia were enrolled, including severe ADV pneumonia 104 cases(8.98%) and ordinary ADV pneumonia 1 054 cases(91.02%).The median age of severe ADV pneumonia group was 1.17 (0.83, 2.73) years, which was significantly younger than that of common ADV pneumonia group 3.16 (1.50, 4.50) years( P<0.05), and 77.89% (81/104) of them were younger than 3 years old.The occurrence of severe ADV pneumonia was predominant in winter and spring, accounting for 71.15% (74/104).Cough was present in 89.42% (93/104) and fever in 99.01% (103/104) of the severe ADV pneumonia group.Compared with the common ADV pneumonia group, the severe ADV pneumonia group had a significantly longer febrile time[10(6, 14)d vs. 5(4, 7)d, P<0.05], significantly higher incidence of shortness of breath, wheezing, convulsions/coma[100% vs. 2.09%, 45.19% vs. 13.57%, 10.57% vs. 1.99%, P<0.05], and significantly higher incidences of emphysema, pleural effusion, bronchial signs, pulmonary solids, and atelectasis [21.15% vs. 2.09%, 5.77% vs. 0.19%, 4.81% vs. 0, 3.85% vs. 0.09%, P<0.05].Multivariable Logistic regression showed that age younger than 1.71 years old, wheezing, and the presence of underlying diseases (moderate to severe anaemia, congenital heart disease, neurological disease) were risk factors for the development of severe ADV pneumonia ( P<0.05).Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity of age<1.71 years old(20 months old) for predicting the occurrence of severe ADV pneumonia were 65.4% and 71.5%, respectively. Conclusion:The age of most severe ADV pneumonia is less 3 years in Suzhou.It usually occurres in winter and spring, with fever, cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing as the main symptoms.Pulmonary manifestations such as pleural effusion, emphysema, pulmonary consolidation, and atelectasis may occur.The underlying disease, wheezing, and age of onset less than 1.71 years (20 months) old are independent risk factors for severe ADV pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE：To prepare Brevisc apine（BRE） nanocrystals，and to evaluate its quality. METHODS ：BRE nanocrystal suspensions were prepared by media milling method. The diameter and amount of grinding beads ，grinding time ，type and ratio of stabilizer ，BRE ratio were investigated to screen the optimal technology and formulation with particle size and polydispersity index （PDI） as evaluation indexes. Using morphology ，color，particle size and PDI of BRE nanocrystals as evaluation index ，different lyoprotectants （50％ mannitol，5％ glucose，5％ lactose）and without lyoprotectant were investigated to screen the optimal lyoprotectant. Particle size analyzer ，scanning electron microscope （SEM），X-Ray diffraction （XRPD）， differential scanning calorimeter （DSC）were used to evaluate the quality of BRE nanocrystals which was prepared with the optimal technology and formulation. RESULTS ：The optimal technology and formulation of BRE nanocrystals included that particle size of 0.6 mm zirconia beads with the amount of 450 g，grinding time of 1 h，stabilizer of 15％ Tween-80，BRE ratio of 25％，without lyoprotectant. Prepared BRE nanocrystals were yellow powder with loose texture and uniform color. The average particle size of BRE nanocrystals was （283.10±3.08）nm，average PDI was （0.212±0.021）and average Zeta potential was （－38.48±0.39）mV. BRE nanocrystals were rod-like crystals ，uniform in distribution and had no change in crystalline state. Accumulative dissolution of BRE nanocrystals were （90.37±1.22）％ within 20 min. Under the condition of （40±2）℃ temperature and （75±5）％ relative humidity，BRE nanocrystals remained stable after being kept away from light for 3 months. CONCLUSIONS ：Established preparation method of BRE nanocrystals is simple and feasible. Prepared BRE nanocrystals show good stablility and dissolution.

Objective:To survey the status general practice residency training and career choice of trainees in Henan Province.Methods:From December 2017 to February 2018, 332 trainees from the first general practice residency training program (2014-2017) were enrolled in the study. The self- administered questionnaire included the demographic information and the current career status. The logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of the career choice when their completed the training.Results:Of 332 participants, there were 167 participants designated by the institutions and the others were directly enrolled by the program. The designated participants were from the 56 medical institutions in Henan. The percentage of participants from the tertiary hospitals was 75.5% (126/167), which was much higher than that from the secondary hospitals (24.5%,41/167). There were 24 participants who did not have a work six months after graduation. Of the 308 employed participants, there were only 111 (36.0%, 111/308) working in the department of general practice, and 197 (64.0%, 197/308) working in other departments. The participants designated by the institutions and with the post-graduate degrees preferred to choose other specialties, instead of the general practice. The reasons were that there was no department of general practice in their institutions or the participants had been designated to the other departments (57.9%, 114/197).Conclusion:The survey suggests that the general practice residency training program should enroll trainees mainly from the medical graduates in order to improve the effectiveness of general practitioner residency training and the allocation of health resources in Henan Province.

