Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma （PDAC） has an extremely poor prognosis， and resistance to gemcitabine is one of the key reasons for treatment failure， with an underlying mechanism closely associated with lipid metabolic reprogramming in tumor cells. This article aims to systematically elaborate on the multidimensional drug resistance network constructed by such reprogramming and the feasibility of targeted intervention. Lipid metabolic reprogramming comprehensively remodels the metabolic homeostasis of PDAC cells by enhancing lipid uptake， de novo synthesis， storage， and oxidative catabolism in a synergistic manner. This process alters membrane lipid composition to impede drug influx and promote efflux， thereby reducing intracellular drug concentration. Meanwhile， it activates pathways involving sterol regulatory element-binding protein and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ， couples lipid synthesis with cell survival， stemness， and anti-apoptotic capacity， and synergizes with autophagy to provide survival support through “lipophagy”. In addition， it reshapes the tumor microenvironment through “lipid hijacking” and the secretion of immunosuppressive mediators. Based on the above mechanisms， targeting key lipid metabolic enzymes （such as fatty acid synthase， stearoyl-CoA desaturase， carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1） or their upstream regulators has shown certain potential in reversing such drug resistance in preclinical studies. Although clinical translation faces the challenges such as systemic toxicity， metabolic redundancy in tumors， and patient heterogeneity， the development of biomarkers， intelligent drug delivery systems， and combined therapies may provide new ideas for overcoming drug resistance.

OBJECTIVES: Managing patients with refractory head and neck cancer pain is one of the more challenging issues in clinical practice, and traditional intrathecal drug delivery also fails to provide adequate analgesia. There are currently no comprehensive and effective treatment methods. This study aims to observe the efficacy and safety of treating intractable head and neck cancer pain with morphine pump via lumbar approach to the prepontine cistern. METHODS: A total of 18 patients with intractable head and neck cancer pain treated with prepontine cistern morphine pumps were selected from the Department of Pain Management, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University between September 2019 and July 2023. Statistical analysis was performed on patients' preoperative and postoperative (1 week, 1 month, and 2 months after surgery), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores, Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores, daily oral morphine consumption, the number of daily breakthrough pain episodes, and postoperative daily intrathecal morphine dosage. RESULTS: The NRS scores, SDS scores, daily oral morphine consumption, and the number of daily breakthrough pain episodes of patients at each time point after surgery were significantly lower than before surgery (all P<0.05). With the gradual increase in the dosage of intrathecal morphine, the daily oral morphine consumption of patients at each postoperative time point was significantly reduced compared to preoperative levels (all P<0.05). The complications related to the operation were mild, including nausea in 5 cases (31.3%), headache in 2 cases (12.5%); hypotension, urine retention, hypersomnia and constipation in 1 case (6.3% each), and no serious adverse events occurred. All improved and were discharged after symptomatic treatment. CONCLUSIONS The implantation of prepontine cistern morphine pump effectively controls intractable head and neck cancer pain, demonstrating characteristics of minimal invasiveness, mild side effects, and low medication dosage under the premise of standardized procedures.
Humans ; Morphine/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Head and Neck Neoplasms/surgery* ; Analgesics, Opioid/administration & dosage* ; Cancer Pain/drug therapy* ; Pain, Intractable/etiology* ; Aged ; Adult ; Infusion Pumps, Implantable ; Pain Management/methods*

A chemical investigation of secondary metabolites (SMs) from Aspergillus nidulans resulted in the identification of five novel dioxopiperazine (DKP)-diphenyl ether hybrids, designated as diphenylemestrins A-E (1-5). These compounds 1-5 represent the first known dimers combining DKP and diphenyl ether structures, with compound 4 featuring an uncommon dibenzofuran as the diphenyl ether component. The structural elucidation and determination of absolute stereochemistry were accomplished through spectroscopic analysis and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. Notably, diphenylemestrin C (3) exhibited moderate cytostatic activity against NB4 cells, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value of 21.99 μmol·L^-1, and induced apoptosis at higher concentrations.
