Association between sleep quality and uncertainty stress among healthcare professionals in hospitals in China: a nationwide cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVES: Sleep quality is a critical concern among healthcare professionals, yet the role of uncertainty stress has been inadequately explored. This study aims to explore the associations between sleep quality and uncertainty stress among healthcare professionals working in Chinese hospitals. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Data were collected via a cross-sectional survey administered to healthcare professionals across three Chinese provinces from 29 September 2022 to 18 January 2023. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1902 participants contributed valid responses for analysis. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: Sleep quality. RESULTS: Out of 1902 respondents, 26.4% reported uncertainty stress and 50.5% experienced insomnia. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that higher uncertainty stress significantly predicted poor sleep quality (OR=3.89; 95% CI 3.06, 4.95; p<0.001) while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Furthermore, linear regression analysis confirmed the similar relationship between uncertainty stress and sleep quality (ß=3.10; 95% CI 2.67, 3.52; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights a significant association between uncertainty stress and impaired sleep quality among Chinese healthcare professionals. These findings suggest the necessity for targeted strategies to mitigate uncertainty stress, which may potentially promote better sleep and overall well-being in healthcare settings.

Curcumin ameliorates ischemic stroke injury by downregulating GMFB expression: An in vitro study.

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a cerebrovascular sickness, and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) damage often occurs, but there is still a lack of drugs that can significantly alleviate it. Curcumin (Cur) exerts pharmacological effects such as antioxidative stress, anti-inflammation, and the promotion of apoptosis through regulating various pathways, but its efficacy and specific mechanism of action in IS have not been fully clarified. The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of Cur on IS. Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) were used to create an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model to simulate I/R damage. The cell viability was assessed using an MTT assay. The LDH level and ROS positive rate were measured using commercial kits. The cell invasion was examined using a transwell assay. The apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. The contents of GMFB, Bax, and Bcl2 were measured using western blot. We confirmed that in the OGD/R-induced IS cell model, the abundance of GMFB was enhanced in the OGD/R group versus the control group. GMFB overexpression promoted OGD/R-induced cell viability diminution, increased LDH and ROS levels, lessened cell invasion ability, enhanced cell apoptosis, enhanced Bax levels, and decreased Bcl2 levels. Silencing GMFB ameliorated OGD/R-induced cell damage. Cur ameliorated OGD/R-induced cell damage. Cur curbed OGD/R-induced cell damage by downregulating GMFB expression. In conclusion, Cur cured ischemic stroke-induced cell damage by downregulating GMFB expression.

A pilot study examining periodontally healthy middle-aged humans and monkeys display different levels of alveolar bone resorption, gingival inflammatory infiltrate, and salivary microbiota profile.

BACKGROUND: Monkeys are an appropriate model for periodontal research owing to their similar dental anatomy and physiology unlike humans. Extensive literature exists on pathological periodontitis in monkeys and humans, although concerns regarding whether healthy middle-aged monkeys and humans display the same periodontal and oral microbial status remains unclear. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to compare alveolar bone resorption, gingival inflammatory infiltrate, and salivary microbiota profile in periodontally healthy middle-aged humans and monkeys. METHODS: CBCT examination and histological analysis were performed to compare the periodontal status in middle-aged healthy humans and monkeys. Oral saliva16S rRNA sequencing was performed to analyze the oral microbial profile. RESULTS: The alveolar resorption was compared between humans and monkeys, to determine the periodontal health. The percentage attachment of attachment loss was more around the posteriors teeth in humans when compared to monkeys (p<0.05). The degree of gingival inflammation was analyzed in both the groups, the expression of CD 34,45was higher in humans. 16S rRNA analysis demonstrated less diversity of salivary microorganisms in humans than in monkeys. The relative abundance of Aggregatibacter, Haemophilus, Gemella, and Porphyromonas at the genus level was significantly less in humans than in monkeys (p(<0.05). CONCLUSION: The periodontally healthy middle-aged humans and monkeys display different alveolar bone resorption and gingival inflammatory infiltrate levels. Furthermore, the salivary microbiota profile showed distinctly different oral microbiomes in these two primates. Our results suggest that the difference in alveolar bone status and gingival inflammatory infiltrate in healthy humans and monkeys might be associated with the diversity of the oral microbiome.

