This study used the natural flavonoid compound silybin as the parent compound and synthesized 16 silybin derivatives through oxidative dehydrogenation, alkylation, selective demethylation, and acylation. The structures of these derivatives were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and MS. All derivatives were found to be new compounds never reported in previous literature. Using gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901 and human glioblastoma cell line LN-229, the in vitro anti-tumor activity of the novel silybin derivative was determined through MTT assay with lapatinib as the positive control. The experimental results indicate that the synthesized novel silybin derivatives have a certain degree of anti-proliferative effect on two types of cancer cells, with compounds I2 and I14 showing strong anti-proliferative activity against LN-229 and SGC-7901 cells.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of artificial intelligence-assisted compressed sensing (ACS) acceleration on MRI radiomic feature extraction and performance of diagnostic staging models for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in comparison with conventional parallel imaging (PI). METHODS: A total of 64 patients with newly diagnosed NPC underwent 3.0T MRI using axial T1-weighted (T1W), T2-weighted (T2W), and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (CE-T1W) sequences. Both PI and ACS protocols were performed using identical imaging parameters. The total scan time for the 3 sequences in ACS group was 227 s, representing a 30% reduction from 312 s in the PI group. Eighteen first-order and 75 texture features were extracted using Pyradiomics. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to assess the agreement between the two acceleration methods. After feature selection using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), random forest regression models were constructed to distinguish early-stage (T1 and T2) from advanced-stage (T3 and T4) NPC. The diagnostic performance of the models was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and compared using the DeLong test. RESULTS: ACS-accelerated images demonstrated good radiomic reproducibility, with 86.0% (240/279) of features showing good agreement (ICC>0.75), with mean ICCs for T1W, T2W and CE-T1W sequences of 0.91±0.09, 0.89±0.13 and 0.88±0.11, respectively. The staging prediction models achieved similar AUCs for ACS and PI (0.89 vs 0.90, P=0.991). CONCLUSIONS The MRI radiomic features extracted using ACS and PI techniques are highly consistent, and the ACS-based model shows comparable diagnostic performance to the PI-based model, but ACS significantly reduces the scan time and provides an efficient and reliable acceleration strategy for radiomics in NPC.
Humans ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/diagnosis* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods* ; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma ; Neoplasm Staging ; Artificial Intelligence ; Carcinoma ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Radiomics

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous colistin sulfate combined with nebulized inhalation versus intravenous monotherapy for pulmonary infections caused by carbapenem-resistant organism (CRO). METHODS: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted. Clinical data were collected from patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of 10 tertiary class-A hospitals in Henan Province between July 2021 and May 2023, who received colistin sulfate for CRO pulmonary infections. Data included baseline characteristics, inflammatory markers [white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil count (NEU), procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP)], renal function indicators [serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN)], life support measures, anti-infection regimens, clinical efficacy, microbiological clearance rate, and prognostic outcomes. Patients were divided into two groups: intravenous group (colistin sulfate monotherapy via intravenous infusion) and combination group ((intravenous infusion combined with nebulized inhalation of colistin sulfate). Changes in parameters before and after treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 137 patients with CRO pulmonary infections were enrolled, including 89 in the intravenous group and 48 in the combination group. Baseline characteristics, life support measures, daily colistin dose, and combination regimens (most commonly colistin sulfate plus carbapenems in both groups) showed no significant differences between two groups. The combination group exhibited higher clinical efficacy [77.1% (37/48) vs. 59.6% (52/89)] and microbiological clearance rate [60.4% (29/48) vs. 39.3% (35/89)], both P < 0.05. Pre-treatment inflammatory and renal parameters showed no significant differences between two groups. Post-treatment, the combination group showed significantly lower WBC and CRP [WBC (×10⁹/L): 8.2±0.5 vs. 10.9±0.6, CRP (mg/L): 14.0 (5.7, 26.6) vs. 52.1 (24.4, 109.6), both P < 0.05], whereas NEU, PCT, SCr, and BUN levels showed no significant between two groups. ICU length of stay was shorter in the combination group [days: 16 (10, 25) vs. 21 (14, 29), P < 0.05], although mechanical ventilation duration and total hospitalization showed no significant differences between two groups. CONCLUSIONS Intravenous colistin sulfate combined with nebulized inhalation improved clinical efficacy and microbiological clearance in CRO pulmonary infections with an acceptable safety profile.
Humans ; Colistin/therapeutic use* ; Retrospective Studies ; Administration, Inhalation ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use* ; Carbapenems/pharmacology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Gram-Negative Bacteria/drug effects* ; Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Respiratory Tract Infections/drug therapy*

