Nigella sativa L. seeds have been traditionally utilized in Chinese folk medicine for centuries to treat vitiligo. This study revealed that the ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa L. (HZC) enhances melanogenesis and mitigates oxidative stress-induced cellular senescence and dysfunction in melanocytes. In accordance with established protocols, the ethanol fraction from Nigella sativa L. seeds was extracted, concentrated, and lyophilized to evaluate its herbal effects via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays, tyrosinase activity evaluation, measurement of cellular melanin contents, scratch assays, senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western blot analysis for expression profiling of experimentally relevant proteins. The results indicated that HZC significantly enhanced tyrosinase activity and melanin content while notably increasing the protein expression levels of Tyr, Mitf, and gp100 in B16F10 cells. Furthermore, HZC effectively mitigated oxidative stress-induced cellular senescence, improved melanocyte condition, and rectified various functional impairments associated with melanocyte dysfunction. These findings suggest that HZC increases melanin synthesis in melanocytes through the activation of the MAPK, PKA, and Wnt signaling pathways. In addition, HZC attenuates oxidative damage induced by H₂O₂ therapy by activating the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2-antioxidant response element (Nrf2-ARE) pathway and enhancing the activity of downstream antioxidant enzymes, thus preventing premature senescence and dysfunction in melanocytes.
Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Melanocytes/cytology* ; Cellular Senescence/drug effects* ; Nigella sativa/chemistry* ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology* ; Seeds/chemistry* ; Mice ; Animals ; Melanins/metabolism* ; Monophenol Monooxygenase/metabolism* ; Humans

Objective:To discuss the relationship between the systolic blood pressure (SBP) circadian rhythm and blood pressure variability (BPV) and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) among 178 patients with hypertension.Methods:This article was a retrospective study. Totally 178 patients with hypertension from January 2020 to January 2022 were selected based on incorporated basis. 24-hour dynamic blood pressure monitoring and echocardiography examination were performed. Data such as patients' SBP circadian rhythm, BPV, heart ultrasound heart dynamic maps were collected, and the relationship between SBP circadian rhythm and BPV and their LVEF was explored.Results:Among the 178 patients, the decreased proportion of SBP circadian rhythm>the proportion of existed SBP circadian rhythm>the proportion of inverted SBP circadian rhythm>the proportion of disappearance of SBP circadian rhythm; patients with disappearance of SBP circadian rhythm were the youngest (63.8 ± 14.5) years old, and patients with inverted SBP circadian rhythm were the oldest (71.5 ± 9.4) years old ( P<0.05); the 24-hour systolic blood pressure standard deviation of SBP circadian rhythm was observed in patients with (13.1 ± 2.8) mmHg

Objective:To explore the mechanism of Danxing Zhishuang Prescription in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) by combining network pharmacology with animal models.Methods:TCMSP, BATMAN database, Genecards, and OMIM databases were retrieved to obtain the active components and action targets of Danxing Zhishuang Prescription. Venny 2.1.0 was used to intersect drug targets and PD related genes, and a protein interaction network of the intersection targets was constructed using the STRING 12.0 platform. Topology analysis was performed using Cytoscape 3.10.0 software to identify the key targets of Danxing Zhishuang Prescription on PD; GO functional and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed on key targets using the WeChat platform, and molecular docking was validated through AutoDockTools 1.5.7. Using a random number table method, mice were divided into a blank control group, a model group, and a Danxing Zhishuang Prescription group, with 20 mice in each group; except for the blank group, all other groups of mice were orally administered fisetin to prepare PD models; Danxing Zhishuang Prescription group was orally administered with concentrated Danxing Zhishuang Prescription at a dosage of 10.5 g/kg, while the blank group and model group were orally administered with 0.2 ml of physiological saline for 21 days; Western blot was used to detect the expressions of Akt1, Bcl-2, Bax, and α-Syn proteins.Results:359 intersection targets, 69 core targets, and 185 active components were obtained the treatment of PD with Danxing Zhishuang Prescription. The main active components included quercetin, kaempferol, phenylalanine, etc., and the key targets were AKT1, TP53, TNF, ESR1, etc. KEGG analysis revealed several key signaling pathways, such as AGE-RAGE, PI3K-Akt, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis signaling pathways. The validation experiment results showed that compared with the model group, the expression of Bcl-2 protein was up-regulated ( P<0.01), and the expressions of Bax, Akt1, and α-Syn proteins were down-regulated in the Danxing Zhishuang Prescription group ( P<0.01). Conclusions:Danxing Zhishuang Prescription has the advantages of multi target and multi pathway treatment for PD. Its mechanism may be related to down-regulating the expressions of Bax, Akt1, and α-Syn proteins, improving brain blood supply, regulating neurotransmitter balance, inhibiting oxidative stress response, and promoting nerve regeneration.