Metagenomic profiling of gut microbiota in Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) larvae fed on different host plants.

BACKGROUND: The fall armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda) is a polyphagous pest known for causing significant crop damage. The gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in influencing the biology, physiology and adaptation of the host. However, understanding of the taxonomic composition and functional characteristics of the gut microbiota in FAW larvae fed on different host plants remains limited. METHODS: This study utilized metagenomic sequencing to explore the structure, function and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) of the gut microbiota in FAW larvae transferred from an artificial diet to four distinct host plants: maize, sorghum, tomato and pepper. RESULTS: The results demonstrated significant variations in gut microbiota structure among FAW larvae fed on different host plants. Firmicutes emerged as the dominant phylum, with Enterococcaceae as the dominant family and Enterococcus as the prominent genus. Notably, Enterococcus casseliflavus was frequently observed in the gut microbiota of FAW larvae across host plants. Metabolism pathways, particularly those related to carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, played a crucial role in the adaptation of the FAW gut microbiota to different host plants. KEGG orthologs associated with the regulation of the peptide/nickel transport system permease protein in sorghum-fed larvae and the 6-phospho-ß-glucosidase gene linked to glycolysis/gluconeogenesis as well as starch and sucrose metabolism in pepper-fed larvae were identified. Moreover, the study identified the top 20 ARGs in the gut microbiota of FAW larvae fed on different host plants, with the maize-fed group exhibiting the highest abundance of vanRC. CONCLUSIONS: Our metagenomic sequencing study reveals significant variations in the gut microbiota composition and function of FAW larvae across diverse host plants. These findings underscore the intricate co-evolutionary relationship between hosts and their gut microbiota, suggesting that host transfer profoundly influences the gut microbiota and, consequently, the adaptability and pest management strategies for FAW.

Review of polysaccharides from Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.: Extraction, purification, structural characteristics, health benefits, structural-activity relationships and applications.

Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. (C. morifolium), as a traditional ornamental plant, it has multiple values, including edible, economic, nutritional and even medicinal values, which is used as herbal medicine and a new food resource in the world. Polysaccharides are one of the main bioactive components in C. morifolium, which have various health benefits such as improving functional constipation, improving colitis, anti-glycosylation, antioxidant, anti-angiogenesis, immunomodulation, prebiotic, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. This paper describes the extraction, purification, structural characteristics, health benefits, structural-activity relationships, applications, and analyses the shortcomings of the major relevant studies exist on C. morifolium polysaccharides. In addition, the potential mechanisms of the health benefits of C. morifolium polysaccharides were summarized. This study can provide reference and direction for further research and development of C. morifolium polysaccharides.

Endothelin 3/EDNRB signaling induces thermogenic differentiation of white adipose tissue.

Thermogenic adipose tissue, consisting of brown and beige fat, regulates nutrient utilization and energy metabolism. Human brown fat is relatively scarce and decreases with obesity and aging. Hence, inducing thermogenic differentiation of white fat offers an attractive way to enhance whole-body metabolic capacity. Here, we show the role of endothelin 3 (EDN3) and endothelin receptor type B (EDNRB) in promoting the browning of white adipose tissue (WAT). EDNRB overexpression stimulates thermogenic differentiation of human white preadipocytes through cAMP-EPAC1-ERK activation. In mice, cold induces the expression of EDN3 and EDNRB in WAT. Deletion of EDNRB in adipose progenitor cells impairs cold-induced beige adipocyte formation in WAT, leading to excessive weight gain, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance upon high-fat feeding. Injection of EDN3 into WAT promotes browning and improved whole-body glucose metabolism. The findings shed light on the mechanism of WAT browning and offer potential therapeutics for obesity and metabolic disorders.