Objective To investigate the effects of agonist of angiotensin-(1-7)(AVE0991) on endothelial function and atherogenesis in apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE-/-) mice.Methods Eight-week-old ApoE-/-male mice and C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into 3 groups:a normal diet control group(ND,n=10),a high-fat diet group(HFD,n=10),and a high-fat diet with AVE0991 0.58 μmol · kg-1 · d-1 group(HFD+ AVE0991,n=10).After 12 weeks of treatment,serum levels of lipids and parameters of endothelial function were measured.Atherosclerotic lesions in aorta roots were detected by Oil Red O staining.CD31 levels in the arterial intima were analyzed by immunohistochemistry.Results AVE0991 had no effects on blood lipids (P ＞ 0.05)but lowered serum levels of nitric oxide in high-fat diet mice(76.8±34.4 μmol/L vs.116.8±33.9 μmol/L,P＜0.05).Also,AVE0991 had no effects on the activity of serum nitric oxide synthase(19.5±5.7 U/ml vs.17.9±3.3 U/ml,P＞0.05)but decreased the activity of serum induced nitric oxide synthase(9.0 ±2.3 U/ml vs.12.7 ± 3.2 U/ml,P ＜0.05) and increased the ratio of phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase to induced nitric oxide synthase in the vessel wall in high-fat diet mice(0.8±0.2％ vs.0.6 ± 0.2％,P ＜ 0.05).AVE0991 decreased serum levels of C-reactive protein,tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 (P ＜ 0.05),and decreased the area percentage of atherosclerotic lesions in aorta roots (15.6 ± 3.3 ％ vs.45.4 ± 9.8 ％,P ＜ 0.05) and increased the integrated optical density of CD31 in the arterial intima in high-fat diet mice(54.1±11.0％ vs.28.7±10.6％,P＜0.05)Conclusions AVE0991 can attenuate atherogenesis in ApoE-/-mice fed a high-fat diet,possibly via reducing inflammatory response,regulating the activity of nitric oxide synthases and improving endothelial functions.

Objective To explore any effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the cognitive ability of patients suffering from cognitive impairment after cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT).Methods Forty-three CVT patients with cognitive impairment were recruited and randomly assigned into an rTMS group (n =23) or a control group (n=20).Both groups received routine drug therapy and cognitive function training,while the rTMS group was additionally given rTMS.The treatment lasted 4 weeks.The Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA),the Hamilton depression scale (HAMD),the modified auditory Barthel Index (MBI) and event-related potential P300 were used to test both groups before and after the treatment.Results After the treatment the average MoCA and MBI scores of both groups had increased significantly,while their average HAMD scores had decreased significantly compared to before the treatment.For both groups,the P300 latency had shortened significantly and the amplitude increased significantly after the treatment.The improvement in all of these indicators was significantly greater in the rTMS group than in the control group.Conclusion Supplementing drug therapy with rTMS can significantly improve the cognitive ability of CVT patients and is worth applying in clinical practice.

Objective To understand the status of awareness of hand hygiene(HH)knowledge and compliance among health care workers (HCWs)in China,and provide scientific basis for further improvement of HH practice. Methods A multi-centre retrospective survey on awareness of HH knowledge and compliance was conducted in 200 nationwide hospitals in 2015.Results The awareness rates of HH methods and HH indications among HCWs were 86.5% and 82.5% respectively;cleaning staff had the lowest awareness rate of HH indications(69.9%),followed by the other interns and advanced-study students (70.2%),as well as medical technicians (79.8%);attendants had the lowest awareness rate of HH methods(76.9%),followed by advanced-study students and interns(81.0%),and cleaning staff (82.4%);HH knowledge awareness rate among HCWs in secondary hospitals was lower than tertia-ry hospitals,and the district-level hospitals had the lowest awareness rate of HH.HH compliance rate and correct rate were 70.1% and 74.9% respectively;the interns and advanced-study students were at a low level of compliance and correct rates (61.4% and 60.9% respectively);the municipal hospitals had the lowest compliance and correct rates,non-teaching hospitals were lower than teaching hospitals.Conclusion HH in primary hospitals is weak,HH of interns,advanced-study students,as well as attendants and cleaning staffs are not enough,HH management should be strengthened,awareness and compliance of HH should be improved.