Picea mongolica, known for its remarkable tolerance to cold, drought, and salinity, is a key species for ecological restoration and urban greening in the "Three Norths" region of China. MYB transcription factors are involved in plant responses to abiotic stress and synthesis of secondary metabolites. However, studies are limited regarding the MYB transcription factors in P. mongolica and their roles in salt stress tolerance. In this study, 196 MYBs were identified based on the genome of Picea abies and the transcriptome of P. mongolica. Phylogenetic analysis classified the MYB transcription factors into seven subclasses. The R2R3-MYB subclass contained the maximum number of genes (84.77%), while the R-R and R1R2R3 subclasses each represented the smallest proportion, at about 0.51%. The MYB transcription factors within the same subclass were highly conserved, exhibiting similar motifs and gene structures. Experiments with varying salt stress gradients revealed that P. mongolica could tolerate the salt concentration up to 1 000 mmol/L. From the transcriptome data of P. mongolica exposed to salt stress (1 000 mmol/L) for 0, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h, a total of 34 differentially expressed MYBs were identified, which suggested that these MYBs played a key role in regulating the response to salt stress. The proteins encoded by these differentially expressed genes varied in length from 89 aa to 731 aa, with molecular weights ranging from 10.19 kDa to 79.73 kDa, isoelectric points between 4.80 and 9.91, and instability coefficients from 41.20 to 70.99. Subcellular localization analysis indicated that most proteins were localized in the nucleus, while three were found in the chloroplasts. Twelve MYBs were selected for quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), which showed that their expression patterns were consistent with the RNA-seq data. This study provides valuable data for further investigation into the functions and mechanisms of MYB family members in response to salt stress in P. mongolica.
Picea/physiology* ; Transcription Factors/classification* ; Salt Stress/genetics* ; Phylogeny ; Plant Proteins/genetics* ; Salt Tolerance/genetics* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant

Hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） is a malignant tumor with high incidence and mortality rates in China， and advanced HCC is a difficult issue in current treatment. Immune checkpoint inhibitor （ICI）， as an emerging treatment regimen， has shown a certain effect in clinical practice， but there are still problems such as low overall response rate and a high incidence rate of immune-related adverse events （irAEs）. Traditional Chinese medicine exhibits unique advantages in the treatment of advanced HCC. Through a retrospective analysis of related studies in recent years， this article shows that traditional Chinese medicine combined with ICI can control disease progression， prolong survival time， and reduce irAEs in the treatment of advanced HCC through the synergistic effect between multiple components， targets， and pathways. The potential mechanism of this treatment modality may involve various aspects such as the direct inhibition of tumor cells and the regulation of immune system and intestinal flora.

Objective To analyze chemical constituents of compound Maxing Shigan decoction by ultra-high perfor-mance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS). Methods The separation was performed on a UPLC BEH C₁₈ column (2.1 mm×100 mm, 2.5 µm)，with a gradient elution applying 0.1% aqueous formic acid solution and 0.1% formic acid acetonitrile as a mobile phase. The column temperature was 40 °C. The flow rate was 0.4 ml/min and the analysis time was 15 min. Mass spectrometry (MS) data were collected in both positive and negative ESI ion modes. Results Through UPLC-QTOF/MS analysis and reference validation, a total of 59 chemical components in Maxing Shigan decoction were identified. Conclusion An ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) method was established to identify the chemical components of Maxing Shigan decoction. This method is simple, efficient, sensitive and accurate, and provides a basis for the elucidation of the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of Maxing Shigan decoction. It can provide data reference for the optimization of the compatibility of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of COVID-19.

