Exploring the potential of omics technologies in medicinal plant research: a review in Colombia / Explorando el potencial de las tecnologías ómicas en la investigación de plantas medicinales: una revisión en Colombia

This review presents advances in the implementation of high - throughput se quencing and its application to the knowledge of medicinal plants. We conducted a bibliographic search of papers published in PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science databases and analyzed the obtained data using VOSviewer (versi on 1.6.19). Given that medicinal plants are a source of specialized metabolites with immense therapeutic values and important pharmacological properties, plant researchers around the world have turned their attention toward them and have begun to examine t hem widely. Recent advances in sequencing technologies have reduced cost and time demands and accelerated medicinal plant research. Such research leverages full genome sequencing, as well as RNA (ribonucleic acid) sequencing and the analysis of the transcr iptome, to identify molecular markers of species and functional genes that control key biological traits, as well as to understand the biosynthetic pathways of bioactive metabolites and regulatory mechanisms of environmental responses. As such, the omics ( e.g., transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and genomics, among others) have been widely applied within the study of medicinal plants, although their usage in Colombia is still few and, in some areas, scarce. (185)

El extracto de cloroformo (CE) y las fracciones obtenidas de las raíces de Aldama arenaria se evaluaron para determinar su actividad antiproliferativa in vitro contra 10 líneas ce lulares tumorales humanas [leucemia (K - 562), mama (MCF - 7), ovario que expresa un fenotipo resistente a múltiples fármacos (NCI/ADR - RES), melanoma (UACC - 62), pulmón (NCI - H460), próstata (PC - 3), colon (HT29), ovario (OVCAR - 3), glioma (U251) y riñón (786 - 0)]. CE presentó actividad antiproliferativa débil a moderada (log GI 50 medio 1.07), mientras que las fracciones 3 y 4, enriquecidas con diterpenos de tipo pimarane [ent - pimara - 8 (14), ácido 15 - dien - 19 - oico y ent - 8(14),15 - pimaradien - 3 ß - ol], presentaron activid ad moderada a potente para la mayoría de las líneas celulares, con un log GI 50 medio de 0.62 y 0.59, respectivamente. Los resultados mostraron una acción antiproliferativa in vitro prometedora de las muestras obtenidas de A. arenaria , con los mejores resul tados para NCI/ADR - RES, HT29 y OVCAR - 3, y valores de TGI que van desde 5.95 a 28.71 µg.mL - 1, demostrando que los compuestos de esta clase pueden ser prototipos potenciales para el descubrimiento de nuevos agentes terapéuticos

Ethnobotanical knowledge on non-conventional food plants and medicinal plants in Extractivist Reserve in the Brazilian Amazon / Conocimiento etnobotánico sobre plantas alimenticias no convencionales y plantas medicinales en una Reserva Extractivista en la Amazonía Brasileña

Information on the knowledge and ways of using food and medicinal plants by traditional populations, family farmers and Brazilian native population in the Amazon is essential to guarantee the food sovereignty of these groups. This study was conducted using semi-structured interviews applied to local respondents. A total of 269 species of both non-conventional food plants and medicinal plants were identified, distributed in 83 botanical families and 198 genera. The Arecaceae and Lamiaceae families had the highest species richness (11 and 7, respectively). The Shannon-Wiener (H') and Pielou (J') diversity indices were considered high (5.02 and 0.9, respectively) when compared to other ethnobotanical works. In the environment in which these families are found, these species become the only food and medicinal resources available.

La información sobre los saberes y formas de uso de las plantas alimenticias y medicinales por parte de las poblaciones tradicionales, agricultores familiares e indígenas brasileños en la Amazonía es fundamental para garantizar la soberanía alimentaria de estos grupos. Este estudio se realizó utilizando entrevistas semiestructuradas aplicadas a encuestados locales. Se identificaron un total de 269 especies tanto de plantas alimenticiasno convencionales como de plantas medicinales, distribuidas en 83 familias botánicas y 198 géneros. Las familias Arecaceae y Lamiaceae tuvieron la mayor riqueza de especies (11 y 7, respectivamente). Los índices de diversidad de Shannon-Wiener (H') y Pielou (J') fueron considerados altos (5,02 y 0,9, respectivamente) en comparación con otros trabajos etnobotánicos. En el ambiente en que se encuentran estas familias, estas especies se convierten en los únicos recursos alimenticios y medicinales disponibles.

