OBJECTIVES: To explore the role of berberine (BBR) in ameliorating coronary endothelial cell injury in Kawasaki disease (KD) by regulating the complement and coagulation cascade. METHODS: Human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) were divided into a healthy control group, a KD group, and a BBR treatment group (n=3 for each group). The healthy control group and KD group were supplemented with 15% serum from healthy children and KD patients, respectively, while the BBR treatment group received 15% serum from KD patients followed by the addition of 20 mmol/L BBR. Differential protein expression was analyzed and identified using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation technology and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, followed by GO functional enrichment analysis and KEGG signaling pathway enrichment analysis of the differential proteins. Western blot was used to detect differential protein expression. RESULTS: A total of 518 differential proteins were identified between the KD group and the healthy control group (300 upregulated proteins and 218 downregulated proteins). A total of 422 differential proteins were identified between the BBR treatment group and the KD group (221 upregulated proteins and 201 downregulated proteins). Bioinformatics analysis showed that compared to the healthy control group, the differential proteins in the KD group were enriched in the complement and coagulation cascade and ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes. Compared to the KD group, the differential proteins in the BBR treatment group were also enriched in the complement and coagulation cascade and ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes. Western blot results indicated that compared to the healthy control group, the expression of complement C1q subcomponent subunit C (C1QC), kininogen-1 (KNG1), complement C1s subcomponent (C1S), and C4b-binding protein alpha chain (C4BPA) was increased in the KD group (P<0.05). Compared to the KD group, the expression of KNG1, C1S, C1QC, and C4BPA was decreased in the BBR treatment group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The complement and coagulation cascade may be involved in the regulation of BBR treatment for coronary injury in KD, and C1QC, KNG1, C1S, and C4BPA may serve as biomarkers for this treatment.
Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome/blood* ; Humans ; Endothelial Cells/pathology* ; Complement System Proteins/physiology* ; Coronary Vessels/drug effects* ; Male ; Blood Coagulation/drug effects* ; Berberine/therapeutic use* ; Female ; Child, Preschool ; Infant

BACKGROUND

Traditional and alternative medicine (TAM) is increasingly recognized for its potential to complement conventional medicine. However, its acceptance and perspectives among medical doctors remain underexplored, particularly in Zamboanga City.

To assess the level of acceptance, perspectives, and reasons influencing medical doctors’ willingness or hesitancy to advise TAM.

Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 230 medical doctors from public and private institutions. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data underwent thematic analysis.

74.8% of respondents exhibited high acceptance of TAM, 21.3% were neutral, and 3.9% showed low acceptance. Most believed TAM could enhance patient satisfaction (53.48%) and improve quality of life (62.61%). However, 61.3% reported slight-to-moderate comfort in discussing TAM, and 43.91% rarely initiated such conversations. A majority (55.65%) supported TAM services being delivered by physicians trained in TAM alongside Department of Health-registered professionals, preferably integrated in primary care (38.26%) or hospital-based settings (30%). Willingness to advise TAM was driven by professional development opportunities (58.7%) and improved regulation (57.39%), whereas hesitancy stemmed from concerns about insufficient scientific evidence (65.65%) and lack of regulation (61.3%). Interest in TAM training was high (63.48%), particularly in acupuncture and herbal medicine. Thematic analysis identified key barriers (limited evidence, regulatory gaps, and training deficits) and facilitators (education, policy standardization, research, and educational curriculum integration).

Strong interest in TAM integration exists, contingent on training and regulatory improvements. Findings highlight the need for targeted education, policy reforms, and evidence generation to support evidence-based TAM inclusion in Philippine healthcare.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is clinically rare, with high mortality and case fatality rates. In recent years, the research on HUS has been intensified and the pathophysiological mechanism has been continuously improved. At present, the main mechanism of pathogenesis is the excessive activation of complement alternative pathways mediated by complement-related gene mutations or the existence of antibodies. The treatment methods and strategies are also constantly updated, mainly including complement-blocking drugs such as Eculizumab, Lavalizumab, and Ravulizumab. In this review, the new developments in the pathogenesis and treatment of HUS is summarized, and provide references for the clinical treatment of HUS.
Complement System Proteins/therapeutic use* ; Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome/therapy* ; Humans ; Mutation

