Elucidating the role of hepatic enzymes in spontaneous abortion: a Mendelian randomization approach.

Background: While the hepatic enzymes Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) are crucial for liver function, their role in Spontaneous Abortion (SA) has not been thoroughly explored. Utilizing Mendelian Randomization (MR), this study aims to clarify the putative causal relationship between AST/ALT levels and SA. Methods: Genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data for SA (finn-b-O15_ABORT_SPONTAN), AST (ukb-d-30650_raw), and ALT (ukb-d-30620_raw) were acquired from the Integrative Epidemiology Unit OpenGWAS database. Bidirectional MR analysis was conducted using MR-Egger, Weighted Median, Simple Mode, Weighted Mode, and Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) algorithms, and the robustness of MR results was assessed through sensitivity analyses including Heterogeneity, Horizontal Pleiotropy, and Leave-One-Out (LOO) tests. The causal role of AST and ALT's coaction in SA was explored via multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis. Results: The MR results via the IVW algorithm revealed a causal relation between both AST and ALT and SA (AST: P = 0.013; ALT: P = 0.017), identifying them as risk factors for SA (AST: odd ratio (OR) = 1.019; ALT: OR = 1.012). Sensitivity analysis substantiated the reliability of these results. Moreover, not notably causality was found between SA and AST/ALT (P > 0.05). Through MVMR analysis, AST and ALT demonstrated functional complementarity in the occurrence of SA, attributable to counterbalanced causalities (AST: P = 0.128; ALT: P = 0.899). Conclusion: The study substantiates a causal linkage between transaminase levels and SA, enhancing our understanding of their biological interaction and the regulatory mechanisms at play. These insights could have implications for identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for SA.

Influence of Growth Process on Suppression of Surface Morphological Defects in 4H-SiC Homoepitaxial Layers.

To address surface morphological defects that have a destructive effect on the epitaxial wafer from the aspect of 4H-SiC epitaxial growth, this study thoroughly examined many key factors that affect the density of defects in 4H-SiC epitaxial wafer, including the ratio of carbon to silicon, growth time, application of a buffer layer, hydrogen etching and other process parameters. Through systematic experimental verification and data analysis, it was verified that when the carbon-silicon ratio was accurately controlled at 0.72, the density of defects in the epitaxial wafer was the lowest, and its surface flatness showed the best state. In addition, it was found that the growth of the buffer layer under specific conditions could effectively reduce defects, especially surface morphology defects. This provides a new idea and method for improving the surface quality of epitaxial wafers. At the same time, we also studied the influence of hydrogen etching on the quality of epitaxial wafers. The experimental results show that proper hydrogen etching can optimize surface quality, but excessive etching may lead to the exposure of substrate defects. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully control the conditions of hydrogen etching in practical applications to avoid adverse effects. These findings have important guiding significance for optimizing the quality of epitaxial wafers.

Influence of Carbon Source on the Buffer Layer for 4H-SiC Homoepitaxial Growth.

In this study, we systematically explore the impact of C/Si ratio, pre-carbonization time, H2 etching time, and growth pressure on the buffer layer and subsequent epitaxial layer of 6-inch 4H-SiC wafers. Our findings indicate that the buffer layer's C/Si ratio and growth pressure significantly influence the overall quality of the epitaxial wafer. Specifically, an optimal C/Si ratio of 0.5 and a growth pressure of 70 Torr yield higher-quality epitaxial layers. Additionally, the pre-carbonization time and H2 etching time primarily affect the uniformity and surface quality of the epitaxial wafer, with a pre-carbonization time of 3 s and an H2 etching time of 3 min found to enhance the surface quality of the epitaxial layer.

Research on the Influence of Carbon Sources and Buffer Layers on the Homogeneous Epitaxial Growth of 4H-SiC.

In this study, a 4H-SiC homoepitaxial layer was grown on a 150 mm 4° off-axis substrate using a horizontal hot wall chemical vapor deposition reactor. Comparing C3H8 and C2H4 as C sources, the sample grown with C2H4 exhibited a slower growth rate and lower doping concentration, but superior uniformity and surface roughness compared to the C3H8-grown sample. Hence, C2H4 is deemed more suitable for commercial epitaxial wafer growth. Increasing growth pressure led to decreased growth rate, worsened thickness uniformity, reduced doping concentration, deteriorated uniformity, and initially improved and then worsened surface roughness. Optimal growth quality was observed at a lower growth pressure of 40 Torr. Furthermore, the impact of buffer layer growth on epitaxial quality varied significantly based on different C/Si ratios, emphasizing the importance of selecting the appropriate conditions for subsequent device manufacturing.

