Association between tumor necrosis factor α and uterine fibroids: A protocol of systematic review.

BACKGROUND: This study will explore the association between tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and uterine fibroids (UFs). METHODS: We will retrieve electronic databases in Cochrane Library, PUBMED, EMBASE, Web of Science, WANGFANG, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from inception to the present. All potential case-controlled studies investigating the association between TNF-α and UFs will be included in this study. Two researchers will independently select literature, appraise study quality, and extract outcome data. We will utilize a fixed-effects model or a random-effects model to synthesize outcome data. All data analysis will be performed by RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: The present study will supply high-quality synthesis and/or descriptive analysis of the recent evidence to explore the association between TNF-α and UFs. CONCLUSION: This study will exert evidence to determine whether or not TNF-α is associated with UFs. STUDY REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY202070010.

Intramolecular dehydrogenative C-S bond coupling of thioamides to form 1,3-benzothiazines under metal-free conditions.

A novel HTIB-promoted direct intramolecular dehydrogenative C-S bond coupling reaction of thioamides has been developed to provide 1,3-benzothiazine derivatives in good yields. The reaction proceeds smoothly to reach completion at room temperature within 1 min under metal-free conditions. This protocol provides a mild and efficient strategy for the synthesis of six-membered N,S-containing heterocycles. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that a spirocyclic intermediate might be involved.

Dihydroartemisinin alleviates oxidative stress in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

AIMS: Dihydroartemisinin has been shown to inhibit the development of pulmonary fibrosis in rats, but its mechanism has yet to be elucidated. This study aimed to determine the mechanisms of dihydroartemisinin in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in a rat model. MAIN METHODS: Morphological changes and collagen deposition were analyzed via hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining and the expression of biotic-factor-related oxidative stress in lung tissues was assayed with standard assay kits. The expressions of α-SMA, E-cadherin, and Nrf2/HO-1 were detected by Western blot and RT-PCR, and the cell morphology and proliferation of cultured type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) were assessed via microscopy and immunocytochemical assay. KEY FINDINGS: Dihydroartemisinin treatment significantly decreased the level of oxidative stress and collagen synthesis and inhibited AECs differentiation in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis compared to the control group (P < 0.001). SIGNIFICANCE: Our results indicated that dihydroartemisinin might decrease oxidative damage to attenuate lung injury and fibrosis.

[Efficacy of short-term educational intervention for parents of preschool children with anxiety].

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of short-term educational intervention for parents of preschool children with anxiety. METHODS: Forty-nine children with Spence Preschool Anxiety Scale (SPAS) scores of ≥ 48 were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The children's parents in the intervention group received a collective curriculum on children's anxiety management six times, while the control group was only followed up. All children were evaluated for anxiety by the SPAS 3 and 6 months later, and then the results were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The test was completed in 21 cases of the intervention group and 22 cases of the control group. At month 3, the intervention group had a significantly lower percentage of children with SPAS scores of ≥ 48 than the control group (62% vs 91%; P<0.05), and this percentage was also significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group at month 6 (52% vs 82%; P<0.05). At month 3, the intervention group had a significantly reduced mean SPAS score, which was significantly lower than that of the control group (69 ± 12 vs 81 ± 12; P<0.01). At month 6, both groups showed significant decreases in SPAS score, but still the SPAS score was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (65 ± 13 vs 78 ± 13; P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Early short-term education for parents can relieve their preschool children's anxiety effectively, but the long-term effect needs to be evaluated by follow-up.