Myasthenia gravis(MG)is a B cell-mediated,T cell-dependent,complements-involved autoimmune disease.Ocular myasthenia gravis(OMG)is a typical MG,with its symptoms limited to the extraocular muscles.The occurrence and development of a variety of autoimmune diseases including OMG are closely associated with the imbalanced expression of follicular regulatory T cells(Tfr cells).Therefore,Tfr cells may be a new research topic for OMG.
Complement System Proteins ; Humans ; Myasthenia Gravis ; Oculomotor Muscles ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate whether various immune-related plasma proteins, alone or in combination with conventional clinical risk factors, can predict spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD) and intra-amniotic infection in women with premature cervical dilation or a short cervix (≤ 25 mm).METHODS: This retrospective study included 80 asymptomatic women with premature cervical dilation (n = 50) or a short cervix (n = 30), who underwent amniocentesis at 17–29 weeks. Amniotic fluid (AF) was cultured, and maternal plasma was assayed for interleukin (IL)-6, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1, and complements C3a and C5a, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The primary outcome measures were SPTD at < 32 weeks and positive AF cultures.RESULTS: The plasma levels of IL-6, C3a, and C5a, but not of MMP-9 and TIMP-1, were significantly higher in women with SPTD at < 32 weeks than in those who delivered at ≥ 32 weeks. The women who delivered at < 32 weeks had more advanced cervical dilatation, and higher rates of antibiotic and tocolytic administration and were less likely to be given vaginal progesterone than those who delivered at ≥ 32 weeks. Using a stepwise regression analysis, a combined prediction model was developed, which included the plasma IL-6 and C3a levels, and cervical dilatation (area under the curve [AUC], 0.901). The AUC for this model was significantly greater than that for any single variable included in the predictive model. In the univariate analysis, plasma IL-6 level was the only significant predictor of intra-amniotic infection.CONCLUSION: In women with premature cervical dilation or a short cervix, maternal plasma IL-6, C3a, and C5a levels could be useful non-invasive predictors of SPTD at < 32 weeks. A combination of these biomarkers and conventional clinical factors may clearly improve the predictability for SPTD, as compared with the biomarkers alone. An increased plasma level of IL-6 predicted intra-amniotic infection.
Amniocentesis ; Amniotic Fluid ; Area Under Curve ; Biomarkers ; Blood Proteins ; Cervix Uteri ; Complement System Proteins ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; Interleukins ; Labor Stage, First ; Outcome Assessment (Health Care) ; Plasma ; Pregnancy ; Progesterone ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recent studies have examined the structure-function relationship of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). This study aimed to identify and rank HDL-associated proteins involved in several biological function of HDL.METHODS: HDLs isolated from 48 participants were analyzed. Cholesterol efflux capacity, effect of HDL on nitric oxide production, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression were assessed. The relative abundance of identified proteins in the highest vs. lowest quartile was expressed using the normalized spectral abundance factor ratio.RESULTS: After adjustment by multiple testing, six proteins, thyroxine-binding globulin, alpha-1B-glycoprotein, plasma serine protease inhibitor, vitronectin, angiotensinogen, and serum amyloid A-4, were more abundant (relative abundance ratio ≥2) in HDLs with the highest cholesterol efflux capacity. In contrast, three proteins, complement C4-A, alpha-2-macroglobulin, and immunoglobulin mu chain C region, were less abundant (relative abundance ratio <0.5). In terms of nitric oxide production and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression, no proteins showed abundance ratios ≥2 or <0.5 after adjustment. Proteins correlated with the functional parameters of HDL belonged to diverse biological categories.CONCLUSIONS: In summary, this study ranked proteins showing higher or lower abundance in HDLs with high functional capacities and newly identified multiple proteins linked to cholesterol efflux capacity.
Amyloid ; Angiotensinogen ; Atherosclerosis ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Cholesterol ; Complement System Proteins ; Immunoglobulin mu-Chains ; Lipoproteins ; Nitric Oxide ; Plasma ; Proteomics ; Serine Proteases ; Thyroxine-Binding Globulin ; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 ; Vitronectin

The paper aims to provide a state-of-the-art review of methods for evaluating the effectiveness and effect of unloader knee braces on the knee joint and discuss their limitations and future directions. Unloader braces are prescribed as a non-pharmacological conservative treatment option for patients with medial knee osteoarthritis to provide relief in terms of pain reduction, returning to regular physical activities, and enhancing the quality of life. Methods used to evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of these devices on patients' health are categorized into three broad categories (perception-, biochemical-, and morphology-based), depending upon the process and tools used. The main focus of these methods is on the short-term clinical outcome (pain or unloading efficiency). There is a significant technical, research, and clinical literature gap in understanding the short- and long-term consequences of these braces on the tissues in the knee joint, including the cartilage and ligaments. Future research directions may complement existing methods with advanced quantitative imaging (morphological, biochemical, and molecular) and numerical simulation are discussed as they offer potential in assessing long-term and post-bracing effects on the knee joint.
Braces ; Cartilage ; Complement System Proteins ; Humans ; Joints ; Knee Joint ; Knee ; Ligaments ; Methods ; Motor Activity ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; Quality of Life ; Review Literature as Topic

We constructed the family tree database (DB) by using a new family code system that can logically express interpersonal family relationships and by comparing and complementing health insurance eligibility data and resident register data of the National Health Information Database (NHID). In the family tree DB, Parents and grandparents are matched for more than 95% of those who were born between 2010 and 2017. Codes for inverse relationships and extended relationships are generated using sequences of the three-digit basic family codes. The family tree DB contains variables such as sex, birth year, family relations, and degree of kinship (maximum of 4) between subjects and family members. Using the family tree DB, we find that prevalence rates of hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and cancer are higher for those with family history. The family tree DB may omit some relationships due to incomplete past data, and some family relations cannot be uniquely determined because the source data only contain relationships between head and members of the household. The family tree DB is a part of the NHID, and researchers can submit requests for data on the website at http://nhiss.nhis.or.kr. Requested data will be provided after approval from the data service review board. However, the family tree DB can be limitedly provided for studies with high public value in order to maximize personal information protection.
Cerebrovascular Disorders ; Complement System Proteins ; Computer Security ; Family Characteristics ; Family Relations ; Grandparents ; Head ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Insurance, Health ; Interpersonal Relations ; Korea ; Logic ; Myocardial Ischemia ; Parents ; Parturition ; Pedigree ; Prevalence