Aspergillus nidulans/metabolism* ; Diketopiperazines/pharmacology* ; Molecular Structure ; Phenyl Ethers/pharmacology* ; Humans ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Cell Line, Tumor

Objective: To prepare platelet membrane biomimetic liposomes loaded with vincristine sulfate (VCR) for targeted delivery to tumor. Methods: Vincristine sulfate liposomes (LIPO) were prepared using the pH-gradient method, followed by the fusion of platelet membranes and subsequent drug loading to obtain platelet membrane biomimetic liposomes (PLM-LIPO). The particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), Zeta potential, and drug encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of both liposomes were characterized. The tumor-targeting capability was evaluated through in vitro cellular experiments and in vivo biodistribution studies. Results: The optimal preparation conditions for LIPO were determined as follows: DPPC-to-cholesterol molar ratio of 1∶1, internal aqueous phase of 0.3 M pH 4.0 citrate buffer, external aqueous phase of 1 M Na HPO solution, drug-to-lipid ratio of 1∶10, drug loading temperature of 60℃, and loading time of 10 minutes. The LIPO exhibited a mean particle size of (147.3±2.24) nm, PDI of 0.078±0.014, Zeta potential of (-3.54±0.75) mV, and EE% of 91.37±0.47. For PLM-LIPO, prepared via membrane fusion followed by drug loading, the mean particle size was (185.3±3.61) nm, PDI was 0.075±0.022, Zeta potential was (-18.91±1.54) mV, and EE% was 63.36±2.45. In the CD62P validation experiment, the fluorescence intensity of PLM-LIPO was five times higher than that of LIPO. In vitro cellular uptake experiments revealed that PLM-LIPO showed 1.3-fold and 1.2-fold higher uptake rates compared to LIPO at 6 h and 12 h, respectively. In vivo experiments demonstrated that 1h after administration, the accumulation of PLM-LIPO at tumor sites was 4-fold higher than that of LIPO and 6-7 times higher than that in healthy mice. Conclusion: The platelet membrane biomimetic liposomes loaded with vincristine sulfate were successfully developed. Both cellular uptake and tissue distribution studies confirmed the PLM-LIPO enhanced tumor-targeting capability.

Objective To develop the Ego Depletion Scale for Type 2 Diabetes Patients and evaluate its reliability and validity,and to provide a specific assessment tool for evaluating ego-depletion in self-management.Methods Guided by the self-control strength model,the initial scale was constructed through literature review,semi-structured interviews,2 rounds of expert consultation,and a pilot survey.A convenience sampling method was employed to recruit 460 patients with Type 2 Diabetes from the endocrinology department of a tertiary hospital in Wuhan,Hubei Province,between April and July 2024.They were randomly divided into 2 subsets for exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis.Results A total of 451 valid questionnaires were collected.Exploratory factor analysis extracted 6 common factors,with a cumulative variance contribution of 73.231％.In confirmatory factor analysis,an item was deleted due to failing to meet the standardized loading value criterion.The revised Ego Depletion Scale for Type 2 Diabetes Patients comprised 6 dimensions and 22 items.The total Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.911;split-half reliability was 0.744;the content validity index was 0.860.Correlation coefficients between the total score and scores of each dimension of the scale and the total score of the Self-Regulatory Fatigue Scale ranged from 0.558 to 0.946(P＜0.001).Conclusion The scale exhibits robust reliability and validity,serving as a scientifically instrument for assessing ego depletion in patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Background:Rhei Radix et Rhizoma has been traditionally used as a potent laxative for centuries due to its remarkable efficacy.Raw pieces of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma(RP)are known for their strong laxative effects,often accompanied by side effects,while steamed Rhei Radix et Rhizoma pieces(SP)possess a milder laxative effect and are widely used clinically.However,there is a lack of comprehensive evidence examining the mechanisms underlying SP's effectiveness,particularly from a bioavailability perspective.Objective:This study aimed to investigate the impact of the steaming process on the in vivo disposition of RP and SP through pharmacokinetics,tissue distribution,and excretion assays.Methods:An ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of prototype anthraquinones and their glucuronide metabolites.Pharmacokinetic,tissue distribution,and excre-tion assays were conducted in constipation rats following oral administration of RP and SP.Blood,tissue,urine,and fecal samples were collected and analyzed to compare the absorption,distribution,metabolism,and