Dialogue of knowledge in traditional herbal medicine in Mé'pháá and Tu'un savi indigenous peoples in the mountain of Guerrero Mexico / Diálogo de saberes en la medicina tradicional herbolaria en pueblos indígenas Mé'pháá y Tu'un savi en la Montaña de Guerrero, México

In the indigenous peoples Tu'un savi and Mé'pháá of the mountain region of guerrero, allopathic medicine and traditional herbal medicine are used, due to this, we consider that dialogues of knowledge should be established between the practitioners of both medicines. We collaborated with 46 individuals to discuss the forms of using medicinal species, preparing treatments, and using allopathic medicine. Through semi-structured and in-depthinterviews, 121 plant species were recorded, with which more than 40 diseases are treated, which are distributed in the digestive, muscular, respiratory, and urinary systems:chronic-degenerative and cultural diseases. The dialogue of knowledge between specialists in traditional medicine and allopathic doctors could contribute to the development of their own health project, with which a regional ethnodevelopment plan could be created.

En los pueblos indígenas Tu'un savi y Mé'pháá de la montaña de Guerrero se utiliza la medicina alopática y la medicina tradicional herbolaria, debido a ello, consideramos que deberían establecerse diálogos de saberes entre los practicantes de ambas medicinas. Se trabajó con 46 colaboradores, con los cuales se dialogó acerca de las formas de uso de las especies medicinales, preparación de los tratamientos y utilización de l a medicina alopática. A través de entrevistas semiestructuradas y a profundidad se registraron 121 especies de plantas, con las que se tratan más de 40 enfermedades, las cuales están distribuidas en los sistemas digestivo, respiratorio y urinario; también se atienden enfermedades crónico - degenerativas y culturales. El diálogo de saberes entre especialistas de la medicina tradicional y médicos alópatas podría contribuir a la elaboración de un proyecto de salud propio, con el cual se podría crear un plan de e tnodesarrollo regional

Evidências clínicas do uso de plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos na cicatrização de feridas cutâneas: uma revisão integrativa / Evidencia clínica sobre el uso de plantas medicinales y medicinas a base de hierbas en la curación de heridas en la piel: una revisión integrativa / Clinical evidence on the use of medicinal plants and herbal medicine in healing skin wounds: an integrative review

Introdução: Plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos são tradicionalmente utilizados na cicatrização de diversos tipos de feridas. Muitas plantas contêm compostos bioativos com propriedades anti-inflamatórias, antimicrobianas e cicatrizantes. Objetivo: Reunir evidências clínicas do uso de plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos na cicatrização de feridas cutâneas. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura. Os estudos foram coletados das bases de dados MEDLINE/PubMed e LILACS, utilizando como estratégia de busca os termos ((WoundHealing) ou (Inflammation)) e ((MedicinalPlants) ou (Phytotherapy)) com recorte temporal de 2011 a 2021. Resultados: 15 estudos foram incluídos na revisão. A maioria dos estudos foram do tipo ensaio clínico controlado randomizado. Foi investigada a eficácia de 15 espécies medicinais para o tratamento de feridas agudas e crônicas, sendo as mais recorrentes queimaduras de segundo grau, úlceras crônicas e feridas cirúrgicas. As espécies medicinais que apresentaram melhores resultados foram babosa (Aloevera), centela (Centellaasiatica),beldroega (Portulacaoleraceae), Arnebia euchroma, hipérico (Hypericum perforatum) emil-folhas (Achilleamillefolium), melhorando critérios como eritema, edema, tempodere-epitelização, tempo de cicatrização e a aparência geral da ferida. Conclusões: Plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos apresentam eficácia no processo de cicatrização, sendo, portanto, alternativa terapêutica para o tratamento de feridas cutâneas (AU).

Introduction: Medicinal plants and herbal medicines are traditionally used to heal various types of wounds. Many plants contain bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Objective: Gathering clinical evidence on the use of medicinal plants and herbal medicine in the healing of skin wounds. Methodology:Thisisan integrative review of the literature. The studies were collected from the MEDLINE/PubMed and LILACS data bases, using the terms ((WoundHealing) or (Inflammation)) and ((MedicinalPlants) or (Phytotherapy)) as a search strategy, from 2011 to 2021. Results: Fifteen studies were included in the review. Most of them were of the randomized controlled clinical trial type. The effectiveness of 15 medicinal species was investigated for the treatment of acute and chronic wounds, the most common of which were second-degree burns, chronic ulcers,and surgical wounds. The species with the best results were Aloe vera, Centella asiatica, Portulaca oleraceae, Arnebia euchroma, Hypericum perforatum, and Achillea millefolium, improving criteria such as erythema, edema, re-epithelialization time, healing time, and the general appearance of the wound. Conclusions: Medicinalplants and herbal medicine are effective in the healing process, therefore being a therapeutic alternative for treating skin wounds (AU).

