Combination therapy for hypertension management: insights from the Indian experts

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) pose a significant global health challenge, with India bearing a disproportionate burden of CVD-related morbidity and mortality. Hypertension (HTN) is a major risk factor for CVDs, affecting nearly 30% of the Indian population. Achieving target blood pressure (BP) levels is crucial for reducing cardiovascular risk, necessitating aggressive antihypertensive therapy. Combination therapy has emerged as a cornerstone in HTN management, especially in high-risk patients. This review delves into the literature and perspectives of Indian cardiologists on combination therapy for HTN management. Despite the efficacy of contemporary antihypertensive medications, a substantial proportion of patients fail to reach target BP levels with monotherapy. Combination therapy offers synergistic effects, addressing multiple pathways involved in HTN pathogenesis. Recent guidelines recommend initiating treatment with two-drug combinations, transitioning to three-drug combinations in resistant cases. Combination therapy not only enhances BP control but also reduces the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality compared to monotherapy. Optimal management of HTN requires personalized approaches, considering individual patient profiles and comorbidities such as coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes mellitus (DM), dyslipidemia, and heart failure (HF). In such cases, combination therapy plays a pivotal role in mitigating cardiovascular risks. ARB/CCB combination therapy, particularly telmisartan/amlodipine, demonstrates significant efficacy and tolerability across various patient populations, including those with metabolic risk factors and renal impairment. Expert recommendations highlight the importance of individualized therapy, patient education, early diagnosis, and initiation with dual therapy in India. Strategies to improve medication adherence and compliance, such as single-pill double or triple combinations, are emphasized. Moreover, awareness of newer treatment options and contactless diagnostic instruments is crucial for optimizing HTN management. In conclusion, combination therapy stands as a cornerstone in HTN management, offering enhanced efficacy, tolerability, and cardiovascular protection. Tailored approaches guided by expert recommendations are essential to address the growing burden of HTN and reduce the socioeconomic impact of CVDs in India.

Combining Therapy of Vildagliptin with Metformin Improves Glycemic Control than Using Metformin Alone in The Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The purpose of the trial was to determine whether combination medication for type 2 diabetes mellitus offers better glycemic control than monotherapy. Subjects whose ages were more than 18 years and with glycated hemoglobin levels higher than 7.5% were enrolled. Among the 664 patients enrolled, 332 received monotherapy, while 332 were treated with combination therapy. The treatment groups received either vildagliptin + metformin combination therapy or metformin monotherapy. Vildagliptin, as an adjunct to metformin treatment, was to be evaluated for its safety and efficacy in reducing HbA1c levels from baseline. The study included individuals with a history of T2DM for 3 to 4 years who had been treated with either combination therapy or monotherapy for at least three months. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. As per the findings, it indicated that combination therapy led to a considerably greater reduction in glycated hemoglobin levels compared to monotherapy. Adverse events were also observed to vary significantly between the two treatment cohorts. Outcomes suggest that combination medication should be started earlier than monotherapy for superior glycemic control. Additionally, it was thought that the combo therapy had a positive safety profile.

Questionnaire-based assessment on knowledge, attitude and practice of fixed-dose combination in medical undergraduates of a tertiary care teaching hospital, Kanpur

Background: Aim was to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of second-year medical undergraduates towards FDC. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among second-year medical undergraduates of GSVM, medical college, Kanpur in the form of a pre-test, and after sensitizing the students about FDC, the same questionnaire was given as a post-test. Results: A total of 251 students, 157 students participated in the pre-test and 140 participated in the post-test. The percentage of male students in pre and post-test were more (58% and 61.4%) compared to female students (42% and 38.6%). After conducting a post-test survey, there is a significant improvement in knowledge and attitude toward FDC. Conclusions: The inclusion of FDC in the undergraduate curriculum is a good initiative by NMC but there is a need to conduct more CME, symposiums, and workshops in medical colleges to update the knowledge regarding FDC among medical undergraduates.

Perfil de seguridad y satisfacción con la combinación fija de memantina-donepezilo en pacientes con diagnóstico de Alzheimer moderado a severo / Safety and satisfaction profile with the fixed combination of memantine-donepezil in patients diagnosed with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease

Introducción: La enfermedad de Alzheimer es un trastorno neurodegenerativo de inicio insidioso y progresión lenta. Epidemiológicamente representa 60% a 70% de los casos de demencia.Objetivo: Determinar el grado de satisfacción y seguridad con la combinación fija de memantina-donepezilo durante 6 meses.Material y métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional, transversal y analítico con base a un diseño de Real World Evidence (RWE), para evaluar la satisfacción del tratamiento a través de preguntas con una escala de Likert para la valoración de la satisfacción de 31 pacientes que recibieron como parte de su tratamiento habitual la combinación fija de memantina + donepezilo una vez al día durante seis meses previos a la aplicación de la escala de satisfacción. La información se recopiló de febrero a noviembre del 2021. Resultados: 60% de los eventos adversos fueron leves, 40% moderados. La tolerabilidad luego de 3 meses fue percibida como muy buena o excelente por 81% de pacientes. A seis meses 87,1% calificó como muy bueno o excelente el tratamiento. Satisfacción con el tratamiento a 3 meses fue, "satisfecho en su mayoría" o "totalmente satisfecho" para el 87,1%. Discusión: Prevalencia en el género femenino de 77,4% mayor a la reportada para todo el país de 54,8%, comorbilidades reportadas similares a las descritas por la literatura. Tolerabilidad calificada como excelente en comparación con otros estudios que calificaron como buena tolerabilidad. Conclusión: La administración de la combinación fija de memantina 14 mg + donepezilo 10 mg o memantina 28 mg + donepezilo 10 mg, fue una opción segura y bien tolerada.

Introduction:Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder of insidious onset and slow progression. Epidemiologically it accounts for 60% to 70% of cases of dementia.Objective:Determine the degree of satisfaction and safety with the fixed combination of memantine-donepezil for 6 months.Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, observational, and analytical study was conducted based on a Real World Evidence (RWE) design to assess treatment satisfaction through Likert-scale questions of 31 patients who, as part of their regular treatment, received the fixed combination of memantine + donepezil once daily for six months before the administration of the satisfaction scale. Data collection took place from February to November 2021.Results: 60% of adverse events were mild, 40% moderate. Tolerability after 3 months was perceived as very good or excellent by 81% of patients. At six months 87,1% rated the treatment as very good or excellent. Satisfaction with treatment at 3 months was, "mostly satisfied" or "totally satisfied" for 87,1%. Discussion: Prevalence in the female gender of 77,4% higher than that reported for the whole country of 54,8%, reported comorbidities similar to those described in the literature. Tolerability rated as excellent compared to other studies which rated as good tolerability. Conclusions:Administration of the fixed combination of memantine 14 mg + donepezil 10 mg or memantine 28 mg + donepezil 10 mg was a safe and well-tolerated option.

Artesunate Combined with Other Medications and Action Mechanism： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

A sesquiterpene natural substance called artemisinin was discovered in Artemisia annua. One of its derivatives， artesunate （ART）， has the properties of economy， immediate effect， low toxicity， and good tolerance. Since it has a quick and powerful killing effect on plasmodium in the erythrocyte phase and can quickly handle clinical seizure and symptoms， it is currently mostly utilized to treat cerebral malaria and other severe instances of malaria. In addition， it has antitumor， antivirus， anti-hepatic fibrosis， anti-inflammatory， antibacterial， hepatocyte protection， immunological modulation， and other pharmacological properties and can inhibit cell proliferation， induce cell apoptosis， and reduce the incidence of sepsis. In many countries， artemisinin-based combination therapies （ACTs）， such as artemether-benflumetol， artesunate-amodiaquine， and artemether-lumefantrine， are the first-line treatments for malaria. Recent research on artesunate by Chinese and international scholars has revealed that compared with monotherapy， artesunate combination therapy offers more benefits in terms of improving pharmacological effects， shortening the duration of medicine， and minimizing adverse effects. Through systematic retrieval of Web of Science Core Collection and integration through CiteSpace （6.2.1） software， this article reviewed the mechanism of artesunate combined with other medications with regard to antimalarial， antitumor， antibacterial， and antiviral features in the previous five years， so as to provide some theoretical basis for rational development and utilization of ART and new drug research and development.

