Automatic ultrasensitive lateral flow immunoassay based on a color-enhanced signal amplification strategy.

Lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs) are an essential and widely used point-of-care test for medical diagnoses. However, commercial LFIAs still have low sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, we developed an automatic ultrasensitive dual-color enhanced LFIA (DCE-LFIA) by applying an enzyme-induced tyramide signal amplification method to a double-antibody sandwich LFIA for antigen detection. The DCE-LFIA first specifically captured horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled colored microspheres at the Test line, and then deposited a large amount of tyramide-modified signals under the catalytic action of HRP to achieve the color superposition. A limit of detection (LOD) of 3.9 pg/mL and a naked-eye cut-off limit of 7.8 pg/mL were achieved for detecting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleoprotein. Additionally, in the inactivated virus detections, LOD equivalent to chemiluminescence (0.018 TCID50/mL) was obtained, and it had excellent specificity under the interference of other respiratory viruses. High sensitivity has also been achieved for detection of influenza A, influenza B, cardiac troponin I, and human chorionic gonadotrophin using this DCE-LFIA, suggesting the assay is universally applicable. To ensure the convenience and stability in practical applications, we created an automatic device. It provides a new practical option for point-of-care test immunoassays, especially ultra trace detection and at-home testing.

Clinical value of precise rehabilitation nursing in management of cerebral infarction.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral infarction, previously referred to as cerebral infarction or ischemic stroke, refers to the localized brain tissue experiencing ischemic necrosis or softening due to disorders in brain blood supply, ischemia, and hypoxia. The precision rehabilitation nursing model for chronic disease management is a continuous, fixed, orderly, and efficient nursing model aimed at standardizing the clinical nursing process, reducing the wastage of medical resources, and improving the quality of medical services. AIM: To analyze the value of a precise rehabilitation nursing model for chronic disease management in patients with cerebral infarction. METHODS: Patients (n = 124) admitted to our hospital with cerebral infarction between November 2019 and November 2021 were enrolled as the study subjects. The random number table method was used to divide them into a conventional nursing intervention group (n = 61) and a model nursing intervention group (n = 63). Changes in the nursing index for the two groups were compared after conventional nursing intervention and precise rehabilitation intervention nursing for chronic disease management. RESULTS: Compared with the conventional intervention group, the model intervention group had a shorter time to clinical symptom relief (P < 0.05), lower Hamilton Anxiety Scale and Hamilton Depression Scale scores, a lower incidence of total complications (P < 0.05), a higher disease knowledge mastery rate, higher safety and quality, and a higher overall nursing satisfaction rate (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The precision rehabilitation nursing model for chronic disease management improves the clinical symptoms of patients with cerebral infarction, reducing the incidence of total complications and improving the clinical outcome of patients, and is worthy of application in clinical practice.

Tumor-associated macrophages promote cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer cells by enhancing WTAP-mediated N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation via the CXCL16/CXCR6 axis.

PURPOSE: Tumor-promotive tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and the CXCL16/CXCR6 axis have been reported to be correlated with the limited efficacy of chemotherapy in ovarian cancer (OC). However, the role of TAM-secreted CXCL16 and the mechanism by which it affects the cisplatin (DDP) resistance of OC cells remain elusive. METHODS: We induced human THP-1 monocytes to differentiate into macrophages. Next, SKOV3 and TOV-112D cells were co-cultured with the macrophages, followed by incubation with increasing concentrations of DDP. The effects of CXCL16, CXCR6, and WTAP on the DDP resistance of OC cells were investigated using the CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, and TUNEL staining. CXCL16 concentrations were determined by ELISA. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting were used to examine related markers. RESULTS: Our results showed that after being co-cultured with TAMs, the DDP resistance of OC cells was significantly enhanced and their CXCL16 levels were elevated. Acquired DDP resistance was characterized by an increased IC50 value for DDP, the formation of cell colonies, and decreased levels of cell apoptosis, which were accompanied by reduced levels of caspase-3 and Bax expression, and increased levels of Bcl-2, PARP1, BRCA1, and BRCA2 expression. Either CXCL16 knockdown in TAMs or CXCR6 knockdown in OC cells suppressed the DDP resistance of OC cells that had been co-cultured with TAMs. Knockdown of CXCL16 affected m6A RNA methylation in OC cells, as reflected by decreased YTHDF1/WTAP expression and increased ALKBH5 expression. WTAP overexpression and knockdown promoted and suppressed the DDP resistance of OC cells, respectively. CONCLUSION: Tumor-associated macrophages promote the cisplatin resistance of OC cells by enhancing WTAP-mediated N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation via the CXCL16/CXCR6 axis.

