Urchin-Like Mesoporous TiN Hollow Sphere Enabling Promoted Electrochemical Kinetics of Bromine-Based Flow Batteries.

Bromine-based flow batteries (BFB) have always suffered from poor kinetics due to the sluggish Br3 -/Br- redox, hindering their practical applications. Developing cathode materials with high catalytic activity is critical to address this challenge. Herein, the in-depth investigation for the free energy of the bromine redox electrode is conducted initially through DFT calculations, establishing the posterior desorption during oxidation as the rate-determining step. An urchin-like titanium nitride hollow sphere (TNHS) composite is designed and synthesized as the catalyst for bromine redox. The large difference in Br- and Br3 - adsorption capability of TNHS promotes rapid desorption of generated Br3 - during the oxidation process, liberating active sites timely to enable smooth ongoing reactions. Besides, the urchin-like microporous/mesoporous structure of TNHS provides abundant active surface for bromine redox reactions, and ample cavities for the bromine accommodation. The inherently high conductivity of TNHS enables facile electron transfer through multiple channels. Consequently, zinc-bromide flow batteries with TNHS catalyst exhibit significantly enhanced kinetics, stably operating at 80 mA cm-2 with 82.78% energy efficiency. Overall, this study offers a solving strategy and catalyst design approach to the sluggish kinetics that has plagued bromine-based flow batteries.

Traditional, complementary and integrative medicine for fatigue post COVID-19 infection: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Chronic fatigue is a predominant symptom of post COVID-19 condition, or long COVID. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) for fatigue post COVID-19 infection. Methods: Ten English and Chinese language databases and grey literature were searched up to 12 April 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Cochrane "Risk of bias" (RoB) tool was applied. Evidence certainty was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Effect estimates were presented as risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Thirteen RCTs with 1632 participants were included. One RCT showed that Bufei Huoxue herbal capsules reduced fatigue (n=129, MD -14.90, 95%CI -24.53 to -5.27), one RCT reported that Ludangshen herbal liquid lowered fatigue (n=184, MD -1.90, 95%CI -2.38 to -1.42), and the other one RCT shown that fatigue disappearance rate was higher with Ludangshen herbal liquid (n=184, RR 4.19, 95%CI 2.06 to 8.53). Compared to traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation (TCM-rahab) alone, one RCT showed that fatigue symptoms were lower following Qingjin Yiqi granules plus TCM-rehab (n=388, MD -0.48, 95%CI -0.50 to -0.46). Due to concerns with RoB and/or imprecision, the certainty in this evidence was low to very low. No serious adverse events was reported. Conclusions: Limited evidence suggests that various TCIM interventions might reduce post COVID-19 fatigue. Larger, high quality RCTs of longer duration are required to confirm these preliminary findings. Study Registration: The protocol of this review has been registered at PROSPERO: CRD42022384136.

A Machine Learning Model for Identifying Sexual Health Influencers to Promote the Secondary Distribution of HIV Self-Testing Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men in China: Quasi-Experimental Study.

BACKGROUND: Sexual health influencers (SHIs) are individuals actively sharing sexual health information with their peers, and they play an important role in promoting HIV care services, including the secondary distribution of HIV self-testing (SD-HIVST). Previous studies used a 6-item empirical leadership scale to identify SHIs. However, this approach may be biased as it does not consider individuals' social networks. OBJECTIVE: This study used a quasi-experimental study design to evaluate how well a newly developed machine learning (ML) model identifies SHIs in promoting SD-HIVST compared to SHIs identified by a scale whose validity had been tested before. METHODS: We recruited participants from BlueD, the largest social networking app for gay men in China. Based on their responses to the baseline survey, the ML model and scale were used to identify SHIs, respectively. This study consisted of 2 rounds, differing in the upper limit of the number of HIVST kits and peer-referral links that SHIs could order and distribute (first round ≤5 and second round ≤10). Consented SHIs could order multiple HIV self-testing (HIVST) kits and generate personalized peer-referral links through a web-based platform managed by a partnered gay-friendly community-based organization. SHIs were encouraged to share additional kits and peer-referral links with their social contacts (defined as "alters"). SHIs would receive US $3 incentives when their corresponding alters uploaded valid photographic testing results to the same platform. Our primary outcomes included (1) the number of alters who conducted HIVST in each group and (2) the number of newly tested alters who conducted HIVST in each. We used negative binomial regression to examine group differences during the first round (February-June 2021), the second round (June-November 2021), and the combined first and second rounds, respectively. RESULTS: In January 2021, a total of 1828 men who have sex with men (MSM) completed the survey. Overall, 393 SHIs (scale=195 and ML model=198) agreed to participate in SD-HIVST. Among them, 229 SHIs (scale=116 and ML model=113) ordered HIVST on the web. Compared with the scale group, SHIs in the ML model group motivated more alters to conduct HIVST (mean difference [MD] 0.88, 95% CI 0.02-2.22; adjusted incidence risk ratio [aIRR] 1.77, 95% CI 1.07-2.95) when we combined the first and second rounds. Although the mean number of newly tested alters was slightly higher in the ML model group than in the scale group, the group difference was insignificant (MD 0.35, 95% CI -0.17 to -0.99; aIRR 1.49, 95% CI 0.74-3.02). CONCLUSIONS: Among Chinese MSM, SHIs identified by the ML model can motivate more individuals to conduct HIVST than those identified by the scale. Future research can focus on how to adapt the ML model to encourage newly tested individuals to conduct HIVST. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trials Registry ChiCTR2000039632; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojEN.html?proj=63068. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.1186/s12889-021-11817-2.

