Network pharmacology and biological verification of morusin's therapeutic mechanisms in inhibiting nasopharyngeal carcinoma growth.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) presents a significant therapeutic challenge due to its aggressive nature and limited treatment options. Although morusin, a compound found in traditional Chinese medicines, exhibits significant tumor-inhibiting properties, its specific effects on NPC proliferation remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate the inhibitory effects of morusin on NPC survival and proliferation while exploring the underlying mechanisms through the utilization of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation in vitro and in vivo. Network pharmacology analysis identified 117 potential targets of morusin against NPC, with 8 hub targets including AKT1, BCL2, CASP3, CTNNB1, ESR1, HSP90AA1, MMP9, STAT3, and the IL-17 signaling pathway. Further investigation of public data indicated that the expression levels of BLC2, CASP3, CTNNB1, HSP90AA1, and STAT3 in NPC tissue were significantly elevated compared to normal nasopharyngeal tissue. Docking studies exposed robust binding activity between morusin and key gene molecules. Additionally, biological assays demonstrated that morusin effectively inhibits NPC growth both in vivo and in vitro. Through a comprehensive investigation, this study identified the pharmacological mechanisms essential for morusin-induced inhibition of NPC growth by targeting multiple molecular targets and signaling pathways. These findings show the potential to contribute to the development of novel clinical agents for treating NPC.

Corrigendum/Erratum to "Protein music of enhanced musicality by music style guided exploration of diverse amino acid properties" [Heliyon 7, Issue 9, SEPTEMBER 2021, Article e07933].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07933.].

Pharmacological mechanisms of Taohe Chengqi decoction in diabetic cardiovascular complications: A systematic review, network pharmacology and molecular docking.

Background: Diabetic cardiovascular complications are the leading cause of diabetes-related deaths. These complications place an enormous and growing burden on global health systems and economies. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review on the therapeutic mechanisms of Taohe Chengqi Decoction (THCQD) in the treatment of diabetic cardiovascular complications. To predict the potential mechanisms of action of THCQD on diabetic cardiovascular complications using network pharmacology, and to validate these predictions through molecular docking analysis. Methods: To collect relevant animal experiments, we searched a total of 6 databases. Eligibility for the study was determined based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extraction was then performed on the literature. Methodological quality of animal studies was assessed using SYRCLE criteria. Based on network pharmacology, intersecting genes for THCQD and diabetic cardiovascular complications were obtained using Venny, PPI analysis and topology analysis of intersecting genes were performed; GO and KEGG were used for enrichment analysis and prediction of new targets of action. Molecular docking techniques were employed to model the interactions between drug components and target genes, thereby validating the results of network pharmacology predictions. Results: A total of 16 studies were finally identified that fit the direction of this review. Included 6 studies of the myocardium, 1 study of the aortic arch, 5 studies of the femoral artery, 4 studies of the thoracic aorta. THCQD exhibited anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and anti-atherosclerotic effects on cardiovascular complications in diabetic rats. Network pharmacology results showed that C0363 (Resveratrol), C0041 (Emodin), and C1114 (Baicalein) were the key components in the treatment of diabetic cardiovascular complications by THCQD. PPI results showed that INS, AKT1, TNF, ALB, IL6, IL1B as the genes that interact with the top 6. KEGG enrichment analysis identified the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications as the most prominent pathway enriched by THCQD for diabetic cardiovascular complications genes. The results of molecular docking showed that the key active components demonstrated favorable interactions with their corresponding target genes. Conclusion: In conclusion, the results of both basic and web-based pharmacological studies support the beneficial effects of the natural herbal formulation THCQD on diabetic cardiovascular complications. This decoction has anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties and is effective in ameliorating diabetic cardiovascular disease. The network pharmacology results further support these ideas and identify the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications as possibly the most relevant pathway for THCQD in the treatment of diabetic cardiovascular complications. The extent of the therapeutic potential of all-natural herbal components in the treatment of diabetic cardiovascular disease merits further investigation.