Evaluation of the Anticancer Activity and Mechanism Studies of Glycyrrhetic Acid Derivatives toward HeLa Cells.

In this paper, a series of glycyrrhetic acid derivatives 3a-3f were synthesized via the esterification reaction. The cytotoxicity of these compounds against five tumor cells (SGC-7901, BEL-7402, A549, HeLa and B16) and normal LO2 cells was investigated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. The results showed that compound 3a exhibited high antiproliferative activity against HeLa cells (IC50 = 11.4 ± 0.2 µM). The anticancer activity was studied through apoptosis, cloning, and scratching; the levels of the intracellular ROS, GSH, and Ca2+; and the change in the mitochondrial membrane potential, cell cycle arrest and RNA sequencing. Furthermore, the effects of compound 3a on gene expression levels and metabolic pathways in HeLa cells were investigated via transcriptomics. The experimental results showed that this compound can block the cell cycle in the S phase and inhibit cell migration by downregulating Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) expression. Moreover, the compound can reduce the intracellular glutathione (GSH) content, increase the Ca2+ level and the intracellular ROS content, and induce a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential, further leading to cell death. In addition, it was also found that the mechanism of compounds inducing apoptosis was related to the regulation of the expression of mitochondria-related proteins B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-Associated X (Bax), and the activation of the caspase proteins. Taken together, this work provides a help for the development of glycyrrhetinic acid compounds as potential anticancer molecules.

Frailty combined with nutritional risk score in predicting postoperative complications of elderly patients with gastrointestinal malignancies.

OBJECTIVE: Exploring the predictive power of frailty combined with nutritional risk on postoperative complications in elderly gastrointestinal malignancies patients. METHODS: Elderly patients who underwent gastrointestinal cancer surgery at Gastrointestinal Surgery Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University from August 2021 to June 2022 were selected as the research subjects. The patients' frailty and nutritional status were assessed using the Fried Frailty Scale and the NRS2002 Nutritional Risk Scale within 24 h of admission. Observing and recording the diagnosis and treatment of postoperative complications during the hospitalization. RESULTS: 202 patients were enrolled, including 119 patients (58.91%) with nutritional risk and 89 patients (44.06%) with frailty. Frailty was an independent risk factor for postoperative complications [OR = 5.904, 95%CI (3.103, 11.233)]. The AUC value of frailty assessment was 0.780, which was greater than the AUC value of NRS2002 score of 0.705 (P < 0.01). The AUC value of frailty assessment combined with NRS-2002 score was 0.844, which was significantly higher than that alone (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The ability of frailty to predict postoperative complications is better than the NRS-2002 score. Frailty combined with nutritional risk assessment can increase the predictive power of postoperative complications in elderly gastrointestinal malignancies patients.

Channel-Type Induction Heating Tundish Technology for Continuous Casting: A Review.

With the increasing demand for special steel, the quality of steel has become critical during the continuous casting tundish process. In recent years, tundish heating technology has played a key role in low superheat casting. Toward this, researchers have reported on the metallurgical effects of induction heating tundish (IHT). From 1984 to date, the channel-type IHT has been investigated in the production of continuous casting of special steel. In this article, the principle of this channel-type IHT technology and equipment composition were illustrated. A brief summary and comments were undertaken on the channel-type IHT, including physical modeling and numerical modeling. The application development trend of tundish induction heating equipment is summarized combined with industrial application data, which provide a reference for a better understanding of the induction heating process of tundish.

Anticancer effect evaluation of iridium(III) complexes targeting mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum.

Ligand HMSPIP (2-(4-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline) and its iridium(III) complexes [Ir(ppy)2(HMSPIP)]PF6 (ppy = 2-phenylpyridine, Ir1) and [Ir(bzq)2(HMSPIP)]PF6 (bzq = benzo[h]quinoline, Ir2) were synthesized. The complexes were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and UV/Vis spectra. The cytotoxicity of the complexes toward cancer cells were evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method, the scratch wound healing and colony-forming were also investigated. MTT assay certificated that the complexes show high toxic effect on the HeLa cells. The cell cycle assay illustrated that the complexes blocked cell growth at G0/G1 phase in HeLa cells. A series of subsequent experiments showed that the complexes first enter the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and then enter the mitochondria, leading to an increase in intracellular Ca2+ and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, depolarizing mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and ultimately resulting in apoptosis. In addition, the experimental results revealed that the complexes not only increase the level of ROS but also inhibit the production of GSH and eventually produce large amounts of MDA and further leading to cell death. Taken together, we consider that the complexes can be used as potential candidate drugs for HeLa cancer treatment.