Establishment and Evaluation of Animal Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction with Syndrome of Qi and Yin Deficiency / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the establishment and evaluation methods of the rat model of acute myocardial infarction （AMI） in coronary heart disease with the syndrome of Qi and Yin deficiency by sleep deprivation （SD） combined with isoproterenol （ISO） and preliminarily explore its biological basis. MethodForty SD rats were assigned into normal （no treatment）， SD （treatment in modified multi-platform water environment for 96 h）， ISO （subcutaneous injection of ISO at 100 mg·kg-1 once every other day for a total of 2 times）， and SD+ISO （injection of 100 mg·kg-1 ISO after SD for 72 h and 96 h） groups. The cardiac function was detected by small animal echocardiography. The serum levels of creatine kinase （CK）， creatine kinase isoenzyme （CK-MB）， lactate dehydrogenase （LDH）， and cardiac troponin T （cTnT） were measured by biochemical methods. The pathological changes of the myocardial tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The general state， body weight， grip strength， body temperature， behaviors in open field test， serum levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate （cAMP）， cyclic guanosine monophosphate （cGMP）， cAMP/cGMP ratio， red （R）， green （G）， blue （B） values of the tongue surface， and pulse amplitude were observed and measured to evaluate the modeling results. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to determine the serum levels of interleukin-18 （IL-18）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， malondialdehyde （MDA）， corticotropin-releasing factor （CRF）， adrenocorticotropic hormone （ACTH）， triiodothyronine （T3）， tetraiodothyronine （T4）， cluster of differentiation 4 （CD4）， and cluster of differentiation 8 （CD8）. ResultIn terms of disease indicators， the ISO and SD+ISO groups had lower cardiac function indicators than the normal group （P<0.01）. The levels of CK， CM-MB， LDH and cTnT elevated in each model group compared with the normal group （P<0.01）. The pathological changes of myocardial tissue were obvious in the ISO and SD+ISO groups. In terms of syndrome indicators， compared with the normal group， the SD and SD+ISO groups showed decreased body weight at each time point （P<0.01）， and the ISO group showed decreased body weight at the time points of 48 h and 72 h （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The paw temperature and rectal temperature increased in the SD group （P<0.01）. The model groups showed weakened grasp strength， lowered R， G， and B values of the tongue surface （P<0.01）， prolonged immobility time （P<0.01）， reduced total distance and number of entering the central area （P<0.01）， decreased average speed （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and increased cAMP and cGMP （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The cAMP/cGMP ratio was increased in the SD+ISO group （P<0.01）， and the pulse amplitude was decreased in the SD and SD+ISO groups （P<0.01）. In terms of serological indicators，compared with the normal group， the levels of IL-18， TNF-α， SOD and MDA were significantly increased in the ISO and SD+ISO groups （P<0.01）， the CRF， ACTH， CORT， T3， T4， CD4 and CD8 in the model groups were increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionSleep deprivation for 96 h combined with high-dose ISO can successfully establish a rat model of acute myocardial infarction in coronary heart disease with the syndrome of Qi and Yin deficiency. The model evaluation system can be built with disease indicators of western medicine， histopathological indicators， macroscopic indicators of traditional Chinese medicine， and serological indicators.

The evolution and application progress of non-modified drug target discovery CETSA technology / 药学学报

Understanding the research methods for drug protein targets is crucial for the development of new drugs, clinical applications of drugs, drug mechanisms, and the pathogenesis of diseases. Cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), a target research method without modification, has been widely used since its development. Now, there are various CETSA-based technology combinations, such as mass spectrometry-based cellular thermal shift assay (MS-CETSA), isothermal dose response-cellular thermal shift assay (ITDR-CETSA), amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay-cellular thermal shift assay (Alpha-CETSA), etc., which combine their respective advantages and further expand the application scope of CETSA. These technologies are suitable for the entire drug development chain, from drug screening to monitoring the target binding and off-target toxicity of drugs in patients. Based on the author's research experience, this paper reviews the principles of CETSA and related binding technologies, their application in target discovery, and the progress of data processing and analysis in recent years, aiming to provide reference and reference for the further application of CETSA.

Content measurement of doxorubicin hydrochloride and lonidamine by HPLC / 药学实践与服务

Objective To establish a method for the simultaneous determination of DOX·HCl and LND. Methods HPLC was performed on Agilent 5 HC-C18（2） （4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 µm） column. The mobile phase was methanol-0.1% TFA aqueous solution, and the gradient elution procedure were: 0 to 3 min, 65% methanol; 3 to 7 min, 65%→90% methanol; 7 to 13 min, 90% methanol; 13 to 15 min, 90%→65% methanol; 15 to 20 min, 65% methanol. The collection time was 20 min, the balance time was 3 min, the UV detection wavelengths were 205 nm and 253 nm. The flow rate was 1.0 ml/min and the column temperature was 35℃. The amount of inlet was 10 µl. Results The method was highly specific, and both DOX·HCl and LND exhibited good linearity in the concentration range of 1-40 µg/ml and 6-240 µg/ml, respectively. The two compounds’ precision, stability, and recovery satisfied the requirements of the method. Conclusion This study established a HPLC method that was suitable for the simultaneous detection of DOX·HCl and LND. This method’s high level of specificity, accuracy, and reliability .