Sexual attitudes and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among older women in southern China: a qualitative study.

Objective: Sexual health plays a vital role in healthy aging. However, little is known about the sexual attitudes of and the utilization of sexual and reproductive health services by older women in China. This article is based on a qualitative study of older Chinese women in suburban areas to examine their attitudes toward sexuality and their utilization of sexual and reproductive health services. Methods: Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with older women (ages 50 to 74) from suburbs of southern China. Participants were purposively sampled on a convenience basis and recruited when they were visiting community health facilities between June and December 2021. Inclusion criteria were older women aged 50 years and older who had sexual experience. A topic guide was used that focused on sexual activity, sexual attitudes, the utilization of sexual and reproductive health services, and the factors that influence these. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. We coded the data inductively and conducted a thematic analysis. Results: Twenty-six Chinese women participated in the study. These older women had varying attitudes regarding sexual activity and its significance for older adults. The gender norms they held concerning sexual desire deemed that men had higher sexual desire than women. Most asymptomatic women did not actively seek sexual and reproductive health services. In most cases, women only sought professional services when they started to have sexual and reproductive health problems. Factors influencing the uptake of sexual and reproductive health services by older women were cost (affordability), availability, distance (accessibility), and conservative cultural norms towards sexuality. Conclusion: The attitudes of older women towards sexual activity are diverse. While some view sexual activity as common and essential for maintaining a sense of well-being in older age, others may hold different perspectives, considering it less significant. The utilization of sexual and reproductive health services by older Chinese women, except for when they were having a specific health issue, was low. Sexual health messages and services tailored for older women are needed.

Novel applications of Yinhua Miyanling tablets in ulcerative colitis treatment based on metabolomics and network pharmacology.

BACKGROUND: Yinhua Miyanling tablets (YMT), comprising 10 Chinese medicinal compounds, is a proprietary Chinese medicine used in the clinical treatment of urinary tract infections. Medicinal compounds, extracts, or certain monomeric components in YMT all show good effect on ulcerative colitis (UC). However, no evidence supporting YMT as a whole prescription for UC treatment is available. PURPOSE: To evaluate the anti-UC activity of YMT and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The objective of the study was to provide evidence for the add-on development of YMT to treat UC. METHODS: First, YMT's protective effect on the intestinal barrier was evaluated using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced Caco-2 intestinal injury model. Second, the UC mouse model was established using dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) to determine YMT's influence on symptoms, inflammatory factors, intestinal barrier, and histopathological changes in the colon. Third, an integrated method combining metabolomics and network pharmacology was employed to screen core targets and key metabolic pathways with crucial roles in YMT's therapeutic effect on UC. Molecular docking was employed to identify the key targets with high affinity. Finally, western blotting was performed to validate the mechanism of YMT action against UC. RESULTS: YMT enhanced the transepithelial electrical resistance value and improved the expression of proteins of the tight junctions dose-dependently in LPS-induced Caco-2 cells. UC mice treated with YMT exhibited alleviated pathological lesions of the colon tissue in the in vivo pharmacodynamic experiments. The colonic lengths tended to be normal, and the levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, and iNOS) along with those of the core enzymes (MPO, MDA, and SOD) improved. YMT effectively ameliorated DSS-induced colonic mucosal injury; pathological changes along with ultrastructure damage were significantly alleviated (evidenced by a relatively intact colon tissue, recovery of epithelial damage, repaired gland, reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells and epithelial cells arranged closely with dense microvilli). Seven key targets (IL-6, TNF-α, MPO, COX-2, HK2, TPH, and CYP1A2) and four key metabolic pathways (arachidonic acid metabolism, linoleate metabolism, glycolysis, and gluconeogenesis and tyrosine biosynthesis) were identified to play vital roles in the treatment on UC using YMT. CONCLUSIONS: YMT exerts beneficial therapeutic effects on UC by regulating multiple endogenous metabolites, targets, and metabolic pathways, suggestive of its potential novel application in UC treatment.