Co-exposure effects of urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metals on lung function: mediating role of systematic inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals were associated with decreased lung function, but co-exposure effects and underlying mechanism remained unknown. METHODS: Among 1,123 adults from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2012, 10 urinary PAHs, 11 urinary metals, and peripheral white blood cell (WBC) count were determined, and 5 lung function indices were measured. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, Bayesian kernel machine regression, and quantile-based g-computation were used to estimate co-exposure effects on lung function. Mediation analysis was used to explore mediating role of WBC. RESULTS: These models demonstrated that PAHs and metals were significantly associated with lung function impairment. Bayesian kernel machine regression models showed that comparing to all chemicals fixed at median level, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow, and forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% decreased by 1.31% (95% CI: 0.72%, 1.91%), 231.62 (43.45, 419.78) mL/s, and 131.64 (37.54, 225.74) mL/s respectively, when all chemicals were at 75th percentile. In the quantile-based g-computation, each quartile increase in mixture was associated with 104.35 (95% CI: 40.67, 168.02) mL, 1.16% (2.11%, 22.40%), 294.90 (78.37, 511.43) mL/s, 168.44 (41.66, 295.22) mL/s decrease in the FEV1, FEV1/forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow, and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75%, respectively. 2-Hydroxyphenanthrene, 3-Hydroxyfluorene, and cadmium were leading contributors to the above associations. WBC mediated 8.22%-23.90% of association between PAHs and lung function. CONCLUSIONS: Co-exposure of PAHs and metals impairs lung function, and WBC could partially mediate this relationship. Our findings elucidate co-exposure effects of environmental mixtures on respiratory health and underlying mechanisms, suggesting that focusing on highly prioritized toxicants would effectively attenuate adverse effects.

AutoDock and molecular dynamics-based therapeutic potential prediction of flavonoids for primary Sjögren's syndrome.

Primary Sjögren's Syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease that leads to reduced saliva production, primarily affecting women due to estrogen deficiency. The estrogen receptor α (ERα) plays a crucial role in mediating the expression of the aquaporin 5 (AQP5) gene through the estrogen response element-dependent signaling pathway, making ERα a key drug target for pSS. Several flavonoids have been reported to have the potential to treat pSS. This study aimed to screen and compare flavonoids binding to ERα using AutoDock, providing a basis for treating pSS with flavonoids. The estrogenic potential of six representative flavonoids was examined in this study. Molecular docking revealed that the binding energy of all six flavonoids to ERα was less than -5.6 kcal/mol. Apigenin, naringenin, and daidzein were the top three flavonoids with even lower binding energies of -7.8, -8.09, and -8.59 kcal/mol, respectively. Similar to the positive control estradiol, apigenin, naringenin, and daidzein showed hydrogen bond interactions with GLU353, GLY521, and HIS524 at the active site. The results of luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that apigenin, naringenin, and daidzein significantly enhanced the transcription of estrogen receptor element (ERE) in the PGL3/AQP5 promoter. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations using GROMACS for a time scale of 100 ns revealed relatively stable binding of apigenin-ERα, naringenin-ERα, and daidzein-ERα. Mechanistically, homology modeling indicated that GLU353, GLY521, and HIS524 were the key residues of ERα exerting an estrogenic effect. The therapeutic effect of apigenin on dry mouth in pSS models was further validated. In conclusion, these results indicate the estrogenic and pSS therapeutic potential of apigenin, naringenin, and daidzein.

Correlation between uncertainty stress and depression among healthcare professionals in China: a nationwide cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the correlation between uncertainty stress (US) and depression among healthcare professionals (HCPs) in China. DESIGN, SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted by recruiting HCPs from three provinces in China (central, eastern and western) through purposive sampling between 29 September 2022 and 18 January 2023. US was measured using the Life Stress Questionnaire and depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. In total, 2976 questionnaires were deemed valid. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME: This study examined the prevalence of US and depression among HCPs in China; the correlating sociodemographic traits; and the correlation between US and depression. RESULTS: The prevalence of US and depression among HCPs in China was 26.54% (790 out of 2976) and 71.63% (2132 out of 2976). Binary logistic analysis revealed that individuals with graduate degrees (OR: 1.83; 95% CI 1.07 to 3.11; p<0.05), central China (OR: 1.75; 95% CI 1.36 to 2.24; p<0.01), primary medical institutes (OR: 1.33; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.72; p<0.05), secondary medical institutes (OR: 1.30; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.68; p<0.05), an annual income of less than ¥50 000 (OR: 1.85; 95% CI 1.26 to 2.73; p<0.01) and an income range of ¥50 000-¥99 999 (OR: 1.49; 95% CI 1.10 to 2.03; p<0.05) were associated with a higher likelihood of US. The adjusted logistic regression model demonstrated that HCPs with higher US had a greater likelihood of depression (adjusted OR: 5.02; 95% CI 3.88 to 6.50; p<0.01). The increase in the US score was paralleled by an increased depression score (beta (B): 1.32; 95% CI 1.25 to 1.39; p<0.01). CONCLUSION: These findings reveal a significant correlation between US and depression among HCPs and suggest that improving the management of US may help reduce the prevalence of depression among HCPs.

