The short- and long-term effect of laparoscopic total gastrectomy in D2 radical treatment combined with spleno-pancreatectomy under membrane anatomy.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the short- and long-term effect of laparoscopic total gastrectomy in D2 radical treatment combined with spleno-pancreatectomy under membrane anatomy. METHODS: From June 2013 to June 2018, 70 patients with gastric cancer underwent total gastrectomy combined with spleno-pancreatectomy involving 37 cases in laparoscopy group and 33 cases in laparotomy group. The intraoperative and postoperative conditions of patients in the two groups were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: In the laparoscopy group, the operation time and the number of positive lymph node dissection was similar to the laparotomy group. Statistical difference was found in intraoperative bleeding [(79.19 ± 39.63)ml vs (214.39 ± 152.47)m1], the number of lymph node dissection [(47.27 ± 13.94) vs (35.45 ± 9.81)], the first time of aerofluxus [(2.92 ± 0.76)d vs (3.76 ± 1.09)d], the first fluid intake time [(7.49 ± 0.96)d vs (8.27 ± 1.91)d] and the postoperative hospital stay [(11.95 ± 1.90)d vs (15.39 ± 4.07)d] (P < 0.05), So the laparoscopy group was significantly superior to the laparotomy group. The incidences of postoperative complications in laparoscopy group and the laparotomy group were 35.13% and 27.27%, and the difference was not statistically significant. (P > 0.05). No stark difference in postoperative complications of Clavien-Dindo Classification (P > 0.05). The K-M survival curve showed no significant difference in 3-year overall survival (OS) and 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic total gastrectomy in D2 radical treatment combined with spleno-pancreatectomy under membrane anatomy is feasible and safe, which can remove more perigastric lymph nodes. With advantages of less intraoperative blood loss and fast postoperative recovery, it cannot increase postoperative complications and long-term survival are comparable to open surgery.

The short- and long-term effect of membrane anatomy-guided laparoscopic D2 lymphadenectomy plus regional complete mesogastrium excision for locally advanced gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Retrospectively analyzed the short- and long-term efficacy between laparoscopic D2 lymphadenectomy plus regional complete mesogastrium excision (D2 + rCME) and traditional laparoscopic D2 in the treatment of patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC), in order to obtain more evidence for D2 + rCME gastrectomy. METHODS: A total of 599 LAGC patients who underwent laparoscopy-assisted radical gastrectomy from January 2014 to December 2019, including 367 cases in the D2 + rCME group and 232 cases in the D2 group. Intraoperative and postoperative clinicopathological parameters, postoperative complications and long-term survival in the two groups were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: No significant differences in the positive rate of mesogastric tumor deposits, the number of positive lymph nodes and postoperative length of stay were found between the two groups (P > 0.05). In the D2 + rCME group, intraoperative blood loss was significantly reduced (84.20 ± 57.64 ml vs. 148.47 ± 76.97 ml, P < 0.001), the time to first postoperative flatus and first liquid diet intake were significantly shortened (3[2-3] days vs. 3[3-3] days, P < 0.001; 7[7-8] days vs. 8[7-8] days, P < 0.001), and the number of lymph nodes dissected was greater (43.57 ± 16.52 pieces vs. 36.72 ± 13.83 pieces, P < 0.001). The incidence of complications did not significantly differ between the D2 + rCME group (20.7%) and D2 group (19.4%) (P > 0.05). Although there was no statistically difference in 3-year OS and DFS between the two groups. However, the trend was better in D2 + rCME group. In subgroup analysis, patients with positive tumor deposits (TDs) in the D2 + rCME group had significantly better 3-year DFS compared With D2 group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic D2 + rCME is safe and feasible for the treatment of LAGC and is characterized by less bleeding, greater lymph node dissection and rapid recovery, without increasing postoperative complications. D2 + rCME group showed a better trend of long-term efficacy, especially significant beneficial for LAGC patients who with positive TDs.

AuPd nanoparticles functionalized core-shell Co3O4/ZnO@ZnO for ultra-sensitive toluene detection.

