The Mechanism of Mori Folium and Eucommiae Cortex against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression Integrating Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulations, and Experimental Validation.

It has been reported that Mori Folium (MF) and Eucommiae Cortex (EC) exhibit pharmacological effects in the treatment of immunosuppression. However, the mechanism of MF and EC against immunosuppression remains unclear. This study aims to explore the mechanism of action of MF and EC for the treatment of immunosuppression through network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations and animal experiments. As a result, 11 critical components, 9 hub targets, and related signaling pathways in the treatment of immunosuppression were obtained based on network pharmacology. The molecular docking suggested that 11 critical components exhibited great binding affinity to 9 hub targets of immunosuppression. The molecular dynamics simulations results showed that (-)-tabernemontanine-AR, beta-sitosterol-AR and Dehydrodieugenol-HSP90AA1 complexes are stably bound. Additionally, in the animal experiments, the treated group results compared to the control group suggest that MF and EC have a significant effect on the treatment of immunosuppression. Therefore, MF and EC treatment for immunosuppression may take effects in a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway manner. The results herein may provide novel insights into the treatment of immunosuppression in humans.

Scapular kinematics and muscle activity during Yi Jin Bang exercises.

Introduction: Scapular dyskinesis is commonly associated with subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS). Addressing scapular dyskinesis is widely accepted as an important component of shoulder rehabilitation. Our previous randomized controlled trial showed that Yi Jin Bang (YJB) exercises could effectively manage SAPS, but scapular motions and muscle activity during YJB exercises remain unknown. This study examined scapular kinematics synchronously with scapular muscle activation during YJB exercises. Methods: Thirty healthy participants with no shoulder complaints were enrolled in this study. Three-dimensional (3D) scapular kinematics and electromyography (EMG) activation of the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, lower trapezius, serratus anterior, anterior deltoid, middle deltoid, and posterior deltoid were synchronously measured during nine YJB movements. Results: During all YJB movements, the scapula was upwardly rotated and anteriorly tilted, with more upward rotation and a similar or less anterior tilt than the mean resting scapular angle. Column rotation, arm crossover, shoulder support circle, and armpit support high lift generated more internal rotation than the mean resting scapular angle, with the angles of internal rotation significantly greater than the other five movements (p < 0.001). Regarding EMG activity, all YJB movements elicited low activity (1.42%-19.19% maximal voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC]) from the upper trapezius and posterior deltoid and low to moderate activity (0.52%-29.50% MVIC) from the middle trapezius, lower trapezius, serratus anterior, anterior deltoid, and middle deltoid. Conclusion: YJB exercises could be useful in the middle to later phases of shoulder rehabilitation. For patients with insufficient external rotation, some YJB movements should be prescribed with caution.

Unraveling the mechanism of action of cepharanthine for the treatment of novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) from the perspectives of systematic pharmacology.

Natural products play an irreplaceable role in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanisms involved remain elusive. To better understand their potential therapeutic effects, more validation studies are needed to explore underlying mechanisms systematically. This study aims to explore the potential targets of action and signaling pathways of cepharanthine for the treatment of COVID-19. This study revealed that a total of 173 potential targets of action for Cepharanthine and 86 intersectional targets for Cepharanthine against COVID-19 were screened and collected. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis suggested that inflammatory, immune cell and enzyme activities were the critical terms for cepharanthine against COVID-19. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that five pathways associated with COVID-19 were the main signaling pathways for the treatment of COVID-19 via cepharanthine. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations suggested that 6 core targets were regarded as potential targets for cepharanthine against COVID-19. In brief, the study demonstrates that cepharanthine may play an important role in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection through its harmonious activity against SARS-CoV-2 pathways and multiple related targets. This article provides valuable insights required to respond effectively to concerns of western medical community.

Yi Jin Bang exercise versus usual exercise therapy to treat subacromial pain syndrome: a pilot randomised controlled trial.

To evaluate the effect of Yi Jin Bang (YJB) exercise on pain, disability, flexibility, and muscular endurance in individuals with subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS). Fifty-four adults with SAPS were randomly allocated into either a YJB (n = 18), a usual exercise therapy (UET; n = 18), or a control group (n = 18). YJB and UET interventions involved 10 weeks of home-based exercise training, with four sessions per week. The control group received no treatment. Outcome measures included Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), pain at rest and during activity, flexion and abduction range of motion (ROM), back scratch test, and shoulder abduction endurance test. These measures were assessed at baseline, immediately after a single face-to-face session (acute effects), and after 10 weeks of intervention (chronic effects). For acute effects, significant group-by-time interactions were observed for flexion ROM, abduction ROM, and the back scratch test (all p < 0.05). For chronic effects, significant group-by-time interactions were found for pain during activity, the SPADI score, and the back scratch test (all p < 0.05). Home-based YJB exercise is comparable to home-based UET in reducing pain and disability and improving flexibility.

Identification of Heavy Metals and Organic Micropollutants in Drinking Water Sources in Typical Villages and Towns in Northeast China.