The brain activation of anxiety disorders with emotional stimuli-an fMRI ALE meta-analysis.

Numerous studies have analyzed the state of brain activation about anxiety disorders under emotional stimuli. However, there is no meta-analysis to assess the commonality and specificity activation concerning different subtypes of anxiety. Here, we used ALE to assess this. 29 studies revealed increased bilateral amygdala, anterior cingulate gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus activation in anxiety disorders during emotional stimuli. Moreover, we observed decreased activations in the posterior cingulate, lingual gyrus, and precuneus. In sub-analysis, although different anxiety showed dissimilar activations, the principal activations were observed in limbic lobe, which might indicate the limbic circuit was the main neural reflection of anxiety symptoms.

Effect of transthoracic echocardiography on short-term outcomes in patients with acute kidney injury in the intensive care unit: a retrospective cohort study based on the MIMIC-III database.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common problem in the intensive care unit (ICU). Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) has become a common test in the ICU. But the effect of TTE on the short-term prognosis in ICU patients with AKI remains unclear. We aimed to analyze the relationship between TTE and short-term prognosis in ICU patients with AKI. Methods: AKI patients in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-III database were retrospectively enrolled according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and their clinical information was extracted. TTE was conducted during ICU stay. AKI was diagnosed according to KIDGO criteria. The primary endpoint was the outcome of 28-day ICU stay. The doubly robust estimation method was used to analyze the association of TTE with the primary and secondary outcomes of patients with AKI in ICU. The gradient boosted model (GBM) was used to estimate the propensity score of patients to undergo TTE examination, thereby minimizing the variable imbalance between the TTE and non-TTE groups. Weighted cohorts were built using the inverse probabilities weighting (IPW) model with estimated propensity scores as weights. The weighted cohort was analyzed using logistic regression and validated using other models. Results: A total of 2,983 patients were included. In the original cohort, 28-day mortality was 37.9% in the TTE group (n=1,684) and 40.8% in the non-TTE group (n=1,299). In the propensity score model (PSM) cohort, 28-day mortality was 34.6% in the TTE group (n=702) and 45.6% in the non-TTE group (n=702). Doubly robust analysis showed that TTE was associated with lower 28-day mortality. Conclusions: TTE examination might decrease the 28-day mortality in patients with AKI in the ICU and should be considered for critical patients when necessary.

Iridium (III) complexes induce cervical carcinoma apoptosis via disturbing cellular redox homeostasis disorder and inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Improvement of antineoplastic activity and selectivity is a main goal in the development of antineoplastic agents. Herein, we synthesized three new iridium (III) complexes: [Ir(ppy)2(FTTP)](PF6) (Ir1, ppy = 2-phenylpyridine, FTTP = 2-(3-fluoronaphthalen-2-yloxy)-1,4,8,9-tetraazatriphenylene), [Ir(bzq)2(FTTP)](PF6) (Ir2, bzq = benzo[h]quinolone), [Ir(piq)2(FTTP)](PF6) (Ir3, piq = 1-phenylisoquinoline). Ir1-3 exhibit excellent cytotoxicity against various cancer cells particularly towards human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells while remaining non-toxic to normal cell lines. Assays on 2D cell colony formation and 3D multicellular tumor spheroid model confirm that Ir1-3 can effectively inhibit the colony-forming and penetrate deeply into HeLa 3D multicellular tumor spheroid model exhibiting a notable cytotoxic effect, which was consistent with the results from the viability assays. Meanwhile, confocal microscopy shows a rapid uptake of Ir1-3 and co-localization experiments with subcellular markers reveal that Ir1-3 locate mainly at the mitochondria. Further investigation of the mechanism indicated the complexes Ir1-3 promote the excessive generation of ROS, inhibit glutathione and thioredoxin reductase that effectively interferes with the intracellular redox balance, induce oxidative stress and result in caspase-dependent apoptosis. Moreover, the ROS-mediated inactivation of the PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase)/AKT (protein kinase B)/mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway, DNA damage combing with suppression of the cyclin D1/CDK4/6 activity arrested cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase are involved in complexes-induced cell apoptosis. Finally, assays on xenografted cervical carcinoma mouse model confirm the excellent biocompatibility and antineoplastic efficiency of Ir3 in vivo. Collectively, this work offers building blocks for developing iridium (III) complexes as clinical application potential.