Clinical effect of levosimendan combined with recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide in the treatment of acute heart failure / 重庆医学

Objective To study the clinical effect of levosimendan combined with recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide(rhBNP)on patients with acute heart failure.Methods A total of 100 patients with acute heart failure in the hospital from December 2019 to December 2021 were selected as the research sub-jects.According to different treatment options,the subjects were divided into the control group,levosimendan group,rhBNP group and combined treatment group,with 25 cases in each group.The control group received traditional conventional diuretic,tube expansion and other treatment;the levosimendan group was treated with levosimendan on the basis of the control group;the rhBNP group was treated with rhBNP on the basis of the control group;the combined treatment group was treated with levosimendan and rhBNP on the basis of the control group.The improvement of New York Heart Association(NYHA)classification,death,rehospitaliza-tion rate,6-minute walking distance,improvement of serological indicators and adverse reactions were recor-ded in each group.Results Before treatment,there was no significant difference in baseline data between the groups(P>0.05).On the 1 st and 3 rd day after treatment,the improvement of NYHA classification in the combined treatment group was better than that in the other groups(P<0.05),and the improvement of NY-HA classification in the levosimendan group and rhBNP group was better than that in the control group(P<0.05).The readmission rate within 6 months after treatment in the combined treatment group was lower than that in the other groups(P<0.05).At 5 and 9 days after treatment,the 6-minute walking distance in the combined treatment group was longer than that in the other groups(P<0.05).At 9 days after treatment,the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)in the combined treatment group was higher than that in the other groups(P<0.05),and the level of N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)in the combined treatment group was lower than that in the other groups(P<0.05).No significant difference was found in the comparison of the occurrence of adverse reactions among the four groups(P>0.05).Conclusion The combina-tion of levosimendan and rhBNP in the treatment of patients with acute heart failure is superior to traditional treatment and monotherapy in early clinical improvement,and dose not increase the incidence of adverse reactions.

Low-dose ATG combined with low-dose PTCY in preventing GVHD after haploidentical transplantation:a retrospective analysis of 90 cases / 陆军军医大学学报

Objective To retrospectively analyze the efficacy and safety of low-dose antithymocyte globulin(ATG)combined with low-dose post transplantation cyclophosphamide(PTCY)in prevention of graft versus host disease(GVHD)after haploidentical transplantation.Methods Clinical data of 90 patients receiving haplotype matched transplantation in No.920 Hospital of PLA Joint Logistic Support Force from January 2022 to February 2023 were collected,and they were divided into study group(n=47)and control group(n=43)according to different GVHD prevention programs.The patients of the study group were given low-dose ATG combined with low-dose PTCY,and those of the control group received standard dose of PTCY.The implantation status,occurrence of GVHD,survival status and other indicators were analyzed between the 2 groups.Results ① Both groups of patients were successfully implanted,the median duration for neutrophil implantation(11 vs 17 d,P＜0.05)and platelet implantation(12 vs 20 d,P＜0.05)was significantly shorter in the study group than the control group.The incidence of grade Ⅱ～Ⅳ aGVHD(12.8％vs 34.9％,P＜0.05)and grade Ⅲ～Ⅳ aGVHD(6.4％ vs 20.9％,P＜0.05)was significantly lower in the study group than the control group,so was the non-recurrent mortality rate(6.4％vs 20.9％,P＜0.05)and the incidence of hemorrhagic cystitis(12.8％ vs 34.9％,P＜0.05).② By the end of the study,there were no significant differences in the incidence of mild and moderate and severe cGVHD,recurrence rate,reactivation rates of EBV and CMV,overall survival rate or progression-free survival rate between the 2 groups.Conclusion For haploidentical transplantation,low-dose ATG combined with low-dose PTCY has the advantages of lower incidence of GVHD,non-recurrent mortality,incidence of hemorrhagic cystitis and faster implantation.

Advances in the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy / 国际儿科学杂志

Spinal muscular atrophy（SMA），an autosomal recessive genetic disease characterized by progressive weakness and atrophy of the proximal limbs caused by degeneration of motor neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord，can affect multiple systems such as respiratory，digestive，and skeletal systems. Untreated children with severe type 1 SMA usually die within 2 years of age. In recent years，the treatment of SMA has developed rapidly，and a variety of drugs have been approved to benefit patients. However，none of the existing therapeutic drugs or regimens can achieve a complete cure. Therefore，the combination of different therapeutic drugs and the research and development of new drugs may be the way forward for the treatment of SMA. The latest progress of therapeutic drugs and combination therapy in SMA are summarized in this review，which may be helpful for guiding the treatment of SMA.