Introducción: Las plantas medicinales y las medicinas a base de hierbas se utilizan tradicionalmente para curar diversos tipos de heridas. Muchas plantas contienen compuestos bioactivos con propiedades antiinflamatorias, antimicrobianas y cicatrizantes. Objetivo: Recopilar evidencia clínica sobre el uso de plantas medicinales y medicinas a base de hierbas en la curación de heridas cutáneas. Metodología: Se trata de una revisión integradora de la literatura. Los estudios fueron obtenidos de las bases de datos MEDLINE/PubMed y LILACS, utilizando como estrategia de búsqueda los términos ((WoundHealing) o (Inflammation)) y ((MedicinalPlants) o (Phytotherapy)) con un marco temporal de 2011 a 2021. Resultados: Se incluyeron 15 estudios en la revisión. La mayoría de los estudios fueron del tipo ensayo clínico controlado aleatorio. Se investigó la eficacia de 15 especies medicinales para el tratamiento de heridas agudas y crónicas, las más comunes fueron quemaduras de segundo grado, úlceras crónicas y heridas quirúrgicas. Las especies medicinales con mejoresr esultados fueron Aloe vera, Centella asiatica, Portulaca oleraceae, Arnebia euchroma, Hypericum perforatum y Achillea millefolium, mejorando criterios como eritema, edema, tiempo de reepitelización, tiempo de cicatrización y aspecto general de la herida. Conclusiones: Plantas medicinales y medicinas a base de hierbas son efectivas en el proceso de cicatrización, siendo portanto un aalternativa terapéutica para el tratamiento de heridas en la piel (AU).

Aspectos de la vida y obra del Dr. Bernardo Alberto Houssay / Aspects of the life and work of Dr. Bernardo Alberto Houssay

Con motivo del Día Mundial de la Ciencia y la Tecnología, se realizó en la Casa Museo Bernardo Houssay un conversatorio en el que expertos biógrafos resaltaron algunos aspectos de la trayectoria profesional del Premio Nobel de Medicina de 1947, destacando su actividad como investigador en fisiología y sus cualidades humanas. Estos importantes estudiosos del tema compartieron sus conocimientos en un selecto auditorio. (AU)

On the occasion of World Science and Technology Day, a discussion was held at the Bernardo Houssay House Museum in which expert biographers highlighted some aspects of the professional career of the 1947 Nobel Prize in Medicine, highlighting his activity as a researcher in physiology and his human qualities. These important scholars of the subject shared their knowledge in a select audience. (AU)

Postgraduate medical education in Colombia. Proposals to improve it

After 70 years of the formalization of medical specialties in Colombia, very little progress has been made in the educational models for the acquisition of clinical competencies in these postgraduate programs. Furthermore, although there is already a law on human resources in health, the Colombian medical education system lacks specific regulations on the training of health professionals (physicians) in the different medical specialty programs offered in the country. Likewise, at present, factors such as the financial crisis of public hospitals, the limited number of accredited hospitals and the growing number of medical schools and specialization programs, affect the comprehensive and equal development of medical competencies of professionals who are trained as specialists in the different postgraduate medical programs offered in Colombia. In view of the above, the purpose of this article is to present a proposal for postgraduate medical education that prioritizes the adequate acquisition of competencies over compliance with the time required to complete the curricula of the different medical specialties. However, this involves several prerequisites: a regulatory body in charge of overseeing and monitoring the training of medical residents or specialists in the country; strong training in university teaching for professors practicing in medical schools and university hospitals; the standardization of the graduates profile; adequate financing of university hospitals, as well as appropriate support in the process of accreditation as such, and the self-evaluation and continuous improvement of postgraduate medical programs.

Después de 70 años de la formalización de las especialidades médicas en Colombia, ha habido muy pocos avances en los modelos educativos para la adquisición de competencias clínicas en estos programas de posgrado. Además, a pesar de que ya hay una ley sobre el talento humano en salud, en el sistema educativo médico colombiano no hay regulaciones específicas sobre la formación de profesionales de la salud (médicos) en los diferentes programas de especialidades médicas ofrecidos en el país. Igualmente, en la actualidad factores como la crisis financiera de los hospitales públicos, el escaso número de hospitales acreditados y el creciente número de facultades de medicina y de programas de especialización afectan la adquisición integral e igualitaria de competencias médicas de los profesionales que se forman como especialistas en los diferentes programas de posgrado médico ofrecidos en Colombia. Teniendo en cuenta lo anterior, el propósito de este artículo es presentar una propuesta de educación médica de posgrado que priorice la adecuada adquisición de competencias por encima del cumplimiento del tiempo fijado para completar los planes de estudios de las diferentes especialidades médicas. Sin embargo, para esto se requieren varios aspectos: un ente regulatorio encargado de vigilar y monitorear la formación de los residentes o especialistas médicos en el país; una fuerte capacitación en docencia universitaria a los profesores que ejercen en las facultades de medicina y hospitales universitarios; la homogenización del perfil de los egresados; una adecuada financiación de los hospitales universitarios, así como un apropiado acompañamiento en su proceso de acreditación como tal, y la autoevaluación y mejoramiento continuo de los posgrados médicos.

