OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the inhibitory effect of Macrothele raveni crude venom against proliferation of different cancer cells and identify the active components in the venom. METHODS: Different cancer cell lines were treated with different concentrations of Macrothele raveni venom for 48 h, and cell proliferation and the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) of the venom were assessed with CCK-8 assay. The apoptosis rate of breast cancer MCF7 cells following the treatment was analyzed with flow cytometry, and the changes in cellular caspase-8 and caspase-9 expressions were detected. The crude venom was separated into protein, peptide, and small-molecule compound fractions using gel filtration chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The protein and peptide components were identified using proteomics analysis, and small-molecule compounds were structurally characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectrometry (MS), and HPLC. RESULTS The crude venom exhibited strong concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on proliferation of MCF7 cells and nasopharyngeal carcinoma SUNE1 and HONE1 cells (IC₅₀ of 2.14±0.29, 1.57±0.14, and 2.85±0.15 µg/mL, respectively), with less potent inhibitory effects in gastric cancer HGC27 cells and colorectal cancer SW620 cells (IC₅₀ of 3.02±0.27 and 3.02±0.28 µg/mL, respectively). The crude venom significantly promoted MCF7 cell apoptosis likely via the caspase 8 signaling pathway. The protein fraction from the crude venom showed a weak inhibitory effect in MCF7 cells, whereas the peptide fraction exhibited a much stronger inhibitory effect (IC₅₀ of 6.41±0.31 µg/mL). The peptides in the peptide fraction, with relative molecular mass around 10 000, were homologous to those found in Macrothele gigas venom. The small-molecule fraction consisted mainly of nucleotide metabolites without obvious inhibitory effects in MCF7 cells, but its combination with the peptide fraction showed significantly enhanced inhibitory activity. Conclusion The inhibitory effects of Macrothele raveni venom, which vary significantly across different cancer cell lines, are attributed primarily to its peptide components, which may act synergistically with the nucleotide metabolites.
Humans ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; MCF-7 Cells ; Caspase 8/metabolism* ; Peptides/pharmacology* ; Caspase 9/metabolism*

Congenital orofacial cleft, the most common birth defect in the maxillofacial region, exhibits a wide range of prognosis depending on the severity of deformity and underlying etiology. Non-syndromic congenital orofacial clefts typically present with milder deformities and more favorable treatment outcomes, whereas syndromic congenital orofacial clefts often manifest with concomitant organ abnormalities, which pose greater challenges for treatment and result in poorer prognosis. This consensus provides an elaborate classification system for varying degrees of orofacial clefts along with corresponding diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines. Results serve as a crucial resource for families to navigate prenatal screening results or make informed decisions regarding treatment options while also contributing significantly to preventing serious birth defects within the development of population.
Humans ; Cleft Lip/diagnosis* ; Cleft Palate/diagnosis* ; Consensus ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; Female

Objective To preliminarily design a wide-energy-spectrum CR-39 solid-state nuclear track individual neutron dosimeter with different energy sections. Methods The thickness of the converter was optimized using the Monte Carlo SRIM program to broaden the energy range of the dosimeter. The self-made wide-energy-spectrum CR-39 individual neutron dosimeter was calibrated using ²⁴¹Am-Be, ²⁵²Cf, and thermal neutron sources to evaluate its dosimetric performance, including linearity, energy response, and neutron energy resolution. Results The linear correlation coefficient of the measurement system exceeded 0.98. The relative deviations of the energy response were 35.0% for blank section and 42.0% for polyethylene section, falling within the range of −50% to + 100% and meeting the monitoring requirements. The detection sensitivity for thermal neutron dose was 67 137.2 tr·cm⁻²·mSv⁻¹, and the detection sensitivity for thermal neutron fluence was 0.98 × 10⁻³ tr·n⁻¹, demonstrating good thermal neutron detection capability. Conclusion The self-made wide-energy-spectrum CR-39 individual neutron dosimeter fundamentally meets the requirements for individual neutron dose monitoring and is suitable for individual neutron dose monitoring in the energy range of thermal neutrons (up to approximately 15 MeV).