This study identified and detected the existence of major pollutants in northeast China. As an alpine region and an agricultural base, this region has representative significance in pollution research. We selected 56 samples from drinking water sources of typical villages and towns, focusing on the analysis of heavy metals and organic micropollutants in northeast China. The analysis results showed that Fe and Mn were the main metal elements exceeding the standard. The exceeding rates were 17.9% and 19.6%. Experiments showed that there were 19 kinds of pesticides, 6 kinds of OPEs, 2 kinds of PAEs, 22 kinds of PPCPs. The detection rate of these 49 kinds of organic micro-pollutants were 1.79~82.14%. The characteristics of organic pollution were extensive and varied. Many underground water samples had high level of micropollutants. The water quality parameters of drinking water sources in villages and towns showed close relation to local geological conditions and agricultural activities. Actions must be taken to control these parameters from the source of pollution.

Unraveling the mystery: How bad is BAG3 in hematological malignancies?

BAG3, also known as BIS and CAIR-1, interacts with Hsp70 via its BAG domain and with other molecules through its WW domain, PXXP repeats and IPV motifs. BAG3 can participate in major cellular pathways including apoptosis, autophagy, cytoskeleton structure, and motility by regulating the expression, location, and activity of its chaperone proteins. As a multifunctional protein, BAG3 is highly expressed in skeletal muscle, cardiomyocytes and multiple tumors, and its intracellular expression can be stimulated by stress. The functions and mechanisms of BAG3 in hematological malignancies have recently been a topic of interest. BAG3 has been confirmed to be involved in the development and chemoresistance of hematological malignancies and to act as a prognostic indicator. Modulation of BAG3 and its corresponding proteins has thus emerged as a promising therapeutic and experimental target. In this review, we consider the characteristics of BAG3 in hematological malignancies as a reference for further clinical and fundamental investigations.

Effectiveness of Home-Based Exercise for Nonspecific Shoulder Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of home-based exercise to treat nonspecific shoulder pain (NSSP). DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database were searched from inception to January 2022. STUDY SELECTION: Independent reviewers selected randomized controlled trials that compared the effects of home-based exercise alone with no treatment or other conservative treatments in individuals with nonsurgical painful shoulder disorders. The primary outcomes were shoulder pain intensity and function, and the secondary outcome was shoulder range of motion (ROM). DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently conducted data extraction. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool, and the overall quality of the evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. DATA SYNTHESIS: Twelve studies were included in the review, and 10 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Low to moderate quality of evidence indicated that home-based exercise alone and other conservative treatments showed equal improvements in pain intensity reduction (mean difference [MD], 0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.12 to 0.65; I2=30%), function (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.12; 95% CI, -0.14 to 0.38; I2=16%), flexion ROM (MD, 4.61; 95% CI, -1.16 to 10.38; I2=54%), and abduction ROM (MD, 3.74; 95% CI, -12.44 to 19.93; I2=82%). Very low quality of evidence indicated that home-based exercise alone was more effective than no treatment for pain intensity reduction (MD, -1.47; 95% CI, -2.33 to -0.61) and function improvement (SMD, -0.81; 95% CI, -1.31 to -0.31; large effect). CONCLUSIONS: Home-based exercise alone may be equally effective as other conservative treatments and superior to no treatment for the treatment of NSSP. To draw firmer conclusions, further research is required to validate these findings.

A multicenter survey of perioperative anxiety in China: Pre- and postoperative associations.

OBJECTIVES: To describe patient characteristics associated with preoperative anxiety and subsequently assess the relationship between preoperative anxiety and postoperative anxiety, pain, sleep quality, nausea and vomiting. METHODS: The study collected data from patients undergoing elective operation from 12 hospitals in China. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) were used to assess anxiety and sleep quality before surgery. Evaluations of anxiety, pain, sleep quality, nausea and vomiting were quantified using the Visual Analogue Scale on postoperative days 1 and 2. RESULTS: Data from 997 patients were analyzed. Preoperatively, 258 (25.9%) patients had high anxiety (STAI-State>44). Multivariate analyses showed a significant relationship between high anxiety and female gender (OR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.08-2.57, p = 0.02), highly invasive surgery (OR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.29-4.06, p = 0.005), higher trait anxiety (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.20-1.28, p < 0.001) and insomnia (AIS ≥ 6, OR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.17-2.76, p = 0.008). Preoperative anxiety demonstrated a negative correlation with postoperative anxiety following highly invasive surgery; this became a positive relationship following less invasive surgery. Preoperative anxiety was also positively related to postoperative pain and poor sleep quality. The correlation between preoperative anxiety and postoperative nausea and vomiting was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Female gender, highly invasive surgery, higher trait anxiety and insomnia are independent risk factors for high preoperative anxiety. Surgical invasiveness influences association between pre- and postoperative anxiety. Higher preoperative anxiety is related to poorer sleep quality and more severe pain postoperatively.