Temporal evolution of postsurgical bone repair in a rabbit model: A [99mTc]Tc-MDP scintigraphic study

Abstract Bone regeneration is crucial for repairing bone tissue following various injuries. Research techniques that enable the study of metabolic changes in bone tissue under different conditions are important for understanding bone repair and remodeling. This study used bone scintigraphy to evaluate osteogenesis secondary to osteotomy in a preclinical model of New Zealand rabbits. For this purpose, we conducted a longitudinal, prospective, case-control study in which scintigraphic variables were measured in both the right forearm (case-operated) and the left forearm (control - non-operated). The study sample consisted of 10 rabbits subjected to osteotomy, followed by a 12-week postoperative evaluation period, divided into six imaging stages at 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. We observed that the operated forearm showed significantly higher external radiation than the control side, using the pinhole collimator, denoting an increase in the biodistribution and tropism of the radiopharmaceutical to the operated forearm. Among the three evaluated time points, osteoblastic activity was highest in the second week and presented a significant decline in the 8th and 12th weeks, denoting regeneration and resolution of the surgical injury; the control forearm was also influenced by the inactivity imposed by the operated forearm. This fact was notably evidenced by the reduction in the metabolic activity of osteoblasts in the left forearm. Our study suggested that bone scintigraphy was sensitive enough to semi-quantitatively differentiate the metabolic activity of osteoblasts in the operated forearm in the three temporal landmarks evaluated in the study.

Percepción sobre la formación en cuidados paliativos de los estudiantes de las especializaciones de Cirugía general en Colombia / Perception of palliative care training among students of General Surgery specializations in Colombia

Introducción. Los cuidados paliativos responden al sufrimiento de pacientes terminales y requieren personal entrenado para la intervención. Forman parte de la actividad en cirugía, sin embargo, no encontramos información sobre la educación de postgrado en cirugía en Colombia. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el nivel de conocimientos en cuidados paliativos, la calidad de la formación y las estrategias pedagógicas en los residentes. Métodos. Estudio observacional con recolección de la información autodiligenciada por medio electrónico. Resultados. Participaron 228 residentes, 7,8 % mencionaron asistir a rotación en cuidado paliativo y 66,6 % tener contacto con especialistas en cuidados paliativos. El 30,7 % no identificó una estrategia pedagógica clara. El 29,3 % tuvo alto nivel de conocimiento y 21,1 % adecuada calidad de formación. El 83,8 % tuvo un alto nivel en el manejo de obstrucción intestinal. No hubo asociación entre el nivel de conocimiento y las variables evaluadas (p>0,05). Conclusiones. Ni el aprendizaje recibido, ni el año de entrenamiento tuvieron efecto en el nivel percibido de conocimiento. Las competencias en cuidados paliativos, sus métodos y la calidad del aprendizaje son deficientes a nivel de postgrado en cirugía en Colombia. Probablemente está en un currículo oculto. Es necesario implementar estrategias pedagógicas en los currículos de estudios de los programas de formación de cirujanos.

Introduction. Palliative care responds to the suffering of terminal patients and requires trained personnel for intervention. They are part of the activity in surgery; however, we did not find information about postgraduate education in surgery in Colombia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge in palliative care, the quality of training and pedagogical strategies in residents. Methods. Observational study with self-completed information collection by electronic means. Results. A total of 228 residents participated, 7.8% mentioned a palliative care rotation and 66.6% mentioned having contact with palliative care specialists; 30.7% did not identify a clear pedagogical strategy; 29.3% had a high level of knowledge and 21.1% had adequate quality of training; 83.8% had a high level in the management of intestinal obstruction. There was no association between the level of knowledge and the variables evaluated (p>0.05). Conclusions. Neither the learning received nor the year of training had an effect on the perceived level of knowledge. Competencies in palliative care, its methods and the quality of learning are deficient at the postgraduate level in surgery in Colombia. It is probably on a hidden resume. It is necessary to implement pedagogical strategies in the study curricula of surgeon training programs.