Artemisia argyi (A. argyi), a plant with a longstanding history as a raw material for traditional medicine and functional diets in Asia, has been used traditionally to bathe and soak feet for its disinfectant and itch-relieving properties. Despite its widespread use, scientific evidence validating the antifungal efficacy of A. argyi water extract (AAWE) against dermatophytes, particularly Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Microsporum gypseum, remains limited. This study aimed to substantiate the scientific basis of the folkloric use of A. argyi by evaluating the antifungal effects and the underlying molecular mechanisms of its active subfraction against dermatophytes. The results indicated that AAWE exhibited excellent antifungal effects against the three aforementioned dermatophyte species. The subfraction AAWE6, isolated using D101 macroporous resin, emerged as the most potent subfraction. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of AAWE6 against T. rubrum, M. gypseum, and T. mentagrophytes were 312.5, 312.5, and 625 μg·mL^-1, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results and assays of enzymes linked to cell wall integrity and cell membrane function indicated that AAWE6 could penetrate the external protective barrier of T. rubrum, creating breaches ("small holes"), and disrupt the internal mitochondrial structure ("granary"). Furthermore, transcriptome data, quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), and biochemical assays corroborated the severe disruption of mitochondrial function, evidenced by inhibited tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and energy metabolism. Additionally, chemical characterization and molecular docking analyses identified flavonoids, primarily eupatilin (131.16 ± 4.52 mg·g^-1) and jaceosidin (4.17 ± 0.18 mg·g^-1), as the active components of AAWE6. In conclusion, the subfraction AAWE6 from A. argyi exerts antifungal effects against dermatophytes by disrupting mitochondrial morphology and function. This research validates the traditional use of A. argyi and provides scientific support for its anti-dermatophytic applications, as recognized in the Chinese patent (No. ZL202111161301.9).
Antifungal Agents/chemistry* ; Arthrodermataceae ; Artemisia/chemistry* ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Mitochondria ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests

Objective To investigate the diagnostic efficacy of the nomogram model based on Chinese thyroid ima-ging reporting and data system(C-TIRADS)combined with shear wave elastography(SWE)and clinically inde-pendent risk factors for category IV thyroid nodules.Methods 2D-ultrasound images and SWE images of 256 pa-tients(269 nodules)with category IV thyroid nodules were analyzed.The sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of the diagnosis by C-TIRADS and SWE were calculated using pathological findings as the gold standard.Receiver op-erating characteristic(ROC)curves were plotted,and the area under the curve(AUC)was obtained.Independent risk factors for thyroid nodules were screened by univariate and multifactorial logistic regression analyses,a risk model was developed and a nomogram model was plotted,and a calibration curve analysis was used to assess the accuracy of prediction.ROC of the nomogram model was plotted,and the diagnostic efficacy of C-TIRADS,SWE and nomogram model based on independent risk factors was compared according to the AUC in category IV thyroid nodules.Results The sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of C-TIRADS for differentiating malignant and benign nodules was 0.921,0.724 and 0.844 respectively,the AUC was equal to 0.822 with a 95%confidence interval(95%CI)of 0.775-0.870.The sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of SWE were 0.701,0.981,0.814 respec-tively,and the AUC was 0.833(95%CI:0.795-0.872).Multifactorial logistic regression analysis suggested that C-TIRADS classification,mean value of elasticity(E-mean)age and aspect ratio were independent risk factors for identifying benign and malignant thyroid nodules.The sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of the nomogram model established based on the above four factors were 0.957,0.943 and 0.959,the AUC was 0.963(95%CI:0.943-0.984),which showed a diagnostic efficacy superior to that of C-TIRADS or SWE alone.Conclusion The nomogram model,constructed based on C-TIRADS,SWE and clinically independent risk factors,can improve the efficacy in diagnosing category IV thyroid nodules,with a better clinical application value.

Objective This study aimed to identify PAX9 variants in non-syndromic tooth agenesis families of Chi-na,as well as to analyze the genotype-phenotype of non-syndromic tooth agenesis caused by PAX9 variants,which can provide a basis for the genetic diagnosis of tooth agenesis.Methods We collected the data of 44 patients with non-syn-dromic oligodontia who underwent treatment at Stomatological Hospital of Hebei Medical University between 2018 and 2023.Whole-exome sequencing was performed on the peripheral blood of the proband and its core family members,and the variants were verified by Sanger sequencing.Pathogenicity analysis and function prediction of the variants were per-formed using bioinformatics tools.The correlation between the genotype of PAX9 variant and its corresponding pheno-type was examined by reviewing 55 publications retrieved from PubMed.The studies involved 232 tooth agenesis pa-tients with PAX9 variants.Results A novel PAX9 c.447delG(p.Pro150Argfs*62)and a reported PAX9 c.406C>T(p.Gln136*)were identified in two Chinese families.Through bioinformatics analysis and three-dimensional structural mod-eling,we postulated that the frameshift variant was pathogenic.The outcome was the premature cessation of PAX9 pro-tein,which caused severe structural and functional deficiencies.Summarizing the PAX9 genotype-phenotype relationship revealed that patients carrying the PAX9 variant commonly led to loss of the second molars.Conclusion We identified the novel PAX9 c.447delG(p.Pro150Argfs*62)in a Chinese family of non-syndromic oligodontia,expanding the known variant spectrum of PAX9.The most susceptible tooth position for PAX9 variants of tooth agenesis was the second mo-lars and the deciduous molars during the deciduous dentition.