Effect of TCS gas flow and pre-etching on homopitaxial growth of 4H-SiC.

In this study, the epitaxial growth of 6-inch n-type 4° off-axis Si-face substrates using a horizontal hot-wall LPCVD system was investigated. The study explored the epitaxial growth under different source gas flow rates, growth pressures, and pre-etching times, with particular emphasis on their effects on epitaxial growth rate, epitaxial layer thickness uniformity, doping concentration and uniformity, and epitaxial layer surface roughness. The observation was made that the increase in source gas flow rate led to variations in dopant concentration due to different transport models between nitrogen gas and source gas. Additionally, with the increase in etching time, overetching phenomena occurred, resulting in changes in both dopant concentration and uniformity. Furthermore, the relationships between these three factors and their corresponding indicators were explained by combining the CVD growth process with the laminar flow model. These observed patterns are beneficial for further optimizing growth conditions in industrial settings, ultimately enhancing the quality of the growth process.

Chinese patent medicine combined with calcium channel blockers in the treatment of essential hypertension:a Bayes network meta-analysis and systematic review.

Backgroud: The co-administration of Chinese patent medicine with calcium channel blockers (CCBs) is a prevalent practice in China for treating essential hypertension (EH). However, robust evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of tailored combinations of different Chinese patent medicines with CCBs, according to individual patient conditions, is still limited. This study sought to elucidate the efficacy and safety of these combinations using a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Materials and methods: Relevant studies were sourced from established databases, incorporating randomized controlled trials published up to 1 February 2023. The ROB2 tool from the Cochrane Collaborative Network was employed to independently assess and cross-verify the quality of the included literature. A network meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020 and PRISMA-Network Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-NMA) guidelines. A Bayesian network meta-analysis was utilized to gauge the efficacy and safety of distinct integrations of Chinese patent medicine and CCBs. Primary outcomes were interpreted using a paired fixed-effect meta-analysis. Publication bias was appraised through Egger's test and represented with funnel plots. All statistical analyses were executed within the R statistical framework. Results: Following rigorous selection, data extraction, and bias evaluation, 36 articles were incorporated. Tianma Gouteng Granule, when combined with CCBs, displayed superior efficacy in reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP). In terms of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) reduction, Songling Xuemaikang Capsule combined with CCBs emerged as the most effective. Regarding enhancement of antihypertensive effective rates, Qinggan Jiangya Capsule paired with CCBs demonstrated optimal results. For diminishing Traditional Chinese Medicine syndrome scores, the Qiangli Dingxuan Tablet and CCBs combination proved most beneficial. When aiming to reduce total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, Tianma Gouteng Granule and CCBs showcased superior results. In contrast, the combination of Songling Xuemaikang Capsule and CCBs was more effective in reducing LDL-C, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Conclusion: This study underscores variability in outcomes from combining Chinese patent medicine and CCBs for hypertension, emphasizing the importance of personalized medicinal combinations, especially Tianma Gouteng Granule and Songling Xuemaikang Capsule. The results offer robust evidence to inform clinical guidelines for essential hypertention and significantly aid clinician in seleting appropriate Chinese patent medicines for treatment.

Analysis of clinical evidence on traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy: a comprehensive review with evidence mapping.