"Penumbra sign" in knee pain: a case of distal femur osteomyelitis

"Penumbra sign" is a characteristic finding in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of Brodie's abscess, a rare variant of subacute osteomyelitis. We aimed to discuss the imaging finding penumbra sign that will help in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis and may be useful to clinicians in differential diagnosis. A 26-year-old male patient presented to the emergency department with complaints of pain and limping in the right knee that did not go away. He had a history of arthroscopic debridement and percutaneous fixation surgery due to osteochondral fragment 3 years ago. There were no additional findings in the patient's vital parameters, physical examination, and medical history. X-ray imaging revealed two screws in the distal femur and a well-defined sclerotic rim surrounding a radiolucent lesion anterior to the screws. MRI revealed a lesion in the distal femoral metaphysis with low-density fluid and hyperintense granulation tissue surrounding it. After surgical abscess drainage and local debridement, bone cement was placed in the resulting cavity. Teicoplanin treatment was started. The patient was discharged and complete recovery was achieved in the second month. The diagnosis of osteomyelitis is often missed or confused with bone tumors in non-traumatic cases presenting with persistent bone pain. MRI imaging is frequently used in differential diagnosis, and detection of characteristic imaging signs such as the penumbra sign accelerates the diagnosis. In this context, emergency department clinicians, in particular, should be cautious and not forget that early treatment can be started by recognizing these signs.

Alcance para Colombia de la declaración de la World Society of Emergency Surgery 2022 sobre el entrenamiento en cirugía digestiva mínimamente invasiva de emergencia / Scope for Colombia of the World Society of Emergency Surgery 2022 declaration on training in emergency minimally invasive digestive surgery

Introducción. El currículo para la formación del cirujano general exige precisión, ajuste al contexto y factibilidad. En 2022, la World Society of Emergency Surgery formuló cinco declaraciones sobre el entrenamiento en cirugía digestiva mínimamente invasiva de emergencia que puede contribuir a estos propósitos. El objetivo del presente artículo fue examinar el alcance de estas declaraciones para la educación quirúrgica en Colombia. Métodos. Se analizó desde una posición crítica y reflexiva el alcance y limitaciones para Colombia de cada una de las declaraciones de la World Society of Emergency Surgery, con base en la evidencia empírica publicada durante las últimas dos décadas en revistas indexadas nacionales e internacionales. Resultados. La evidencia empírica producida en Colombia durante el presente siglo permite identificar que el país cuenta con fundamentos del currículo nacional en cirugía general, formulado por la División de Educación de la Asociación Colombiana de Cirugía en 2021; un sistema de acreditación de la educación superior; un modelo de aseguramiento universal en salud; infraestructura tecnológica y condiciones institucionales que pueden facilitar la adopción exitosa de dichas declaraciones para el entrenamiento de los futuros cirujanos en cirugía digestiva mínimamente invasiva de emergencia. No obstante, su implementación requiere esfuerzos mayores e inversión en materia de simulación quirúrgica, cooperación institucional y fortalecimiento del sistema de recertificación profesional. Conclusión. La educación quirúrgica colombiana está en capacidad de cumplir con las declaraciones de la World Society of Emergency Surgery en materia de entrenamiento en cirugía digestiva mínimamente invasiva de emergencia.

Introduction. The general surgeon training curriculum requires precision, contextual fit, and feasibility. In 2022, the World Society of Emergency Surgery formulated five statements on training in emergency minimally invasive digestive surgery, which can contribute to these purposes. This article examines the scope of these declarations for surgical education in Colombia. Methods. The scope and limitations for Colombia of each of the statements of the World Society of Emergency Surgery were analysed from a critical and reflective position, based on empirical evidence published during the last two decades in national and international indexed journals. Results. The empirical evidence produced in Colombia during this century allows us to identify that the country has the foundations of the national curriculum in general surgery, formulated by the Education Division of the Colombian Association of Surgery in 2021; a higher education accreditation system; a universal health insurance model; technological infrastructure, and institutional conditions that can facilitate the successful adoption of said statements for the training of future surgeons in emergency minimally invasive digestive surgery. However, its implementation requires greater efforts and investment in surgical simulation, institutional cooperation, and strengthening of the professional recertification system. Conclusion. Colombian surgical education is able to comply with the declarations of the World Society of Emergency Surgery regarding training in emergency minimally invasive digestive surgery.