Objective To construct a telemedicine-based home care system of palliative care for end-of-life cancer patients,and to evaluate its application effect.Methods The construction of the system was based on the literature research,interview results of the patients and their caregivers,and expert group meeting discussions.From May to August 2023,a total of 88 patients,who were about to be discharged from the palliative care ward of a cancer hospital in Hunan Province,were selected as the study subjects using a convenient sampling method,and then they were divided into an experimental group and a control group according to the order of admission.The experimental group was given home care services based on the system,while the control group was given routine discharge guidance and follow-up visits.The duration of the intervention was 8 weeks.The Chinese version of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale and the Chinese version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 palliative were used to evaluate the symptom burden and quality of life between 2 groups before and after intervention;the Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire was used to evaluate the care satisfaction of the experimental group.Results The system of patient side includes 8 main features,namely personal health record establishment,doctor-patient communication,palliative care knowledge library,medication assistance,smart reporting and monitoring,intelligent Q&A,intelligent follow-up,and intelligent forms.The healthcare professional side includes 7 main functions,namely workbench,case management,follow-up management,warning reminder,popularization push,statistical analysis and user management.A total of 67 patients completed the intervention,with 33 in the experimental group and 34 in the control group.The symptom burden of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group(P＜0.05);the quality of life in the experimental group was better than that in the control group(P＜0.05);the score of care satisfaction was(59.00±6.66),which indicated a high level of satisfaction.Conclusion The system can reduce the symptom burden and improve the quality of life of end-of-life cancer patients with good practicality

Objective To gain an in-depth understanding of the authentic experiences of impaired dignity among patients in the recovery phase of severe bums,thereby informing the development of targeted dignity intervention plans by clinical medical staff.Methods By purposive sampling,the study included 16 patients in the recovery phase of severe burns,admitted to the Burn and Plastic Surgery Rehabilitation Department of a tertiary hospital in Guangzhou between December 2023 and January 2024.Face-to-face,semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted,and the themes were analyzed,summarized,and distilled by the Colaizzi 7-step analysis method.Results 3 themes were identified,including impairment of physical dignity(physical disfigurement,change in appearance,and limitations in autonomous activities),psychological dignity conflicts(negative emotional disturbances and positive adjustment for adaptation)and the aspiration for social dignity(desire for family understanding,social support,and the hope to return to a normal life).Conclusion Clinical nurses should value the dignity experience of patients in the recovery phase of severe burns and establish patient-dignity-centered intervention plans to facilitate their dignified and high-quality recovery to a normal life.

With the extensive use of neutron sources in industry, medicine, and scientific research, the number of people exposed to neutron has been increasing, which highlights the importance of personal neutron dose monitoring in the field of radiation protection. In the past decades, researchers have developed and improved a variety of techniques and methods for personal neutron dose monitoring. This paper focuses on the problems and research progress of track dosimeters (solid-state nuclear track dosimeters and fluorescent nuclear track dosimeters), luminescent dosimeters (thermoluminescent dosimeters and optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters), and bubble dosimeters in personal neutron dose monitoring.

Objective To preliminarily compare ⁶LiF-⁷LiF and CR39 in individual neutron dose monitoring, and to provide a reference for improving individual neutron dose monitoring. Methods According to the GBZ 128-2019, 26 radiation workers from 7 institutions received individual neutron dose monitoring with ⁶LiF-⁷LiF and CR39 at the same time. The monitoring results were analyzed. Results For most of the workers, the personal neutron dose equivalent H_p(10) was less than the minimum detectable level. The results with the two monitoring methods differed in 6 of 26 workers. Conclusion Both ⁶LiF-⁷LiF and CR39 monitoring methods can be used for individual neutron dose monitoring for radiation workers, but the difference between ⁶LiF-⁷LiF and CR39 (in threshold energy, energy response, etc.) should be considered so that different types of radiation workers receive appropriate individual neutron dose monitoring.