Early cartilage lesion and 5-year incident joint surgery in knee osteoarthritis patients: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: to investigate the association between cartilage lesion-related features observed in knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients' first MRI examination and incident knee surgery within 5 years. Additionally, to assess the predictive value of these features for the incident knee surgery. METHODS: We identified patients diagnosed with knee OA and treated at our institution between January 2015 and January 2018, and retrieved their baseline clinical data and first MRI examination films from the information system. Next, we proceeded to determine joint space narrowing grade, cartilage lesion size grade, cartilage full-thickness loss grade and cartilage lesion sum score for the medial and lateral compartments, respectively. Generalized linear regression models examined the association of these features with 5-year incident knee surgery. Positive and negative predictive values (PPVs and NPVs) were determined referring to 5-year incident knee surgery. RESULTS: Totally, 878 participants (knees) were found eligible to form the study population. Within the 5 years, surgery was performed on 61 knees. None of the cartilage-related features had been found significantly associated with incident surgery. The results were similar for medial and lateral compartments. The PPVs were low for all the features. CONCLUSIONS: Among symptomatic clinically diagnosed OA knees, cartilage lesions observed in the first MRI examinations were not found to be associated with the occurrence of joint surgery within a 5-year period. All these cartilage-related features appear to have no additional value in predicting 5-year incident joint surgery.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of minimally invasive versus conventional open proctectomy for locally advanced colon cancer.

BACKGROUND: Locally advanced colon cancer is considered a relative contraindication for minimally invasive proctectomy (MIP), and minimally invasive versus conventional open proctectomy (COP) for locally advanced colon cancer has not been studied. METHODS: We have searched the Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science for articles on minimally invasive (robotic and laparoscopic) and COP. We calculated pooled standard mean difference (SMD), relative risk (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The protocol for this review has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023407029). RESULTS: There are 10132 participants including 21 articles. Compared with COP, patients who underwent MIP had less operation time (SMD 0.48; CI 0.32 to 0.65; I2 = 0%, P = .000), estimated blood loss (MD -1.23; CI -1.90 to -0.56; I2 = 95%, P < .0001), the median time to semi-liquid diet (SMD -0.43; CI -0.70 to -0.15; I2 = 0%, P = .002), time to the first flatus (SMD -0.97; CI -1.30 to -0.63; I2 = 7%, P < .0001), intraoperative blood transfusion (RR 0.33; CI 0.24 to 0.46; I2 = 0%, P < .0001) in perioperative outcomes. Compared with COP, patients who underwent MIP had fewer overall complications (RR 0.85; CI 0.73 to 0.98; I2 = 22.4%, P = .023), postoperative complications (RR 0.79; CI 0.69 to 0.90; I2 = 0%, P = .001), and urinary retention (RR 0.63; CI 0.44 to 0.90; I2 = 0%, P = .011) in perioperative outcomes. CONCLUSION: This study comprehensively and systematically evaluated the difference between the safety and effectiveness of minimally invasive and open treatment of locally advanced colon cancer through meta-analysis. Minimally invasive proctectomy is better than COP in postoperative and perioperative outcomes. However, there is no difference in oncological outcomes. This also provides an evidence-based reference for clinical practice. Of course, multi-center RCT research is also needed to draw more scientific and rigorous conclusions in the future.