In this work, core-shell AuPd nanoparticles (NPs) sensitized Co3O4/ZnO@ZnO ellipsoid nanoparticles was successfully synthesized via a simple liquid phase synthesis method. SEM and TEM characterization results showed that the as-prepared samples have core-shell ellipsoid morphology and the size of the nanoparticles were uniform. Systematic gas sensing characterization was carried out to obtain the gas sensing property of AuPd NPs decorated Co3O4/ZnO@ZnO. It was found that the gas sensing property could be significantly enhanced after noble metal decoration with Au, Pd and AuPd NPs, respectively. The optimal gas sensing performance was achieved by AuPd NPs functionalized Co3O4/ZnO@ZnO based gas sensor. The maximum response reached 256-100 ppm toluene at 250 °C, which is 50 °C lower than pure ZnO. The detection limit of AuPd functionalized Co3O4/ZnO@ZnO was as low as 100 ppb. The enhanced sensing mechanism was mainly attributed to the synergistic effect of Au and Pd, which was detailly discussed in gas sensing mechanism part.

Modeling and simulation of phototransduction cascade in vertebrate rod photoreceptors.

BACKGROUND: The activation of phototransduction cascade in rod photoreceptors has been well studied in literature, but there is a lack of a mature kinetic model structure covering both the activation and inactivation processes. METHODS: In this work, a kinetic model structure is developed to describe the major activation and inactivation processes in vertebrate rod photoreceptors with the electroretinogram (ERG) as output. Simulation was performed to validate developed model structure. RESULTS: The developed model structure could fit experimental data with small error. CONCLUSIONS: The result indicated that the developed model structure could show the inactivation process of phototransduction cascades in the rod photoreceptors.

Analysis of the short- and long-term outcomes of membrane anatomy-guided laparoscopic spleen-preserving circumferential splenic hilar lymph node dissection for treating advanced proximal gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the short- and long-term efficacy of membrane anatomy-guided laparoscopic spleen-preserving circumferential splenic hilar lymph node dissection for the treatment of advanced proximal gastric cancer. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted in 186 patients with advanced proximal gastric cancer who underwent mesenteric anatomy-guided laparoscopic spleen-preserving splenic hilar lymph node dissection for advanced proximal gastric cancer in our center from March 2013 to March 2018. The patients were divided into two groups: one group was the laparoscopic anterior splenic hilar lymph node dissection group which we named L-ASHD, n = 103), while the other group was the laparoscopic circumferential splenic hilar lymph node dissection group which we named L-CSHD, n = 83). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in total operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative length of hospital stay, and incidence of postoperative complications, etc. (P > 0.05). The number of harvested splenic hilar lymph nodes and the number of patients with harvested positive splenic hilar lymph nodes were both higher in the L-CSHD than in the L-ASHD (3.90 ± 2.52 vs. 3.02 ± 3.07, P < 0.05; 19 vs. 9 patients, P < 0.05). The positive rate of lymph nodes behind the splenic hilar was 8.4%. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that patients in the L-CSHD had similar OS and DFS compared with those of patients in the L-ASHD. CONCLUSION: Membrane anatomy-guided laparoscopic spleen-preserving circumferential splenic hilar lymph node dissection for advanced proximal gastric cancer is safe and feasible and can help avoid the incomplete dissection of positive lymph nodes.

Hepatoprotective Effects of a Functional Formula of Three Chinese Medicinal Herbs: Experimental Evidence and Network Pharmacology-Based Identification of Mechanism of Action and Potential Bioactive Components.

Various Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) have shown beneficial liver protection effects. Jian-Gan-Bao (JGB), a functional herbal formula, consists of three famous CHMs, including Coriolus versicolor, Salvia miltiorrhiza and Schisandra chinensis, which has been used as a folk medicine for several chronic liver diseases. In the present study, we aim systemically to evaluate the effects of JGB on acute and chronic alcoholic liver diseases (ALD) as well as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in mouse models, and identify its potential bioactive components and mechanism of action. JGB showed preventive effects for acute and chronic ALD as well as NAFLD, while post-treatment of JGB showed no significant effect, suggesting the nature of JGB as a health supplement rather than a drug. Furthermore, a compound-target network was constructed to identify the potential bioactive compounds and pathways that regulate its hepatoprotective effects. There are 40 bioactive compounds and 15 related targets that have been identified via this network pharmacology study. Among them are miltirone, neocryptotanshinone II and deoxyshikonin, with desirable pharmaceutical properties. Pathways relating to inflammation, fatty acid oxidation, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production and cell proliferation were predicted as bioactive compounds and potential underlying mechanisms, which should be the focus of study in this field in the future.