Exploration on the law of syndrome and treatment of TCM in the treatment of stable angina pectoris based on data mining / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To summarize the thinking and compatibility law of TCM in the treatment of stable angina pectoris (SAP) based on syndrome differentiation using data mining technology.Methods:The clinical studies of TCM treatment for SAP in databases of CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP and SinoMed China Biomedical Literature Service System were retrieved from the establishment of the databases to February 28, 2022. The frequency statistic, clustering analysis and association rule analysis of TCM data were conducted using Clementine 12.0, Excel 2016, SPSS Statistics 22.0 software, and core prescriptions were summarized.Results:Totally 289 prescriptions were included, involving 185 kinds of Chinese materia medica, including 38 TCM syndrome types. Based on the overall study of SAP "disease", the clinical treatment of SAP was mainly based on the drugs for activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis, tonifying deficiency and strengthening healthy qi, and regulating qi and resolving phlegm. The single Chinese materia medica with high frequency of use were Chuanxiaong Rhizoma, Salviea Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, etc. The commonly used drug pairs included Chuanxiaong Rhizoma-Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Chuanxiaong Rhizoma-Carthami Flos, Chuanxiaong Rhizoma-Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, etc. The drug complex network diagram and clustering analysis showed that the prescription of Buyang Huanwu Decoction was the basic prescription for the treatment of SAP; based on the specific research of SAP "syndrome", the most common TCM syndromes of SAP were qi deficiency and blood stasis, phlegm and blood stasis, and qi stagnation and blood stasis. The drug properties of the three drugs were mainly warm and mild; the tastes were mainly sweet, pungent and bitter, and most of them belong to the liver, spleen, lung and heart meridian; in terms of specific medication, the basic prescription of qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome was Buyang Huanwu Decoction, which was composed of high-frequency drugs such as Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Chuanxiaong Rhizoma, Salviea Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, etc; The phlegm and blood stasis syndrome was often based on the Gualou Xiebai Banxia Decoction and Taohong Siwu Decoction, which were composed of high frequency drugs such as Pinelliae Rhizoma, Chuanxiaong Rhizoma, Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus, etc; the basic prescription of qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome was Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction, which was composed of high frequency drugs such as Chuanxiaong Rhizoma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Aurantii Fructus. Drug clustering analysis showed that both qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome and qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome were divided into 3 categories, and phlegm and blood stasis syndrome were divided into 4 categories.Conclusions:Deficiency, blood stasis, phlegm and stagnation are important pathological factors of SAP, in which qi deficiency is the basis of SAP, blood stasis runs through the disease, or both phlegm and qi stagnation. Focusing on the pathogenesis of deficiency in root and excess in superficiality, drugs with the efficacy of tonifying the deficiency and promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis are used in clinical treatment, according to different syndrome differentiation of prescription selection.

Interpretation of guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes mellitus with hyperlipidemia combined with disease and syndrome / 国际中医中药杂志

Along with the change in lifestyle and diet, diabetes mellitus with hyperlipidemia has been a major risk and death factor for cardiovascular disease with the increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus with hyperlipidemia year by year. In order to promote and make full use of unique characteristics and advantages of TCM, the guidance writing group adopted the pattern of combination with disease and syndrome to make a standardized approach to diagnosis and treatment based on emphasis on diagnosis and treatment. Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus with Hyperlipidemia Combined with Disease and Syndrome (hereinafter referred to as " the Guideline") was published in the World Chinese Medicine in August, 2021. Based on the pattern of combination with disease and syndrome, the Guideline highlights the significant characteristics, such as: precise diagnosis and treatment by combined with disease and syndrome, updating criteria, rehabilitation diet therapy and exercise and following the principles which include but not limited to evidence-based medicine. According to the evidence of evidence-based medicine and expert consensus, the Guideline gives recommendations for diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of diabetes mellitus with hyperlipidemia. In the article, the main contents and characteristics of the new guideline were interpreted in order to provide concise and practical guidance for clinicians and promote the clinical popularization and application of the Guideline.