The effects of vitamin C supplementation in the critically ill patients outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin C has significant anti-inflammatory effects and is particularly important for critically ill patients. However due to inconsistent research findings in critically ill patients in meta-analysis. Therefore, the primary objective of this meta-analysis is to investigate the effects of isolated intravenous supplementation of vitamin C in adults with critical illness by comprehensively incorporating articles from randomized controlled trials. METHODS: Articles included searching through PubMed, Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science up to April 28, 2023, for articles on vitamin C and the critically ill. We calculated pooled standard relative risk (RR), mean difference (MD), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). And the protocol for the review has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023425193). RESULTS: There are 2047 critically ill included in 19 articles. Compared with placebo, patients who underwent intravenous vitamin C (IVVC) have reduced duration of vasopressor used (SMD 0.26; CI 0.01-0.51; I2 = 87.0%, P = .044), mechanical ventilation (SMD -0.29; CI -0.55 to -0.03; I2 = 36.8%, P = .031). However, the administration of IVVC had no statistical difference in 28-d mortality (RR 0.95; CI 0.80-1.11; I2 = 12.2%, P = .337), mortality (RR 0.79; CI 0.55-1.12; I2 = 0%, P = .188), fluid intake (SMD -0.02; CI -0.25 to 0.20; I2 = 0%, P = .838), urine output (SMD 0.23; CI -0.03 to 0.49; I2 = 0%, P = .084), ICU days (SMD 0.10; CI -0.03 to 0.22; I2 = 0%, P = .127), hospital stay (SMD 0.10; CI -0.12 to 0.32; I2 = 0%, P = .375), and pneumonia (RR 0.85; CI 0.50-1.44; I2 = 0%, P = .552). CONCLUSION: This study comprehensively and systematically evaluated IVVC supplementation in the critically ill through a meta-analysis of RCT. There is no difference except for patients who had reduced duration of vasopressor use and mechanical ventilation by the administration of IVVC. Of course. More scientific and rigorous conclusions can be drawn from multi-center RCT research in the future.

Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision versus transanal total mesorectal excision for mid and low rectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (LaTME) and transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) are popular mid and low rectal cancer trends. However, there is currently no systematic comparison between LaTME and TaTME of mid and low rectal cancer. Therefore, we systematically study the perioperative and pathological outcomes of LaTME and TaTME in mid and low rectal cancer. METHODS: Articles included searching through the Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Medline, and Web of science for articles on LaTME and TaTME. We calculated pooled standard mean difference (SMD), relative risk (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The protocol for this review has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022380067). RESULTS: There are 8761 participants included in 33 articles. Compared with TaTME, patients who underwent LaTME had no statistical difference in operation time (OP), estimated blood loss (EBL), postoperative hospital stay, over complications, intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, anastomotic stenosis, wound infection, circumferential resection margin, distal resection margin, major low anterior resection syndrom, lymph node yield, loop ileostomy, and diverting ileostomy. There are similarities between LaTME and TaTME for 2-year DFS rate, 2-year OS rate, distant metastasis rat, and local recurrence rate. However, patients who underwent LaTME had less anastomotic leak rates (RR 0.82; 95% CI: 0.70-0.97; I2 = 10.6%, P = .019) but TaTME had less end colostomy (RR 1.96; 95% CI: 1.19-3.23; I2 = 0%, P = .008). CONCLUSION: This study comprehensively and systematically evaluated the differences in safety and effectiveness between LaTME and TaTME in the treatment of mid and low rectal cancer through meta-analysis. Patients who underwent LaTME had less anastomotic leak rate but TaTME had less end colostomy. There is no difference in other aspects. Of course, in the future, more scientific and rigorous conclusions need to be drawn from multi-center RCT research.

Advances in acupuncture regulation on the autonomic nervous system from 2013 to 2022: A bibliometric analysis via citespace.

OBJECTIVE: To understand research advances and frontiers of acupuncture regulation on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) over the past decade through a bibliometric analysis. METHODS: Publications related to acupuncture regulation on the ANS were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. CiteSpace software was used to analyze the datasets and generate knowledge maps. RESULTS: A total of 445 relevant publications published between 2013 and 2022 were included in this bibliometric analysis. The number of annual publications fluctuated from 2013 to 2016 but increased gradually from 2016 to 2022. China produced the highest number of publications, while the USA established the most extensive cooperation relationships. China Academy of Chinese Medical Science was the most productive institution. Chen Jiande D.Z. was the most prolific author and Rong Peijing holds the most extensive cooperation network. Han Jisheng was the most co-cited author. Relevant research involved mechanism exploration and clinical efficacy research, and "anti-inflammatory effect" was the most active research topic, especially cholinergic anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The most cited references mainly focused on inflammation. Gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders were the most active medical conditions studied in this field. CONCLUSIONS: Research related to acupuncture regulation on the ANS mainly focused on anti-inflammation, and regulating gastrointestinal and cardiovascular function over the past decade. However, the mechanisms of the autonomic effects of acupuncture need further investigation. High-quality clinical studies are required to determine the optimal parameters of acupuncture for clinical application.