Light activation of iridium(III) complexes driving ROS production and DNA damage enhances anticancer activity in A549 cells.

The work aimed to synthesize and characterize two iridium(III) complexes [Ir(ppy)2(IPPH)](PF6) (Ir1, IPPH = (2S,3R,5S,6R)-2-(2-(1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthrolin-2-yl)phenoxy)-6-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-3,4,5-triol, ppy = 2-phenylpyridine), [Ir(piq)2(IPPH)](PF6) (Ir2, piq = 1-phenylisoquinoline). The cytotoxicity of the complexes against BEL-7402, A549, HCT-116, B16 cancer cells and normal LO2 was evaluated through 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-biphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. The complexes show no cytotoxic activity (IC50 > 100 µM) against these cancer cells, while their cytotoxicity can significantly be elevated upon illumination. The IC50 values range from 0.2 ± 0.05 to 35.5 ± 3.5 µM. The cellular uptake, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria localization, reactive oxygen species, the change of mitochondrial membrane potential, γ-H2AX levels, cycle arrest, apoptosis and the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 were investigated. The calreticulin (CRT), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) were explored. This study demonstrates that photoactivatable complexes induce cell death in A549 through ROS-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress-mitochondrial pathway, DNA damage pathways, immunogenic cell death (ICD), activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and inhibit the cell growth at S phase.

Influence of nerve block combined with general anesthesia on cognitive function and postoperative pain in patients undergoing knee joint replacement.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of nerve block combined with general anesthesia on the cognitive function and postoperative pain of patients undergoing knee joint replacement and analyze the risk factors of postoperative cognitive dysfunction. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 104 elderly patients undergoing knee joint replacement in our hospital between January 2018 and January 2021. The control group (n=50) received laryngeal mask anesthesia, while the observation group (n=54) received ultrasound-guided nerve block combined with laryngeal mask anesthesia. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was adopted for scoring the pain intensity of both groups, and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used for evaluating changes in cognitive function before and after operation. The self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) were adopted for scoring patientsbefore and after operation. Additionally, the time to spontaneous breathing recovery, time to wake up, time to open eyes when ordered, and extubation time of the two groups were recorded. The changes in serum IL-6, cortisol (Cor), and IL-10 before and after operation were compared. The two groups were compared in the dosage of used analgesic drugs, the first getting out-of-bed time, treatment expense, and hospitalization time. The correlation between VAS score and IL-6, Cor and IL-10 before and after treatment was analyzed. The adverse reactions of the two groups were also compared. Logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors for cognitive dysfunction. RESULTS: After operation, the observation group experienced shorter spontaneous breathing recovery time, time to wake up, time to open eyes when ordered, and extubation time, than the control group (P<0.05). The observation group also consumed less sufentanil than the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, the observation group had lower VAS and MMSE scores than the control group at 6 and 12 h after operation (P>0.05) and lower SAS and SDS scores than the control group (P<0.05). Moreover, at 6 h after operation, the control group showed higher levels of IL-6, Cor and IL-10 than the observation group (P<0.05), and the control group experienced later first getting out-of-bed time and a longer hospitalization time than the observation group (P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between VAS score and IL-6 as well as Cor before and after treatment (P<0.05). The two groups were similar in treatment expense (P>0.05) and the incidence of adverse reactions (P>0.05). Age and anesthesia scheme were risk factors for postoperative cognitive dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Nerve block combined with general anesthesia can effectively improve the cognitive function and analgesic effect of elderly patients undergoing knee joint replacement, and accelerate recovery time, without increasing f adverse reactions, and can also accelerate recovery of their cognitive function.

Clinical Efficacy of Auricular Acupressure plus Eye Exercises in the Treatment of Adolescent Pseudomyopia.