Objective:To investigate the structural changes in the spinal cord in multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and their relationship with clinical disability.Methods:This study was cross-sectional. A retrospective analysis of clinical and imaging data from 124 patients with MS (MS group), 101 patients with aquaporin-4 antibody-positive NMOSD (NMOSD group), and 110 healthy controls (HC group) from seven medical centers were conducted from January 2018 to October 2021. All subjects underwent 3D T 1WI, and the upper cervical spinal cord cross-sectional area (MUCCA) was segmented and measured. All patients completed the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) assessments at baseline and during follow-up, as well as the baseline 25-foot walk test (T25FW) and the nine-hole peg test (NHPT). Patients were classified into EDSS progression and non-progression groups based on follow-up EDSS scores. Comparisons of MUCCA among the three groups were conducted using analysis of covariance, controlling for age and sex as covariates. Pairwise comparisons between groups were performed using the HSD test. Univariate linear regression and logistic models were employed to identify candidate predictors of baseline clinical disability status or EDSS progression in the MS and NMOSD groups. L1 regularized multivariable linear regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors of baseline clinical disability status or EDSS progression. Independent predictors were then combined to establish a logistic regression model, and the model′s performance in predicting EDSS progression was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic analysis and the area under the curve (AUC). Results:A total of 144 patients completed follow-up EDSS assessments, with a follow-up duration of 3.30 (1.10, 6.42) years, including 82 patients in the MS group and 62 patients in the NMOSD group. Controlling for sex and age as covariates, the overall difference in MUCCA among the MS, NMOSD, and HC groups was statistically significant ( P=0.001). The MUCCA in the MS group was lower than that in the HC group, with a significant difference ( t=-2.54, P=0.007); the MUCCA in the NMOSD group was also lower than that in the HC group, with a significant difference ( t=-2.80, P=0.002). However, the difference in MUCCA between the MS and NMOSD groups was not statistically significant ( t=-0.40, P=0.882). In the MS group, MUCCA was an independent predictor of baseline EDSS score (β=-0.03), baseline T25FW score (β=-0.09), and baseline NHPT score (β=-0.30). In the NMOSD group, MUCCA (β=-0.08), age (β=0.06), and baseline EDSS score (β=-0.43) were independent predictors of EDSS progression, and the logistic regression model incorporating these three factors predicted EDSS progression with an AUC of 0.82. Conclusions:Significant spinal cord atrophy occurs in patients with both MS and NMOSD. Atrophy of the upper cervical spinal cord can predict the degree of disability in MS patients and the progression of clinical disability in NMOSD patients.

