Cervical cancer continues to be a major cause of female cancer deaths globally, with dysregulation of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway contributing to disease progression and treatment resistance. Baicalein, a bioactive flavonoid, exhibits anti-cancer properties through incompletely understood mechanisms. To investigated whether baicalein promotes cervical cancer cell apoptosis by modulating PTEN expression and PI3K/AKT. In this study, we investigated the role of baicalein in promoting apoptosis in SiHa cervical cancer cells, with a focus on its potential modulation of PTEN expression and the PI3K/AKT pathway. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed following baicalein treatment at various doses and time points. The expression levels of PTEN, PI3K, AKT, and Bcl-2 family proteins were analyzed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms. Additionally, the functional impact of PTEN overexpression, alone or in combination with baicalein, was evaluated. We demonstrated that baicalein treatment (IC50 = 53.3 μmol/L) induced dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity and increased apoptosis through modulation of Bcl-2 family proteins. Mechanistically, baicalein upregulated PTEN expression while suppressing PI3K/AKT pathway components including AKT1 and PDK1. PTEN overexpression alone inhibited PI3K/AKT signaling and induced apoptosis (31.53%). Remarkably, combining baicalein with PTEN overexpression produced synergistic effects, achieving 46.83% apoptosis and maximally suppressing pro-survival signals while activating pro-apoptotic mechanisms. The combination treatment increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio 40-fold and reduced AKT1 and PDK1 expression by >80%. Our findings reveal that baicalein enhances PTEN tumor suppressor function to inhibit PI3K/AKT signaling, and suggest that combining natural compounds with tumor suppressor restoration represents a promising therapeutic strategy for cervical cancer.

Diabetes mellitus and hypertension are commonly coexisting diseases and combination therapies are required to improve therapeutic outcomes and patient compliance. Current research aims to develop and validate a precise reverse-phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) method for the concurrent determination of sitagliptin and valsartan. For analysis, an Agilent 1260 Infinity II HPLC system provided with a C-18 column was used. The method was validated as per the ICH guidelines. Calibration curves confirmed excellent linearity for sitagliptin and valsartan with RN² values exceeding 0.99. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were calculated as 8.5 ppm and 25.7 ppm for sitagliptin and 7.8 ppm and 23.5 ppm for valsartan, respectively. Recovery studies and robustness confirmed method accuracy and indicated no significant impact from small variations in chromatographic parameters. In conclusion, this validated RP-HPLC method is consistent and efficient for compliance with pharmaceutical standards.

Severe pneumonia is associated with high mortality and substantial antimicrobial exposure. Inappropriate antimicrobial use contributes to antimicrobial resistance and adverse drug reactions, potentially worsening outcomes. To develop and evaluate an antimicrobial stewardship-guided nursing care model for patients with severe pneumonia. A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Second Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital (Beijing, China). Medical records of patients with severe pneumonia admitted between June 2024 and June 2025 were reviewed. Patients admitted in June-December 2024 received routine nursing care, whereas those admitted in January-June 2025 received a stewardship-guided nursing model. Outcomes were assessed until discharge or day 28, whichever occurred first. Compared with routine care, the stewardship-guided cohort showed higher specimen collection compliance and antimicrobial selection rationality scores and lower drug utilization index (DUI), defined daily doses (DDDs) and inappropriate use of core antimicrobials (all p<0.05). Clinical cure rate was higher, length of stay and inflammatory-marker recovery time were shorter and complication rates were lower (all p<0.05). Nursing quality and patient satisfaction scores also improved (p<0.001). An antimicrobial stewardship-guided nursing care model was associated with improved antimicrobial-use quality, reduced antimicrobial-related complications and better clinical and nursing outcomes in patients with severe pneumonia; however, causal inference is limited by the non-concurrent retrospective design.

Excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation in mountainous regions increases the risk of skin disorders, highlighting the need for effective natural photoprotective agents. This study aims to evaluate the sun protection factor (SPF) and antioxidant potential of two underexplored plants, Artemisia maritima and Sophora mollis, collected from high-altitude areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, to assess their suitability as natural photoprotective agents. UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to assess free radical scavenging activity (DPPH and ABTS assays), along with total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). A. maritima exhibited a higher SPF value (17.27 ± 0.31) compared to S. mollis (7.68 ± 0.18). Similarly, A. maritima showed greater TPC (345.93 ± 0.62 mg GAE/g) and TFC (239.30 ± 0.47 mg QE/g) than S. mollis (297.38 ± 0.34 mg GAE/g and 55.26 ± 0.75 mg QE/g, respectively). Antioxidant activity, measured by IC50 values, was strongest for Trolox (50.45 ± 0.97 µg/mL), followed by A. maritima (119.52 ± 2.23 µg/mL) and S. mollis (244.46 ± 8.06 µg/mL). In ABTS assays, A. maritima and S. mollis inhibited 68.3% and 60.2% of free radicals, respectively. These findings suggest that A. maritima possesses strong photoprotective and antioxidant properties, highlighting its potential as a promising natural sunscreen candidate, while S. mollis may provide moderate photoprotection suitable for complementary cosmetic or dermatological formulations.

Reporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs) by patients may contribute to the improvement of drug safety. However, underreporting of ADRs is estimated to be the main problem of the pharmacovigilance system. While the concern about and contribution to pharmacovigilance of Turkish health professionals is disappointing, drawing the picture of Turkish consumers' knowledge, attitude and practices is paramount to improve the contribution of this group. We evaluated the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding pharmacovigilance among Turkish inpatients in a university hospital in Turkey. An observational, cross-sectional study was performed by a face-to-face questionnaire in 260 inpatients. The questionnaire consisted of demographic data and 15 and 9 items regarding knowledge and attitude and practices, respectively. The numerical and categorical data were presented as mean ± standard error of the mean (S.E.M.) and number (percentage). Comparisons between two groups were analysed by Mann-Whitney U test and those between more than two groups by Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn-Sidak test. The mean score of knowledge level (1.38 ± 0.12) was far below that of maximum score (15 points). Although 245 of 260 inpatients (94.62%) were aware of side effects, only 18 of them (6.92%) had heard about the pharmacovigilance term and the Turkish Pharmacovigilance Centre. Ten of 18 subjects (55.56%) knew that they could directly report ADRs via the reporting form. 42% of inpatients had experienced ADRs in the past, 69.16% of them preferred to consult the doctor of concern, stopping the drug being the most selected intervention (60.75%). Among the 18 subjects aware of the Turkish Pharmacovigilance Centre, only 11.11% reported ADRs to the center. The knowledge, attitude and practices of Turkish inpatients regarding pharmacovigilance are insufficient and should be stimulated through various means to increase the rate of spontaneous reporting of ADRs and to ensure a more proactive attitude.

Uterine fibroids involve abnormal cell proliferation and fibrosis, with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) playing a key role. Mitochondrial-endoplasmic reticulum stress and related signaling pathways are implicated in this process, but the potential of natural extracts for modulation remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate whether Atractylodes macrocephala extract can reverse EMT progression in uterine fibroids by regulating mitochondrial-endoplasmic reticulum stress via relevant signaling pathways. A mouse model of uterine fibroids was established and divided into normal, model, and Atractylodes macrocephala extract groups. Measurements included uterine weight, organ coefficient, cell proliferation, and apoptosis rate. Caspase-4 activity analysis, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence microscopy were used to assess protein and gene expression related to EMT, apoptosis, and signaling pathways. The uterine fibroid model was successfully established. Treatment with Atractylodes macrocephala extract significantly inhibited uterine fibroid cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and reduced fibrosis. Mechanistically, the extract ameliorated EMT by effectively suppressing PI3K/Akt pathway activity. It concurrently exacerbated endoplasmic reticulum stress (indicated by increased Caspase-4 activity) to promote apoptosis while enhancing lysosome generation. Atractylodes macrocephala extract inhibits proliferation, promotes apoptosis, and reduces fibrosis in uterine fibroids by suppressing the PI3K/Akt pathway and enhancing endoplasmic reticulum stress. These findings provide a novel strategic basis for developing natural targeted therapies against uterine fibroids.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for treating acute pediatric bronchial asthma exacerbations rises yearly. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are key for controlling asthma-related inflammation, but research on ICS combined with the collaborative management model (CMM) remains incomplete. This study aims to explore the effect of CMM combined with ICS in CPAP treatment for children with acute bronchial asthma exacerbations. 107 children with acute bronchial asthma exacerbations receiving CPAP in our hospital's Respiratory Department (Jan 2023-Jan 2025) were screened; 104 were included after exclusions. Based on the records of medical record treatment, they were divided into ICS group (51 cases) and CMM+ICS group (combined group, 53 cases). pulmonary function [forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF)], arterial blood gas [Arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), oxygen saturation (SaO2)] and CPAP-related complication incidence. vital signs [respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP)], hospital stay length, duration of a single management session, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), pediatric asthma quality of life questionnaire (PAQLQ) scores and parental self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) anxiety levels. Results showed that the combined group had significantly higher FEV1, PEF, PaO2 and SaO2 than the ICS group (all p<0.05), whereas PaCO2 (p<0.001) and CPAP complication incidence (p=0.024) were lower than the ICS group. Additionally, the combined group had significantly lower RR, HR, SBP and DBP (all p<0.05), significantly shorter hospital stay and duration of a single management session (both p<0.001) and a significantly favorable ICER (-225.13 yuan/day) than the ICS group. Moreover, it had significantly higher PAQLQ scores (p<0.001) and lower parental SAS scores (p<0.001) compared with the ICS group. CMM combined with ICS in CPAP improves pediatric acute asthma exacerbations, has high clinical value, worthy of respiratory promotion.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder involving multiple pathological processes. Bergapten (BeG) exhibits various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, but its mechanism of action in PD remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects and underlying mechanisms of BeG in PD models. An in vitro neuroinflammation model was established using LPS-treated astrocytes. In-vitro studies demonstrated that BeG counteracted LPS-induced astrocyte activation by reducing the expressions of GFAP, inflammatory mediators (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β), and A1 polarization markers. It alleviated ERS (as indicated by reduced levels of GRP78, CHOP) and apoptosis (as shown by changes in Bax, caspase-3) while enhancing Bcl-2. Mechanistically, BeG suppressed LCN2 expression and JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation, with LCN2 overexpression attenuating its protective effects. In MPTP-treated mice, BeG improved motor function, preserved dopaminergic neurons, and reduced astrocyte activation and A1 polarization. It increased neurotrophic factors (BDNF, GDNF) while decreasing inflammation, ER stress and apoptotic markers. The inhibition of the LCN2/JAK2/STAT3 pathway was consistently observed in both models, suggesting its central role in BeG's neuroprotective mechanism. These findings suggest that BeG exerts neuroprotective effects in PD by inhibiting the LCN2/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, thereby effectively inhibiting astrocyte activation-mediated neuroinflammation and ERS.