Objective: To assess the clinical efficacy of auricular acupressure plus eye exercises in the treatment of adolescent pseudomyopia, to discover an easier and safer way to treat pseudomyopia. Methods: Forty adolescent patients with pseudomyopia were randomly recruited and assigned (1 : 1) to receive either eye exercises (single group, including 11 males and 9 females) or auricular acupressure plus eye exercises (combined group, including 12 males and 8 females). The clinical endpoint was the clinical efficacy after 28 days of treatment. Results: The baseline characteristics of the combined group were comparable with those of the single group (P > 0.05). Auricular acupressure plus eye exercises was associated with a significantly higher clinical efficacy versus eye exercises alone (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Ear acupressure plus eye exercises features promising clinical efficacy in the treatment of adolescent pseudomyopia, effectively arresting the progression of pseudomyopia to true myopia.

Multifunctional Hybrid Hydrogel System Enhanced the Therapeutic Efficacy of Treatments for Postoperative Glioma.

Glioma is the most lethal brain tumor with a poor prognosis, and a combination of multiple therapeutic strategies is critical for postoperative glioma treatment. Herein, a multifunctional hybrid hydrogel system (designated as CP&CL@RNPPTX-Gel) was developed for local treatment of postoperative glioma. The system was composed of self-illuminating chlorin e6 (Ce6) conjugated with luminol molecule (CL)-loaded glioma-targeting paclitaxel prodrug nanoparticles and copper peroxide nanodots (CP NDs) coembedded into a three-dimensional thermosensitive hydroxypropyl chitin hydrogel frame. After injection of CP&CL@RNPPTX-Gel into the cavity of postoperative glioma, the solution could be cross-linked into the gel as a drug reservoir under body temperature stimulation. Then, the sustained-released CP NDs decomposed into Cu2+ and H2O2 in the acidic microenvironment of the glioma cells to exert chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Meanwhile, Cu2+ could catalyze the self-luminescence of CL to induce photodynamic therapy (PDT) without external excitation light. Moreover, paclitaxel prodrug nanoparticles degraded into paclitaxel to restrain residual glioma cells in response to intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH). The in vitro and in vivo results showed that CP&CL@RNPPTX-Gel had great potential as a multifunctional hybrid hydrogel system with remarkable therapeutic effects for postoperative glioma treatment via a combination of chemotherapy, CDT, and PDT.

Effects of cross electro-nape-acupuncture (CENA) on recovery of consciousness and tracheotomy tube sealing in serious cerebral hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to explore the effects of cross electro-nape-acupuncture (CENA) treatment on the recovery of consciousness and tracheotomy tube sealing in patients with serious cerebral hemorrhage (SCH). METHODS: A total of 60 patients with SCH admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the South Hospital of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from November 2020 to June 2021 were selected and randomized into two groups: the CENA group and a control group, given no acupuncture. Both groups were given the same basic treatment and patients in the CENA group were additionally given CENA treatment. Glasgow coma scale (GCS) scores, mismatch negative wave (MMN) and the cough reflex grading score (TCRGS) were recorded and compared after treatment for four weeks. The time to tracheostomy tube sealing was also recorded. RESULTS: After treatment, the GCS scores and MMN latency values of the two groups were significantly improved, with significantly better GCS scores and MMN latency values in the CENA group than in the control group. After treatment, the two groups of TCRGS were reduced, with more significant decreases in the CENA group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: With CENA, it took less time to achieve recovery of consciousness, improve cough reflex score and shortened the time to tracheal tube cutting and sealing in patients with SCH.

Effects of the triple therapy of carnosine glycoside, edaravone, and Xueshuantong in hemorrhagic cerebral infarction.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of the triple therapy of Muscular Amino Acid and Peptides and Nucleosides (MAAPN), edaravone, and Xueshuantong on neurological function, tumor volume, and adverse reactions in patients with hemorrhagic cerebral infarction. METHODS: In this retrospective study, a total of 115 patients with hemorrhagic cerebral infarction admitted to the hospital from January 2020 to January 2021 were enrolled and assigned to the observation group (n=57) or the control group (n=58) according to different treatment methods. The two groups were both treated with a conventional treatment regimen, and the observation group was additionally given carnosine, edaravone, and Xueshuantong, with a course of treatment spanning 14 days. The neurological and motor functions and changes in cerebral edema and cerebral infarct lesion size in patients were evaluated. The levels of inflammatory factors, blood lipids, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), S-100ß, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) of the two groups were determined and compared. The adverse effects and rebleeding of patients were recorded. The Barthel index (BI) was used to evaluate the quality of life of patients. RESULTS: The treatment efficiency in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the observation group obtained more favorable outcomes in terms of the neurological and motor functions, lesions of brain edema and cerebral infarction, and BI scores, than those of the control group (all P<0.05). In addition, after treatment, the levels of inflammatory factors, blood lipids, NSE, S-100ß, MMP-9, plasma viscosity, and whole blood viscosity of the two groups of patients all decreased remarkably, with better outcomes in the observation group when compared with the control group (all P<0.05). The observation group showed a markedly lower rebleeding rate than the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: For patients with hemorrhagic cerebral infarction, the triple therapy of carnosine glycoside, edaravone, and Xueshuantong effectively enhances the neurological and motor function, reduces cerebral edema and cerebral infarction, and improves the quality of life, with high safety.