Homoprejudiced Violence Experiences and High-Risk Sexual Behaviors among Chinese Men Who Have Sex with Men: Depression Severity and Recreational Drug Usage as Potential Mediators.

Homoprejudiced violence is a type of aggression against an individual or a community based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation. It may be linked to risks of acquiring HIV/STI via psychosocial variables. This study explored the association between homoprejudiced violence experiences and high-risk sexual behaviors, and potential psychosocial mediators. Using cross-sectional survey data collected in China through Blued among men who have sex with men (MSM) in January 2021, this study conducted multiple mediation analyses. Standard instruments were used to collect data on depressive symptoms in the last two weeks (PHQ-9), recreational drug usage in the last three months, and ever experiencing homoprejudiced violence (12-item survey instrument). Dependent variables were having condomless anal sex and having three or more sexual partners in the last three months. Among 1828 MSM, nearly half (847, 46%) had experienced homoprejudiced violence. Twenty-three percent (427) reached a score that suggested moderate or severe depression and 35% (644) had used recreational drugs. In the last three months, 40% (731) had condomless anal sex and 34% (626) had three or more sexual partners. The indirect mediational coefficients through depression on condomless anal sex and multiple sexual partners were 0.04 (95% CI: [0.02, 0.07]) and 0.02 (95% CI: [0.001, 0.05]), respectively. The indirect mediational coefficient of homoprejudiced violence experience on multiple sexual partners through recreational drug use was 0.05 (95% CI: [0.03, 0.08]). These findings suggest that more comprehensive interventions are needed to address the syndemic of homoprejudiced violence, mental health issues, and HIV/STI-related risks.

Study on the Anti-Ulcerative Colitis Effect of Pseudo-Ginsenoside RT4 Based on Gut Microbiota, Pharmacokinetics, and Tissue Distribution.

The purpose of this study was to explore the therapeutic effect of the oral administration of pseudo-ginsenoside RT4 (RT4) on ulcerative colitis (UC), and to determine the rate of absorption and distribution of RT4 in mice with UC. Balb/c mice were induced using dextran sulfate sodium salts (DSS) to establish the UC model, and 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg of RT4 was subsequently administered via gavage. The clinical symptoms, inflammatory response, intestinal barrier, content of total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and gut microbiota were investigated. Caco-2 cells were induced to establish the epithelial barrier damage model using LPS, and an intervention was performed using 4, 8, and 16 µg/mL of RT4. The inflammatory factors, transient electrical resistance (TEER), and tight-junction protein expression were determined. Finally, pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution studies following the intragastric administration of RT4 in UC mice were performed. According to the results in mice, RT4 decreased the disease activity index (DAI) score, restored the colon length, reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß), and boosted the levels of immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10, increased the content of SCFAs, improved the colonic histopathology, maintained the ultrastructure of colonic mucosal epithelial cells, and corrected disturbances in the intestinal microbiota. Based on the results in caco-2 cells, RT4 reduced the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß; protected integrity of monolayers; and increased tight-junction protein expression. Additionally, the main pharmacokinetic parameters (Cmax, Tmax, t1/2, Vd, CL, AUC) were obtained, the absolute bioavailability was calculated as 18.90% ± 2.70%, and the main distribution tissues were the small intestine and colon. In conclusion, RT4, with the features of slow elimination and directional distribution, could alleviate UC by inhibiting inflammatory factors, repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier, boosting the dominant intestinal microflora, and modulating the expression of SCFAs.

(-)-Syringaresinol attenuates ulcerative colitis by improving intestinal epithelial barrier function and inhibiting inflammatory responses.