excretion profiles of anthraquinones,high-lighting differences in bioavailability and safety between RP and SP.Results:Compared with the RP group,the SP group showed significantly reduced area under the plasma concentration-time curve,mean residence time,and half-life time values for rhein-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside,rhein,emodin,aloe-emodin,and their glucuronide metabolites.The clearance values were significantly increased in the SP group.These results demonstrate that SP led to lower exposure levels and higher elimination rates of these components compared with RP.Additionally,these compo-nents were primarily distributed in the large intestine,where they exerted their laxative effects.Glucuronide metabolites were mainly excreted through urination,while prototype components were excreted in both urine and feces.Notably,the cumulative excretion of aloe-emodin,emodin,rhein,and their glucuronide metabolites was significantly higher in both urine and feces after SP administra-tion,indicating that SP enhances the excretion of these components compared with RP.Conclusion:The findings suggest that SP reduced anthraquinone exposure levels while enhancing their excretion,demonstrating that the steaming process significantly promotes the elimination of key components.This study provides a comprehensive analysis of how steaming alters the in vivo disposition of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma,offering a scientific basis for the improved safety and clinical use of SP.These insights not only clarify the mechanistic differences between RP and SP but also contribute to a broader understanding of processing-induced modifications in Chinese medicines.This research paves the way for optimizing Chinese medicine processing techniques to enhance the safety and efficacy of herbal therapies.

Background: Rhei Radix et Rhizoma has been traditionally used as a potent laxative for centuries due to its remarkable efficacy. Raw pieces of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (RP) are known for their strong laxative effects, often accompanied by side effects, while steamed Rhei Radix et Rhizoma pieces (SP) possess a milder laxative effect and are widely used clinically. However, there is a lack of comprehensive evidence examining the mechanisms underlying SP's effectiveness, particularly from a bioavailability perspective. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the steaming process on the in vivo disposition of RP and SP through pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, and excretion assays. Methods: An ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of prototype anthraquinones and their glucuronide metabolites. Pharmacokinetic, tissue distribution, and excretion assays were conducted in constipation rats following oral administration of RP and SP. Blood, tissue, urine, and fecal samples were collected and analyzed to compare the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion profiles of anthraquinones, highlighting differences in bioavailability and safety between RP and SP. Results: Compared with the RP group, the SP group showed significantly reduced area under the plasma concentration-time curve, mean residence time, and half-life time values for rhein-8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, rhein, emodin, aloe-emodin, and their glucuronide metabolites. The clearance values were significantly increased in the SP group. These results demonstrate that SP led to lower exposure levels and higher elimination rates of these components compared with RP. Additionally, these components were primarily distributed in the large intestine, where they exerted their laxative effects. Glucuronide metabolites were mainly excreted through urination, while prototype components were excreted in both urine and feces. Notably, the cumulative excretion of aloe-emodin, emodin, rhein, and their glucuronide metabolites was significantly higher in both urine and feces after SP administration, indicating that SP enhances the excretion of these components compared with RP. Conclusion: The findings suggest that SP reduced anthraquinone exposure levels while enhancing their excretion, demonstrating that the steaming process significantly promotes the elimination of key components. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of how steaming alters the in vivo disposition of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, offering a scientific basis for the improved safety and clinical use of SP. These insights not only clarify the mechanistic differences between RP and SP but also contribute to a broader understanding of processing-induced modifications in Chinese medicines. This research paves the way for optimizing Chinese medicine processing techniques to enhance the safety and efficacy of herbal therapies.