Evaluation of the Effects of Tianma Gouteng Decoction Combined with Magnesium Sulfate and Labetalol on Lowering Blood Pressure and Improving Hemorheology in Patients with Gestational Hypertension / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To observe the effects of Tianma Gouteng Decoction combined with magnesium sulfate and Labetalol on lowering blood pressure and improving hemorheology in patients with gestational hypertension.Methods Ninety patients with gestational hypertension of liver-yang hyperactivity type were randomly divided into the combination group and the control group,with 45 cases in each group.The control group was treated with magnesium sulfate combined with Labetalol,and the combination group was treated with Tianma Gouteng Decoction on the basis of treatment for the control group.The course of treatment lasted for 5 days.The changes of systolic blood pressure(SBP),diastolic blood pressure(DBP),urinary protein level,and hemorheological indicators of the two groups were observed before and after the treatment.Moreover,the adverse pregnancy outcomes,adverse reactions,and patients'satisfaction of the two groups were compared.Finally,the influencing factors of patients'adverse pregnancy outcomes were investigated by logistic regression analysis.Results(1)After treatment,the SBP,DBP and urinary protein level of patients in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease in the combination group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.01).(2)After treatment,the hemorheological indicators of plasma viscosity,whole blood viscosity and hematocrit of patients in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease in the combination group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(3)The total incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in the combination group was 11.11%(5/45),which was significantly lower and that in the control group(33.33%,15/45),the difference being statistically significant(P＜0.05).(4)The patients'satisfaction of the combination group was 97.78%(44/45),which was significantly higher than that of the control group(84.44%,38/45),and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(5)The total incidence of adverse reactions in the combination group was 13.33%(6/45)and that in the control group was 8.89%(4/45),but the intergroup comparison showed no significant difference between the two groups(P＞0.05).(6)Logistic regression analysis of influencing factors showed that no medication of Tianma Gouteng Decoction combined with Labetalol and magnesium sulfate,and poor antihypertensive effect were the independent risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with gestational hypertension(all OR＞1,P＜0.05).Conclusion Tianma Gouteng Decoction combined with magnesium sulfate and Labetalol in treating gestational hypertension exerts certain antihypertensive effect,and the therapy can effectively improve the hemorheological indicators and the adverse pregnancy outcomes,and enhance the patients'satisfaction.

Advancements in the treatment of malignancies using a combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and immunomodulators / 临床外科杂志

In recent years,there have been significant advancements in tumor immunotherapy.Immune checkpoint inhibitors have emerged as a pivotal approach for treating advanced malignant tumors.The use of immunotherapy has been widely recommended and applied in clinical treatment both domestically and internationally.However,its clinical treatment efficacy still falls short of expectations.Improving the efficacy of immunotherapy for patients with advanced malignant tumors is currently a prominent research focus.Studies indicate that the combined use of immune enhancers and immune checkpoint inhibitors in various advanced malignant tumors significantly enhances the outcomes of immunotherapy.This article primarily highlights the combined application of immune enhancers and immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer therapy,offering insights into their potential in the field of oncology treatment.

Evaluation of the Antidepressant Effect of Kai-Xin-San Combined with Fluoxetine on Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Induced Depression Model Mice / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

Objective To investigate the beneficial effect of Kai-Xin-San combined with fluoxetine in improving depression-like behaviors on chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)induced depression model mice.Methods The present study aimed to assess the potential of Kai-Xin-San in combination with fluoxetine to ameliorate depression-like behaviors in a CUMS induced mouse depression model.Behavioral tests,such as the sucrose preference test were employed to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment.Additionally,the levels of suppressed stress factors were measured using the ELISA method.The morphology of hippocampal tissue was evaluated using the HE staining method,Nissl Staining and TUNEL staining methods.Furthermore,western blotting analysis was utilized to determine the expression levels of proteins such as Caspase-3,and Caspase-9.Results The co-administration of Kai-Xin-San and fluoxetine resulted in a significant increase in sucrose preference rate in model mice.This effect was comparable to that of fluoxetine alone at the standard clinical dose.Furthermore,the combination treatment up-regulated the levels of suppressed stress factors,reduced the apoptosis of hippocampus induced by depression and regulated the apoptosis signaling pathway in hippocampus.Conclusion The combination of Kai-Xin-San and fluoxetine has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression-like behavior in animal models,resulting in a reduction in the required clinical dosage of fluoxetine.This effect may be attributed to the up-regulation of neurotransmitter expression,inhibition of stress axis activation,and central nervous inflammation.