Objective:To investigate the structural changes in the spinal cord in multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and their relationship with clinical disability.Methods:This study was cross-sectional. A retrospective analysis of clinical and imaging data from 124 patients with MS (MS group), 101 patients with aquaporin-4 antibody-positive NMOSD (NMOSD group), and 110 healthy controls (HC group) from seven medical centers were conducted from January 2018 to October 2021. All subjects underwent 3D T 1WI, and the upper cervical spinal cord cross-sectional area (MUCCA) was segmented and measured. All patients completed the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) assessments at baseline and during follow-up, as well as the baseline 25-foot walk test (T25FW) and the nine-hole peg test (NHPT). Patients were classified into EDSS progression and non-progression groups based on follow-up EDSS scores. Comparisons of MUCCA among the three groups were conducted using analysis of covariance, controlling for age and sex as covariates. Pairwise comparisons between groups were performed using the HSD test. Univariate linear regression and logistic models were employed to identify candidate predictors of baseline clinical disability status or EDSS progression in the MS and NMOSD groups. L1 regularized multivariable linear regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors of baseline clinical disability status or EDSS progression. Independent predictors were then combined to establish a logistic regression model, and the model′s performance in predicting EDSS progression was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic analysis and the area under the curve (AUC). Results:A total of 144 patients completed follow-up EDSS assessments, with a follow-up duration of 3.30 (1.10, 6.42) years, including 82 patients in the MS group and 62 patients in the NMOSD group. Controlling for sex and age as covariates, the overall difference in MUCCA among the MS, NMOSD, and HC groups was statistically significant ( P=0.001). The MUCCA in the MS group was lower than that in the HC group, with a significant difference ( t=-2.54, P=0.007); the MUCCA in the NMOSD group was also lower than that in the HC group, with a significant difference ( t=-2.80, P=0.002). However, the difference in MUCCA between the MS and NMOSD groups was not statistically significant ( t=-0.40, P=0.882). In the MS group, MUCCA was an independent predictor of baseline EDSS score (β=-0.03), baseline T25FW score (β=-0.09), and baseline NHPT score (β=-0.30). In the NMOSD group, MUCCA (β=-0.08), age (β=0.06), and baseline EDSS score (β=-0.43) were independent predictors of EDSS progression, and the logistic regression model incorporating these three factors predicted EDSS progression with an AUC of 0.82. Conclusions:Significant spinal cord atrophy occurs in patients with both MS and NMOSD. Atrophy of the upper cervical spinal cord can predict the degree of disability in MS patients and the progression of clinical disability in NMOSD patients.

Objective To investigate the effect of early warning score system combined with(situation,background,ssessment,recommendation,SBAR)communication model in early warning of high-risk neonates,therefore to provide an effective communication method for an effective communication method to assess the changes of condition in neonates.Methods A before-after study model was adopted in the study.A total of 270 high-risk neonates admitted to the ward of the Department of Neonatology in a tertiary hospital between August and September 2022 were selected as research subjects.The high-risk neonates admitted in hospital in August were assigned in a control group,and those admitted in September were assigned in an trial group,with 135 neonates per group.Routine care was carried out in the control group,while early warning scoring combined with SBAR communication model were applied in the trial group on top of the cares offered to the control group.The occurrence of early warning events,concordance rate of nurse warning event and doctor handling events,and the satisfaction rate of doctors with the nursing performance were compared between the two groups.Results A total of 63.6%of early warning events were triggered by nurses in the control group,while it was 92.6%in the trial group,with a statistically significant difference between the groups(χ2=16.622,P<0.001).The consistency of handling of early warning events between the nurses and doctors in the trial group(Kappa coefficient=0.926)was higher than that in the control group(Kappa coefficient=0.641).The satisfaction rates of the doctors with the nurses about specialist knowledge,ability in emergency events,mastery of disease,timely observation of disease progress,collaboration between doctors and nurses,working enthusiasm,communication capability and the psychological quality in the trial group were all significantly higher than those in the control group[80.0%-95.0%vs.30.0%-55.0%,all P<0.01].Conclusions The Early Warning Score system combined with SBAR communication model can help nurses to accurately evaluate the changes of disease in neonates,complete the communication with doctors timely and effectively.It improves the observation,communication and handling capability among the nurses as well as the satisfaction rate of doctors with nursing work.

Metformin has been used for the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus for decades due to its safety, low cost, and outstanding hypoglycemic effect clinically. The mechanisms underlying these benefits are complex and still not fully understood. Inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory-chain complex I is the most described downstream mechanism of metformin, leading to reduced ATP production and activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Meanwhile, many novel targets of metformin have been gradually discovered. In recent years, multiple pre-clinical and clinical studies are committed to extend the indications of metformin in addition to diabetes. Herein, we summarized the benefits of metformin in four types of diseases, including metabolic associated diseases, cancer, aging and age-related diseases, neurological disorders. We comprehensively discussed the pharmacokinetic properties and the mechanisms of action, treatment strategies, the clinical application, the potential risk of metformin in various diseases. This review provides a brief summary of the benefits and concerns of metformin, aiming to interest scientists to consider and explore the common and specific mechanisms and guiding for the further research. Although there have been countless studies of metformin, longitudinal research in each field is still much warranted.
Humans ; Metformin/pharmacokinetics* ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism* ; Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology* ; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism* ; Aging