Identifying specific TLS-associated genes as potential biomarkers for predicting prognosis and evaluating the efficacy of immunotherapy in soft tissue sarcoma.

Background: The tertiary lymphatic structure (TLS) is an important component of the tumor immune microenvironment and has important significance in patient prognosis and response to immune therapy. However, the underlying mechanism of TLS in soft tissue sarcoma remains unclear. Methods: A total of 256 RNAseq and 7 single-cell sequencing samples were collected from TCGA-SARC and GSE212527 cohorts. Based on published TLS-related gene sets, four TLS scores were established by GSVA algorithm. The immune cell infiltration was calculated via TIMER2.0 and "MCPcounter" algorithms. In addition, the univariate, LASSO, and multivariate-Cox analyses were used to select TLS-related and prognosis-significant hub genes. Single-cell sequencing dataset, clinical immunohistochemical, and cell experiments were utilized to validate the hub genes. Results: In this study, four TLS-related scores were identified, and the total-gene TLS score more accurately reflected the infiltration level of TLS in STS. We further established two hub genes (DUSP9 and TNFSF14) prognosis markers and risk scores associated with soft tissue sarcoma prognosis and immune therapy response. Flow cytometry analysis showed that the amount of CD3, CD8, CD19, and CD11c positive immune cell infiltration in the tumor tissue dedifferentiated liposarcoma patients was significantly higher than that of liposarcoma patients. Cytological experiments showed that soft tissue sarcoma cell lines overexpressing TNFSF14 could inhibit the proliferation and migration of sarcoma cells. Conclusion: This study systematically explored the TLS and related genes from the perspectives of bioinformatics, clinical features and cytology experiments. The total-gene TLS score, risk score and TNFSF14 hub gene may be useful biomarkers for predicting the prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy of soft tissue sarcoma.

The application of Raman spectroscopy for the diagnosis and monitoring of lung tumors.

Raman spectroscopy is an optical technique that uses inelastic light scattering in response to vibrating molecules to produce chemical fingerprints of tissues, cells, and biofluids. Raman spectroscopy strategies produce high levels of chemical specificity without requiring extensive sample preparation, allowing for the use of advanced optical tools such as microscopes, fiber optics, and lasers that operate in the visible and near-infrared spectral range, making them increasingly suitable for a wide range of medical diagnostic applications. Metal nanoparticles and nonlinear optical effects can improve Raman signals, and optimized fiber optic Raman probes can make real-time, in vivo, single-point observations. Furthermore, diagnostic speed and spatial accuracy can be improved through the multimodal integration of Raman measurements and other technologies. Recent studies have significantly contributed to the improvement of diagnostic speed and accuracy, making them suitable for clinical application. Lung cancer is a prevalent type of respiratory malignancy. However, the use of computed tomography for detection and screening frequently reveals numerous smaller lung nodules, which makes the diagnostic process more challenging from a clinical perspective. While the majority of small nodules detected are benign, there are currently no direct methods for identifying which nodules represent very early-stage lung cancer. Positron emission tomography and other auxiliary diagnostic methods for non-surgical biopsy samples from these small nodules yield low detection rates, which might result in significant expenses and the possibility of complications for patients. While certain subsets of patients can undergo curative treatment, other individuals have a less favorable prognosis and need alternative therapeutic interventions. With the emergence of new methods for treating cancer, such as immunotherapies, which can potentially extend patient survival and even lead to a complete cure in certain instances, it is crucial to determine the most suitable biomarkers and metrics for assessing the effectiveness of these novel compounds. This will ensure that significant treatment outcomes are accurately measured. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the prospects of Raman spectroscopy and its applications in the diagnosis and analysis of lung tumors.

Calcitonin gene­related peptide alleviates hyperoxia­induced human alveolar cell injury via the CGRPR/TRPV1/Ca2+ axis.