Triptolide inhibits human breast cancer MCF-7 cell growth via downregulation of the ERα-mediated signaling pathway.

AIM: To investigate the anticancer mechanisms of triptolide, a diterpenoid isolated from the plant Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, against human breast cancer cells and the involvement of the estrogen receptor-α (ERα)-mediated signaling pathway in particular. METHODS: Human breast cancer ERα-positive MCF-7 cells and ERα-negative MDA-MB-231 cells were tested. PrestoBlue assay was used to evaluate the cell viability. The levels of ERα mRNA and protein were detected with real-time PCR and immunoblotting, respectively. Mouse models of MCF-7 or MDA-MB-231 xenograft tumors were treated with triptolide (0.4 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1), po) or a selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen (mg·kg(-1)·d(-1), po) for 3 weeks, and the tumor weight and volume were measured. RESULTS: Triptolide (5-200 nmol/L) dose-dependently inhibited the viability of both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, with a more potent inhibition on MCF-7 cells. Knockdown of ERα in MCF-7 cells by siRNA significantly attenuated the cytotoxicity of triptolide, whereas overexpression of ERα in MDA-MB-231 cells markedly enhanced the cytotoxicity. Triptolide dose-dependently decreased the expression of ERα in MCF-7 cells and MCF-7 xenograft tumors. Furthermore, treatment of MCF-7 cells with triptolide inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in dose- and time-dependent manners. In the mice xenografted with MCF-7 cells, treatment with triptolide or tamoxifen resulted in significant reduction in the tumor weight and volume. Similar effects were not obtained in the mice xenografted with MDA-MB-231 cells. CONCLUSION: The anticancer activity of triptolide against ERα-positive human breast cancer is partially mediated by downregulation of the ERα-mediated signaling pathway.

Preparation of Pt/WO3@ZnO hollow spheres for low-temperature and high-efficiency detection of triethylamine.

In this work, hollow spherical Pt-loaded WO3/ZnO heterostructured composites were prepared by a chemical liquid phase synthesis method. The morphology, crystal structure and components of the composites were characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, etc. The sensing performance for various gases was also tested. Compared with the pristine WO3 (S = 44@225 °C, 50 ppm) gas sensor, the gas sensor that is functionalized with 1 wt% Pt and 0.5 mmol ZnO (1Pt/WZ-2) has a high response of 842-50 ppm at a relatively low temperature of 100 °C for TEA, with a quick response/recovery time of 34/120 s, a lower detection limit of 50 ppb, and good selectivity and moisture resistance. This study provides a highly efficient synthesis method of composite materials for TEA gas detection and the sensitivity mechanism is also discussed in detail.

Dual-Functional Tungsten-Doped NiO for Highly Sensitive Triethylamine Sensor with ppb Level Detection Limit.

In this study, the W-doped Nickel oxide (NiO) nanoflowers were synthesized using a straightforward hydrothermal method, significantly enhancing the sensing performance toward triethylamine through dual-functional tungsten doping. The optimal doping concentration not only increased the specific surface area of NiO from 25.54 to 189.19 m2 g-1 but also reduced the formation energy of oxygen vacancies. The sensor containing 4 at % W-doped NiO demonstrated exceptional sensitivity to triethylamine, achieving a detection level as high as 229.0 for concentrations of 100 ppm at 237.5 °C. This triethylamine sensor represents a 135-fold enhancement over sensors fabricated from undoped NiO, and offers a rapid response/recovery time of 8 and 30 s, respectively. Furthermore, at a lower triethylamine concentration of 50 ppb, indicating a lower detection limit.