BACKGROUND: (-)-Syringaresinol (SYR), a natural lignan with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, possesses various pharmacological benefits including cardio-protective, antibacterial, anticancer, and anti-aging effects. It was shown that the effectiveness of (+)-syringaresinol diglucoside on the ulcerative colitis (UC) was attributed to the active metabolite (+)-syringaresinol (the enantiomor of SYR). However, the efficacy of SYR against UC remains unclear, and the associated molecular mechanism has not been revealed yet PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the protective effect of SYR in UC and its underlying mechanism STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We examined SYR's protective impact on the intestinal epithelial barrier and its ability to inhibit inflammatory responses in both a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced Caco-2 cell model and a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC mouse model. We also explored the potential signaling pathways regulated by SYR using transcriptome analysis and western blot assay RESULTS: In Caco-2 cells, SYR significantly increased trans-epithelial electrical resistance, reduced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) levels, and enhanced cellular tight junction protein expression and distribution. In mice with UC, oral treatment with SYR (10, 20, 40 mg·kg-1) dose-dependently increased body weight, colon length, and expression of tight junction proteins, decreased disease activity index score, spleen coefficient, cytokine serum levels, bacterial translocation, and intestinal damage, and also preserved the ultrastructure of colonic mucosal cells. Transcriptomics indicated that the anti-UC effect of SYR is mediated via the PI3K-Akt/MAPK/Wnt signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: In summary, SYR effectively mitigated the development of UC by enhancing the intestinal epithelial barrier function and attenuating the inflammatory response. The plant-derived product SYR might be a potentially effective therapeutical agent against UC.

Between now and later: a mixed methods study of HPV vaccination delay among Chinese caregivers in urban Chengdu, China.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent girls in China have a low HPV vaccination rate. Although vaccination is recommended by the Chinese health authorities, the cost is not covered by the national immunisation programme. Vaccination delay, among other reasons such as supply shortage and poor affordability, may contribute to low uptake. This sequential mixed methods study aimed to identify potential factors of delayed HPV vaccination among Chinese adolescent girls. METHODS: Quantitative data about the attitudes and perceptions of HPV vaccination were collected from 100 caregivers of 14-18-year-old girls using an online survey in Chengdu, China. The survey data informed a subsequent qualitative study using four focus group discussions. We conducted a descriptive analysis of the survey data and a thematic analysis of the qualitative data. The findings were interpreted using a health behaviour model adapted from the Health Belief Model and the Andersen's Behavioural Model for Health Services Use. RESULTS: A total of 100 caregivers - 85 were mothers and 15 were fathers - participated in the survey; 21 caregivers joined focus group discussions. When asked about their intended course of action if the 9vHPV vaccine was out-of-stock, 74% chose to delay until the 9vHPV vaccine is available while 26% would consider 2vHPV or 4vHPV vaccines or seek alternative ways to procure the vaccine. Qualitative results confirmed that caregivers preferred delaying HPV vaccination for adolescent girls. The intent to delay was influenced by systemic barriers such as supply shortage and individual-level factors such as a preference for the 9vHPV vaccine, safety concerns, inadequate health communication, and the belief that adolescents were unlikely to be sexually active. CONCLUSION: In urban areas, Chinese caregivers' intent to delay vaccination in favour of 9vHPV vaccine over receiving the more accessible options was influenced by a mix of individual and contextual factors. Focussed health communication strategies are needed to accelerate HPV vaccination among adolescents.

Traditional Chinese medicine for smoking cessation: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may have special advantages in facilitating smoking cessation, but consensus on effectiveness is lacking. We aim to comprehensively review, update, and refine current evidence on TCM effectiveness and safety. METHODS: Nine databases were searched from their inception up to 28 February 2023. Systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analysis of TCM for smoking cessation were identified and retrieved. Additional databases and hand searches of RCTs from included SRs were performed for data pooling. Cochrane ROB tools and AMSTAR-2 were used to evaluate the methodological quality of RCTs and SRs, respectively. RCT data are presented as relative risks (RR) or mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using RevMan 5.4. RESULTS: Thirteen SRs involving 265 studies with 33081 participants were included. Among these 265 studies, 157 were duplicates (58.36%) and 52 were non-RCTs (19.62%). Combined with the remaining 56 RCTs identified through hand searches, 88 RCTs involving 12434 participants were finally included for data synthesis. All the SRs focused on acupoint stimulation, and the majority were of low or very low quality. The methodological quality of RCTs was either unclear or high risk. For continuous abstinence rate, TCM external interventions were better than placebo in 6 months to 1 year (RR=1.60; 95% CI: 1.14-2.25; I2=27%; n=5533 participants). Compared with placebo, TCM external application was effective in reducing nicotine withdrawal symptoms, and the effect was gradually stable and obvious in the fourth week (MD= -4.46; 95% CI: -5.43 - -3.49; n=165 participants). Twelve RCTs reported adverse events as outcome indicators for safety evaluation, and no serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the methodological limitations of the original studies, our review suggests that TCM intervention shows potential effectiveness on the continuous abstinence rate. Extending the intervention time can enhance the effect of TCM on nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Referred to adverse events, more data for safety evaluation are required.