Objective: This study aims to map evidence from Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews/Meta-analyses concerning the treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), understand the distribution of evidence in this field, and summarize the efficacy and existing problems of TCM in treating DN. The intention is to provide evidence-based data for TCM in preventing and treating DN and to offer a reference for defining future research directions. Methods: Comprehensive searches of major databases were performed, spanning from January 2016 to May 2023, to include clinical RCTs and systematic reviews/Meta-analyses of TCM in treating DN. The analysis encompasses the publishing trend of clinical studies, the staging of research subjects, TCM syndrome differentiation, study scale, intervention plans, and outcome indicators. Methodological quality of systematic reviews was evaluated using the AMSTAR (Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews) checklist, and evidence distribution characteristics were analyzed using a combination of text and charts. Results: A total of 1926 RCTs and 110 systematic reviews/Meta-analyses were included. The majority of studies focused on stage III DN, with Qi-Yin deficiency being the predominant syndrome type, and sample sizes most commonly ranging from 60 to 100. The TCM intervention durations were primarily between 12-24 weeks. Therapeutic measures mainly consisted of Chinese herbal decoctions and patented Chinese medicines, with a substantial focus on clinical efficacy rate, TCM symptomatology, and renal function indicators, while attention to quality of life, dosage of Western medicine, and disease progression was inadequate. Systematic reviews mostly scored between 5 and 8 on the AMSTAR scale, and evidence from 94 studies indicated potential positive effects. Conclusion: DN represents a significant health challenge, particularly for the elderly, with TCM showing promise in symptom alleviation and renal protection. Yet, the field is marred by research inconsistencies and methodological shortcomings. Future investigations should prioritize the development of standardized outcome sets tailored to DN, carefully select evaluation indicators that reflect TCM's unique intervention strategies, and aim to improve the robustness of clinical evidence. Emphasizing TCM's foundational theories while incorporating advanced scientific technologies will be essential for innovating research methodologies and uncovering the mechanisms underlying TCM's efficacy in DN management.

Evidence mapping of traditional Chinese medicine in diabetic peripheral neuropathy treatment.

Objective: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) stands as a crucial complication of diabetes, significantly affecting patients' quality of life. This study aims to elucidate the evidence distribution from clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on DPN treatment with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) through evidence mapping. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted from January 2017 to October 2022 in databases such as Wanfang (China Online Journals), CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), VIP (China Science and Technology Journal Database), SinoMed (Chinese Biomedical Literature Database), PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Literature related to the treatment of DPN with TCM was selected. From the 1,229 RCTs identified over the past 6 years, relevant data were extracted. The evidence mapping approach was utilized, and trends in publications, study scales, intervention types, and evaluation indicators were analyzed using descriptive text combined with tables and bubble charts. Results: Research on the treatment of DPN with TCM is extensive. The publication trend remains relatively stable with predominantly smaller sample sizes. The main treatments encompass oral Chinese medicine and traditional external treatments. The most common evaluation indicators are neurophysiological, efficiency rate, symptom signs, neuropathy scores, and traditional Chinese symptoms, with less focus on psychological status and the ankle-brachial index (ABI). Conclusion: Shedding light on contemporary research, this study explores the current RCTs evaluating TCM's efficacy in treating DPN. The findings not only highlight the potential role of TCM in addressing diabetic complications but also underscore areas that could benefit from refined research approaches, expanded intervention methods, and broader assessment criteria. Our observations aim to inform and inspire future research directions and clinical practices concerning TCM's role in managing diabetes-associated complications.

Elucidating the anti-hypertensive mechanisms of Uncaria rhynchophylla-Alisma plantago-aquatica L: an integrated network pharmacology, cluster analysis, and molecular docking approach.