Objective:To explore the effects of a scenario-based experiential intervention rooted in the transition shock model for the role adaptation of newly employed nurses.Methods:A convenience sampling was used to select newly employed nurses from the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University between September and November 2020 were designated as the control group ( n=57) , who received standard new nurse training. Those employed between September and November 2021 formed the observation group ( n=62) , who underwent a scenario-based experiential intervention rooted in the transition shock model for three months. The degree of transition shock, psychological resilience, and turnover rates were compared between the two groups. Results:After the intervention, scores on the transition shock scale and its physical, psychological, knowledge and skills, social culture, and development dimensions in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05) . Scores on the Connor Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and its tenacity, strength, and optimism dimensions in the observation group were notably higher compared to the control group, which were statistically significant ( P<0.05) . Within one year post-employment, the turnover rates for the observation group and control group were 11.29% (7/62) and 28.07% (16/57) , respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:The scenario-based experiential intervention founded on the transition shock model can effectively alleviate the transition shocks faced by newly employed nurses. It also enhances their psychological resilience, facilitates their adaptation to new nursing roles, and reduces turnover rates.

Objective:To translate Fear of Progression Questionnaire (FoP-Q) into Chinese and test its reliability and validity.Methods:After translation, back translation and cultural adaptation, the items of the simplified Chinese version of FoP-Q were determined. Using the convenient sampling method, a total of 269 patients with hematological malignancies from two Class Ⅲ Grade A hospitals in Beijing were selected as the research objects from August to December 2020. The general information questionnaire and the simplified Chinese version of FoP-Q were used to investigate the patients. Exploratory factor analysis was used to evaluate the structural validity of the simplified Chinese version of FoP-Q. Cronbach 's α coefficient and half-fold reliability coefficient were used to evaluate the reliability of the scale. Pearson correlation analysis method was used to analyze the correlation between each dimension and between each dimension and the total scale. A total of 269 questionnaires were distributed, and 256 valid questionnaires were returned. The effective response rate was 95.167% (256/269) . Results:The simplified Chinese version of FoP-Q extracted 5 factors through factor analysis, with a total of 41 items, and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 64.201%. The content validity index of each item of the scale was 0.857-1.000, the Kappa value was 0.850-1.000, the content validity index of the overall consistency scale was 0.814 and the content validity index of the average scale was 0.973. The total Cronbach 's α coefficient of the scale was 0.969, and the Cronbach 's α coefficient of the five factors was 0.815-0.941. The half-fold reliability coefficient of the total scale was 0.955. Conclusions:The simplified Chinese version of Fear of Progression Questionnaire has good reliability and validity, which can be used to evaluate the degree of fear of disease progression in patients with malignant tumors in China

Objective:To analyze the significance of HBV DNA below the lower detection limit of HBV RNA levels after long-term nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) antiviral therapy in patients with hepatitis B virus cirrhosis.Methods:97 cases with hepatitis B virus cirrhosis treated with NAs antiviral therapy for at least 3 years between May 2018 to July 2019 were selected. High-sensitivity HBV DNA (<20 IU/ml), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV RNA at least twice every 6 months were detected. According to Child-Pugh classification, HBeAg, HBsAg level, and HBV RNA level intergroup comparison was performed. Rank sum test, χ2 test and linear regression analysis were performed on the data. Results:Compared with the HBV RNA level of child-Pugh class A patients, the HBV RNA level of Child-Pugh class B+C patients were significantly higher [4.1 (0,4.9) log 10 copies/ml and 2.0 (0,3.5) log 10 copies/ml], and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=2.370, P<0.05). According to different HBeAg levels, they were divided into HBeAg positive and negative group, and the quantitative comparison of HBV RNA levels between the two groups were 2.0 (0, 4.5) log 10 copies/ml and 1.0 (1.0, 2.0) log 10 copies/ml, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=3.233, P<0.05). According to different HBsAg levels, they were divided into three groups: HBsAg≤100 IU/ml, 100