Optimization of comet experiment method and analysis of influencing factors / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective To detect cell DNA damage more effectively by optimizing the influencing factors of Comet assay and establishing a positive control.Methods Based on the traditional alkaline comet assay,the gel prepara-tion method,gel concentration,agarose solvent,lysis time,cell density and electrophoresis voltage were opti-mized.HL-60 cells were induced by hydrogen peroxide(H2O2)as a DNA damage inducer as a positive control.Results The optimized experimental results showed that the gel preparation method improved from three-step meth-od to two-step method.PBS was used as agarose solvent,0.8％normal melting point agarose was used to prepare the bottom layer,and 0.7％low melting point agarose was mixed with cell suspension as the second layer.The gel preparation effect was better,the operation was simpler,the time was saved,and the degumming problem was bet-ter solved.After lysis for 1 h and electrophoresis at 1 V/cm voltage,representative comet images were obtained.The results were easy to interpret and could effectively avoid false positive results.The positive control of comet as-say was successfully established by comparing the DNA damage of HL-60 cells induced by different concentrations of H2 O2.Conclusion Compared with the traditional method,the optimized comet assay method is simpler,faster,more accurate,lower cost and has better repeatability,which can quickly detect DNA damage in cells.

Consistency of injury severity score in severe trauma patients / 北京大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To determine the accuracy of injury severity score(ISS)in the assessment of patients with severe trauma by the consistency analysis of the patients'ISS with severe trauma scored by three clinicians,and to guide the allocation of medical resource.Methods:Through retrospective analysis of 100 patients with serious or severe trauma admitted to Peking University People's Hospital since Sep-tember 2020 to December 2021(ISS ≥ 16 points),we conducted a consistency analysis of ISS within dif-ferent evaluators.The general information(gender,age),vital signs,physical examination,imaging,laboratory examination and other associated data of the patients after admission were retrospectively diag-nosed by 3 clinicians specializing in trauma surgery and ISS was determined.SPSS 22.0 software was used for statistical analysis,descriptive reports were made on the observed values of each set of data,and Fleiss kappa test was used for consistency analysis of the credibility of the ISS within three clinicians.Results:Through the consistency analysis of the ISS in 100 patients with severe trauma scored by 3 eva-luators,the total Fleiss kappa value was 0.581,and the overall consistency was medium.Consistency analysis of the different scores was conducted according to the calculation rules of ISS.Among the patients with single-site severe trauma,abbreviated injury scale(AIS)was 4 or 5 points,ISS was 16 or 25 points,and Fleiss kappa value was 0.756 and 0.712 within the three evaluators,showing a relatively high consistency.AIS of each part was more than 4 points,and total ISS was more than 41 points in the severe trauma patients,Fleiss kappa values are higher than 0.8 within the 3 evaluators,showing a high consistency.Conclusion:According to the consistency analysis of severe trauma patients ISS within the three evaluators,when the severe trauma patients with ISS≥16 points are treated or transported,there is a certain accuracy error when the score is used for inter-department communication or inter-hospital trans-portation,and the consistency of different evaluators for the same injury is moderate.It may lead to mis-judgment of the severity of trauma and misallocation of medical resources.However,for trauma patients with single or multiple site AIS ≥ 4 points,ISS is highly consistent among different evaluators,which can accurately indicate the severity of the patient's condition.