Background: With the increasing global prevalence of hypertension, a condition that can severely affect multiple organs, there is a growing need for effective treatment options. Uncaria rhynchophylla-Alisma plantago-aquatica L. (UR-AP) is a traditional drug pair used for treating hypertension based on the liver-kidney synergy concept. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying its efficacy remain unclear. Methods: This study utilized an integrative approach combining network pharmacology, cluster analysis, and molecular docking to uncover the bioactive components and targets of UR-AP in the treatment of hypertension. Initially, we extracted data from public databases to identify these components and targets. A Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network was constructed, followed by enrichment analysis to pinpoint the bioactive components, core targets, and pivotal pathways. Cluster analysis helped in identifying key sub-networks and hypothesizing primary targets. Furthermore, molecular docking was conducted to validate the interaction between the core targets and major bioactive components, thus confirming their potential efficacy in hypertension treatment. Results: Network pharmacological analysis identified 58 bioactive compounds in UR-AP, notably quercetin, kaempferol, beta-sitosterol (from Uncaria rhynchophylla), and Alisol B, alisol B 23-acetate (from Alisma plantago-aquatica L.), as pivotal bioactives. We pinpointed 143 targets common to both UR-AP and hypertension, highlighting MAPK1, IL6, AKT1, VEGFA, EGFR, and TP53 as central targets involved in key pathways like diastolic and endothelial function, anti-atherosclerosis, AGE-RAGE signaling, and calcium signaling. Cluster analysis emphasized IL6, TNF, AKT1, and VEGFA's roles in atherosclerosis and inflammation. Molecular docking confirmed strong interactions between these targets and UR-AP's main bioactives, underscoring their therapeutic potential. Conclusion: This research delineates UR-AP's pharmacological profile in hypertension treatment, linking traditional medicine with modern pharmacology. It highlights key bioactive components and their interactions with principal targets, suggesting UR-AP's potential as a novel therapeutic option for hypertension. The evidence from molecular docking studies supports these interactions, indicating the relevance of these components in affecting hypertension pathways. However, the study acknowledges its limitations, including the reliance on in silico analyses and the need for in vivo validation. These findings pave the way for future clinical research, aiming to integrate traditional medicine insights with contemporary scientific approaches for developing innovative hypertension therapies.

Efficacy and pharmacoeconomic advantages of Fufang Huangbai Fluid hydropathic compress in diabetic foot infections: a comparative clinical study with antimicrobial calcium alginate wound dressing.

Objective: To compare the intervention effects and pharmacoeconomic advantages of Fufang Huangbai Fluid (FFHB) hydropathic compress versus Antimicrobial Calcium Alginate Wound Dressing (ACAWD) in the treatment of diabetic foot infections (DFI). Methods: Patients with DF who were hospitalized in the peripheral vascular Department of Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from December 2020 to February 2022 and met the inclusion and excluding criteria were allocated into the experimental group and control group through minimization randomization. The experimental group was treated with FFHB hydropathic compress for 2 weeks, while the control group was treated with ACAWD for the same duration. The wound healing of both groups was monitored for 1 month post-discharge. Clinical data from all eligible patients were collected, and differences in various indices between cohorts were analyzed. Results: 22 in the experimental group (including two fell off) and 20 in the control group. After the treatment, the negative rate of wound culture in the experimental group was 30% and that in the control group was 10%, There was no significant difference in the negative rate of wound culture and change trend of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of drug sensitivity (p > 0.05). The infection control rate of the experimental group was 60%, and that of the control group was 25%. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2 = 5.013, p = 0.025). The median wound healing rate of the experimental group was 34.4% and that of the control group was 33.3%. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). During the follow-up 1 month later, the wound healing rate in the experimental group was higher, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.047). Pharmacoeconomic evaluations indicated that the experimental group had greater cost-effectiveness compared to the control group. Conclusion: In the preliminary study, FFHB demonstrated comparable pathogenic and clinical efficacy to ACAWD in the treatment of mild DF infection, and exhibited superior pharmacoeconomic advantages. With the aid of infection control, the wound healing rate in the FFHB group showed notable improvement. Nevertheless, due to the limited sample size, larger-scale studies are warranted to further validate these findings. Clinical Trial Registration: (https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=66175), identifier (ChiCTR2000041443).

Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management for Chronic Coronary Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines and Consensus Statements.

Objectives: Management of chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) encompasses a broad spectrum of practices, posing considerable complexity and variability. While guidelines have been established to augment the management quality of CCS, notable disparities persist across their recommendations. This study strives to scrutinize, compare, and reconcile these guideline recommendations pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of CCS patients. Our goal is to align these recommendations with contemporary clinical practices, thus laying a robust foundation for their pragmatic application in clinical settings. Methods: A comprehensive systematic search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, and Chinese Biological Medicine Database. The timeframe for this search spanned from their inception up to May 30, 2022, aiming to collate all published guidelines relevant to CCS. Subsequently, two independent reviewers undertook the task of appraising the quality of these guidelines by utilizing the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument. Results: The search yielded a total of 10,699 citations. Following a thorough evaluation, fourteen clinical practice guidelines and four consensus statements, each offering specific recommendations for CCS, were selected. The quality of these guidelines showcased a broad spectrum of variation. The domain of "presentation clarity" received the highest accolades, while "applicability" languished at the lower end of the scoring spectrum. On average, the guidelines attained a quality score denoting sufficiency. Furthermore, recommendations across different guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of CCS displayed a striking level of divergence. Conclusion: The landscape of published CCS guidelines is marked by extensive variations in scope, quality, and recommendations. Hence, there is a compelling need for collaborative efforts amongst multidisciplinary professionals to forge comprehensive, higher-quality evidence-based guidelines; such a concerted approach is paramount to enhance treatment efficacy and health outcomes for patients grappling with CCS.