The influence of specialized nurses′ assistance mode on the maintenance ability of PICC catheter in nursing hospital from the perspective of combination of medical care and nursing care / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of nursing specialist nurses′ assistance on the ability of nursing home nurses to maintain venous catheter under the vision of combination of medical care and nursing care, providing reference for carrying out specialized nursing assistance work in grassroots hospitals.Methods:This study was an experimental study. According to Miller′s pyramid theory, a model of specialist nurse assistance was established with specialized technology as the core. From January to December 2021, three nursing hospitals in Suzhou were assisted. Convenience sampling method was used to investigate the ability of intravenous catheter maintenance, the incidence of central venous catheter maintenance defects, the incidence of central venous catheter complications and unplanned extubation, and the satisfaction of doctors and patients before and after help.Results:Totally 86 nurses were included, aged (33.17 ± 2.31) years old. After the help, the theoretical and operational skill scores of nurses in the nursing home were (89.77 ± 2.11) and (92.75 ± 1.62) points, respectively, which were significantly higher than those before the help (60.84 ± 2.71) and (79.81 ± 1.68) points, and the differences were statistically significant ( t=-84.96, -52.12, both P<0.05). Among the maintenance defects of central venous catheter in nursing homes, incomplete labeling, film wrapping, blood seepage, catheter discounting, non-standard film fixing, and incomplete information of extended care were 9.95% (21/211), 8.53% (18/211), 2.84% (6/211), 6.16% (13/211), 4.74% (10/211), 2.37% (5/211) after help, all lower than 50.57% (89/176), 43.18% (76/176), 14.20% (25/176), 25.57% (45/176), 18.18% (32/176), 11.93% (21/176) before help. The differences were statistically significant ( χ2 values were 14.00 to 77.81, all P<0.05). The incidence of medical adhesive related skin injury, catheter obstruction complications and unplanned extubation were 4.44% (4/90), 3.33% (3/90) and 2.22% (2/90), respectively, which were lower than 20.51% (16/78), 15.38% (12/78) and 11.54% (9/78) before help. The differences were statistically significant ( χ2=8.81, 6.06, 4.50, all P<0.05). Doctors′ satisfaction with nurses and patients′ satisfaction with nursing work were 96.43%(27/28) and 93.75%(45/48), respectively, both higher than 71.43%(20/28) and 72.73%(32/44) before help, and the differences were statistically significant respectively ( χ2=4.77, 5.97, both P<0.05). Conclusions:From the perspective of combination of medical care and nursing care, the maintenance and assistance of intravenous catheters by the team of intravenous therapy nurses in nursing hospitals can effectively reduce the incidence of central venous catheter complications and unplanned extubation, improve the maintenance ability of intravenous catheters of nurses in nursing hospitals, and help to improve the quality of nursing care in nursing hospitals.

Effect of neodymium-doped:yttrium aluminum perovskite laser combined with two kinds of remineralizers on remineralization of early enamel caries / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:In recent years,a variety of lasers have been widely used in various diseases related to stomatology,including the prevention and treatment of dental caries. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of neodymium-doped:yttrium aluminum perovskite(Nd:YAP)laser combined with two remineralizers on early enamel caries in vitro. METHODS:Early enamel caries models in vitro were artificially established by 60 enamel blocks and randomly divided into 6 groups(n=10).Group A did not undergo any treatment but underwent extracorporeal pH circulation.Group B underwent remineralization of dentin(the main component of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate composite)and extracorporeal pH circulation.Group C underwent remineralization treatment of Sensodyne toothpaste(the main component of bioactive glass)and then underwent extracorporeal pH circulation.Group D received Nd:YAP laser irradiation and extracorporeal pH circulation.Group E was treated with Nd:YAP laser irradiation,with remineralization of dentin,and then with extracorporeal pH circulation.In group F,Nd:YAP laser irradiation was performed,and then Sensodyne toothpaste was used for remineralization,and the extracorporeal pH circulation was performed;the remineralization treatment was conducted twice a day,and the experimental period was 20 days.Group G was a normal control group,without caries or remineralization,but only underwent extracorporeal pH circulation.After the experiment,the microhardness,morphology and Ca/P ratio of the dental enamel surface were measured in each group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The surface microhardness value of dental enamel in groups B,C and D was higher than that in group A(P<0.000 1);the surface microhardness value of dental enamel in groups E and F was significantly higher than that in groups B,C and D(P<0.000 1),and the surface microhardness value of dental enamel in group F was significantly higher than that in group E(P<0.000 1).(2)Scanning electron microscopy showed that there were a lot of demineralized pores on the enamel surface of group A.There were mineral deposits on the enamel surface of group B,which were uneven and loose.In group C,there were a lot of mineral deposits on the enamel surface,and demineralized pores were found between the calcified masses.The enamel surface of group D was relatively flat;the demineralized pores were significantly smaller than that of group A,and the enamel column interstitium was damaged.In group E,the mineral deposits on the enamel surface were thicker and the demineralized pores were significantly reduced.The mineralized substances deposited on the enamel surface of group F were most dense and uniform and the demineralized pores were small.(3)The Ca/P ratio on the enamel surface of groups B and C was significantly higher than that of group A(P<0.000 1);the Ca/P ratio on the enamel surface of group E was significantly higher than that of groups B,C and D(P<0.000 1),and the Ca/P ratio on the enamel surface of group F was higher than that of group E(P<0.001).(4)These findings indicate that bioactive glass,casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate composite,and Nd:YAP laser after enamel demineralization can promote the remineralization of early enamel caries.Nd:YAP laser combined with bioactive glass or casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate composite can further strengthen the remineralization of dental enamel caries,and the combination of Nd:YAP laser and bioactive glass has the best effect.