El verdadero origen histórico del trauma cardíaco penetrante / The true historical origin of penetrating cardiac trauma

Introducción. Los traumatismos cardíacos son lesiones graves y con elevado índice de letalidad, aspecto que influye en el interés mostrado por los lectores cada vez que aparecen reportados en publicaciones científicas. En ocasiones existe cierto grado de incongruencia a la hora de establecer el origen histórico de sucesos o eventos ocurridos y relacionados con la historia de la medicina. En el caso del trauma cardíaco penetrante han sido descritos diversos orígenes en algunos de los artículos científicos publicados, lo cual puede generar un grado de duda en los lectores. Métodos. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura, médica y no médica, para buscar información que ayudara a esclarecer el verdadero origen histórico de esta entidad. Resultados. El trauma cardíaco penetrante fue descrito por primera vez en la obra griega titulada La Ilíada, escrita por Homero en el siglo VIII A.C., y no en El papiro quirúrgico de Edwin Smith, como varios autores mencionan. Conclusiones. De todos los eventos de trauma cardíaco penetrante descritos, el más irrefutable es el narrado en el canto XIII, donde se cuenta la muerte de Alcátoo, producto de una herida cardíaca ocasionada por una lanza arrojada por Idomeneo durante una batalla

Introduction. Cardiac traumatic injuries are serious injuries with a high lethality rate, an aspect that influences the interest shown by readers each time they appear reported in scientific publications. Sometimes there is a certain degree of inconsistency when it comes to establishing the historical origin of occurrences or events related to the history of medicine. In the case of penetrating cardiac trauma, different origins have been described in some of the published scientific articles, which may generate a degree of doubt in the readers. Methods. A review of the medical and non-medical literature was carried out to seek information that would help to clarify the true historical origin of this entity. Results. Penetrating cardiac trauma was first described in a Greek work entitled The Iliad, written by Homer in the 8th century B.C., and not in The Surgical Papyrus of Edwin Smith as several authors mention. Conclusions. Of all the events of penetrating cardiac trauma described, the most irrefutable is the one narrated in canto XIII, where it recounts the death of Alcathous product of a cardiac wound caused by a spear thrown by Idomeneo during a battle.

Perceptions of clinical clerks and interns of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine towards physical and rehabilitation medicine as a medical specialty

Objectives@#Perception about Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine provides information about awareness on identifying disabilities and managing their impact on activities of daily living; however, misconceptions about the field continue to exist among both students and physicians. This study aims to describe the perceptions of clinical clerks and interns towards the practice and role of Rehabilitation Medicine in management of patients. @*Methods@#This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. Students from the Learning Unit 6 and 7 of UP College of Medicine answered adapted online survey forms from a previous study and participated in online focus group discussions. Qualitative data were used to infer the perception of medical students towards the specialty. The effect of the respondent’s profile, background and affiliation on their knowledge, attitudes and perceptions were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA (α = 0.05). Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. @*Results@#Learning Unit 6 and 7 students were found to have a perceived broad level of knowledge with regards the specialty. The students associated the specialty with focus on holistic care, quality of life, interdisciplinary collaboration, and diversity of cases managed. No statistically significant differences were found between the perception among: 1) Learning Unit 6 and 7, 2) those with or without a previous encounter with the specialty, 3) allied medical and non-allied medical undergraduate courses in terms of: a) confidence in the knowledge (p = 0.489), b) familiarity with conditions managed (p = 0.93) and c) interest towards the specialty (p = 0.693). The Organ System Integrated (OSI) curriculum, which promotes horizontal and vertical integration of concepts, provided a wide understanding of the basic concepts related to physiatry. The students’ responses suggest a positive attitude towards Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, as measured in their level of interest about knowing more regarding the specialty. Most common perceptions were that the specialty was multidisciplinary and holistic. However, the respondents’ perceptions regarding the roles of the Rehabilitation team were limited. @*Conclusion@#Learning unit level 6 and 7 students had a broad understanding of the practice and scope of the Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine specialty. Future researches can include other medical students in all year levels, including Learning Units 3, 4 and 5 of UPCM, to observe the development of their perceptions about the specialty throughout medical school.

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis: a clinical analysis based on 10 years of published data in China / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) to provide a reference for the early diagnosis and timely treatment of DNM.@*Methods@#Data on DNM in China was electronically retrieved from the core databases and comprehensively reviewed from June 2012 to June 2023. The infection, pathogenic microorganisms, main symptoms, comorbidities and treatment methods of DNM were analyzed.@*Results@#The data of a total of 781 DNM patients, with an average age of (52.97 ± 5.64) years, were retrieved, including 554 males and 227 females. Odontogenic source, tonsillitis, pharyngeal abscess, sialoadenitis, upper respiratory tract infection, foreign body injury, or iatrogenic traumatic procedures are common causes. Among these, odontogenic infection is the most common source. Streptococcus sp. (n = 217) and Staphylococcus sp. (n = 82) were most isolated, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (equally n = 59). A total of 69.4% (542/781) of DNM patients recruited in this study were discovered to have various comorbidities, and more than one-third of these patients (n = 185) had diabetes. Of the broad antibiotics, carbapenem was most frequently used as treatment, and vancomycin was the most frequently coadministered. The mediastinal drainage approach varies widely, and the optimal regimen is still unknown. Seventy-two patients were treated with video-assisted thoracoscopic/mediastinoscopic surgical drainage, 22 patients were treated with percutaneous catheter drainage, 30 underwent the transcervical approach, and 40 underwent thoracotomy. A total of 617 patients who were selected underwent the appropriate combined operation for surgical drainage according to the specific location of the infected focus. The overall mortality rate of all 781 DNM patients included was 11.2%.@*Conclusion@#The most effective diagnosis and treatment of DNM is a high degree of clinical vigilance followed by prompt and adequate drainage with intensive care, including hemodynamic monitoring, nutritional support, computer tomographic scanning repeated as necessary, and combined use of systemic antibiotics.