Enhancing open clinical trials through blinded evaluations: an exploration with diabetic foot infections.

BACKGROUND: Blinding drugs through simulation techniques is an important means to control the subjective bias of investigators and subjects. However, clinical trials face significant challenges in the placebo production of drugs, and many trials cannot be double-blinded. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to ascertain the consistency between non-blind and blind evaluation results in clinical trials and to pioneer strategies to control information bias, particularly in trials where double-blinding is not feasible. METHODS: In this investigation, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) studying diabetic foot infections (DFIs) was utilized as a representative case. In this trial, the grading of DFIs, as per guidelines by the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) and International Working Group on Diabetic Foot (IWGDF), was used as the primary efficacy indicator. A sample of sixteen patients was randomly chosen from the RCT, and DFI grading was assessed jointly by both non-blinded investigators and blinded center-reading investigators. A consistency test was then deployed to compare the evaluation results, forming the basis for our proposed strategies for effective blinded evaluation. In addition, other perspectives were collected at the end of this study, including with those involved in designing and conducting the recent blinded evaluation trial. RESULTS: Five subjects were excluded due to the quality of photos or the lack of post-treatment visits. The post-treatment IDSA/IWGDF grading results were compared in 11 subjects (experimental group=6, control group=5), and the consistency test showed inconsistent results between the non-blinded and center reading blinded evaluations (Kappa=0.248, p=0.384). In the experimental group, three cases were judged as grade 1 in the non-blinded evaluation and grade 2 in the central reading blinded evaluation; in the control group, three cases were judged as grade 2 in the non-blinded evaluation and grade 1 in the central reading blinded evaluation. The sum of these two cases in 22 post-treatment determinations was 27% (6/22). Furthermore, researchers propose several strategies for implementing blinded evaluations in clinical trials after this trial, which encompass aspects such as staff allocation, training, participant management, trial drug administration, efficacy indicator collection, and safety event management. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlighted that evaluations from non-blinded site investigators may potentially exaggerate the efficacy of the experimental group and that deep wounds can present challenges for observation via center-reading photos. These findings underline the vital necessity for objective assessment in open clinical trials, especially those where wound observation serves as the primary efficacy indicator. The study suggests the adoption of independent blinded investigators at each site, complemented by a comprehensive set of standard operating procedures for blinding evaluation. These measures could serve as an effective counterbalance to subjective bias, thereby augmenting the credibility and consistency of results in open clinical trials. The implications of these findings and recommendations could be of great significance for the design and execution of future open clinical trials, potentially bolstering the quality of clinical research in this area. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2000041443. Registered on December 2020.

Mapping the path towards novel treatment strategies: a bibliometric analysis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis research from 1990 to 2023.

