US-guided Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation for Secondary Hyperparathyroidism: Long-term Outcomes and Prognostic Factors.

Background Although favorable outcomes have been reported with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), the long-term efficacy remains insufficiently investigated. Purpose To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of US-guided percutaneous RFA in patients with SHPT undergoing dialysis and to identify possible predictors associated with treatment failure. Materials and Methods This retrospective study included consecutive patients with SHPT with at least one enlarged parathyroid gland accessible for RFA who were undergoing dialysis at seven tertiary centers from May 2013 to July 2022. The primary end point was the proportion of patients with parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels less than or equal to 585 pg/mL at the end of follow-up. Secondary end points were the proportion of patients with normal calcium and phosphorus levels, the technical success rate, procedure-related complications, and improvement in self-rated hyperparathyroidism-related symptoms (0-3 ranking scale). The Wilcoxon signed rank test and generalized estimating equation model were used to evaluate treatment outcomes. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses identified variables associated with treatment failure (recurrent or persistent hyperparathyroidism). Results This study included 165 patients (median age, 51 years [IQR, 44-60 years]; 92 female) and 582 glands. RFA effectively reduced PTH, calcium, and phosphorus levels, with targeted ranges achieved in 78.2% (129 of 165), 72.7% (120 of 165), and 60.0% (99 of 165) of patients, respectively, at the end of follow-up (mean, 51 months). For the RFA sessions, the technical success rate was 100% (214 of 214). Median symptom scores (ostealgia, arthralgia, pruritus) decreased (all P < .001). Regarding complications, only hypocalcemia (45.8%, 98 of 214) was common. Treatment failure occurred in 36 patients (recurrent [n = 5] or persistent [n = 31] hyperparathyroidism). The only potential independent predictor of treatment failure was having less than four treated glands (odds ratio, 17.18; 95% CI: 4.34, 67.95; P < .001). Conclusion US-guided percutaneous RFA was effective and safe in the long term as a nonsurgical alternative for patients with SHPT undergoing dialysis; the only potential independent predictor of treatment failure was a lower number (<4) of treated glands. © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article.

A meta-analysis of the effects of vitamin C supplementation for pregnant smokers on the pulmonary function of their offspring.

BACKGROUND: At present, the need for vitamin C supplementation for pregnant smokers has not been fully studied. This study is aimed at investigating whether vitamin C supplementation for pregnant smoking women can improve the pulmonary function of their offspring. METHODS: Four databases were searched from inception to April 1, 2023 for studies on the effect of vitamin C supplementation to pregnant smokers on the pulmonary function of their offspring. Meanwhile, the reference lists of relevant studies were manually searched. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool, and the data was analyzed using STATA/SE 17.0. RESULTS: Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs), all of high quality, were enrolled in this meta-analysis, including 787 pregnant women. The offspring of pregnant smokers who received vitamin C supplementation exhibited improved Forced Expiratory Flow between 25 and 75% (FEF25-75), FEF50, FEF75, and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) compared to those who did not receive vitamin C supplementation. However, there was no statistically significant difference in Forced Expiratory Volume at 0.5 s (FEV0.5) and the ratio of FEV0.5 to FVC between the offspring of pregnant smokers who received vitamin C and the control group. CONCLUSION: Vitamin C supplementation for smoking pregnant women may enhance the pulmonary function of their offspring, particularly in FEF25-75, FEF50, FEF75, and FVC. Nevertheless, there are no significant differences in FEV0.5 and the FEV0.5/FVC ratio. These findings suggest that vitamin C supplementation has potential benefits for specific pulmonary function. Further studies are needed to comprehensively assess the effects of vitamin C on pulmonary function in the context of maternal smoking during pregnancy.

Pediatric massage therapy for treatment of tic disorders in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Tic disorder is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood, characterized primarily by motor or vocal tics. However, there is no systematic evaluation of pediatric massage therapy for children with Tic disorder. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of massage therapy for children with tic disorder through a comprehensive meta-analysis and systematic review. METHODS: We systematically searched relevant randomized controlled trials from various databases such as CBM, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang database, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and SINOMED, published up to October 2023. To collect randomized controlled trials on pediatric massage therapy or in combination with other therapies for the treatment of tic disorders in children. The risk of bias in the included articles was assessed using the Cochrane guideline. Meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4, and publication bias was evaluated by using Begg test and Egger test in Stata SE software. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included 19 randomized controlled trials with 1423 patients. Pediatric massage therapy alone or in combination with conventional medication demonstrated a significant increase in clinical effectiveness rates [risk ratios = 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] (1.10, 1.20), Z = 6.54, P < .001], and reduced Yale Global Tie Severity Scale scores [standardized mean difference = -0.85, 95% CI (-1.50, -0.19), Z = 2.54, P = .01] and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores [standardized mean difference = -1.35, 95%CI (-2.08, -0.63), Z = 3.66, P = .0002]. In terms of adverse reactions, there was no statistical difference between the experimental and control groups [risk ratios = 0.26, 95% CI (0.14, 0.49), Z = 4.25, P < .001]. The Begg test and Egger test results indicated no publication bias. CONCLUSION: Evidence suggests that pediatric massage therapy is effective in improving tic disorders in children.

Chemical composition, health benefits, food processing effects and applications of Boletus: a review.

Boletus are wild edible mushrooms that are consumed worldwide for their appealing taste and abundant production. The aim of this review was to summarize and discuss the characteristics, effects of food processing and application of Boletus worldwide. A better understanding of Boletus nutritional profiles with high carbohydrate and protein, low fat and energy. Volatile (odor compounds) and nonvolatile (free amino acids, 5'-nucleotide and nucleoside, free sugars, organic acids and umami peptides) compounds together contribute to the flavor of Boletus. Varies bioactive substances such as phenols, flavonoids, polysaccharides, tocopherols, lectins and pigment, have also been identified in Boletus, showing wide spectrum biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, antihyperglycemic and hypotensive activities. In addition, drying, storage and cooking influenced the physical, chemical, sensory properties and biological activities of Boletus. The application of Boletus was focused on food dietary supplement, enhancement of food nutrition and function, indicating Boletus can be further developed as a functional food for human health. Further research suggestions focus on the mechanism of bioactive substances, the novel umami peptides, and the digestion and absorption of Boletus.

The effects of a midwife-led weight management program for pregnant women: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Inappropriate weight gain during pregnancy may present risks for maternal and newborn health. Pregnancy is considered the optimal time to intervene on women's health behaviors such as eating habits and physical activity. However, current clinical practice guidelines for weight management during pregnancy were not fully based on randomized trials, thus lacking specific "active intervention ingredients" that are proven effective in achieving appropriate gestational weight gain. Therefore it is essential to develop and implement an evidence-based weight management program for pregnant women. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of a midwife-led weight management program on improving appropriate gestational weight gain, health literacy, experience of antenatal care, and maternal and neonatal outcomes among Chinese pregnant women. DESIGN: A two-group randomized controlled trial. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 426 pregnant women were recruited from a tertiary women's hospital in eastern China. METHODS: Participants were randomly allocated to either intervention group (n = 213) or control group (n = 213). Women in the intervention group participated in a midwife-led weight management program during pregnancy, while women in the control group received the conventional obstetrician-led antenatal care. We assessed women at the first antenatal contact, 35-36 weeks gestation and 2-3 days postpartum. Data on gestational weight gain, health literacy, experience of antenatal care, and maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared between the two groups. Dummy variable analysis was conducted to reveal the effect of weight management program on gestational weight gain. RESULTS: The overall gestational weight gain between the two groups was not statistically different (t = -1.377, P = 0.170). Compared with women in the control group, the odds of having inappropriate gestational weight gain was lower in the intervention group (OR = 0.270, 95%CI 0.169, 0.431). Further subgroup analyses showed that women in the intervention group had lower risk of inadequate gestational weight gain (OR = 0.305, 95%CI 0.180, 0.515) and excessive gestational weight gain (OR = 0.236, 95%CI 0.138, 0.404) than those in the control group. The score of experience of antenatal care was significantly higher in the midwife-led weight management group than that in the control group (193.70 ±â€¯18.51 versus 165.70 ±â€¯28.23, P < 0.001). Women's health literacy score was higher in the intervention group than control group [74.41 (69.57, 81.77) versus 71.88 (66.23, 77.18), P = 0.004]. CONCLUSION: Compared with the conventional antenatal care, the midwife-led weight management program could facilitate appropriate gestational weight gain, enhance health literacy, and promote positive experience of antenatal care for Chinese pregnant women.

Relationship between maternal folic acid supplementation during pregnancy and risk of childhood asthma: Systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.

Growing evidence suggests that maternal folic acid supplementation during pregnancy may be associated with the risk of childhood asthma, but these findings remain controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the association between maternal folic acid supplementation during pregnancy and the risk of childhood asthma, and to determine the safe dose of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy based on a dose-response analysis to lower the risk of childhood asthma. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant studies published before April 2022. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the quality of eligible studies, and a fixed-effect model was employed to calculate the odds ratio (OR) of asthma with 95% confidence intervals (CI). In addition, the generalized least-squares trend (GLST) was used to explore a nonlinear dose-response relationship. Stata 15.0 was used for the statistical analysis mentioned above. This systematic review included 18 studies (13 cohort studies, 5 case-control studies) with a total of 252,770 participants, 50,248 of whom were children with asthma. The meta-analysis showed that maternal folic acid supplementation during pregnancy was significantly associated with the risk of childhood asthma (OR = 1.07; 95% CI = 1.04-1.11). The subgroup analysis revealed a significant correlation between the risk of childhood asthma and the folic acid supplementation in the first Trimester (OR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.05-1.12), the third Trimester (OR = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.04-1.26) and the whole pregnancy (OR = 1.13; 95% CI = 1.10-1.16). At the same time, the dose-response analysis showed a nonlinear relationship between maternal folic acid intake during pregnancy and the risk of childhood asthma. The risk of asthma in children significantly increased when maternal folic acid intake reached 581 µg/day. This meta-analysis showed that maternal folic acid supplementation during pregnancy increased the risk of asthma in children. Based on the results of the dose-response analysis, less than 580 µg folic acid per day is advised in order to effectively prevent birth defects without increasing the risk of childhood asthma. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?, identifier: CRD42022332140.

Adenosine and L-proline can possibly hinder Chinese Sacbrood virus infection in honey bees via immune modulation.

Sacbrood virus (SBV) infects larvae of honey bees, resulting in infected larvae becoming fluid-filled sacs. Our previous studies showed that the extract of herbal medicine, Radix Isatidis, could inhibit Chinese SBV (CSBV) infection in Asian honey bees (Apis cerana). Here, two compounds, adenosine and L-proline, which were previously reported to be associated with immune modulation, were identified in R. Isatidis extract and then selected for an evaluation of their antiviral effect on CSBV infection in A. cerana. Our results revealed that both adenosine and L-proline could significantly mitigate the impact of CSBV on the growth and development of infected larvae and modulate hosts' immune responses by downregulating the expression of immune genes in infected larvae. The results gained from this study suggest that adenosine and L-proline could possibly interfere CSBV infection via immune modulation to avoid exacerbations and nonspecific damage to infected larvae's own tissues.

Fluidity-Guided Assembly of Au@Pt on Liposomes as a Catalase-Powered Nanomotor for Effective Cell Uptake in Cancer Cells and Plant Leaves.

The fluidity of the liposomes is essential to nanoparticle-membrane interactions. We herein report a liposomal nanomotor system by controlling the self-assembly behavior of gold core-platinum shell nanoparticles (Au@Pt) on liposomes. Au@Pt can aggregate immediately on fluid-phase dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) liposomes, forming an uneven distribution. By control of the lipid phase and fluidity, either using pure 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) above its phase transition temperature or adding cholesterol as an adjuvant to DPPC lipids, we precisely control the assembly of Au@Pt on liposomes. Au@Pt maintained high catalase-like activity on the liposomal surface, promoting the decomposition of H2O2 and the movement of the liposomal nanomotors. Finally, we demonstrate that liposomal nanomotors are biocompatible and they can speed up the cellular uptake in mammalian HepG2 cancer cells and Nicotiana tabacum (Nb) plant leaves. This liposomal nanomotor system is expected to be further investigated in biomedicine and plant nanotechnology.

Dictamnine Inhibits the Adhesion to and Invasion of Uropathogenic Escherichia Coli (UPEC) to Urothelial Cells.

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the most common pathogenic bacteria associated with urinary tract infection (UTI). UPEC can cause UTI by adhering to and invading uroepithelial cells. Fimbriae is the most important virulence factor of UPEC, and a potentially promising target in developing novel antibacterial treatments. In this study, the antibacterial properties and effects of the compound dictamnine, extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Cortex Dictamni, on the bacterial morphology, cell adhesion, and invasion of UPEC were studied. Dictamnine exhibited no obvious antibacterial activity against UPEC, but significantly impeded the ability of UPEC to adhere to and invade uroepithelial cells. RT-qPCR analysis showed that treatment downregulated the expression of type 1 fimbriae, P fimbriae, and curli fimbriae adhesion genes, and also downregulated adhesion-related receptor genes of uroepithelial cells. Transmission electron microscopy showed that dictamnine destroyed the structure of the fimbriae and the surface of the bacteria became smooth. These results suggest that dictamnine may help to prevent UTI by simultaneously targeting UPEC fimbriae and urothelial adhesin receptors, and may have a potential use as a new anti-UPEC drug.

Ultrasound-Based Drug Delivery System.

Cancer still represents a leading threat to human health worldwide. The effective usage of anti-cancer drugs can reduce patients' clinical symptoms and extend life-span survival time. Current anti-cancer strategies include chemotherapy, traditional Chinese medicine, biopharmaceuticals, and the latest targeted-therapy. However, due to the complexity and heterogeneity of tumor, serious side effects may result from the direct use of anti-cancer drugs. Besides, the current therapeutic strategies failed to effectively alleviate metastasized tumors. Recently, ultrasound-mediated nano-drug delivery system has become an increasingly important treatment strategy. Due to its abilities to enhance the efficacy and reduce toxic and side effects, it has become a research hotspot in the field of biomedicine. In this review, we introduced the latest research progress of the ultrasound-responsive nano-drug delivery systems, and the possible mechanisms of ultrasound acting on the carrier to change the structure or conformation, as well as to realize the controlled release. In addition, the progress in ultrasound responsive nano-drug delivery systems will also be briefly summarized.

Efficacy and safety of Tuina for treatment of pediatric recurrent respiratory tract infections: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs) are common respiratory ailments in children. RRTIs are often difficult to control and thus generally have a long-term disease course. Children who receive ineffective treatments or those that experience poor treatment outcomes are prone to developing complications such as edema, cough and asthma. Such complications can seriously hinder a child's growth and development, while also adversely affecting the child's physical and mental health. Tuina massage, a traditional Chinese technique that has been practiced in China for >5000 years, has recently been used to treat RRTIs, with good effect. However, no systematic review of research studies focusing on massage as a treatment for RRTIs can be found in the literature to date. The purpose of this study will be to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tuina massage for the treatment of pediatric patients who experience RRTIs. METHODS: We will search the following databases using electronic methods: the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data (WAN FANG), VIP Information (VIP), MEDLINE, PUBMED, EMBASE, and CINAHL. For each database search, the scope will include articles published between the date of database inception to September 2021. Revman5.4 software will be used to conduct this systematic review and meta-analysis. RESULTS: This meta-analysis will confirm whether Tuina massage is of clinical benefit to pediatric patients who experience RRTIs. CONCLUSION: The results of our systematic review and meta-analysis will be used to formulate conclusions as to whether massage therapy is an effective treatment for children suffering from RRTIs. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This systematic review will evaluate the efficacy and safety of tuina in the treatment of recurrent respiratory tract infections. Since all the data included were published, the systematic review did not require ethical approval. INPLASY REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY202190107.

Evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of cupping therapy in the treatment of asthma: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is one of the most common chronic airway diseases and is characterized by wheezing, dyspnea, chest tightness, and coughing. These symptoms reduce the patient's quality of life and limit physical activity in daily life. However, there is no systematic review of the efficacy of cupping therapy in the treatment of asthma. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of cupping in the treatment of asthma, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomized clinical trials of cupping in the treatment of asthma. METHODS: We will search the following Chinese and English databases: China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Periodical Database, Wanfang Database, China Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library. All of the above electronic databases will be searched from inception to August 22, 2021. In addition, we will manually search for conference papers, ongoing experiments, and internal reports to supplement the studies retrieved via electronic search. We will use the Review Manager 5.4 provided by Cochrane Collaboration Network for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The study will prove the effectiveness and safety of cupping in the treatment of asthma. CONCLUSION: We plan to submit this systematic review to a peer-reviewed journal. INPLASY REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY202180104.

Biodegradable and Excretable 2D W1.33 C i-MXene with Vacancy Ordering for Theory-Oriented Cancer Nanotheranostics in Near-Infrared Biowindow.

MXenes, a new class of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, have shown enormous potential for biological applications. Notably, the development of 2D MXenes in nanomedicine is still in its infancy. Herein, a distinct W1.33 C i-MXene with multiple theranostic functionalities, fast biodegradation, and satisfactory biocompatibility is explored. By designing a parent bulk laminate in-plane ordered (W2/3 Y1/3 )2 AlC ceramic and optionally etching aluminum (Al) and yttrium (Y) elements, 2D W1.33 C i-MXene nanosheets with ordered divacancies are efficiently fabricated. Especially, theoretical simulations reveal that W1.33 C i-MXene possesses a strong predominance of near-infrared (NIR) absorbance. The constructed ultrathin W1.33 C nanosheets feature excellent photothermal-conversion effectiveness (32.5% at NIR I and 49.3% at NIR II) with desirable biocompatibility and fast degradation in normal tissue rather than in tumor tissue. Importantly, the multimodal-imaging properties and photothermal-ablation performance of W1.33 C-BSA nanosheets are systematically revealed and demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. The underlying mechanism and regulation factors for the W1.33 C-BSA nanosheets-induced hyperthermia ablation are also revealed by transcriptome and proteome sequencing. This work offers a paradigm that i-MXenes achieve the tailoring biomedical applications through composition and structure design on the atomic scale.

Protective effects of a polysaccharide from Boletus aereus on S180 tumor-bearing mice and its structural characteristics.

A polysaccharide from the aqueous extract of Boletus aereus fruit (BAP) was isolated. The antitumor activities of BAP and/or cyclophosphamide (CTX) were investigated using the model of S180 tumor-bearing mice. Results indicated that BAP could effectively inhibit the growth of S180 solid tumors and protect the immune organs. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, and mitochondrial membrane potential analysis demonstrated that BAP could induce the apoptosis of S180 tumor cells. In combination with CTX, BAP exhibited a significant synergistic antitumor effect on S180 cells. Furthermore, a novel polysaccharide, namely, BAPF, was purified from BAP by using DEAE Cellulose-52 column and Sephadex G-100 gel column. Structural characterization revealed that BAPF was primarily composed of mannose, glucuronic acid, glucose, galactose, arabinose, and fucose at a proportion of 12.98:1:16.8:16.48:1.08:9.1. Its average molecular weight was 1.79 × 106 Da. FTIR and NMR analyses demonstrated that BAPF was a pyranose with α-type and ß-type glycosidic residues.

Independent and opposing associations of dietary phytosterols intake and PLCE1 rs2274223 polymorphisms on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma risk.

PURPOSE: This study was to evaluate the associations of dietary intake of total and specific phytosterols and risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and to explore their joint effects with PLCE1 rs2274223 polymorphisms. METHODS: A population-based case-control study was conducted in a Chinese rural population and 856 eligible incident ESCC cases and 856 controls were included. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to collect dietary consumption and PLCE1 rs2274223 polymorphisms were genotyped. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were assessed via logistic regression model. RESULTS: When comparing the highest with lowest intake quartiles, ß-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, ß-sitostanol, campestanol, and total phytosterols were all associated with a decreased risk of ESCC, with adjusted ORs being 0.32 (95% CI 0.20-0.48), 0.18 (95% CI 0.11-0.27), 0.45 (95% CI 0.29-0.70), 0.13 (95% CI 0.08-0.20), 0.14 (95% CI 0.09-0.22) and 0.28 (95% CI 0.18-0.43), respectively. An exposure-response relationship was also observed for both total and five specific phytosterols (all P for trend < 0.001). In comparison to rs2274223 AA genotype, both GA genotype (OR: 1.47, 95% CI 1.16-1.85) and GG genotype (OR: 2.13, 95% CI 1.20-3.84) were associated with an increased risk of ESCC. However, no interaction was observed between total/specific phytosterols intake and rs2274223 polymorphisms. CONCLUSION: Higher dietary intake of total and five specific phytosterols was associated with a lower risk of ESCC, and the risk of ESCC increased with the increment of rs2274223 G allele. The negative association between phytosterols and ESCC risk was not modified by rs2274223 polymorphisms. Foods or supplements rich in phytosterols are a promising source for chemoprevention of ESCC, and still, clinical trials will be required in any specific case.

Protective effect against d-gal-induced aging mice and components of polypeptides and polyphenols in defatted walnut kernel during simulated gastrointestinal digestion.

Defatted walnut kernel with pellicle (WKP) is an industrial byproduct during walnut oil extraction, which is rich in protein and polyphenols. WKP was hydrolyzed by simulated gastrointestinal digestion to obtain WKP hydrolysates (WKPHs). Results showed the protein recovery and hydrolysis degree of WKPH were 82.15 and 10.36%. The total phenol contents in WKP and WKPH were 4.90 and 40.70 mg gallic acid equivalent/g, respectively. The antiaging activity of WKPH was evaluated using a d-gal-induced aging mouse model. Results showed that WKPHs could recover the activities of SOD and T-AOC and the content of MDA in tissues and serum of the aging mice. The histological morphology of liver and kidney sections and the immunohistochemistry of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 in liver were observed. WKPH could effectively protect the tissue structure of the liver and kidney and reduce the inflammatory expression of liver in aging mice. The polypeptides and polyphenols in WKPH were further analyzed. Fifty polypeptides were identified and 12 of these peptides had Leu-Arg at the C-terminal. Forty-two polyphenols were detected, and most phenolic compounds belonged to ellagitannins. This study provided a theoretical basis for the improved processing and high-value utilization of walnut byproducts. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Defatted walnut kernel with pellicle was hydrolyzed by simulated gastrointestinal digestion to obtain its hydrolysates. The hydrolysates have good antiaging activity in vivo. Fifty polypeptides were identified and 12 of these peptides had Leu-Arg at the C-terminal. Forty-two polyphenols were detected, and most phenolic compounds belonged to ellagitannins. This study could provide a theoretical basis for high-value utilization of walnut byproducts.

[Cupping treatment combined with antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia in children: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of cupping treatment combined with antibiotics and antibiotics alone for bacterial pneumonia in children. METHODS: A total of 72 children with bacterial pneumonia were randomly divided into an observation group (36 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a control group (36 cases). The children in the control group were treated with intravenous drip of cefodizine sodium [80 mg/(kg•d)] for 7 days. Based on the treatment of the control group, the children in the observation group were treated with cupping treatment on the bladder meridian of the back on the first day and the fourth day of antibiotic treatment; each cupping treatment was given for 5-10 min; the treatment of observation group was given for 7 days. The days for complete fever reduction, TCM syndrome scores and Canadian acute respiratory illness flu scale (CARIFS) scores before and after treatment were observed, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated. RESULTS: The days for complete fever reduction in the observation group were shorter than that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the TCM syndrome scores and CARIFS scores in the two groups were reduced (P<0.05), and the cough score, expectoration score, lung auscultation score of TCM syndrome and cough score, runny nose score and sore throat score of CARIFS in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The cured rate in the observation group was 97.1% (34/35), which had no significant difference with 91.7% (33/36) in the control group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Cupping treatment combined with antibiotics has similar efficacy with antibiotics alone for bacterial pneumonia in children, but shows better effect in shortening the duration of fever and improving pulmonary symptoms.

Antiviral Activities of a Medicinal Plant Extract Against Sacbrood Virus in Honeybees.

BACKGROUND: Sacbrood is an infectious disease of the honey bee caused by Scbrood virus (SBV) which belongs to the family Iflaviridae and is especially lethal for Asian honeybee Apis cerana. Chinese Sacbrood virus (CSBV) is a geographic strain of SBV. Currently, there is a lack of an effective antiviral agent for controlling CSBV infection in honey bees. METHODS: Here, we explored the antiviral effect of a Chinese medicinal herb Radix isatidis on CSBV infection in A. cerana by inoculating the 3rd instar larvae with purified CSBV and treating the infected bee larvae with R. isatidis extract at the same time. The growth, development, and survival of larvae between the control and treatment groups were compared. The CSBV copy number at the 4th instar, 5th instar, and 6th instar larvae was measured by the absolute quantification PCR method. RESULTS: Bioassays revealed that R. isatidis extract significantly inhibited the replication of CSBV, mitigated the impacts of CSBV on larval growth and development, reduced the mortality of CSBV-infected A. cerana larvae, and modulated the expression of immune transcripts in infected bees. CONCLUSION: Although the mechanism underlying the inhibition of CSBV replication by the medicine plant will require further investigation, this study demonstrated the antiviral activity of R. isatidis extract and provides a potential strategy for controlling SBV infection in honey bees.

Dietary flavonoid intake and risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A population-based case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this population-based case-control study was to investigate the association between dietary consumption of the total flavonoids, subclasses, and specific flavonoids and the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) among adults in a high-risk area of China. METHODS: We recruited 820 ESCC participants and 863 control participants from Yanting County. Dietary flavonoids were assessed using a validated 76-item food frequency questionnaire. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using logistic regression after considering potential confounders. RESULTS: Comparing the highest and lowest intake quartiles, we observed a negative association of ESCC risk with consumption of isoflavones (OR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.23-0.50, P for trend < 0.001), daidzein (OR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.21-0.45, P for trend < 0.001), genistein (OR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.23-0.50, P for trend < 0.001), and glycitein (OR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.22-0.48, P for trend < 0.001) after adjustment for potential confounders. A more pronounced negative association was observed when comparing the third quartile, rather than the fourth, with the lowest quartile for consumption of anthocyanidins (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.42-0.80, P for trend = 0.004), delphinidin (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.41-0.78, P for trend = 0.004), and cyanidin (OR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.35-0.66, P for trend = 0.003) after considering potential confounders. Consumption of total flavonoids, flavones, flavonols, and six other specific flavonoids (quercetin, myricetin, kaempferol, luteolin, apigenin, and peonidin) was not associated with ESCC risk. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that increased dietary intake of isoflavones and moderate consumption of anthocyanidins were associated with a decreased risk of ESCC. Future nutritional guidelines may emphasize foods or supplements rich in specific isoflavones and anthocyanidins for ESCC chemoprevention.

The TCM prescription Ma-xing-shi-gan-tang inhibits Streptococcus pneumoniae pathogenesis by targeting pneumolysin.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ma-xing-shi-gan-tang (MXSGT), which is documented in the Treatise on Febrile Diseases and is a therapeutic drug, is a well-known classic prescription in China and has been widely studied. Previous studies have shown that MXSGT has various pharmacological activities, including anti-influenza virus activity, and ameliorates microvascular hyperpermeability and inflammatory reactions. However, no study has reported the effect of MXSGT in the treatment of bacterial pneumonia. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this study, the potential inhibition of MXSGT against the virulence of S. pneumoniae by targeting PLY was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, HPLC analysis was used to determine the main components of MXSGT. Then PLY protein was constructed and used for hemolysis assay and western blot to test the ability of MXSGT to inhibit PLY activity, production and widowed characteristics. The growth curve of S. pneumoniae was drawled with or without MXSGT treatment. In addition, the inhibition of MXSGT against PLY-mediated A549 cell death was examined by cytotoxicity assay. Finally, the mouse experiment was used to verify the effect of MXSGT on mouse lungs. RESULTS: This work has discovered that MXSGT, a TCM prescription, is an effective inhibitor of PLY, an important virulence factor that is essential for S. pneumoniae pathogenicity. MXSGT inhibits the oligomerization of PLY without affecting S. pneumoniae growth and PLY production. In addition, experimental MXSGT treatment was effective against S. pneumoniae infection both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION: These findings directly demonstrate the potential mechanism of the Chinese herbal formula MXSGT in the treatment of pneumococcal disease and provide additional evidence for promotion of the wide use of MXSGT in the clinic.