Objective To analyze the characteristic influencing factors for enlarged perivascular spaces(EPVS)in different regions of acute ischemic stroke(AIS)patients and explore their un-derlying pathogenesis.Methods A total of 172 AIS patients admitted to our department from September 2020 to September 2023 were consecutively enrolled.According to the distribution of EPVS,they were divided into basal ganglia EPVS group(n=103)and non-basal ganglia EPVS group(n=69),as well as centrum semiovale EPVS group(n=77)and non-centrum semiovale EPVS group(n=95).General information,NIHSS score at onset,TOAST classification,fasting blood glucose,liver function,coagulation function,and homocysteine(Hcy)level were collected in all the patients.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent influen-cing factors for EPVS in different regions.Results The basal ganglia EPVS group had significant-ly advanced age and larger proportion of hypertension than the non-basal ganglia EPVS group,while the centrum semiovale EPVS group had smaller proportion of hyperhomocysteinemia,and larger ratios of smoking and alcohol consumption,higher alanine aminotransferase(ALT)level,and longer thrombin time than the non-centrum semiovale EPVS group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Mul-tivariate logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension(OR=2.093,95％CI:1.045-4.192,P=0.037)and age(OR=1.071,95％CI:1.016-1.130,P=0.011)were independent influ-encing factors for basal ganglia EPVS,while alcohol consumption(OR=2.418,95％CI:1.097-5.330,P=0.029)and thrombin time(OR=1.593,95％CI:1.129-2.249,P=0.008)were inde-pendent influencing factors for centrum semiovale EPVS.Conclusion EPVS in different regions of AIS patients are associated with distinct risk factors.Age and hypertension are primary influen-cing factors for basal ganglia EPVS,while alcohol consumption and prolonged thrombin time are significant factors for centrum semiovale EPVS.

Objective To investigate the correlation between the clinical characteristics of allergic rhinitis(AR)in adults located in Shenzhen area and the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitutions.Methods A cross-sectional survey of adult AR patients in Shenzhen was conducted.From June 2022 to December 2023,adult AR patients admitted to the Department of Otolaryngology outpatient clinic of Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine(Shenzhen Bao'an District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine)were selected as the study subjects.The clinical baseline data,Total Nasal Symptoms Score(TNSS),and Total Non-Nasal Symptoms Score(TNNSS)of the patients were collected for the analysis of clinical characteristics,and TCM constitutions were differentiated based on the information collected by TCM constitutions questionnaire.After that,the correlation between the biased TCM constitutions and clinical characteristics were explored by using analysis of variance,non-parametric test and Logistic regression analysis.Results(1)A total of 215 cases of adult AR patients from Shenzhen were included.Most of the patients were male(60.93％),and the patients were usually aged 18-29 years old(accounting for 48.84％).AR in adults often arose in the spring(33.49％)and fall(30.70％).(2)Lung qi deficiency-cold syndrome was the predominated TCM syndrome type of AR in adults,accounting for 40.93％,and then came kidney yang deficiency syndrome(26.98％),spleen qi deficiency syndrome(20.00％),and heat accumulation in lung meridian syndrome(12.09％).Lung qi deficiency-cold syndrome and heat accumulation in lung meridian syndrome were more common in young males,and kidney yang deficiency syndrome was frequently seen in middle-aged and elderly males.(3)The leading three TCM constitution types of AR in adults were qi deficiency constitution(30.23％),yang deficiency constitution(24.65％),and inherited special constitution(15.81％).In adult AR patients with lung qi deficiency-cold syndrome,the commonly-seen TCM constitution types were qi deficiency constitution,inherited special constitution,and balanced constitution.In adult AR patients with spleen qi deficiency syndrome,the commonly-seen TCM constitution types were inherited special constitution,phlegm-damp constitution,and yang deficiency constitution.In adult AR patients with kidney yang deficiency syndrome,the commonly-seen TCM constitution types were yang deficiency constitution,qi stagnation constitution,and inherited special constitution.In adult AR patients with heat accumulation in lung meridian syndrome,the commonly-seen TCM constitution types were damp-heat constitution,yin deficiency constitution,and blood-stasis constitution.The leading five TNSS scores were shown in adult AR patients with inherited special constitution,qi deficiency constitution,yang deficiency constitution,phlegm-damp constitution,and qi stagnation constitution,respectively.And the leading five TNNSS scores were shown in adult AR patients with yang deficiency constitution,inherited special constitution,qi stagnation constitution,yin deficiency constitution,and damp-heat constitution,respectively.