Background: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), a common form of thyroid autoimmunity, is strongly associated with deteriorating clinical status and impaired quality of life. The escalating global prevalence, coupled with the complexity of disease mechanisms, necessitates a comprehensive, bibliometric analysis to elucidate the trajectory, hotspots, and future trends in HT research. Objective: This study aims to illuminate the development, hotspots, and future directions in HT research through systematic analysis of publications, institutions, authors, journals, references, and keywords. Particular emphasis is placed on novel treatment strategies for HT and its complications, highlighting the potential role of genetic profiling and immunomodulatory therapies. Methods: We retrieved 8,726 relevant documents from the Web of Science Core Collection database spanning from 1 January 1990 to 7 March 2023. Following the selection of document type, 7,624 articles were included for bibliometric analysis using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and R software. Results: The temporal evolution of HT research is categorized into three distinct phases: exploration (1990-1999), rapid development (1999-2000), and steady growth (2000-present). Notably, the United States, China, Italy, and Japan collectively contributed over half (54.77%) of global publications. Among the top 10 research institutions, four were from Italy (4/10), followed by China (2/10) and the United States (2/10). Recent hotspots, such as the roles of gut microbiota, genetic profiling, and nutritional factors in HT management, the diagnostic dilemmas between HT and Grave's disease, as well as the challenges in managing HT complicated by papillary thyroid carcinoma and type 1 diabetes mellitus, are discussed. Conclusion: Although North America and Europe have a considerable academic impact, institutions from emerging countries like China are demonstrating promising potential in HT research. Future studies are anticipated to delve deeper into the differential diagnosis of HT and Grave's disease, the intricate relationship between gut microbiota and HT pathogenesis, clinical management of HT with papillary thyroid carcinoma or type 1 diabetes, and the beneficial effects of dietary modifications and micronutrients supplementation in HT. Furthermore, the advent of genetic profiling and advanced immunotherapies for managing HT offers promising avenues for future research.

Predictive factors and clinical efficacy of Chinese medicine Shengji ointment in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers in the elderly: a prospective study.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the predictive factors and efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine Shengji Ointment in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers in the elderly population, with the intent of formulating an effective predictive model for deep diabetic foot ulcer healing. The importance of this research lies in its provision of new perspectives and tools for addressing the severe health impact of diabetic foot ulcers in the elderly population, considering the complexity and diversity of its treatment methods. Methods: The study includes 180 elderly patients with Wagner grade 3-4 diabetic foot ulcers that involve the tendon or fascia. The dependent variable is the initiation time of granulation tissue development. Independent variables encompass demographic information, a treatment strategy including Shengji Ointment, pre-treatment trauma assessment data, routine blood count, and biochemical index test results. Lasso regression is employed for variable selection, and Cox regression is utilized for the construction of a prediction model. A nomogram is generated to authenticate the model. Results: The Chinese Medicine treatment approach, ulcer location, creatinine levels, BMI, and haemoglobin levels are identified as independent predictors of granulation tissue development in diabetic foot ulcers. The combined treatment of Chinese herbal Shengji ointment and bromelain positively influenced granulation tissue development. The location of plantar ulcers, impaired renal functionality, obesity, and anaemia are established as independent risk factors that might influence the speed and probability of ulcer healing. The area under the time-dependent ROC curve fluctuates between 0.7 and 0.8, demonstrating substantial discrimination and calibration of the model. Conclusion: The study ascertains that a combined treatment strategy incorporating Shengji Ointment demonstrates greater effectiveness than the use of cleansing gel debridement alone in facilitating the healing of Wagner grade 3 or higher diabetic foot ulcers. Furthermore, the predictive model developed in this research serves as a valuable tool in evaluating the efficacy of Chinese Medicine treatments like Shengji Ointment for diabetic foot ulcers in the elderly. It aids clinicians in effectively assessing and adjusting treatment strategies, thereby proving its significant application value in clinical practice. Clinical Trial Registration: (https://www.chictr.org.cn/hvshowproject.html?id=73862&v=1.5&u_atoken=b403af53-d3b9-41ae-a7e2-db5498609b0c&u_asession=01tNh69p235bMUO4CmHIXcv8Hxirl5-557Duue9QB5lGfl3mf8IvPlcs2kN2zC30voX0KNBwm7Lovlpxjd_P_q4JsKWYrT3W_NKPr8w6oU7K_AyPrQhedMUWBMR2-ZDL_KO0uwDPR9XlF566xraDvT9mBkFo3NEHBv0PZUm6pbxQU&u_asig=05Kd_Q8fjv-24MVbZpOS9ef3xuCCN-tSVH5eUoJKgNLM7E0-n0zMpW6xLq9gh9aUhkKEEA15rdDoCydncF99APBwVSaTPgEG_V_B1iT4wimdCTxV_4ZVbTlDewxyQtE4YgU4-Oza7KPi94RJ64Utel0yZfqg3Tlm-bVxFNOY-zXFP9JS7q8ZD7Xtz2Ly-b0kmuyAKRFSVJkkdwVUnyHAIJzSYJ6SfhFl0WMTCCasZ7zV2I2qfyrp5m-SELPVeREKgX_6yRmLu26qT8kGfcS-Yaeu3h9VXwMyh6PgyDIVSG1W-7D_Sko5YQtpDbs3uvezYkZcUUY4o9-zDPaoYelmMDs8u7I4TPvtCXaPp44YUJcQ9bHr-_RmKA5V8nji3daArhmWspDxyAEEo4kbsryBKb9Q&u_aref=NNH1nHSUCE6pNvCilV%2F1MD0aERs%3D), identifier (ChiCTR2000039327).