Strategies and advance on stem cell transplantation for repair of spinal cord injury / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Spinal cord injury not only causes serious physical and psychological injuries to patients but also brings a heavy economic burden to society.Spinal cord injury is initially triggered by mechanical trauma,followed by secondary injuries,and as the disease progresses,a glial scar develops. OBJECTIVE:To summarize the pathological process of spinal cord injury and strategies for stem cell transplantation to repair spinal cord injury,aiming to provide the best protocol for treating spinal cord injury. METHODS:Computer search was used to search PubMed and CNKI databases.Chinese search terms were"stem cell transplantation,spinal cord injury".English search terms were"stem cell,spinal cord injury,spinal cord,mesenchymal stem cells,neural stem cells,pathophysiology,clinical trial,primary injury,secondary injury".The literature was screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria.Finally,91 articles were included for review analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The strategies for repairing spinal cord injury through stem cell transplantation can be divided into exogenous stem cell transplantation and endogenous stem cell transplantation.The exogenous stem cell transplantation strategy for the treatment of spinal cord injury is divided into four kinds:injecting stem cells into the site of injury;transplantation of biomaterials loaded with stem cells;fetal tissue transplantation;transplantation of engineered neural network tissue or spinal cord-like tissue.(2)Compared with a single treatment method,combination therapy can more effectively promote nerve regeneration and spinal cord function recovery.(3)Microenvironment regulating the injury site,magnetic stimulation,electrical stimulation,epidural oscillating electric field stimulation,transcription factor overexpression and rehabilitation therapy can be combined with stem cell transplantation for combination therapy,thereby promoting the recovery of spinal cord function.

Biomechanical analysis of the bones in a rat model of osteoporosis based on the combination of disease and syndrome / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Kidney deficiency is the main pathogenesis of osteoporosis.To study the relationship between the two major syndrome types of kidney deficiency,Kidney-Yang deficiency and Kidney-Yin deficiency,is beneficial for the development of clinical diagnosis and treatments based on the combination of disease and syndrome. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the biomechanical differences of the rat femurs with Kidney-Yang deficiency and Kidney-Yin deficiency caused by Yougui pills,and to demonstrate the scientific efficacy of medication based on the combination of disease and syndrome in osteoporosis from a biomechanical perspective. METHODS:The bilateral ovaries of 60 female Sprague-Dawley rats were surgically removed to establish an ovariectomized osteoporosis model.At 10 weeks after modeling,all the rats were randomly divided into a Kidney-Yang deficiency group(n=30)and a Kidney-Yin deficiency group(n=30).Rats with Kidney-Yang deficiency were given gluteal intramuscular injection of hydrocortisone,while rats with Kidney-Yin deficiency were orally administered with thyroid tablet suspension,once a day,for 14 consecutive days.After successful modeling,20 rats in each group were given a suspension of Yougui pills by gavage once a day for 12 consecutive weeks and the remaining 10 rats were used as the control group without intervention.After gavage,the microstructural parameters of the bone were measured using Micro-CT scanning.Three-point bending,finite element simulation,femoral head compression,and surface indentation distribution experiments of the femurs were performed on a mechanical testing machine. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Micro-CT revealed that the femoral bone density,bone volume fraction,bone surface density,trabecular number,and trabecular separation were improved in the Kidney-Yin deficiency+Yougui pills group compared with the Kidney-Yin deficiency group(P＜0.05);the femoral bone volume fraction,bone surface density,trabecular number,and trabecular thickness were improved in the Kidney-Yang deficiency+Yougui pills group compared with the Kidney-Yang deficiency group(P＜0.05).The three-point bending experiment showed that the femur elastic modulus,maximum bending strength and bending fracture strength were decreased(P＜0.05)and toughness was increased(P＜0.05)in the Kidney-Yang deficiency+Yougui pills group compared with the Kidney-Yang deficiency group.Finite element simulation showed that Yougui pills could significantly improve the bending resistance of the femurs in the Kidney-Yang deficiency group,but had no significant effect on the Kidney-Yin deficiency group.The femoral head compression experiments showed that Yougui pills could enhance the ability of the femoral head to resist deformation in the Kidney-Yang deficiency group,but there was no significant difference in the effect of Yougui pills on the surface properties of the femoral head in the Kidney-Yin deficiency group and the Kidney-Yang deficiency group.To conclude,Yougui pills can significantly enhance the biomechanical properties of the osteoporotic bones with Kidney-Yang deficiency,but have no significant effect on the osteoporotic bone with Kidney-Yin deficiency.