Clinical application of the modified neck-shoulder technique based on membrane autopsy to laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal prosthesis for indirect inguinal hernia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anatomical basis and clinical application value of the modified neck-shoulder technique based on membrane autopsy in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal prosthesis (TEP) for tension-free repairs of indirect inguinal hernia. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed the clinical data of 136 patients with indirect inguinal hernia who underwent laparoscopic TEP for tension-free repairs at the Department of Gastroenterological Surgery Unit 1, the First Hospital of Putian City, Fujian Province from June 2017 to June 2020. The patients were divided into the modified neck-shoulder technique group (68 cases) and the traditional surgery group (68 cases), according to the different surgical methods. The intraoperative and postoperative conditions of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: Both the modified neck-shoulder technique group and the traditional surgery group completed the herniorrhaphy. Compared with the traditional surgery group, the modified neck-shoulder technique group had a shorter operation time [(37.15 ± 5.320) min vs. (54.04 ± 5.202) min, t = 18.472, p < 0.001], less intraoperative blood loss [(5.53 ± 1.634) ml vs. (16.21 ± 3.375) ml, t = 23.544, p < 0.001], lower incidence of intraoperative peritoneal injury [3 cases (4.41%) vs. 9 cases (13.26%), χ2 = 3.29, p = 0.07], lower intraoperative conversion rate [1 case (1.47%) vs. 8 cases (11.76%), χ2 = 5.83, p = 0.016], and lower incidence of postoperative chronic pain [1 case (1.47%) vs. 12 cases (17.65%), χ2 = 10.291, p = 0.001], all of which were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Both groups were followed up for 12 months after surgery. Relapse was not observed in any case. CONCLUSION: Drawing upon the surgical principles of the open neck-shoulder technique and the understanding of the membrane autopsy in the inguinal region, our center has summarized a set of operation procedures called the "modified neck-shoulder technique" for laparoscopic TEP in the tension-free repairs of indirect inguinal hernias. This new surgical technique could expeditiously and precisely navigate the interlayer gap in the preperitoneal space under the enlarged view of the laparoscope. It facilitated the high ligation, disconnection, or repositioning of the hernia sac, enhancing the reliability of patch placement while minimizing collateral damage, reducing postoperative complications, and shortening operation time.

Anti-breast cancer effects and mechanisms of Xihuang pill on human breast cancer cell lines.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anti-breast cancer (BC) effects and mechanisms of action of Xihuang pill (XHP) by conducting in vitro experiments on human BC cell lines. METHODS: Two human BC cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA- MB231) were cultured and treated with XHP. Cell viability was detected using the 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Flow cytometry was used to measure the cell cycle and apoptosis. The cell cycle was analyzed with propidium iodide staining. Apoptosis was evaluated using the Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide method. Western blotting was used to analyze the expression of estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha and ER-beta. RESULTS: XHP had growth-inhibitory effects on MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 cells with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 10.14 mg/mL (MCF-7) and 8.98 mg/mL (MDA-MB231). Apoptosis was induced to some extent. Certain changes in the ER were caused. Upregulation of ER-a protein was found in MCF-7 cells. ER-beta expression in MDA-MB231 cells was increased. Cell-cycle arrest was not observed in the two BC cell lines. ER-1 expression in MCF-7 cells was unchanged. No ER-a expression was shown in MDA-MB231 cells. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that XHP can affect cell viability and cause apoptosis, but that the cell cycle is not blocked. XHP has a certain impact on ER expression, but its mechanisms of action of anti-BC effects may not be due to regulation of ER expression.

[Triptolide inhibits cell proliferation by downregulating phosphorylation of estrogen reporters in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice].

In order to investigate the anti-proliferative effects of triptolide (TP) on 4T1 mice breast cancer cell line in vitro and in mouse model, as well as the possible mechanisms, we detected the effect of TP on cell proliferation by MTT assay or Crystal Violet Staining in our research. Flowcytometry combined with FITC-Annexin V/PI staining were used for detecting TP induced 4T1 cell apoptosis. The protein expression of ERalpha, p-ERalpha, ERbeta, p-ERbeta, ERK, p-ERK, p38, p-p38, SAPK/JNK, and p-SAPK/JNK was tested by western blotting. We also compare TP with chemotherapy drug doxorubicin in 4T1 tumor bearing BLAB/c mice model, the Xenogen bioluminescence imaging, H&E, and IHC result indicated that TP exhibits an anticancer proliferation activity. As a result, TP in 100, 10, 1, 0.1 micromol x L(-1), all inhibited the proliferation of 4T1 cells by MTT assay and Crystal Violet Staining. TP which concentrations is 10, 1, 0.1 micromol x L(-1) could induce the apoptosis of 4T1 cells and reduce the cell proliferation. TP in 200 microg x kg(-1) could inhibit the tumor growth in vivo. The anticancer proliferation of TP was involved in its effect on reducing expression of ERalpha, p-ERalpha, ERbeta, and p-ERbeta, but nothing to do with the activation of MAPK signaling pathway.