Exploring the therapeutic mechanism of Banxia Xiexin Decoction in mild cognitive impairment and diabetes mellitus: a network pharmacology approach.

The incidence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing year by year. Clinical findings show that Banxia Xiexin Decoction (BXD) can be combined to treat MCI and DM. However, the principle and mechanism of BXD in treating MCI and DM remain unclear. In this study, to explore the common mechanism of BXD in treating MCI and DM by using the method of network pharmacology. Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database (TCMSP) was used to screen the main active components of BXD, as well as to predict and screen its potential targets. Using Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), DisGeNET, GeneCards to select the target proteins of two diseases, and intersecting the drug target and the disease target to obtain the common target of drug diseases, which is imported into cytoscape software to draw the network diagram of "drug components-target diseases" and the interaction network diagram between the common target proteins. According to the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) database, we analyzed the common targets using two methods, gene ontology Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) biological pathway enrichment analysis and Gene Ontology (GO) function enrichment analysis, as well as studied the interaction mechanism of the two diseases, with the results validated using molecular docking. A total of 267 main active components of BXD were screened, together with the two diseases shared 233 common targets. The top five key targets identified by the topological analysis were TP53, AKT1, STAT3, TNF, and MAPK3. Go enrichment results indicated that it was primarily related to response to drug, extracellular space, enzyme binding, RNA polymerase II transcription factor activity, ligand-activated sequence-specific DNA binding. t KEGG enrichment pathway analysis identified 20 significant pathways, the majority of which are AGE-RAGE signaling pathways in diabetic complications, lipid and atherosclerosis, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and so on. The results of molecular docking revealed that the key components of BXD, baicalein, licochalcone a, quercetin, and naringenin, had strong binding ability with core targets TP53, AKT1, STAT3, TNF, MAPK3. BXD can treat MCI and DM by multi-targets and multi-channels,and plays a role of "homotherapy for heteropathy" mainly through response to drug, positive regulation of gene expression, extracellular space and enzyme binding and other ways.

Bibliometric analysis of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for mild cognitive impairment.

Objective: This study aims to analyze the current research status of acupuncture in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) using bibliometric methods, explore current research hotspots, and predict future research trends. Methods: Literature on acupuncture for MCI in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Web of Science (WOS) databases were searched from their inception to December 31, 2022. Articles were then filtered using inclusion and exclusion criteria and imported into VOSviewer 1.6.11 and CiteSpace 6.1.6msi software for descriptive analysis of publication numbers, network analysis of author/institution collaborations, and cluster analysis of keywords, as well as analysis of keyword emergence and linear relationships with time. Results: The Chinese and English databases included 243 and 565 relevant articles, respectively. The overall volume of Chinese and English literature was stable, with the annual volume generally increasing. In terms of countries, institutions, and authors, China had the highest number of English-language publications; however, the number of joint publications among institutions/authors was low. Research institutions were independent and dispersed, with no collaborative teams formed around a single institution/author. The hotspots in Chinese literature were "needling, treatment, electric acupuncture, nimodipine, cognitive training" and other clinical research directions. The hotspots in English literature were "acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, cognitive impairment, memory, vascular dementia, mild cognitive impairment, stroke, hippocampus, injury," and other mechanisms of action. Conclusion: The popularity of acupuncture for MCI is increasing year by year. Acupuncture for MCI, along with cognitive training, can help improve cognitive function. "Inflammation" is the frontier of acupuncture for MCI research. In the future, strengthening effective communication and cooperation among institutions, especially international cooperation, is essential for conducting high-quality research on acupuncture for MCI. This will help obtain high-level evidence and improve the output and translation of research results.