Hierarchical Nickel Cobalt Phosphide @ Carbon Nanofibers Composite Microspheres: Ultrahigh Energy Densities of Electrodes for Supercapacitors.

Supercapacitors (SCs) are widely used in energy storage devices due to their superior power density and long cycle lifetime. However, the limited energy densities of SCs hinder their industrial application to a great extent. In this study, we present a new combination of metallic phosphide-carbon composites, synthesized by directly carbonizing (Ni1-xCox)5TiO7 nanowires via thermal chemical vapor deposition (TCVD) technology. The new method uses one-dimensional (1D) (Ni1-xCox)TiO7 nanowires as precursors and supporters for the in situ growth of intertwined porous CNF microspheres. These 1D nanowires undergo microstructure transformation, resulting in the formation of CoNiP nanoparticles, which act as excellent interconnected catalytic nanoparticles for the growth of porous 3D CNF microspheres. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of a unique 1D/3D structure, the agglomeration of nanoparticles can effectively be prevented. The resulting CNF microspheres exhibit an interconnected conductive matrix and provide a large specific surface area with abundant ion/charge transport channels. Consequently, at a scanning rate of 10 mV s-1, its specific capacitance in 1.0 M Na2SO4 + 0.05 M Fe(CN)63-/4- aqueous solution is as high as 311.7 mF cm-2. Furthermore, the CoNiP@CNFs composite film-based symmetrical SCs show an ultrahigh energy density of 20.08 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 7.20 kW kg-1, along with outstanding cycling stability, with 87.2% capacity retention after 10,000 cycles in soluble redox electrolytes. This work provides a new strategy for designing and applying high-performance binary transition metal phosphide/carbon composites for next-generation energy storage devices.

Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Cardiac Function and Structure in Chinese Patients with Obesity.

Introduction: Obesity contributes to cardiac dysfunction and has an impact on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Bariatric surgery (BS) is being considered a therapeutic option for patients with obesity and also can improve cardiac function. Very few studies considered the Chinese population. This study aimed to examine the effect of BS on cardiac function and structure in Chinese subjects with obesity. Methods: A single-center retrospective analysis of 143 patients with obesity was included. To observe and analyze the short-term, midterm, and long-term effects of BS on cardiovascular function and structure, the study population was divided into three groups according to the time of review. Fifty-two patients in group T1 (re-examination within 12 months); 53 patients in group T2 (re-examination within 12 to 24 months); and 38 patients in group T3 (re-examination over 24 months). The effects of BS on the cardiac function and structure were evaluated by analyzing the echocardiographic parameters. Results: After BS, body mass index (BMI) decreased from 39.7 ± 8.0 to 28.4 ± 6.4 kg/m2 (P < 0.001). Blood pressure decreased significantly. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) decreased (43.7 ± 16.4 to 37.8 ± 13.4 g/m2.7, P < 0.001). The change in LVMI was correlated with the change in BMI (R2 = 0.14, P < 0.001). In subgroup analyses at different follow-ups, echocardiographic parameters showed varying degrees of change compared with the baseline. Conclusions: Significant weight loss by BS was associated with improved left ventricular structure and function in Chinese patients with obesity, suggesting potential favorable effects of BS on the cardiac function and structure.

Mechanisms of esophageal cancer metastasis and treatment progress.