Nanoscale Surface Refinement of CoCrMo Alloy for Artificial Knee Joints via Chemical Mechanical Polishing.

In this study, we address the challenge of surface roughness in CoCrMo alloys, typically used in artificial knee joints, which can initiate a cascade of biological responses causing inflammation, osteolysis, joint instability, and increased susceptibility to infection. We propose the application of a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) technique, using an ecologically responsible slurry composed of 4 wt% SiO2, 0.3 wt% H2O2, 1.0 wt% glycine, and 0.05 wt% benzotriazole. Our innovative approach demonstrated significant improvements, achieving a material removal rate of 30.9 nm/min and reducing the arithmetic mean roughness from 20.76 nm to 0.25 nm, thereby enhancing the nanoscale surface quality of the artificial knee joint alloy. The smoother surface is attributed to a decrease in corrosion potential to 0.18 V and a reduction in corrosion current density from 9.55 µA/cm2 to 4.49 µA/cm2 with the addition of BTA, evidenced by electrochemical tests. Furthermore, the preservation of the phase structure of the CoCrMo alloy, as confirmed by XRD analysis and elemental mapping, ensures the structural integrity of the treated surfaces. These outcomes and our simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of our CMP method in engineering surface treatments for artificial knee joints to optimize friction behavior and potentially extend their lifespans.

PtPd NPs-functionalized metal-organic framework-derived α-Fe2O3 porous spindles for efficient low-temperature detection of triethylamine.

In recent years, metal-organic framework (MOF) derivatives have gradually become ideal materials for gas sensors due to their controllable composition, diverse structures and open metal sites. In this research, a simplified hydrothermal method was applied to successfully prepare MOF-derived α-Fe2O3 spindles, and an in situ reduction method was then utilized to deposit Pt, Pd and PtPd bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) on the α-Fe2O3 spindles. The effects of noble metals Pt, Pd and PtPd on the gas-sensing properties of Fe2O3 were systematically examined. The PtPd/α-Fe2O3 sensor has enhanced gas-sensing performance for triethylamine (TEA), especially at PtPd content of 1.5 wt% and mass ratio of Pt : Pd = 90 : 10, where the response of the sensor to 100 ppm TEA at a lower temperature of 150 °C is 442, which is 34 times higher than that of the original α-Fe2O3 (response of 13). Additionally, the sensor demonstrated improved response/recovery properties and very respectable selectivity, repeatability, long-term stability within 30 days and lower detection limit (500 ppb) at 150 °C. Combining the results of XPS and O2-TPD, the enhanced gas-sensing properties of PtPd bimetallic-modified α-Fe2O3 over monometallic (Pt or Pd) modified α-Fe2O3 were analyzed, which can be attributed to the chemical and electronic sensitization of noble metals and the synergistic effect of the PtPd bimetallic NPs, resulting in more surface defects and enhanced oxygen adsorption capacity of the sensing material. This work provided an effective gas-sensing material for the low-temperature detection and analysis of triethylamine gas.

High-Performance N-Butanol Gas Sensor Based on Iron-Doped Metal-Organic Framework-Derived Nickel Oxide and DFT Study.

In this study, a straightforward two-step hydrothermal process was used to synthesize Fe-doped NiO nanomaterials. A number of characterization approaches were employed to explore the structure and morphology of the synthesized Fe-doped NiO. The as-prepared samples were multi-layered flower-like structures formed by nanoparticles, according to scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy studies. The findings of the study on gas sensing performance showed that the response of the 1.5 at % Fe-NiO sensor was nearly 100 times greater than that of the pure NiO sensor, and the lower limit of detection was greatly decreased (50 ppb). The 1.5 at % Fe-NiO sensor exhibited superior sensing performance for n-butanol. The incorporation of an appropriate amount of Fe into the NiO lattice modified the carrier concentration, which is the primary cause of the increased sensor performance of an appropriate amount of Fe-doped NiO. In addition, the density functional theory calculation method based on the first-principles theory was used to study the adsorption performance and electronic behavior of pure NiO and 1.5 at % Fe-NiO for n-butanol. The calculated results were consistent with the experimental results.