Although exogenous calcitonin gene­related peptide (CGRP) protects against hyperoxia­induced lung injury (HILI), the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The present study attempted to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which CGRP protects against hyperoxia­induced alveolar cell injury. Human alveolar A549 cells were treated with 95% hyperoxia to establish a hyperoxic cell injury model. ELISA was performed to detect the CGRP secretion. Immunofluorescence, quantitative (q)PCR, and western blotting were used to detect the expression and localization of CGRP receptor (CGRPR) and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). Cell counting kit­8 and flow cytometry were used to examine the proliferation and apoptosis of treated cells. Digital calcium imaging and patch clamp were used to analyze the changes in intracellular Ca2+ signaling and membrane currents induced by CGRP in A549 cells. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Bcl­2 and Bax were detected by qPCR and western blotting. The expression levels of CGRPR and TRPV1 in A549 cells were significantly downregulated by hyperoxic treatment, but there was no significant difference in CGRP release between cells cultured under normal air and hyperoxic conditions. CGRP promoted cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in hyperoxia, but selective inhibitors of CGRPR and TRPV1 channels could effectively attenuate these effects; TRPV1 knockdown also attenuated this effect. CGRP induced Ca2+ entry via the TRPV1 channels and enhanced the membrane non­selective currents through TRPV1 channels. The CGRP­induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ was reduced by inhibiting the phospholipase C (PLC)/protein kinase C (PKC) pathway. Moreover, PLC and PKC inhibitors attenuated the effects of CGRP in promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis. In conclusion, exogenous CGRP acted by inversely regulating the function of TRPV1 channels in alveolar cells. Importantly, CGRP protected alveolar cells from hyperoxia­induced injury via the CGRPR/TRPV1/Ca2+ axis, which may be a potential target for the prevention and treatment of the HILI.

Total duration of spontaneous blastocyst collapse during the expansion stage is an independent predictor of euploidy and live birth rates.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Is the total duration of spontaneous blastocyst collapse to re-expansion before biopsy related to ploidy and live birth rates after single euploid blastocyst transfer? DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of 600 preimplantation genetic testing cycles for aneuploidy (PGT-A) cycles, involving 2203 biopsied blastocysts, at a large reproductive medicine centre. Features of spontaneous blastocyst collapse from full to expanded stage, before biopsy, were observed using an embryoscope viewer for embryos cultured in a time-lapse incubator. In total, 568 cycles of frozen blastocyst transfers, either single euploid or mosaic, were performed. Correlations between collapse features and PGT-A outcomes were evaluated, as well as live birth rate, following euploid embryo transfer. RESULTS: Blastocysts with lower morphological quality or delayed development had significantly higher rates of collapse, multiple collapses, and a longer duration of collapse to re-expansion. After controlling for confounders, such as oocyte age, morphological quality of blastocyst, and day of biopsy, multivariate logistic regression revealed that the total duration of collapse to re-expansion was an independent predictor of lower euploidy rate; the multivariate OR was 0.85 (95% CI 0.77-0.95; P = 0.00). Furthermore, even with euploid embryo transfer, the probability of a live birth decreased as the total duration of collapse to re-expansion increased; the multivariate OR was 0.79 (95% CI 0.64-0.98; P = 0.033). CONCLUSION: The total duration of blastocyst collapse to re-expansion could be used as a predictor of lower euploidy and live birth rate. When developing blastocyst algorithms for pregnancy prediction, the duration of spontaneous blastocyst collapse should be included as a significant variable.

Downregulated GPX4 in salivary gland epithelial cells contributes to salivary secretion dysfunction in Sjogren's syndrome via lipid ROS/pSTAT4/AQP5 axis.

Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by dysfunction of exocrine glands, such as salivary glands. However, the molecular mechanism of salivary secretion dysfunction in SS is still unclear. Given the significance of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in cellular redox homeostasis, we hypothesized that dysregulation of GPX4 may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of salivary secretion dysfunction observed in SS. The salivary gland of SS patients and the SS mouse model exhibited reduced expression of the ferroptosis inhibitor GPX4 and the important protein aquaporin 5 (AQP5), which is involved in salivary secretion. GPX4 overexpression upregulated and GPX4 knockdown downregulated AQP5 expression in salivary gland epithelial cells (SGECs) and salivary secretion. Bioinformatics analysis of GSE databases from SS patients' salivary glands revealed STAT4 as a key intermediary regulator between GPX4 and AQP5. A higher level of nuclear pSTAT4 was observed in the salivary gland of the SS mouse model. GPX4 overexpression inhibited and GPX4 knockdown promoted STAT4 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation in SGECs. CHIP assay confirmed the binding of pSTAT4 within the promoter of AQP5 inhibiting AQP5 transcription. GPX4 downregulation accumulates intracellular lipid ROS in SGECs. Lipid ROS inhibitor ferrostatin-1 treatment during in vitro and in vivo studies confirmed that lipid ROS activates STAT4 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation in SGECs. In summary, the downregulated GPX4 in SGECs contributes to salivary secretion dysfunction in SS via the lipid ROS/pSTAT4/AQP5 axis. This study unraveled novel targets to revitalize the salivary secretion function in SS patients.

Extraction, purification, structural characteristics, biological activities, and applications of polysaccharides from the genus Lilium: A review.

The genus Lilium (Lilium) has been widely used in East Asia for over 2000 years due to its rich nutritional and medicinal value, serving as both food and medicinal ingredient. Polysaccharides, as one of the most important bioactive components in Lilium, offer various health benefits. Recently, polysaccharides from Lilium plants have garnered significant attention from researchers due to their diverse biological properties including immunomodulatory, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, anti-aging and anti-radiation effects. However, the limited comprehensive understanding of polysaccharides from Lilium plants has hindered their development and utilization. This review focuses on the extraction, purification, structural characteristics, biological activities, structure-activity relationships, applications, and relevant bibliometrics of polysaccharides from Lilium plants. Additionally, it delves into the potential development and future research directions. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive understanding of polysaccharides from Lilium plants and to serve as a basis for further research and development as therapeutic agents and multifunctional biomaterials.

Dichroa febrifuga Lour.: A review of its botany, traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, toxicology, and progress in reducing toxicity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Dichroa febrifuga Lour., a toxic but extensively used traditional Chinese medicine with a remarkable effect, is commonly called "Changshan" in China. It has been used to treat malaria and many other parasitic diseases. AIM OF THE REVIEW: The study aims to provide a current overview of the progress in the research on traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, toxicology, and methods of toxicity reduction of D. febrifuga. Additionally, further research directions and development prospects for the plant were put forward. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The article uses "Dichroa febrifuga Lour." "D. febrifuga" as the keyword and all relevant information on D. febrifuga was collected from electronic searches (Elsevier, PubMed, ACS, CNKI, Google Scholar, and Baidu Scholar), doctoral and master's dissertations and classic books about Chinese herbs. RESULTS: 30 chemical compounds, including alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids and other kinds, were isolated and identified from D. febrifuga. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that these components have a variety of pharmacological activities, including anti-malarial activities, anti-inflammatory activities, anti-tumor activities, anti-parasitic activities and anti-oomycete activities. Meanwhile, alkaloids, as the material basis of its efficacy, are also the source of its toxicity. It can cause multiple organ damage, including liver, kidney and heart, and cause adverse reactions such as nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. In the current study, the toxicity can be reduced by modifying the structure of the compound, processing and changing the dosage forms. CONCLUSIONS: There are few studies on the chemical constituents of D. febrifuga, so the components and their structure characterization contained in it can become the focus of future research. In view of the toxicity of D. febrifuga, there are many methods to reduce it, but the safety and rationality of these methods need further study.

Interaction effects of MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms with maternal glycated haemoglobin levels on adverse birth outcomes.