(4)The results of statistical analysis showed that the differences in gender among the adult AR patients with various TCM constitution types were not statistically significant(P＞0.05),but the differences in age groups,TCM syndrome types,TNSS scores and TNNSS scores were statistically significant(P＜0.01 or P＜0.001).(5)The results of Logistic regression analysis showed that the TNSS scores and TNNSS scores were all positively correlated with qi deficiency constitution,yang deficiency constitution,and inherited special constitution,and spleen qi deficiency syndrome was negatively correlated with damp-heat constitution,the differences being all statistically significant(P＜0.01 or P＜0.001).Conclusion The onset of AR in adults from Shenzhen area is closely related to age,gender,season,and TCM constitutions.The adult AR patients usually have the biased constitutions,in particular qi deficiency constitution,yang deficiency constitution,and inherited special constitution.In adult AR patients,higher TNSS scores are correlated with inherited special constitution,higher TNNSS scores are correlated with yang deficiency constitution,and the primary TCM syndrome type of lung qi deficiency-cold syndrome is correlated with qi deficiency constitution.

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of quercetin against 5-fluorouracil(5-FU)-induced damage in the human immortalized keratinocytes(HACAT),and to elucidate its possible mechanism.Methods:The HACAT cells were divided into control group(normal cultured cells),5-FU group(treated with 7.5 mg·L-1 5-FU for 24 h),and low,medium,and high doses of quercetin groups(HACAT cells treated with 25,50,and 75 μmol·L-1 quercetin combined with 7.5 mg·L-15-FU for 24 h).Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay was used to detect the survival rates of HACAT cells treated with different doses(0,10,25,50,75 and 100 μmol·L-1)of quercetin in various groups.The fluorescent probe of reactive oxygen species(ROS)was used to detect ROS levels in the HACAT cells in various groups.Annexin Ⅴ-FITC/PI double staining was used to detect the apoptosis of HACAT cells in various groups.Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax),Cleaved Caspase-3,cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2),interleukin-1 β(IL-1β),and interleukin-6(IL-6)in the HACAT cells in various groups.Results:The CCK-8 assay results showed that compared with 0 μmol·L-1 quercetin group,the survival rates of HACAT cells in 10,25,50 and 75 μmol·L-1quercetin groups showed no significant differences(P＞0.05),while the survival rates of HACAT cells in 100 μmol·L-1 quercetin group was significantly decreased(P＜0.05).Compared with 5-FU group,the survival rates of the HACAT cells in low,medium and high doses of quercetin group were significantly increased(P＜0.05).Compared with 5-FU group,the ROS levels in low,medium,and high doses of quercetin groups were significantly decreased(P＜0.05).Annexin Ⅴ-FITC/PI double staining assay showed that compared with 5-FU group,the apoptotic rates in low,medium and high doses of quercetin groups were significantly decreased(P＜0.05).The Western blotting results showed that compared with 5-FU group,the expression levels of Bcl-2 protein in medium and high doses of quercetin groups were significantly increased(P＜0.05),the expression levels of Bax and Cleaved Caspase-3 proteins in low,medium and high doses of quercetin groups were significantly decreased(P＜0.05),the expression levels of COX-2 protein in medium and high doses of quercetin groups were significantly decreased(P＜0.05),and the expression levels of IL-1β and IL-6 proteins in medium dose of quercetin group were significantly decreasd(P＜0.05).Conclusion:Quercetin has protective effect on 5-FU-induced damage in the HACAT cells,and its mechanism may be related to the reduction of the expression of ROS and inflammatory factor COX-2 which attenuate the apoptosis.