Chemical composition and pharmacological activity of seco-prezizaane-type sesquiterpenes / 中草药·英文版

The seco-prezizaane-type sesquiterpenes (SPS), as a special class of sesquiterpenes with a highly oxidative five-ring cage structure and seven consecutive chiral centers, are isolated from the genus Illicium, which have a variety of biological activities, including neurotoxicity and neurotrophic effects, etc. This review summarizes the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of SPS, and discusses the potential trend and scope of future research.

Progress in the treatment of central retinal artery occlusion / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Central retinal artery occlusion(CRAO)refers to occlusion of the central retinal artery(CRA), which acts as the primary blood supply to the inner neurosensory retina, and leads to an acute loss of vision and permanent visual disability. The natural history of visual prognosis in CRAO is generally poor. Despite a variety of treatment options have been studied, such as ocular massage, anterior chamber paracentesis, hyperbaric oxygen therapy(HBOT)and intra-arterial infusion of tissue plasminogen activator(tPA), but there is currently no evidence-based management strategies for the treatment of CRAO. Furthermore, the efficacy of all available managements is debatable and many have uncertain risks. This review will offer a summary of the currently known treatment options for CRAO and probe into their safety and efficacy on the prognosis of CRAO.

The Significance and Function of Marx’s View of Life on COVID-19 Epidemic Prevention and Control / 中国医学伦理学

Finding a way of life education with Chinese characteristics and making up for the shortcomings of life education, which should become a major issue for the in-depth study of COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control in China. Marx’s view of life is a correct and scientific view of life, which is not only the guiding ideology of life education, but also the important resources for life education. While criticizing the views of life and death based on the western philosophy of life, it can also overcomes the limitations of Chinese traditional view of life. In the epidemic prevention and control, the in-depth study of Marx’s view of life will help to promote the practice of life education, enable people to establish a correct and scientific view of life and obtain the life sublimation in life practice.

Clinical observation of Van Herick method for evaluating anterior chamber angle width / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To explore a more convenient and accurate method for evaluating the anterior chamber angle width based on the Van Herick method.METHODS:A total of 58 patients(69 eyes)with age-related cataract who visited our hospital between January and December 2021 were included. They were divided into the chamber angle width ≥1/2 corneal thickness(CT)group(44 eyes of 37 cases)and &#x0026;#x003C;1/2CT group(25 eyes of 21 cases)according to the Van Herick method. The central anterior chamber depths and the peripheral anterior chamber angle degrees were measured by ultrasound biomicroscopy.RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in central anterior chamber depth between the two groups(2.64±0.27 mm vs. 2.23±0.29 mm, P&#x0026;#x003C;0.01), and the differences of chamber angle degrees of quadrants of superior, temporal, inferior and nasal compared between two groups were all statistically significant(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.01). The difference of chamber angle degrees of quadrants of superior and inferior in chamber angle width ≥1/2CT group was not statistically significant(P&#x0026;#x003E;0.05), while the differences of chamber angle degrees of other quadrants were all statistically significant(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). The differences of chamber angle degrees of quadrants of superior and nasal, temporal and the chamber angle degrees of quadrants of inferior and temporal were all statistically significant in chamber angle width &#x0026;#x003C;1/2CT group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05).CONCLUSION: In the overall evaluation of the anterior chamber angle, it would be more simple, fast and accurate when evaluating the temporal chamber angle width and inferior quadrant of chamber angle width by using the Van Herick method under silt lamp.