AIMS: The role of maternal genetic factors in the association between high glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and adverse birth outcomes remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, the maternal HbA1c levels of 5108 normoglycemic pregnant women in China were measured, and A1298C and C677T polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene were genotyped. RESULTS: Elevated HbA1c levels during the second trimester were associated with increased risks of macrosomia, large-for-gestational age (LGA), preterm birth (PTB), and reduced gestational age (p < 0.05). Pregnant women with MTHFR A1298C AA or C677T CT + TT genotypes were susceptible to adverse pregnancy outcomes related to HbA1c levels. Among pregnant women with the A1298C AA genotype, each standard deviation (SD) increase in HbA1c levels increased the risk of PTB by 1.32-times and reduced the gestational age by 0.11 weeks (p < 0.05). For MTHFR C677T CC + TT genotype carriers, higher HbA1c levels were associated with 1.49-, 1.24-, and 1.23-times increased risks of macrosomia, LGA, and PTB, respectively (p < 0.05). A U-shaped curve for PTB risk in relation to HbA1c levels was observed among the C677T CC + TT participants, with a cut-off value of 4.58%. Among subjects with the A1298C AA genotype combined with the C677T CT + TT genotype, each SD increase in HbA1c levels was associated with 1.40 and 1.37-times increased risks of LGA and PTB, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the importance of glycaemic control during pregnancy and the potential impact of genetic factors on birth outcomes. However, further large-scale studies are required to confirm these findings.

A Retrospective Study for Labia Minora Reduction by Serrated-shaped Resection.

Background: The demand for genital plastic surgery has increased dramatically among female patients globally. Although various labia minora reduction procedures have been applied with different indications, advantages, and disadvantages, none has been universally accepted as the best method. So, we presented an innovative strategy for this increasingly demanded reconstructive procedure. Methods: In this retrospective study, we included 29 patients seen between November 2020 and May 2023 with hypertrophic labia minora. The patients with hypertrophic labia minora after serrated-shaped resection were included for analysis. Patient satisfaction and complications were evaluated through the follow-up after the operation. Results: Patients with a mean age of 27.1 years (range 19-47 y) performed labia minora reduction via serrated-shaped resection. One patient experienced incision dehiscence, requiring additional surgical revision. One patient experienced postoperative cosmetic asymmetry and also performed secondary repair surgery. One patient experienced urinary retention, which was relieved after urinary catheterization. High overall patient satisfaction has been achieved after a median follow-up of 6.7 months (range 1-24 months). No flap necrosis, sexual dysfunction, or hypertrophic scarring has been reported. Conclusions: Results suggested that serrated-shaped resection is a novel technique for repairing hypertrophic labia minora with high efficiency and satisfaction. The procedure could effectively improve the appearance of the labia minora and reduce complications.

Key candidate genes and pathways in T lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma identified by bioinformatics and serological analyses.

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL)/T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) is an uncommon but highly aggressive hematological malignancy. It has high recurrence and mortality rates and is challenging to treat. This study conducted bioinformatics analyses, compared genetic expression profiles of healthy controls with patients having T-ALL/T-LBL, and verified the results through serological indicators. Data were acquired from the GSE48558 dataset from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). T-ALL patients and normal T cells-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were investigated using the online analysis tool GEO2R in GEO, identifying 78 upregulated and 130 downregulated genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses of the top 10 DEGs showed enrichment in pathways linked to abnormal mitotic cell cycles, chromosomal instability, dysfunction of inflammatory mediators, and functional defects in T-cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and immune checkpoints. The DEGs were then validated by examining blood indices in samples obtained from patients, comparing the T-ALL/T-LBL group with the control group. Significant differences were observed in the levels of various blood components between T-ALL and T-LBL patients. These components include neutrophils, lymphocyte percentage, hemoglobin (HGB), total protein, globulin, erythropoietin (EPO) levels, thrombin time (TT), D-dimer (DD), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Additionally, there were significant differences in peripheral blood leukocyte count, absolute lymphocyte count, creatinine, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, folate, and thrombin times. The genes and pathways associated with T-LBL/T-ALL were identified, and peripheral blood HGB, EPO, TT, DD, and CRP were key molecular markers. This will assist the diagnosis of T-ALL/T-LBL, with applications for differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

A review on extraction, purification, structural characteristics, biological activities, applications of polysaccharides from Hovenia dulcis Thunb. (Guai Zao).

Hovenia dulcis Thunb. (H. dulcis) is a widely distributed plant with a long history of cultivation and consumption. As a common plant, it has economic, edible and medicinal value. H. dulcis polysaccharides are one of their main bioactive ingredients and have many health benefits, such as anti-diabetes, antioxidation, anti-glycosylation, anti-fatigue, immune regulation activities and alcoholic liver disease protection activity. In this paper, the research progress of H. dulcis polysaccharides in extraction, purification, structural characteristics, biological activities, existing and potential applications were reviewed, which could provide new valuable insights for future studies.