[Study on impact of vinegar processing on toxic effect of Stellera chamaejasme].

OBJECTIVE: To study the scientific theory on detoxification (attenuation) of Stellera chamaejasme (ScL) by processing and the impact on drug effect of ScL before and after being processed with vinegar. METHOD: The difference in ingredients of ScL before and after being processed vinegar was compared by using PHLC-MS technique. A subcutaneously transplanted tumor model of H22 hepatoma was established to compare the lethal effect and weight change between tumor-loaded mice and normal mice. After consecutive oral administration in tumor-loaded mice, the impacts on tumors and immune organs were compared before and after being processed with vinegar. Luciferase Report Gene was employed to investigate the target genes TGF-beta, AP1 and NF-kappaB. RESULT: The LD50 (median fatal dose) of extract Zp1102 exhibited higher than that of the processed one Zp1103, that is 9. 89 g x kg(-1) vs. 16.85 g x kg(-1). According to the test, Zp1102 showed more effective anti-tumor activities in vivo than that of Zp1103 in a same dosage, with the tumor inhibitory rate 36.24% (P < 0.01) at the dosage of2 g x kg(-1) and 34.40% (P < 0.05) at the dosage of 1 g x kg(-1). At the dosage of 1 g x kg(-1), Zp1102 showed a tumor inhibitory rate of 34.52% (P < 0.05), much higher from 21.55% in Zp1103. Both Zp1102 and Zp1103 had basically no impact on the report gene NF-kappaB, besides that Zp1102 up-regulated the report gene after increase in NF-kappaB concentration and down-regulated TGF-beta, but Zp1103 can only up-regulate NF-kappaB expression without any impact on TGF-beta. CONCLUSION: Processed ScL extracts show less toxic than unprocessed extracts and slight reduction in anti-tumor activity, which may be related to the regulation of transforming growth factor TGF-beta.

Molecular Targets and Mechanisms of Hedyotis diffusa-Scutellaria barbata Herb Pair for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking.

Objective: Hedyotis diffusa-Scutellaria barbata herb pair (HS) has therapeutic effects on a variety of cancers, and this study aims to systematically explore the multiple mechanisms of HS in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods. The active ingredients of HS were obtained from TCMSP, and the potential targets related to these ingredients were screened from the STITCH, SuperPred, and Swiss TargetPrediction databases. Targets associated with CRC were retrieved by Drugbank, TTD, DisGeNET, and GeneCards. We used a Venn diagram to screen the intersection targets and used Cytoscape to construct the herb-ingredient-target-disease network, and the core targets were selected. The Go analysis and KEGG pathway annotation were performed by R language software. We used PyMol and Autodock Vina to achieve molecular docking of core ingredients and targets. Results: A total of 33 active ingredients were obtained from the HS, and 762 CRC-related targets were reserved from the four databases. We got 170 intersection targets to construct the network and found that the four ingredients with the most targets were quercetin, luteolin, baicalein, and dinatin, which were the core ingredients. The PPI analysis showed that the core targets were STAT3, TP53, MAPK3, AKT1, JUN, EGFR, MYC, VEGFA, EGF, and CTNNB1. Molecular docking results showed that these core ingredients had good binding potential with core targets, especially the docking of each component with MAPK obtained the lowest binding energy. HS acts simultaneously on various signaling pathways related to CRC, including the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, proteoglycans in cancer, and the MAPK signaling pathway. Conclusions: This study systematically analyzed the active ingredients, core targets, and central mechanisms of HS in the treatment of CRC. It reveals the role of HS targeting PI3K-Akt signaling and MAPK signaling pathways in the treatment of CRC. We hope that our research could bring a new perspective to the therapy of CRC and find new anticancer drugs.

Experimental and Computational Studies on Octyl Hydroxamic Acid as an Environmentally Friendly Inhibitor of Cobalt Chemical Mechanical Polishing.