Celastrol ameliorates inflammatory pain and modulates HMGB1/NF-κB signaling pathway in dorsal root ganglion.

Evidences reported that high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) played a pivotal role in the modulation of chronic inflammatory pain. Celastrol, a bioactive component extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook, possesses anti-inflammatory activity, but the underlying mechanism remains to be fully clarified. We aim to investigate whether HMGB1 in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) participates in the effect of celastrol on inflammatory pain. Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory pain rat model was used. Paw withdrawal latency (PWL) was detected to evaluate the effects of celastrol on CFA-evoked inflammatory pain. After application of celastrol (1mg/kg, i.p.) on day 1, 3, 7 and 14 post-CFA injection, the expression levels of HMGB1, NF-κB, some proinflammatory markers, GFAP and CD11b in DRG were determined by qRT-PCR and western blot analysis. These results showed that celastrol significantly suppressed HMGB1, NF-κB and IL-1ß mRNA and protein expression in DRG and alleviated CFA-evoked thermal hyperalgesia. Furthermore, celastrol obviously inhibited COX-2 protein expression and down-regulated IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, MCP-1, GFAP and CD11b mRNA levels in DRG of CFA rats. Collectively, the present study firstly provide evidences of the anti-inflammatory effect of celastrol via suppressing CFA-induced the activation of HMGB1/NF-κB signaling pathway in DRG, which maybe a potential therapeutic target for celastrol alleviating inflammatory pain.

Effect of Growth Pressure on Epitaxial Graphene Grown on 4H-SiC Substrates by Using Ethene Chemical Vapor Deposition.

The Si(0001) face and C(000-1) face dependences on growth pressure of epitaxial graphene (EG) grown on 4H-SiC substrates by ethene chemical vapor deposition (CVD) was studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and micro-Raman spectroscopy (µ-Raman). AFM revealed that EGs on Si-faced substrates had clear stepped morphologies due to surface step bunching. However, This EG formation did not occur on C-faced substrates. It was shown by µ-Raman that the properties of EG on both polar faces were different. EGs on Si-faced substrates were relatively thinner and more uniform than on C-faced substrates at low growth pressure. On the other hand, D band related defects always appeared in EGs on Si-faced substrates, but they did not appear in EG on C-faced substrate at an appropriate growth pressure. This was due to the µ-Raman covering the step edges when measurements were performed on Si-faced substrates. The results of this study are useful for optimized growth of EG on polar surfaces of SiC substrates.

Surface Evolution of Nano-Textured 4H-SiC Homoepitaxial Layers after High Temperature Treatments: Morphology Characterization and Graphene Growth.

Nano-textured 4H-SiC homoepitaxial layers (NSiCLs) were grown on 4H-SiC(0001) substrates using a low pressure chemical vapor deposition technique (LPCVD), and subsequently were subjected to high temperature treatments (HTTs) for investigation of their surface morphology evolution and graphene growth. It was found that continuously distributed nano-scale patterns formed on NSiCLs which were about submicrons in-plane and about 100 nanometers out-of-plane in size. After HTTs under vacuum, pattern sizes reduced, and the sizes of the remains were inversely proportional to the treatment time. Referring to Raman spectra, the establishment of multi-layer graphene (MLG) on NSiCL surfaces was observed. MLG with sp² disorders was obtained from NSiCLs after a high temperature treatment under vacuum at 1700 K for two hours, while MLG without sp² disorders was obtained under Ar atmosphere at 1900 K.

Growth of Hexagonal Columnar Nanograin Structured SiC Thin Films on Silicon Substrates with Graphene-Graphitic Carbon Nanoflakes Templates from Solid Carbon Sources.

We report a new method for growing hexagonal columnar nanograin structured silicon carbide (SiC) thin films on silicon substrates by using graphene-graphitic carbon nanoflakes (GGNs) templates from solid carbon sources. The growth was carried out in a conventional low pressure chemical vapor deposition system (LPCVD). The GGNs are small plates with lateral sizes of around 100 nm and overlap each other, and are made up of nanosized multilayer graphene and graphitic carbon matrix (GCM). Long and straight SiC nanograins with hexagonal shapes, and with lateral sizes of around 200-400 nm are synthesized on the GGNs, which form compact SiC thin films.