Esophageal cancer is a prevalent tumor of the digestive tract worldwide. The detection rate of early-stage esophageal cancer is very low, and most patients are diagnosed with metastasis. Metastasis of esophageal cancer mainly includes direct diffusion metastasis, hematogenous metastasis, and lymphatic metastasis. This article reviews the metabolic process of esophageal cancer metastasis and the mechanisms by which M2 macrophages, CAF, regulatory T cells, and their released cytokines, including chemokines, interleukins, and growth factors, form an immune barrier to the anti-tumor immune response mediated by CD8+ T cells, impeding their ability to kill tumor cells during tumor immune escape. The effect of Ferroptosis on the metastasis of esophageal cancer is briefly mentioned. Moreover, the paper also summarizes common drugs and research directions in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy for advanced metastatic esophageal cancer. This review aims to serve as a foundation for further investigations into the mechanism and management of esophageal cancer metastasis.

The Lived Experiences of Spousal Bereavement and Adjustment Among Older Chinese Immigrants in Calgary.

Spousal bereavement poses considerable challenges to adults in late life. Some populations, such as older immigrants, may experience heightened negative outcomes as a consequence of spousal bereavement, due to migratory stress and social isolation. Spousal bereavement is culturally embedded as it is related to cultural beliefs and attitudes concerning death and family relationships. However, studies on spousal bereavement or widowhood among older immigrants are extremely limited. This study aims to fill the gap by exploring, via a phenomenological approach, the lived experiences of widowed older Chinese immigrants in Calgary and responding to the question: What are the lived experiences of widowed Chinese older immigrants in coping with their spousal bereavement? With the data drawn from 12 in-depth qualitative interviews, findings were categorized into individual, family, community and societal levels. Study participants experienced long-lasting grief that was private and impacted by their culture and immigration status. Although family and ethno-cultural communities provided various types of supports during participants' widowhood, they did not directly assist them in coping with spousal loss. Most participants did not access social services for bereavement support, more often relying on cultural rituals and faith practices. Findings suggest the need for culturally appropriate bereavement supports and family/community involvement for older immigrant adults who have experienced spousal loss.

Study on the Comprehensive Phytochemicals and the Anti-Ulcerative Colitis Effect of Saussurea pulchella.

BACKGROUND: Saussurea pulchella (SP) is a traditional medicinal plant that is widely used in folk medicine because of its diverse biological activities, particularly its anti-inflammatory effects. However, the alleviation effect of SP on ulcerative colitis (UC) has not yet been realized. PURPOSE: To investigate the chemical composition and therapeutic effect of SP extract against UC. METHODS: First, qualitative and quantitative analysis of SP 75% ethanol extract was performed by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. Second, a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) model of UC mice was developed to study the effects of SP on the symptoms, inflammatory factors, oxidative stress indexes and colon histopathology. Third, an integration of network pharmacology with metabolomics was performed to investigate the key metabolites, biological targets and metabolisms closely related to the effect of SP. RESULTS: From the SP ethanol extract, 149 compounds were identified qualitatively and 20 were determined quantitatively. The SP could dose-dependently decrease the DAI score, spleen coefficient and the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, MPO and MDA; increase the colon length, GSH level and SOD activity; and protect the intestinal barrier in the UC mice. Moreover, 10 metabolite biomarkers,18 targets and 5 metabolisms were found to play crucial roles in the treatment of UC with SP. CONCLUSIONS: SP 75% ethanol extract could effectively alleviate the progression of UC and, therefore, could be classified as a novel natural treatment for UC.

A Qualitative Analysis of Cultured Adventitious Ginseng Root's Chemical Composition and Immunomodulatory Effects.

The cultivation of ginseng in fields is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Thus, culturing adventitious ginseng root in vitro constitutes an effective approach to accumulating ginsenosides. In this study, we employed UPLC-QTOF-MS to analyze the composition of the cultured adventitious root (cAR) of ginseng, identifying 60 chemical ingredients. We also investigated the immunomodulatory effect of cAR extract using various mouse models. The results demonstrated that the cAR extract showed significant activity in enhancing the immune response in mice. The mechanism underlying the immunomodulatory effect of cAR was analyzed through network pharmacology analysis, revealing potential 'key protein targets', namely TNF, AKT1, IL-6, VEGFA, and IL-1ß, affected by potential 'key components', namely the ginsenosides PPT, F1, Rh2, CK, and 20(S)-Rg3. The signaling pathways PI3K-Akt, AGE-RAGE, and MAPK may play a vital role in this process.

Robotic-assisted pulmonary lobectomy with lung cancer in a patient with situs inversus totalis.