Caries prevention mechanism of the Xinjiang Mori Cortex based on network pharmacology and its effect on the main cariogenic bacteria / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To investigate the potential caries prevention mechanism of the Xinjiang Mori cortex and to analyze its effect on the main cariogenic bacteria.@*Methods@#The active components of the Xinjiang Mori cortex and the main targets were predicted and screened using the TCMSP database. The GeneCards, DisGENET and TTD databases were used to obtain caries-related targets. The common targets were derived, and core genes were screened. The enrichment analysis was performed using the DAVID data platform. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock software. In in vitro antibacterial experiments, first, the 50% minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the Xinjiang Mori Cortex extract against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis and Actinomyces viscosus were determined and the growth curves were measured. The effects of the Xinjiang Mori Cortex extract on acid production, polysaccharide production and adhesion ability of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis and Actinomyces viscosus in the planktonic state were determined. The 50% minimum biofilm inhibition concentration (MBIC50) and 50% minimum biofilm reduction concentration (MBRC50) were determined by crystal violet staining, and biofilm morphology was visualized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).@*Results@#The main active components of the Xinjiang Mori cortex included quercetin, kaempferol, and β-sitosterol. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) could be the most important targets of the Xinjiang Mori cortex for the prevention of dental caries. The enrichment analysis results showed that Mori cortex extract may have effects on the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathway. The antibacterial experiment results showed that the MIC50 values of Xinjiang Mori Cortex extract against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis and Actinomyces viscosus were 0.5, 0.5 and 0.25 mg/mL, respectively, and the MBCs were 4.0, 2.0 and 1.0 mg/mL, respectively. The inhibitory effect of Xinjiang Mori Cortex extract on the acid production, polysaccharide production and adhesion ability of three major cariogenic bacteria in the planktonic state was stronger than that of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The MBIC50 was 1.0, 1.0, and 0.5 mg/mL, and the MBRC50 was 4.0, 4.0, and 2.0 mg/mL. SEM observation showed that the amount of biofilm formation decreased with the drug concentration compared with the control group.@*Conclusion@#Xinjiang Mori cortex extract can prevent caries through quercetin, kaempferol, and β-sitosterol active ingredients, TNF、IL-6、IL-1β key targets and multiple pathways and inhibit the growth, acid production, polysaccharide production, and adhesion ability of three major cariogenic bacteria in the planktonic state and has some inhibitory effect on corticogenic biofilm formation.

Biological Activities of Sesquiterpenoids： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Sesquiterpenoids are natural compounds composed of 15 carbon atoms， which can be divided into sesquiterpene alcohols， ketones， lactones， aldehydes， and carboxylic acids according to oxygen groups. These compounds are widely distributed in nature， and their physiological activities are diverse. For example， many sesquiterpenes with potential anticancer effects have been found for anti-tumor effects， including cytotoxicity， antioxidant， immune regulation， cell proliferation， and so on. In addition， some sesquiterpenoids have good application prospects in antibacterial， anti-inflammatory， and anti-cardiovascular diseases. Malignant tumors， inflammation， bacterial diseases， and cardiovascular diseases are the main diseases that cause human death， and natural products have unique advantages in the treatment of these diseases. Therefore， the development of new drugs that are easy to promote has become a new research hotspot. In this paper， the sesquiterpenes extracted from the natural components of Chinese herbs and plants with anti-tumor， anti-inflammatory， antibacterial， and anti-cardiovascular activities， such as Xanthium， Atractylodes， Convolvulus， Acanthium， Ligularia， Artemisia， Ligularia， Ligularia， Labiaceae Mint， Acanthophyllum， Turmeria， Ginger， and other Chinese herbs and plants， were discussed. The biological activities and related mechanisms of this compound were reviewed， which provided a reference for further research and clinical application of sesquiterpenes.

Research Progress of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway for Acute Pancreatitis： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Acute pancreatitis （AP） is a common clinical acute abdominal disease， which is characterized by acute onset， rapid development， severe disease， many complications， and high mortality rate. It can progress to severe AP （SAP） if not treated promptly in the early stage. The pathogenesis of AP is complex and involves multiple cellular and molecular levels. It is now clear that oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species （ROS） production are involved in the physiopathological process of AP， which is associated with a low quantity and activity of antioxidant enzymes in pancreatic cells. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 （Nrf2） serves as the ''golden key'' to maintain redox homeostasis in tissue cells and constitutes an important signaling pathway for antioxidant response and inflammation in vivo by collaborating with downstream antioxidant enzymes such as heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1）. Traditional Chinese medicine has unique efficacy in treating diseases due to its multi-component， multi-target， multi-drug delivery， and multi-formulation characteristics. Based on the concept of synergy between traditional Chinese and Western medicine， traditional Chinese medicine is becoming a new craze in the treatment of AP. The level of oxidative stress and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in AP pancreatic tissue are in a dynamic change process， and the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine can clean ROS production， affect the inflammatory pathway， and reduce oxidative stress damage， so as to protect against pancreatic injury. This suggests that this pathway plays an important role in AP. This article reviews the recent literature on the regulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway by traditional Chinese medicine for AP and summarizes that the monomers of traditional Chinese medicine targeting this pathway are mainly heat-clearing and detoxifying， blood-activating and blood-stasis-removing， and Qi benefiting and middle warming， and the compounds of traditional Chinese medicine include Yinchenhao Decoction and QingYi Ⅱ， so as to provide a new direction for the prevention and treatment of AP and further drug development.

Signaling Pathways Related to Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Their Regulation by Traditional Chinese Medicine： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Dilated cardiomyopathy （DCM） is characterized by the main pathological changes of global cardiac enlargement， especially left ventricular enlargement. Clinical manifestations include decreased heart function， arrhythmia， thromboembolism， and even sudden death. It is one of the refractory cardiovascular diseases. Conservative drug treatment is still the main approach in clinical practice， but due to its unavoidable side effects such as low blood pressure， it is often difficult to achieve a satisfactory prognosis. The combination of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine can effectively improve side effects and enhance efficacy. The research has found that nuclear transcription factors-κB （NF-κB）， adenylate activated protein kinase （AMPK）/mammalian rapamycin target protein （mTOR）， transforming growth factor-β （TGF-β）/Smads， Toll like receptors （TLR） 4/c-Jun amino terminal kinase （JNK）， mitogen activated protein kinase （MAPK）， phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase （Akt）， and other signaling pathways play a crucial regulatory role in the occurrence and development of DCM. Traditional Chinese medicine can improve myocardial fibrosis， reverse ventricular remodeling， alleviate oxidative stress， and achieve anti-inflammatory and other effects by regulating the above signaling pathways， thus improving DCM. Due to its multi-target and multi-mechanism characteristics， it has the advantages of high safety and good tolerance and has become an important part of current clinical treatment.

Pathological Mechanism of Diabetes Based on NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

As people's living standards improve， the development trend of diabetes has gradually become severe. Diabetes is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with abnormal expression of nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB） in patients. NF-κB exists in various tissue cells and participates in the regulation of a variety of genes related to immune function and inflammation. Varieties of factors can activate NF-κB when the body is stimulated by external factors， so as to produce inflammation and other reactions. Previous studies on NF-κB mainly focus on cancer， and the pathological mechanism of the treatment of diabetes by related signaling pathways and the progress of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） treatment have not been systematically elaborated on. By referring to the relevant literature in China and abroad， it was found that NF-κB is not isolated in the development and progression of diabetes but is associated with signal molecules related to inflammation， oxidative stress， and energy metabolism， and it is involved in mediating inflammation， pancreatic β cell apoptosis， insulin signal transduction， and other physiological functions. Therefore， blocking the transmission of NF-κB signaling pathway is beneficial to the treatment of diabetes. At present， Western medicine for the treatment of diabetes mainly includes oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin injections， but the adverse reactions are obvious. TCM has been characterized by multi-target， extensive action， and excellent curative effects in the treatment of diabetes. TCM and its compounds with functions of tonifying Qi and promoting blood circulation， regulating qi and eliminating phlegm， clearing heat and detoxifying， and nourishing Yin and moistening dryness can effectively intervene in the abnormal expression of NF-κB signaling pathway in vivo through anti-inflammatory effects. In this paper， the association between NF-κB signaling pathway and diabetes was summarized， and the modern research progress of TCM intervention of NF-κB signaling pathway in the treatment of diabetes in the past five years was reviewed， so as to lay a laboratory foundation for the study of a new pathological mechanism of diabetes based on NF-κB signaling pathway and provide new targets and research direction for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and development of related TCM.