Synthesis, Characterization and Anticancer Efficacy Evaluation of Benzoxanthone Compounds toward Gastric Cancer SGC-7901.

Three benzoxanthone derivatives were synthesized through a new photochemical strategy. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of these compounds was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and their partition coefficients (logP) were measured by shake flask method. The pKa values of the compounds were detected by potentionmetric titration. The interaction of the compounds with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was investigated by electronic absorption, luminescence spectra and viscosity. A molecular docking analysis was performed. The antitumor efficacy of the compounds was evaluated by cell apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, intracellular Ca2+ concentrations and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The mitochondrial membrane potential was assayed using JC-1 (5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1,3',3'-tetraethyl-imidacarbocyanine iodide) as the fluorescence probe. The expression of Bcl-2 family protein, caspase 3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) was explored by western blot. The results showed that the compounds induced apoptosis through a ROS-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction pathway. This work provides an efficient approach to synthesize benzoxanthone derivatives, and is helpful for understanding the apoptotic mechanism.

The Curative Effect of Shuangshen Decoction Combined with Immunological Preparations in the Treatment of Pediatric Nephrotic Syndrome and Its Influence on the Rate of Complicated Infection and Recurrence.

BACKGROUND: To explore the curative effect of Shuangshen Decoction combined with immunological preparations in the treatment of pediatric nephrotic syndrome and its influence on concurrent infection and recurrence rate. METHODS: Ninety children with nephrotic syndrome were divided into the routine group and the combined group. The routine group received conventional treatment and immune agents, and the combined group was treated with Shuangshen Decoction on the basis of the routine group. The clinical indexes of the two groups were analyzed and followed up. The infection rate and recurrence rate were calculated. RESULTS: The TCM syndrome scores in the combined group were significantly lower than those in the routine group. The total effective rate of the combined group was significantly higher than that of the routine group. The recurrence rate and infection rate of the combined group were significantly lower than those of the routine group. The incidence of adverse reactions in the combined group was significantly lower than that in the routine group. CONCLUSION: Shuangshen Decoction combined with immune preparations is effective in treating pediatric nephrotic syndrome and can reduce the incidence of adverse reactions, infection rate, and recurrence rate.

Intervention of NF-Κb Signaling Pathway and Preventing Post-Operative Cognitive Dysfunction as Well as Neuronal Apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: The Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) model was constructed by resection of the left hepatic lobe in aged mice to determine the behavioral effects of the POCD model in aged mice and the relationship between NF-κB and POCD in apoptosis and autophagy. Provide a theoretical basis for POCD prevention and treatment. METHODS: This study was carried out in Ningbo No. 6 Hospital, Zhejiang, China, from Jun 2019 to Dec 2020. The POCD model was constructed after resection of the left extrahepatic lobe in aged mice and randomly divided into 6 groups: sham operation group, operation group (normal saline control group, solvent group, YC-1 group, PDTC group and 3-MA group). Related indicators of behavioral changes, neuronal inflammatory responses, apoptosis, and autophagy were examined. RESULTS: The escape latency of the aged mice in the surgical group was significantly prolonged at three time points compared with the control group, and the number of insertions decreased significantly. Microglia are activated and the inflammatory response is increased, whereas PDTC has an inhibitory effect. It was demonstrated that apoptosis and necrosis of neurons can be induced by the NF-κb pathway, and autophagy can be promoted, whereas autophagy occurs before apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Activation of NF-κb pathway in neurons after POCD causes neuronal apoptosis and autophagy, and cognitive impairment occurs. PDTC, a NF-κb pathway inhibitor, can effectively reduce neuronal apoptosis induced by secondary brain injury after POCD. Necrosis, to protect the brain tissue.