A Methodological Investigation of Hair Proteomics-based Differentiation of Individual Traits / 生物化学与生物物理进展

ObjectiveHair is an essential skin appendage, primarily composed of keratins and keratin-associated proteins. The protein composition and proportion of hair samples vary among different races and sexes. Currently, there is a lack of efficient methods to extract hair proteins. This study aims to explore the application of quantitative hair proteomics in distinguishing individual hair characteristics. MethodsBased on the exploration of sample processing and lysis buffer using three hair samples, we developed a stable and efficient hair protein extraction method, named PLEE (PTM lab for protein extraction from hair with high efficiency). We used the PLEE method to extract seven human hair samples and performed proteomic experiments on them using in-gel digestion method to produce data for analyzing hair protein composition and proportion among individuals. ResultsA total of 274 proteins were identified, among which 107 proteins were commonly present, and the number of non-common proteins ranged from 57-119, with some samples having unique identification proteins. Using the 107 commonly identified proteins for quantitative protein fractionation analysis, various samples were distinguished by clustering and principal component analysis, and technical repeated samples were merged, indicating the stability of the process. In addition, 10 key proteins (KRT33A, KRTAP9-6, KRT83, KRTAP7-1, KRT32, BLMH, KRT38, KRTAP11-1, NPAS1, KRTAP4-3) with large differences between individuals and stable protein identification within the same individual were screened. ConclusionThe protein composition of hair varies among different individuals, and the 10 selected proteins are expected to be key proteins for distinguishing individual hair characteristics and have significant potential applications in individual identification and criminal investigation.

Drug therapy analysis and care on a patient with Lemierre’s syndrome / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To provide a reference for the early diagnosis， drug treatment and medication monitoring for patients with Lemierre’s syndrome. METHODS The doctors confirmed the diagnosis of the patient as having Lemierre’s syndrome based on the patient’s condition and the results of metagenomic next-generation sequencing （mNGS）， and the clinical pharmacists participated in the treatment process of the patient. During the treatment process， the clinical pharmacists suggested using piperacillin sodium and tazobactam sodium combined with metronidazole for anti-infective treatment against Fusobacterium necrophorum infection； clinical pharmacists recommend anticoagulant treatment with Enoxaparin sodium injection for left internal jugular vein thrombophlebitis. RESULTS The doctors accepted the suggestion of the clinical pharmacists， and the patient’s condition improved after treatment and was allowed to be discharged with medication. CONCLUSIONS By interpreting the results of mNGS， combined with the patient’s condition， the clinical pharmacists assist doctors in formulating individualized anti-infective and anticoagulant plans for the patient and provide medication monitoring， ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the patient’s medication.

Research advance in geographic atrophy due to age-related macular degeneration / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Geographic atrophy(GA)is an intermediate and advanced stage of age-related macular degeneration(ARMD). Due to the complex pathogenesis of GA, there are no effective treatments at present, and eventually patients will lose central vision. Studies have shown that excessive activation of the complement system is closely related to the occurrence and progression of GA. This review will offer a summary of the clinical features, pathogenesis, the role of complement system in the pathology and the treatment progress of GA.

Research progress on prediction models for myopia development / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Myopia is one of the leading causes of visual impairment and has become a major global public health concern with the rapidly increasing prevalence worldwide. Due to the trend of myopia towards younger age groups, accurate prediction of the occurrence and progression of myopia could help to provide targeted interventions for high-risk population and myopia patients in children and adolescents, in order to delay myopia onset or slow myopia progression. In recent years, various myopia prediction models have been built based on evidence-based medicine such as baseline ocular biometric data, refractive status, environment factors, genetic factors, and lifestyle have been established. The interaction of genetic and environmental effects on etiology of myopia have been established, with the continuous innovation of genetic research methods, specific genes with higher predictive power in the future will also be applied in the prediction, prevention and control of myopia. This article summarize the content, performance and research progress of myopia prediction models, which could serve as a useful reference and guidance for the prevention and control of myopia in children and adolescents.

Genetic factors, risk factors and pathogenesis of cerebral palsy comorbid epilepsy / 中国儿童保健杂志

Compared to the general population, there is a higher prevalence of epilepsy in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). Epilepsy serves as an indicator of CP severity and has a significant impact on the early survival and future quality of life of children with CP. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the shared mechanisms underlying CP and epilepsy. This study aims to summarize the comorbidity of CP and epilepsy from genetic factors, risk factors, and pathophysiological mechanisms, in order to provide a reference for further research.