Octyl hydroxamic acid (OHA) was investigated as an inhibitor in H2O2-based alkaline silica dispersions for the polishing of cobalt (Co) films for interconnect applications. A combination of experiments and density functional theory (DFT) was used to investigate the inhibition effect and the mechanism of OHA on the Co surface. On the basis of the experiments, it can be proven that OHA has an inhibition effect on Co, which came from the inhibition of the cathodic reaction. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) experiments show that the adsorption of OHA weakened the oxidation of the Co surface and protected the Co surface from corrosion. On the basis of the calculations, it can be proven that the OHAketone (ion) is most likely to react with the Co surface, and it can adsorb on the Co surface by Co-O bonds. This study provides important microscopic insights for understanding the corrosion protection of Co interconnect metals and helps to explain the corrosion inhibition mechanism of the organic-metal interface during the CMP process.

Anatomical Findings and Short-term Efficacy of Fascial Anatomy-guided Infrapyloric Lymphadenectomy in Laparoscopic Radical Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate the anatomical layers of the specific fascia involved in infrapyloric lymphadenectomy in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer and to analyze the short-term efficacy of an anatomy-guided surgical approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: On the basis of many years of clinical practice in fascial anatomy-guided laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer, we proposed anatomical considerations for infrapyloric lymphadenectomy in this procedure and investigated the anatomy of the mesentery and mesenteric fusion in this region, including the specific starting and ending points and the plane of the operation. We also retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 265 patients who underwent fascial anatomy-guided infrapyloric lymphadenectomy in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer from January 2015 to January 2019 and compared the short-term efficacy between the fascial anatomy-guided laparoscopic infrapyloric lymphadenectomy plus mesogastric excision group and the laparoscopic infrapyloric lymphadenectomy group. RESULTS: Extensive mesenteric fusion and folds exist in the infrapyloric region of the stomach, and removal of the medial fold (medial leg) and lateral fold (lateral leg) of the infrapyloric mesogastrium during surgery is easily missed, resulting in incomplete removal of the infrapyloric mesogastrium. Baseline data were comparable between the laparoscopic infrapyloric lymphadenectomy plus mesogastric excision group and the laparoscopic infrapyloric lymphadenectomy group. The mean operative time for infrapyloric lymphadenectomy, the number of positive lymph nodes harvested in the infrapyloric region, and the number of patients with mesenteric metastasis in the infrapyloric region were not significantly different (P>0.05). The number of harvested lymph nodes was higher in the laparoscopic infrapyloric lymphadenectomy plus mesogastric excision group than in the laparoscopic infrapyloric lymphadenectomy group (5.09±3.30 vs. 4.13±2.90, P<0.05), and intraoperative blood loss was lower in the former group than in the latter group (5.89±3.78 vs. 25.21±11.24 mL, P=0.000). CONCLUSION: Fascial anatomy-guided laparoscopic infrapyloric lymphadenectomy enables systematic and complete removal of the lymph nodes and mesentery of the infrapyloric region with less intraoperative blood loss.

Deviating from clinical practice: Pharmacokinetics of Chinese materia medica faces a substantial challenge.

The pharmacokinetics of Chinese materia medica (PCMM) has made a great contribution to investigations of the in vivo process of various components in Chinese materia medica (CMM), intending to provide useful information for clinical guidance related to CMM. However, some issues are worthy of further consideration, and current PCMM studies face a substantial challenge. First, high-dosage administration is prevalent in PCMM studies, and the obtained results might be meaningless and inappropriate for guiding the clinical application of CMM, as they deviate from clinical practice. Improvements in instrument sensitivity have not reduced the prevalence of high-dosage administration. In addition, the selection of components for detection in PCMM studies is usually uncertain, lacking sufficient scientific support, especially for components without clarified bioactivities. Therefore, the scientific value of current PCMM studies is limited. We believe that these abnormalities can be attributed to the poor recognition of the characteristics of CMM and the improper application of research approaches from Western medicines. Currently, the more pressing key scientific issues for CMM should be clinical effectiveness, quality control and bioactivity discovery, which are closely related to its own characteristics and are beneficial to its modern developments.