Objective To investigate the predictive value of lactate/albumin ratio(LAR),interleukin-6(IL-6)and CD4+T lymphocyte count in 28-day mortality in patients with severe pneumonia and sepsis.Methods A total of 73 patients with severe pneumonia and sepsis admitted to the Respiratory Intensive Care Unit(RICU)of Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from January 2022 to June 2023 were enrolled and divided into the survival group(n=43)and the death group(n=30)according to their 28-day outcomes.The clinical data of the patients were collected from their electronic medical records,including age,gender,comorbidities with hypertension,diabetes,and coronary artery heart disease(CHD),as well as sequential organ failure assessment(SOFA)score,acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ(APACHE Ⅱ)score,mean arterial pressure(MAP),confusion,uremia,respiratory rate,blood pressure,age ≥65 years(CURB-65)score,total bilirubin(Tbil),serum creatinine(Scr),platelet count(PLT),white blood cell(WBC)count,procalcitonin(PCT),and C-reactive protein(CRP)at admission to RICU.On the 1st,3rd,and 7th day after admission to RICU,the patients'arterial blood was drawn,and the lactate level was detected by a fully automated blood gas analyzer.The peripheral venous blood was drawn,and the serum albumin and IL-6 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,and the CD4+T lymphocyte subset count was measured by flow cytometry.The LAR of patients on the 1st,3rd and 7th day was calculated.The clinical data of the patients and the LAR,IL-6 level and CD4+T lymphocyte count on the 1st,3rd,and 7th day were compared between the two groups.The influencing factors of 28-day mortality in patients with severe pneumonia and sepsis were analyzed by logistic regression,and the predictive value of each influencing factor on the 28-day mortality in patients with severe pneumonia and sepsis was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results There was no significant difference in gender,age,proportions of comorbidities with hypertension,diabetes and CHD,length of stay in RICU,and Tbil,MAP,PLT,Scr,WBC,PCT and CRP at admission to RICU(P＞0.05).The APACHE Ⅱ and CURB-65 scores of the patients in the death group were significantly higher than those in the survival group(P＜0.05).On the 1st,3rd and 7th day,the CD4+T lymphocyte count in the death group was significantly lower than that in the survival group,while the SOFA score was significantly higher than that in the survival group(P＜0.05).On the first day,there was no significant difference in the LAR and IL-6 level be-tween the death group and the survival group(P＞0.05).However,on the 3rd and 7th day,the LAR and IL-6 level in the death group were significantly higher than those in the survival group(P＜0.05).The LAR,IL-6 level and SOFA score on the 3rd and 7th day in the survival group were significantly lower than those on the 1st day,and these indicators on the 7th day were sig-nificantly lower than those on the 3rd day(P＜0.05);the CD4+T lymphocyte count on the 3rd and 7th day was significantly higher than that on the 1st day(P＜0.05),while it showed no significant difference on the 7th and 3r day(P＞0.05).The IL-6 level on the 7th day in the death group was significantly lower than that on the 1st and 3rd day(P＜0.05),while there was no significant difference in IL-6 level on the 1st day compared with the 3r day(P＞0.05);moreover,there was no significant difference in LAR,CD4+T lymphocyte count and SOFA score between each time point(P＞0.05).Pearson correlation analy-sis showed that on the 3rd day,the LAR and IL-6 level were significantly positively correlated with the SOFA score in patients with severe pneumonia and sepsis(r=0.385,0.394;P＜0.05).On the 7th day,the LAR and IL-6 level were also significantly positively correlated with the SOFA score(r=0.418,0.402;P＜0.05).On the 3 rd and 7 th day,CD4+T lymphocyte count was significantly negatively correlated with the SOFA score(r=-0.451,-0.454;P＜0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that the APACHE Ⅱ score,LAR,IL-6 level and CD4+T lymphocyte count on the 3rd day,and the IL-6 level and CD4+T lym-phocyte count on the 7th day were the influencing factors for 28-day mortality in patients with severe pneumonia and sepsis(P＜0.05).The ROC curve showed that the APACHE Ⅱ score,LAR,IL-6 level and CD4+T lymphocyte count on the 3rd day and the combination of the three,IL-6 level and CD4+T lymphocyte count on the 7th day and the combination of the two had certain predictive value for the 28-day mortality in patients with severe pneumonia and sepsis(P＜0.05).The area under the ROC curve(AUC)of LAR,IL-6 level and CD4+T lymphocyte count on the 3rd day combined to predict 28-day mortality in patients with severe pneumonia and sepsis was 0.891,and the AUC of APACHE Ⅱ score for predicting 28-day mortality in pa-tients with severe pneumonia and sepsis was 0.769.The AUC values of LAR,IL-6 level and CD4+T lymphocyte count on the 3rd day for predicting 28-day mortality in patients with severe pneumonia and sepsis were 0.795,0.757 and 0.770,respective-ly,and the AUC values of IL-6 level and CD4+T lymphocyte count on the 7th day and their combination for predicting 28-day mortality in patients with severe pneumonia and sepsis were 0.743,0.802 and 0.888,respectively.Conclusion The 3-day LAR,IL-6 level and CD4+T lymphocyte count,and the 7-day IL-6 level and CD4+T lymphocyte count after admission are re-lated to the 28-day mortality in patients with severe pneumonia and sepsis.The combined LAR,IL-6 level and CD4+T lympho-cyte count on the 3rd day can better assess the severity and prognosis of patients.