BACKGROUND: Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a relatively rare congenital abnormality in which the major thoracic and abdominal visceral organs are reversed from their usual positions. In patients with SIT and bronchial carcinoma, surgical difficulty increases sharply. It has been reported that the video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) still poses the operator to a challenge situation. The similarity of surgical positions and the flexibility of the mechanical arm in robotic surgery, may be beneficial to SIT patients due to reducing technical difficulties. Here, we present a first case of SIT patient with lung cancer, in which Da Vinci robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) was performed successfully. CASE PRESENTATION: A 66-year old patient, previously diagnosed with SIT since childhood, came to our hospital with two pulmonary nodules in his left lung field. The bigger one had increased somewhat for the last 2 years of follow-up. Software Mimics was preoperatively carried out to analyze anatomical variations. RATS was conducted to complete left upper lobectomy and left middle wedge resection. The patient had no intraoperative complications and was discharged day 5 after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of a successful robot-assisted lung cancer resection in a patient with SIT. In such challenging cases as lung cancer and rare anomaly as SIT, RATS is more advantageous and suitable than VATS with the help of software Mimics utilized for 3D reconstruction, which can identify the anatomical abnormalities and facilitate the surgical procedures.

Design, Synthesis, and Antitumor Evaluation of Novel Mono-Carbonyl Curcumin Analogs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell.

Curcumin is a polyphenolic natural product that has promising anticancer properties. However, its clinical utility is limited by its chemical instability and poor metabolic properties. In this paper, a series of new curcumin analogs were synthesized and found to be potent antiproliferative agents against the HepG2 cell line by MTT assay. In general, Group B with single ketone and group C with chalcone were markedly more cytotoxic than group A with diketone. Compound B5 was found as the most potent analog (IC50 = 11.33 µM) compared to curcumin (IC50 = 32.83 µM) and the mechanism of its cytotoxicity was investigated. The result of the wound healing assay indicated B5 strong potential to suppress HepG2 cell migration in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Subsequent assays (including JC-1 staining, Bcl-2, and caspase 3 protein levels by Western blotting) confirmed that B5 exposure induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells. Curcumin-induced comprehensive transcriptomes profile, Western blotting, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics analysis showed that the mechanism may relate to the regulation of cellular metabolic process and the expression of AKT protein. Taken together, we could conclude that curcumin and its analogs induced HepG2 cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis via AKT signaling pathway and the mitochondrial death pathway. This study could lay the foundation for optimizing curcumin and provide valuable information for finding novel anti-HCC drugs.

HuR Affects the Radiosensitivity of Esophageal Cancer by Regulating the EMT-Related Protein Snail.

Purpose: We previously found that Hu antigen R (HuR) can regulate the proliferation and metastasis of esophageal cancer cells. This study aims to explore the effects of HuR on the radiosensitivity of esophageal cancer. Materials and Method: Analyses of CCK-8, colony formation assay, Western blot, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial membrane potential were conducted to characterize the esophageal cancer cells. Nude mouse models were used to detect the effects of HuR in a combination of X-ray treatment on the subcutaneous xenografts of esophageal cancer. In addition, a luciferase assay was used to detect the direct interaction of HuR with Snail mRNA 3'-UTR. Results: The down-regulation of HuR combined with X-ray can significantly inhibit the proliferation and colony formation of esophageal cancer cells. Flow cytometry data showed that the down-regulation of HuR could induce a G1 phase cell cycle block in esophageal cancer cells, and aggravate X-ray-induced apoptosis, indicated by the increases of apoptosis-related proteins Bax, caspase-3 and caspase-9. Moreover, the down-regulation of HuR could significantly impair the mitochondrial membrane potential and increase the ROS production and DNA double-strand break marker γH2AX expression in esophageal cancer cells that were exposed to X-rays. In vivo data showed that the down-regulation of HuR combined with radiation significantly decreased the growth of subcutaneous xenograft tumors. Furthermore, HuR could interact with Snail. Up-regulation of Snail can reverse the EMT inhibitory effects caused by HuR down-regulation, and attenuate the tumor-inhibiting and radiosensitizing effects caused by HuR down-regulation. Conclusion: In summary, our data demonstrate that HuR effectively regulates the radiosensitivity of esophageal cancer, which may be achieved by stabilizing Snail. Thus, HuR/Snail axis is a potentially therapeutic target for the treatment of esophageal cancer.