Early Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatments include donepezil, memantine and sodium oligomannate, but their comparative effects on cognitive decline and neuroinflammation are understudied. This study compares three drugs' validity in improving two aspects in early AD patients. 132 early AD patients from XX Hospital (Jan 2022-Dec 2024) were retrospectively included. After exclusion, 126 patients were divided into 3 groups (42 each): Group A (donepezil), Group B (memantine), Group C (sodium oligomannate). Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale--Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-cog), the Activity of Daily Living Scale (ADL), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), levels of inflammatory mediators, including Tumour Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), neuronal marker levels including β-Amyloid (1-42) (Aβ42), Total tau protein (T-tau protein) and adverse reaction incidence. After treatment, compared with Group A, Groups B/C had significantly higher MMSE, ADL, MoCA, Aβ42 (all P<0.05) and lower ADAS-cog, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, T-tau (all P<0.05); compared with Group B, Group C had no significant difference in MMSE, ADAS-cog, ADL, MoCA (all P>0.05), but higher Aβ42 and lower TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, T-tau (all P<0.05); adverse reaction incidence did not differ significantly among the three groups (P>0.05). Memantine and sodium oligomannate outperform donepezil in improving cognitive function and neuroinflammation, with sodium oligomannate suggesting the best effect on neuroinflammation. This study provides a scientific basis for optimizing early AD medication.

Recurrent pneumonia in the elderly can repeatedly damage lung function and reduce quality of life, posing certain challenges to clinical treatment. To analyze the synergistic immune regulatory effects of Cistanche deserticola, Schisandra chinensis and Cornus officinalis on elderly patients with recurrent pneumonia. A total of 165 patients with recurrent pneumonia from Chengde Medical University from January 2024 to January 2025 were recruited, 158 were enrolled after exclusions, 8 lost to follow-up, and 150 finally analyzed. The 150 patients were divided into MC group (n=75) and MA group (n=75). Both groups were treated with Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang and Azithromycin, while the MC group was additionally treated with Cistanche deserticola, Schisandra chinensis and Cornus officinalis. The main evaluation includes the Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Score (TCMSS), lung function indicators, inflammation indicators, immune indicator levels and clinical efficacy of two groups. Secondary outcomes include quality of life scores, incidence of complications and adverse reactions. After treatment, the lung function indicators, immune indicators and clinical efficacy in MC group were higher than in the CC group; the TCMSS and inflammatory indicators were lower in the CC group (P>0.05). No significant difference in quality of life score, incidence of complications and adverse reactions between the two groups (P<0.05). This method has a good immunomodulatory effect on elderly patients with recurrent pneumonia and is worthy of further promotion and application.