Objective To explore the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI)and compliance to bundled interven-tion measures,and evaluate the effect of bundled interventions on controlling SSI.Methods From October 2013 to September 2014,three types of surgeries (colorectal surgery,abdominal hysterectomy,and femoral neck repair sur-gery)in 29 hospitals in China were monitored,October 2013 to March 2014 was baseline investigated stage,April 2014 to September 2014 was intervention stage.Results A total of 6 166 episodes of surgeries were monitored,the incidence of SSI was 1 .64%,incidence of SSI following colorectal surgery,abdominal hysterectomy,and femoral neck repair surgery were 4.47%,1 .03%,and 0.21 % respectively.The P 75 time of three types of surgeries were 3,2,and 2 hours respectively.Compared with the baseline stage,the compliance to most intervention measures im-proved after intervention,the largest increase in the compliance to interventions was disinfection with chlorhexidine-containing disinfectant at surgical sites of colorectal surgery (increased by 29.09%),followed by preoperative shower of femoral neck repair surgery (increased by 26.24%),preoperative shower of colorectal surgery(increased by 22.95%),and skin preparation on the day of operation (increased by 20.75%).Incidences of SSI in three types of surgeries were not significantly different before and after intervention(all P >0.05).Conclusion The incidences of SSI are different among different types of surgeries,the compliance to most bundled intervention measures has im-proved to some extent after intervention,but effectiveness of intervention measures needs to be further observed.

Objective To investigate the status and risk factors of surgical site infection (SSI)in hospitals in Chi-na,so as to provide theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of SSI.Methods Four types of surgeries (colorectal surgery,abdominal hysterectomy,femoral neck repair surgery,and vascular surgery)in 29 hospitals were monitored prospectively,risk factors for SSI were analyzed.Results A total of 6 309 surgical procedures were investigated,incidence of SSI was 1 .60%.Incidences of SSI in patients receiving colorectal surgery,abdominal hys-terectomy,femoral neck repair surgery,and vascular surgery were 4.47%(74/1 655 ),1 .03%(22/2 139),0.21 %(5/2 372),and 0.00% (0/143 )respectively.The incidences of SSI were different among different regions (χ2 =114.213,P <0.05).The most common SSI was superficial incisional infection,the next was deep incisional infec-tion.The major pathogens causing SSI were Escherichia coli ,Enterococcus spp .,coagulase negative staphylococ-cus ,Staphylococcus aureus ,and Klebsiella pneumoniae .The independent risk factors for SSI were male patients, long duration of surgery,and high NNIS score.Conclusion The risk of SSI is varied with different types of surger-ies.Male,long duration of surgery,and high NNIS score can increase the risk of postoperative SSI.

Objective:To prepare capsaicin liposomes and study the feasibility by in vitro percutaneous penetration test. Meth-ods:Capsaicin liposomes were prepared by a film-ultrasonic method. The best formula was screened by orthogonal test based on single factor studies with the entrapment efficiency as the index. The improved Franz diffusion cells were used to study the transdermal pene-tration of capsaicin suspensions, capsaicin liposomes and capsaicin ointments, and the cumulative penetration amount through the isola-ted rat skin was compared. Results:The optimal formula of capsaicin liposomes were as follows:the ratio of capsaicin to lipids was 1∶5;the amount of Tween-80 was 100 mg;the amount of vitamin E was 50 mg;10 ml dichloromethane was used as the solvent. The op-timal pH value of the external phase was 6. 5 with the volume of 10 ml. The ultrasonic time was 8 min. The order of 12-hour cumulative penetration amount was capsaicin liposomes>capsaicin-PBS suspensions>capsaicin ointments. Capsaicin liposomes had the highest 12-hour cumulative penetration amount and showed obvious sustained-release property. Conclusion:Capsaicin liposomes have high en-trapment efficiency, good percutaneous penetration and sustained-release property, and the preparation technology is simple.