Background Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), one of the main components of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), have a certain impact on ambient air quality, and long-term exposure to PAHs may pose potential health risks to human beings. Objective To identify the distribution characteristics and sources of PAHs in atmospheric PM_2.5 in a district of Taizhou City from 2019 to 2021, and to evaluate the health risks of PAHs to the population in the area through the inhalation pathway. Methods From 2019 to 2021, air PM_2.5 sampling was carried out at a state-controlled surveillance point in a district of Taizhou City for 7 consecutive days on the 10th-16th of each month, the sampling time was 24 h·d⁻¹, and the sampling flow rate was 100 L·min⁻¹. PM_2.5 mass concentration was calculated by gravimetric method. A total of 16 PAHs were determined by ultrasonic extraction-liquid chromatography. Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare the distribution charac teristics of PAHs concentrations by years and seasons, characteristic ratio and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to analyze their sources, and a lifetime carcinogenic risk (ILCR) model was used to assess the health risk of PAHs. Results From 2019 to 2021, the annual average concentrations [M (P₂₅, P₇₅)] of ∑PAHs in atmospheric PM_2.5 in the selected district of Taizhou City were 6.52 (2.46, 10.59), 8.52 (4.56, 12.29), and 3.72 (1.51, 7.11) ng·m⁻³, respectively, and the annual benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) excess rates (national limit: 1 ng·m⁻³) were 27.38% (23/84), 47.62% (40/84), and 19.04% (16/84), respectively, both presenting 2020> 2019 > 2021 (P<0.001, P<0.05). The ∑PAHs concentration distribution showed a seasonal variation, with the highest value in winter and the lowest value in summer (P<0.05). Among the atmospheric PM_2.5 samples, the proportion of 5-ring PAHs was the highest, the proportion of 2-3-ring PAHs was the lowest; the proportion of 2-4-ring PAHs showed a yearly upward trend, and the proportion of 5-6-ring PAHs showed yearly downward trend (P<0.05). The characteristic ratio and PCA results suggested that the sources of sampled PAHs were mainly mixed sources such as dust, fossil fuel (natural gas), coal combustion, industrial emissions, and motor vehicle exhaust emissions. The ILCR (R_ILCR) of PAHs by inhalation for men, women, and children were 1.83×10⁻⁶, 2.35×10⁻⁶, and 2.04×10⁻⁶, respectively, and the annual average R_ILCR was 2.07×10⁻⁶, all greater than 1×10⁻⁶. Conclusion For the sampled time period, the main sources of PAHs pollution in atmospheric PM_2.5 in the target district of Taizhou City are dust, fossil fuel (natural gas), coal combustion, industrial emissions, motor vehicle emissions, etc., and PAHs may have a potential carcinogenic risk to local residents.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a common diabetic complication.Presently,our understanding of its pathogenesis is incomplete,and there are no effective treatment options.In-depth research requires the use of animal experiments.The criteria for modeling success and the evaluation method for peripheral nerve function recovery are critical for carrying out animal experiments into type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy.However,but there has been a lack of systematic interrogation and analysis of the evaluation method used with type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy models.Therefore,the author reviewed the recent data,summarized and analyzed the evaluation method used for animal models of type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy of small and large nerve fibers,and proposed future directions for development,providing a reference for related research.

Objective To observe the analgesic effects of mild moxibustion on primary dysmenorrhea(PD)rats with cold and dampness stagnation syndrome and its effect on BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway in hypothalamus;To explore its mechanism for the treatment of PD.Methods A total of 32 Wistar non-pregnant female rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,Western medicine group and mild moxibustion group,with 8 rats in each group.Except for the blank group,the other groups received estradiol benzoate intraperitoneal injection combined with ice bath treatment + oxytocin intraperitoneal injection to establish PD with cold and dampness stagnation syndrome model.The mild moxibustion group received treatment at"Shenque"and"Guanyuan"from the eighth day of modeling for 10 min,and the Western medicine group was given ibuprofen solution intragastically for 4 days.The latency period of rats twisting was observed and the twisting score was calculated,Western blot and PCR were used to detect the expressions of c-fos,BDNF,TrkB protein and mRNA in hypothalamic tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the model group showed a shortened latency period and an increased twisting score(P<0.01),the expressions of c-fos,BDNF,TrkB protein and mRNA in hypothalamic tissue increased(P<0.01,P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the mild moxibustion group had a longer latency period and lower twisting score(P<0.01),while the expressions of c-fos,BDNF,TrkB protein and mRNA in hypothalamic tissue increased(P<0.01,P<0.05).Conclusion Mild moxibustion may effectively improve the pain state of PD rats with cold and dampness stagnation syndrome.This mechanism may be related to downregulating c-fos expression,inhibiting BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway activation,thereby inhibiting pain signal transmission,regulating pain occurrence and maintenance.