This study examines how Choe Han-gi (崔漢綺, 1803–1879) developed his medical discourse which integrated the concepts of traditional Chinese medicine with modern Western anatomy, based on the philosophy of Seo Gyeong-deok (徐敬德, 1489–1546), a scholar of the Neo-Confucianism of Joseon (1392–1910). Seo emphasized gi (氣, C. qi, vital, material force) rather than yi (理, C. li, the principle of things) as a way of understanding the world. Since Choe's early academic interests pertained to Neo-Confucianism, it is reasonable to examine his philosophy in this context. Similar to Seo, Choe assumed that the most essential component of the world was the intrinsic and mysterious gi. Although Seo spoke of gi as a damil cheongheo ji gi (湛一淸虛之氣, the gi which is profound, uniform, clear, invisible, and empty), Choe preferred to use the word singi (神氣, C. shenqi, the intrinsic, invisible, and mysterious gi). He believed that the earth, moon, and stars operated through the action of singi and that all creatures could only exist by relying on it. Singi was the most important premise in Choe's medical discourse, a fact demonstrating that although he could be very critical of traditional Chinese medicine, his perspective was part of that tradition. He believed that singi integrated and operated the entire human body and that it perceived external objects. He also emphasized the role of hyeongjil (形質, C. xingzhi, a visible object with a form and quality; here it means all human bodies). This was the medium through which singi could appear in reality. Choe thought that singi could not reveal itself in reality without hyeongjil, and that hyeongjil became a dead thing without singi. His perception of the role of hyeongjil was expressed in his interest in modern Western anatomy, an interest that complemented his focus on singi. In light of his understanding of the singi-hyeongjil relationship, Choe criticized both modern Western anatomy and traditional Chinese medicine. He thought that modern Western anatomy lacked awareness of singi and that traditional Chinese medicine lacked accurate knowledge of human anatomy. Although he was not completely sympathetic toward any forms of medicine, he was open to ideas from both Western and Chinese medicine. Choe could not accept Western anatomy as fully as Japanese intellectuals did. The study of anatomy in Japan had developed in relation to the idea of Ancient Learning (古學, C. guxue), which denied such theories of systematic correspondence as Yin and Yang and the Five Elements (陰陽 五行, C. yinyang wuxing) and tended to focus on the action of hyeongjil itself. Because Choe accepted modern Western anatomy without accepting Ancient Learning, his perspective was unique in the history of East Asian anatomy. From a medical history perspective, how does Choi Han-gi's medical discourse distinguish itself from other medical discourses, and what are its characteristics? In addition to other explanations, focusing on the political imagination associated with medicine can help illuminate the differences between the medical discourse of Choe and those of others. Discussion of medicine and the human body was tied to political thought, manifesting the political imagination of the society in which that discussion took place. The development of Western and Japanese anatomy reflected a vertical and hierarchical political order, exemplified by the belief that the brain was the center of the body. However, Choe doubted that organs like the brain or heart dominated the body. In his view, the singi ruled the body; it was not a specific organ, and it was equally inherent in all people. His political thought also emphasized the horizontal and equal order among people. His view of singi simultaneously influenced both his perspective on medicine and his perspective on society. Choe Han-gi's belief in this horizontal and equal political order was inherent in his singi-centered medical discourse.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Brain ; Clothing ; Complement System Proteins ; Heart ; Human Body ; Humans ; Imagination ; Japan ; Learning ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Moon ; Philosophy ; Qi

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Radiesse® is a widely used calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) injection material used for vocal fold injection. Recently, a new CaHA injection material (Facetem ®) which complements the structural disadvantages of Radiesse has been developed and released in the market. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and short-term voice outcome of these two CaHA materials. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A retrospective analysis was performed for 70 patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis who underwent vocal fold injection using CaHA materials. Acoustic voice analysis, maximal phonation time (MPT), voice handicap index (VHI), and Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, Strain (GRBAS) scale were evaluated between Radiesse and Facetem injection group. RESULTS: Both groups showed a signifcant improvement of MPT, VHI, and G, B, A scale after injection. The Facetem group showed similar voice improvement as the Radiesse group, where pre- and postoperatively objective and subjective voice evaluation results were compared. CONCLUSION: Our study reveals that there is no significant difference in efficacy and nor any short-term vocal improvement between Radiesse and Facetem. Therefore, the use of Facetem as CaHA injection material could be considered as an alternative material for patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis.
Acoustics ; Asthenia ; Calcium ; Complement System Proteins ; Durapatite ; Humans ; Laryngoplasty ; Methods ; Paralysis ; Phonation ; Retrospective Studies ; