Collateral-Pricking and Bloodletting Cupping Combined with Electroacupuncture for Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: Acupuncture therapy has demonstrated significant efficacy in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia, effectively alleviating pain intensity and enhancing patients' quality of life. However, the effectiveness of collateral-pricking and bloodletting cupping combined with electroacupuncture in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia remains a subject of controversy. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of collateral-pricking and bloodletting cupping combined with electroacupuncture for postherpetic neuralgia. Methods: We identified relevant randomized controlled trials by conducting a comprehensive search in multiple databases: China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biomedical Literature, Wanfang Data, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, and Web of Science. The outcome included efficacy rate, visual analog scale (VAS)scores and pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) scores. We meticulously assessed the risk of bias in the included trials and performed a meta-analysis. Results: We analyzed 9 randomized controlled trials involving 639 patients. Collateral-pricking and bloodletting cupping combined with electroacupuncture achieved a significantly higher efficacy rate (risk ratio, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.13-1.31]; P < .001), reduced theVAS scores (standardized mean difference, -1.52 [95% CI, -2.26 to -0.79]; P < .001), and improved the PSQI scores (standardized mean difference, -2.31 [95% CI, -3.97 to -0.64]; P = .007) compared with the control groups. The subgroup analysis revealed that the combined treatment of collateral-pricking and bloodletting cupping and electroacupuncture had a significantly higher total effective rate compared with the carbamazepine, electroacupuncture, and pregabalin groups (P < .05). The total efficacy rate of the collateral-pricking and bloodletting cupping combined with electroacupuncture group was superior to that of the control group, irrespective of whether 2 or 3 courses were administered (P < .05). Conclusion: Existing evidence suggests that the combination of collateral-pricking and bloodletting cupping and electroacupuncture demonstrates efficacy in pain relief, improvement of sleep quality, and enhanced therapeutic outcomes for patients with postherpetic neuralgia. However, further validation through large-scale multicenter randomized controlled trials is warranted due to the limited quantity and quality of the included literature in this study.

[Mechanism of n-butanol fraction of Wenxia Formula combining with gefitinib in treating non-small cell lung cancer based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiment].

This study combined network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experiments to explore the potential mechanism of the active components of the n-butanol fraction of Wenxia Formula(NWXF) combined with gefitinib(GEF) in treating non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC). Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole Orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS) was employed to detect the main chemical components of NWXF. The active components of NWXF were retrieved from SwissADME, and the candidate targets of these active components were retrieved from SwissTargetPrediction. Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM) and GeneCards were searched for the targets of NSCLC. Cytoscape 3.9.0 and STRING were employed to build the protein-protein interaction(PPI) network with the common targets shared by NWXF and NSCLC. Gene Ontology(GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment were performed in DAVID to predict the potential mechanisms. Finally, molecular docking between the main active ingredients and key targets was conducted in SYBYL-X 2.0. The methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT) assay was employed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of NWXF and/or GEF on the proliferation of human non-small cell lung cancer cells(A549 and PC-9). Additionally, the impact of NWXF on human embryonic lung fibroblast cells(MRC-5) was assessed. The effectiveness of the drug combination was evaluated based on the Q value. The terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated nick-end labeling(TUNEL) assay was employed to examine the apoptosis of A549 and PC-9 cells treated with NWXF and/or GEF. Quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR) was employed to measure the mRNA levels of epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR), c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK), and Bcl2-associated X protein(Bax) in the A549 and PC-9 cells treated with NWXF and/or GEF. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of EGFR, p-EGFR, JNK, p-JNK, and Bax in the A549 and PC-9 cells treated with NWXF and/or GEF. A total of 77 active components, 488 potential targets, and 49 key targets involved in the treatment of NSCLC with NWXF were predicted. The results of GO annotation showed that NWXF may treat NSCLC by regulating the biological processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and protein phosphorylation. KEGG enrichment revealed that the key targets of NWXF in treating NSCLC were enriched in the mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)-protein kinase B(AKT), hypoxia-inducible factor-1(HIF-1), and microRNA-related signaling pathways. Molecular docking results showed that 91.9% of the docking scores were greater than 5, indicating the strong binding capability between main active components and key targets. The cell experiments demonstrated that NWXF combined with GEF synergistically inhibited the proliferation, promoted the apoptosis, decreased p-EGFR/EGFR and p-JNK/JNK values, down-regulated the mRNA levels of EGFR and JNK, and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of Bax in A549 and PC-9 cells. In conclusion, NWXF combined with GEF can regulate the EGFR/JNK pathway to promote the apoptosis of NSCLC cells, thus treating NSCLC.

Effects of the invasion of Ralstonia solanacearum on soil microbial community structure in Wuhan, China.

This study investigated the change in the microbiome of tomato rhizosphere soils after the invasion of Ralstonia solanacearum and analyzed the correlation between microbes and soil physicochemical properties. Diversity analyses of the bacteria in healthy and diseased rhizosphere soil samples (HRS and DRS) revealed that HRS had a higher species diversity and were compositionally different from DRS (P ≤ 0.05). Substantial differences in the relative abundance of Actinobacteria (37.52% vs 28.96%, P ≤ 0.05) and Proteobacteria (29.20% vs 35.59%, P ≤ 0.05) were identified in HRS and DRS, respectively. Taxonomic composition analysis showed ten differentially abundant genera, and seven of them (Gaiella, Roseisolibacter, Solirubrobacter, Kribbella, Acidibacter, Actinomarinicola, and Marmoricola) are more abundant in HRS. Soil pH and enzyme activities were negatively correlated with the abundance of R. solanacearum. The contents of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), alkaline nitrogen (alkaline N), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), NO3-N(NN), NH4+-N (AN), and organic matter (OM) were all significantly increased in DRS. The composition and richness of protozoa in the samples show significant differences. Cephalobus, Acrobeles, Heteromita, norank_Tylenchida, and Rotylenchulus were enriched in DRS. Microbial interaction networks revealed that the HRS networks were more complex than the DRS networks. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that healthy soil has a more complex microbial community structure and higher enzyme activity, and the invasion of R. solanacearum damages the soil microbial system.IMPORTANCEHow does the invasion of Ralstonia solanacearum affect tomato rhizosphere bacteria and protozoa? Which microbial changes can affect the growth of R. solanacearum? To date, most research studies focus on bacteria, with little research on protozoa, and even less on the synergistic effects between protozoa and bacteria. Here, we analyzed the correlation between tomato rhizosphere bacterial and protozoan communities and soil physicochemical properties during the invasion of R. solanacearum. We found that the diversity and abundance of rhizosphere microorganisms in healthy rhizosphere soil samples (HRS) were significantly higher than those in diseased rhizosphere soil samples (DRS), and there were significant changes in soil pH and enzyme activity. Overall, in this study, the analysis of microbial changes during the invasion of R. solanacearum provides a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of bacterial wilt.

Study on the Digestive Behavior of Chlorogenic Acid in Biomimetic Dietary Fiber and the Antioxidative Synergistic Effect of Polysaccharides and Chlorogenic Acid.

Chlorogenic acid (CA) is often combined with dietary fiber polysaccharides in plant foods, which may affect its digestive behavior and antioxidant activity. This study constructed a biomimetic dietary fiber (BDF) model by combining bacterial cellulose (BC) and pectin with CA and investigated the digestive behavior of CA in BDF. Additionally, the study examined the interaction and synergistic effects of polysaccharides and CA against oxidation. Results showed that BDF and natural dietary fiber had similar microstructures, group properties, and crystallization properties, and polysaccharides in BDF were bound to CA. After simulated gastrointestinal digestion, 41.03% of the CA existed in a conjugated form, and it was possibly influenced by the interaction between polysaccharides and CA. And the release of CA during simulated digestion potentially involved four mechanisms, including the disintegration of polysaccharide-CA complex, the dissolution of pectin, escape from BC-pectin (BCP) network structure, and diffusion release. And polysaccharides and CA may be combined through noncovalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding, van der Waals force, or electrostatic interaction force. Meanwhile, polysaccharides-CA combination had a synergistic antioxidant effect by the results of free-radical scavenging experiments, it was probably related to the interaction between polysaccharides and CA. The completion of this work has a positive significance for the development of dietary intervention strategies for oxidative damage.

Eremophilane and cadinane sesquiterpenoids from the fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla and their anti-inflammatory activities.

The fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla have been used for centuries in China as both edible resources and traditional Chinese medicine. In order to identify structurally interesting and bioactive constituents from the fruits of A. oxyphylla, bioassay-guided fractionation and purification of the crude extracts were performed, which led to the isolation of 38 sesquiterpenoids, including six previously undescribed eremophilane sesquiterpenoids (1-6), six new cadinane sesquiterpenoids (23-24, 26-29), and 26 known analogues (7-22, 25 and 31-38). The structures of these compounds were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis, single crystal X-ray diffraction, quantum chemistry calculations (13C-NMR and ECD), and Mo2(OAc)4 reaction. Several of the isolated compounds (8, 13, 17, 18, 30, 31 and 35) showed moderate to strong inhibition of the secretion of cytokines (NO, TNF-α and IL-6) in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells. Furthermore, western blot, immunofluorescence, and real-time PCR assays indicated that 18 could down-regulate the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, and iNOS and the protein expression of COX-2 and iNOS. Meanwhile, 18 was able to partially inhibit the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, and p38. Thus, the discovery of structurally diverse anti-inflammatory sesquiterpenoids from the fruits of A. oxyphylla in this study could benefit the further development and utilization of this plant.

Dexamethasone as additive of local infiltration analgesia reduces opioids consumption after simultaneous bilateral total hip or knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled double-blind trial.

PURPOSE: A randomized controlled double-blind trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of adding dexamethasone to the local infiltration analgesia (LIA) mixture on frequency of patient controlled analgesia (PCA) and opioids consumption after simultaneous bilateral total hip or knee arthroplasty (THA or TKA). METHODS: 108 patients who received simultaneous bilateral THA or TKA were randomly divided into dexamethasone group and normal saline (NS) group. The main difference between two groups was whether or not dexamethasone was added to the LIA mixture. The main outcome was the cumulative consumption of opioids within 24 h. The secondary outcome were the total cumulative consumption of opioids during postoperative hospitalization, consumption of opioids drug for rescue analgesia, frequency of PCA, postoperative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and complications. RESULTS: Cumulative consumption of opioids in the 24 h was similar between two groups (P = 0.17). Total cumulative consumption of opioids in the dexamethasone group during postoperative hospitalization was significantly lower (P = 0.03). No significant difference in the consumption of opioids drug for rescue analgesia between two groups within 24 h, while the frequency of PCA was significantly different (P = 0.04). VAS of dexamethasone group and NS group were similar during postoperative hospitalization, while the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in dexamethasone group was lower than that in NS group. CONCLUSIONS: Adding dexamethasone to LIA in the simultaneous bilateral THA or TKA can effectively reduce the total cumulative consumption of opioids and the frequency of PCA, as well as reduce the incidence of PONV. Trial Registration The trial has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration Number: ChiCTR2100042551, Date: 23/01/2021).

Analysis of factors influencing patient delay by patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in Lishui City, Zhejiang Province.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to collect data on the current state of patient delay by patients with tuberculosis (TB) in Lishui City, Zhejiang Province who were under the care of a TB-designated hospital from 2011 to 2021 and to analyze the factors that contribute to this problem in order to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of TB. METHODS: In this observational study, we collected data on patients with pulmonary TB that were reported to the Chinese government's disease prevention and control information system by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital in Lishui City between 2011 and 2021. The data included demographics like age, gender, occupation, household registration, current address, date of symptoms, date of first visit, and etiology results. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors influencing patient delay by patients with pulmonary TB. RESULTS: There were 3,190 cases of pulmonary TB treated in a TB-designated hospital in Lishui City, Zhejiang Province, between 2011 and 2021. Of these, 2,268 involved patient delay, with the delay rate of 71.10% and the median (Q25, Q75) days of patient delay being 36 (25, 72) days. Results of multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated the presence of risk factors-age > 60 years old (OR = 1.367, 95% CI: 1.144 ~ 1.632), pathogen positive (OR = 1.211, 95% CI: 1.033 ~ 1.419), and employed as peasants (OR = 1.353, 95% CI:1.144 ~ 1.601) for patient delay in patients with pulmonary TB. Patients with diabetes mellitus made up 64.94% of the pulmonary TB population, which was lower than the 71.58% of patients without diabetes mellitus (χ2 = 4.602, P = 0.032). Additionally, the presence of diabetes mellitus may be a protective factor in patient delay in patients with pulmonary TB (OR = 0.641, 95% CI: 0.481 ~ 0.856). CONCLUSION: High rates of patient delay, age > 60 years old, a positive etiology, and being employed as peasants are all possible risk factors for pulmonary TB in Lishui City, Zhejiang Province.

Short-chain fatty acid-butyric acid ameliorates granulosa cells inflammation through regulating METTL3-mediated N6-methyladenosine modification of FOSL2 in polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation. Previous studies have demonstrated that the gut microbiome can affect the host tissue cells' mRNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications. This study aimed to understand the role of intestinal flora in ovarian cells inflammation by regulating mRNA m6A modification particularly the inflammatory state in PCOS. The gut microbiome composition of PCOS and Control groups was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, and the short chain fatty acids were detected in patients' serum by mass spectrometry methods. The level of butyric acid was found to be decreased in the serum of the obese PCOS group (FAT) compared to other groups, and this was correlated with increased Streptococcaceae and decreased Rikenellaceae based on the Spearman's rank test. Additionally, we identified FOSL2 as a potential METTL3 target using RNA-seq and MeRIP-seq methodologies. Cellular experiments demonstrated that the addition of butyric acid led to a decrease in FOSL2 m6A methylation levels and mRNA expression by suppressing the expression of METTL3, an m6A methyltransferase. Additionally, NLRP3 protein expression and the expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) were downregulated in KGN cells. Butyric acid supplementation in obese PCOS mice improved ovarian function and decreased the expression of local inflammatory factors in the ovary. Taken together, the correlation between the gut microbiome and PCOS may unveil crucial mechanisms for the role of specific gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Furthermore, butyric acid may present new prospects for future PCOS treatments.

Experimental study on pollution release and sediment scouring of sewage sediment in a drainage pipe considering incubation time.

The pollution release and the antiscourability characteristics of pipe sewage sediments can directly determine the blockage status of pipelines and the treatment burden at the outflow (sewage treatment plant). In this study, sewer environments with different burial depths were designed to explore the impact of incubation time on microbial activity, and the impacts of microbial activity on the physicochemical characteristics, pollution release effect and antiscouring ability of the silted sediment in the drainage pipe were further explored. The results showed that the incubation time, sediment matrix, temperature and dissolved oxygen affected microbial activity, but temperature had a greater influence. These factors affected microbial activity and loosened the superstructure in the sediment. In addition, by measuring the indices of nitrogen and phosphorus in the overlying water, it was found that sediment incubated for a certain time released pollutants into the overlying water, and the release amount was obviously affected by high temperature (e.g. 35 ℃). After a certain time (e.g. 30 days), biofilms appeared on the sediment surface, and the antiscourability of sediment was significantly improved, which was reflected in the increase in the median particle size of sediment left in the pipe.

Qingyihuaji Formula promotes apoptosis and autophagy through inhibition of MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway on pancreatic cancer in vivo and in vitro.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Qingyihuaji Formula (QYHJ), a widely used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been used to treat patients with cancer in China. However, the effect and mechanism of QYHJ on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to explore the roles and evaluate the possible underlying molecular mechanisms of QYHJ and its core component in PDAC using label-free quantitative proteomics in conjunction with network pharmacology-based analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: By screening differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in proteomics and QYHJ-predicted gene sets, we identified QYHJ-related PDAC targets annotated with bioinformatic analysis. A subcutaneous tumor model was established to assess the role of QYHJ in vivo. The effects of quercetin (Que), a core component of QYHJ, on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and autophagy in SW1990 and PANC-1 cells were investigated in vitro. Immunohistochemistry, western blotting, mRFP-GFP-LC3 adenovirus, and kinase analysis were used to determine the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS: Bioinformatics analysis revealed that 41 QYHJ-related PDAC targets were closely related to the cellular response to nitrogen compounds, positive regulation of cell death, regulation of epithelial cell apoptotic processes, and chemokine signaling pathways. CASP3, SRC, STAT1, PTPN11, PKM, and PAK1 with high expression were identified as hub DEPs in the PPI network, and these DEPs were associated with poor overall survival and STAT 1, MAPK/ERK, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways in PDAC patients. QYHJ significantly promoted tumor death in nude mice. Moreover, quercetin inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PDAC cells. Additionally, Que induced apoptosis and autophagy in PDAC cells. Mechanistically, QYHJ and Que significantly activated STAT 1 and remarkably inhibited the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Importantly, ERK1/2 inactivation contributes to que-induced apoptosis in SW1990 and PANC-1 cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that QYHJ and Que are promising anti-PDAC avenues that benefit from their multiform mechanisms.

Traditional Chinese medicine health care from "long term taking" drugs in Shen Nong's Classic of Materia Medica / 中国中药杂志

"Taking drugs for a long term" is a qualitative expression of medication method based on the efficacy and safety of Chinese medicine, and the study on it is conducive to the full utilization of the efficacy and rational use of drugs. There are 148 drugs that can be taken for a long time recorded in Shen Nong's Classic of Materia Medica, accounting for 41% of the total drugs. This paper analyzed three-grade classification, natural qualities, four properties and five flavors, and efficacy features of the "long-term taking" drugs(LTTD), thus exploring the herbal source of traditional Chinese medicine health care and the rationality of effect accumulation by long-term taking. It was found that there were more than 110 top-grade LTTD in Shen Nong's Classic of Materia Medica, most of which were herbs, with sweet flavor, flat property, and no toxicity. The efficacies were mainly making body feel light and agile(Qingshen) and prolonging life. Eighty-three LTTD were included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition). In the modern classification, tonic LTTD accounted for the most, followed by damp-draining diuretic LTTD and exterior-releasing LTTD. Twenty LTTD were included in the "List of Medicinal and Edible Products" and 21 were in the "List of Products Used for Health-care Food", involving in various modern health care effects, such as enhancing immunity, assisting in reducing blood lipids, and anti-oxidation. Shen Nong's Classic of Materia Medica is the classic source of traditional Chinese medicine health care, and its medication thought of taking drugs for a long term to accumulate effects has guiding significance for the regulation of sub-health and chronic diseases nowadays. The efficacy and safety of LTTD have been examined in practice for a long time, and some of the drugs are edible, which is unique in the whole cycle of health-care service, especially in line with the health-care needs in the aging society under the concept of Big Health. However, some records in the book are limited by the understanding of the times, which should be scientifically studied according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and the related regulations and technical requirements, under the attitude of eliminating falsifications and preserving the truth and keeping the right essence, so as to achieve further improvement, innovation, and development.

Efficacy of nutritional intervention and exercise rehabilitation therapy on sarcopenia in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of nutrition intervention and exercise rehabilitation treatment on the sarcopenia in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods:It was a cross-sectional study. From March 2019 to September 2020, 101 elderly patients with type 2 diabetes complicated with sarcopenia treated in the Department of Endocrinology of Tianjin Third Central Hospital were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into four groups with propensity score matching method: sarcopenia education group without nutrition and resistance training group (group A, n=22), simple nutrition intervention group (group B, n=28), nutritional intervention combined with resistance training group (group C, n=27) and nutritional intervention combined with aerobic and resistance training group (group D, n=24). All the patients were intervened for 24 weeks, two patients in groups C and D dropped due to their own reasons. The 25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 (25(OH)D 3), grip strength, muscle mass of the limbs and short physical performance battery (SPPB) scores were measured before and 24 weeks after the intervention in all the participants. Results:After the intervention, the 25(OH)D 3 levels in the B, C, D groups was (33.45±4.05), (33.68±4.69), (34.28±5.58) μg/L, respectively, all were higher than those before the treatment (all P<0.01), and there was no significant differences among the three groups ( P>0.05). The muscle mass in the B, C, D groups after intervention was 5.650 (5.102, 6.658), 6.601 (6.007, 7.156) and 6.520 (6.017, 7.302) kg/m 2, respectively, all were significantly higher than those before the treatment (all P<0.01); the muscle mass in group C and D increased more significantly than that in group B ( P<0.01), but there was no significant differences between group C and D ( P>0.05). After the intervention, the muscle strength in the C and D groups was 20.60 (19.20, 24.55) kg and 21.15 (19.43, 26.63) kg, and the SPPB scores was 8.00 (7.00, 9.00) points and 8.00 (8.00, 9.00) points, respectively, all were higher than those before the intervention (all P<0.01), but there was no significant differences between the two groups(both P>0.05). The SPPB function score in group D was better than that in group C, the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Nutritional intervention can improve the muscle mass in elderly type 2 diabetes patients with sarcopenia. Combined with rehabilitation training, the muscle strength and muscle function of these patients could also be improved, and the improvement of muscle mass is better than that in patients receiving nutritional intervention only. In terms of increasing muscle strength, the two kinds of rehabilitation training are equivalent. If combined with aerobic exercise, it can also improve the muscle function of these patients.

Predicting recurrent cases of intussusception in children after air enema reduction with machine learning models.

PURPOSE: To develop a model to identify risk factors and predict recurrent cases of intussusception in children. METHODS: Consecutive cases and recurrent cases of intussusception in children from January 2016 to April 2022 were screened. The cohort was divided randomly at a 4:1 ratio to a training dataset and a validation dataset. Three parallel models were developed using extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), logistic regression (LR), and support vector machine (SVM). Model performance was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC). RESULTS: A total of 2469 cases of intussusception were included, where 225 were recurrent cases. The XGBoost (AUC = 0.718) models showed the best performance in the validation dataset, followed by the LR model (AUC = 0.652), while the SVM model (AUC = 0.613) performed worst among the three models. Based on the Shapley Additive exPlanation values, the most important variables in the XGBoost models were air enema pressure, mass size, age, duration of symptoms, and absence of vomiting. CONCLUSIONS: Machine learning models, especially XGBoost, could be used to predict recurrent cases of intussusception in children. The most important contributing factors to the models are air enema pressure, mass size, age, duration of symptoms and absence of vomiting.

Ammonium improved cell wall and cell membrane P reutilization and external P uptake in a putrescine and ethylene dependent pathway.

Ammonium promotes rice P uptake and reutilization better than nitrate, under P starvation conditions; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, ammonium treatment significantly increased putrescine and ethylene content in rice roots under P deficient conditions, by increasing the protein content of ornithine decarboxylase and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) oxidase compared with nitrate treatment. Ammonium treatment increased rice root cell wall P release by increasing pectin content and pectin methyl esterase (PME) activity, increased rice shoot cell membrane P release by decreasing phosphorus-containing lipid components, and maintained internal P homeostasis by increasing OsPT2/6/8 expression compared with nitrate treatment. Ammonium also improved external P uptake by regulating root morphology and increased rice grain yield by increasing the panicle number compared with nitrate treatment. The application of putrescine and ethylene synthesis precursor ACC further improved the above process. Our results demonstrate for the first time that ammonium increases rice P acquisition, reutilization, and homeostasis, and rice grain yield, in a putrescine- and ethylene-dependent manner, better than nitrate, under P starvation conditions.

Quantitative comparison of the efficacies and safety profiles of three first-line non-platinum chemotherapy regimens for advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to quantify the efficacies and safety profiles of the three first-line non-platinum chemotherapy regimens recommended in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. Materials and Methods: The PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were searched comprehensively, and clinical trials involving patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with one of three first-line non-platinum regimens (gemcitabine combined with vinorelbine, gemcitabine combined with docetaxel, or gemcitabine alone) were included in the analysis. A parametric proportional hazard survival model was established to analyze the time course of overall survival (OS). The objective response rate (ORR) and incidence rates of grade 3-4 adverse events (AEs) were summarized using a single-arm meta-analysis with a random-effects model. Results: Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Age and performance status (PS) scores were significant predictors of OS. For each 10-years increase in age, mortality risk increased by 18.5%, and the mortality risk increased by 4% for every 10% increase in the proportion of patients with a PS score of 2. After correcting for the above factors, we found that the three first-line non-platinum chemotherapy regimens did not differ based on OS or toxicity. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in OS or toxicity among the three first-line non-platinum chemotherapy regimens. Age and PS scores were significant predictors of OS, and their heterogeneity across different studies should be considered in cross-study comparisons and sample size estimations when designing clinical trials.

Secondary Metabolites of Osmanthus fragrans: Metabolism and Medicinal Value.

Osmanthus fragrans (scientific name: Osmanthus fragrans (Thunb.) Lour.) is a species of the Osmanthus genus in the family Oleaceae, and it has a long history of cultivation in China. O. fragrans is edible and is well known for conferring a natural fragrance to desserts. This flowering plant has long been cultivated for ornamental purposes. Most contemporary literature related to O. fragrans focuses on its edible value and new species discovery, but the functional use of O. fragrans is often neglected. O, fragrans has many properties that are beneficial to human health, and its roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruits have medicinal value. These characteristics are recorded in the classics of traditional Chinese medicine. Studies on the metabolites and medicinal value of O. fragrans published in recent years were used in this study to evaluate the medicinal value of O. fragrans. Using keywords such as metabolites and Osmanthus fragrans, a systematic and nonexhaustive search of articles, papers and books related to the medicinal use of Osmanthus fragrans metabolites was conducted. Fifteen metabolites were identified through this literature search and classified into three categories according to their properties and structure: flavonoids, terpenes and phenolic acids. It was found that the pharmacological activities of these secondary metabolites mainly include antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities and that these metabolites can be used to treat many human diseases, such as cancer, skin diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological diseases. Most of the reports that are currently available and concern the secondary metabolites of Osmanthus fragrans have limitations. Some reports introduce only the general classification of compounds in Osmanthus fragrans, and some reports introduce only a single compound. In contrast, the introduction section of this paper includes both the category and the functional value of each compound. While reviewing the data for this study, the authors found that the specific action sites of these compounds and their mechanisms of action in plants are relatively weak, and in the future, additional research should be conducted to investigate this topic further.

Unearthing the alleviatory mechanisms of hydrogen sulfide in aluminum toxicity in rice.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) improves aluminum (Al) resistance in rice, however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, treatment with 30-µM Al significantly inhibited rice root growth and increased the total Al content, apoplastic and cytoplasm Al concentration in the rice roots. However, pretreatment with NaHS (H2S donor) reversed these negative effects. Pretreatment with NaHS significantly increased energy production under Al toxicity conditions, such as by increasing the content of ATP and nonstructural carbohydrates. In addition, NaHS stimulated the AsA-GSH cycle to decrease the peroxidation damage induced by Al toxicity. Pretreatment with NaHS significantly inhibited ethylene emissions in the rice and then inhibited pectin synthesis and increased the pectin methylation degree to reduce cell wall Al deposition. The phytohormones indole-3-acetic and brassinolide were also involved in the alleviation of Al toxicity by H2S. The transcriptome results further confirmed that H2S alleviates Al toxicity by increasing the pathways relating to material and energy metabolism, redox reactions, cell wall components, and signal transduction. These findings improve our understanding of how H2S affects rice responses to Al toxicity, which will facilitate further studies on crop safety.

Evidence for Anticancer Effects of Chinese Medicine Monomers on Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly occurring cancers worldwide. Although clinical reports have indicated the anticancer effects of Chinese herbal medicine, the multiple underlying molecular and biochemical mechanisms of action remain to be fully characterized. Chinese medicine (CM) monomers, which are the active components of CM, serve as the material basis of the functional mechanisms of CM. The aim of this review is to summarize the current experimental evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies for the effects of CM monomers in colorectal cancer prevention and treatment, providing some useful references for future research.

Morroniside ameliorates inflammatory skeletal muscle atrophy via inhibiting canonical and non-canonical NF-κB and regulating protein synthesis/degradation.

No drug options exist for skeletal muscle atrophy in clinical, which poses a huge socio-economic burden, making development on drug interventions a general wellbeing need. Patients with a variety of pathologic conditions associated with skeletal muscle atrophy have systemically elevated inflammatory factors. Morroniside, derived from medicinal herb Cornus officinalis, possesses anti-inflammatory effect. However, whether and how morroniside combat muscle atrophy remain unknown. Here, we identified crucial genetic associations between TNFα/NF-κB pathway and grip strength based on population using 377,807 European participants from the United Kingdom Biobank dataset. Denervation increased TNFα in atrophying skeletal muscles, which inhibited myotube formation in vitro. Notably, morroniside treatment rescued TNFα-induced myotube atrophy in vitro and impeded skeletal muscle atrophy in vivo, resulting in increased body/muscles weights, No. of satellite cells, size of type IIA, IIX and IIB myofibers, and percentage of type IIA myofibers in denervated mice. Mechanistically, in vitro and/or in vivo studies demonstrated that morroniside could not only inhibit canonical and non-canonical NF-κB, inflammatory mediators (IL6, IL-1b, CRP, NIRP3, PTGS2, TNFα), but also down-regulate protein degradation signals (Follistatin, Myostatin, ALK4/5/7, Smad7/3), ubiquitin-proteasome molecules (FoxO3, Atrogin-1, MuRF1), autophagy-lysosomal molecules (Bnip3, LC3A, and LC3B), while promoting protein synthesis signals (IGF-1/IGF-1R/IRS-1/PI3K/Akt, and BMP14/BMPR2/ALK2/3/Smad5/9). Moreover, morroniside had no obvious liver and kidney toxicity. This human genetic, cells and mice pathological evidence indicates that morroniside is an efficacious and safe inflammatory muscle atrophy treatment and suggests its translational potential on muscle wasting.

Circulating phosphorus concentration and risk of prostate cancer: a Mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: Recent observational studies have suggested that circulating phosphorus concentrations are positively associated with the risk of prostate cancer. However, little is known about the causal direction of the association. OBJECTIVES: To explore the potential causal relation between circulating phosphorus and risk of prostate cancer, we conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study. METHODS: Summary statistics of prostate cancer were obtained from a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) consisting of 79,148 cases and 61,106 controls. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with serum phosphorus concentration were selected from a GWAS of 291,408 individuals from the UK Biobank. MR analysis was performed using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, supplemented with simple median method, weighted median method, maximum likelihood-based method, MR-Egger regression, and the MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier test. We also performed a meta-analysis of observational studies to assess the associations of dietary phosphorus intake and serum phosphorus concentration with risk of prostate cancer. RESULTS: In the MR analysis, a total of 125 independent SNPs associated with serum phosphorus concentrations were used as instrumental variables. Genetically predicted serum phosphorus concentrations were associated with a 19% increased risk of prostate cancer (95% CI: 9%, 31%) per 1-SD increment of serum phosphorus by IVW (P = 1.82 × 10-4). Sensitivity analyses using alternative MR methods produced similar positive associations, and no evidence of pleiotropy was detected by MR-Egger regression (P = 0.422). For meta-analysis, 8 studies for dietary phosphorus intake and 4 for serum phosphorus concentrations were included involving a total of 669,080 participants. Consistently, high dietary phosphorus intake and serum phosphorus concentrations were associated with an 8% (95% CI: 4%, 12%) and 7% (95% CI: 1%, 14%) increase in prostate cancer risk, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggested a potential causal relation between circulating phosphorus and risk of prostate cancer. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanism of phosphorus in the development of prostate cancer.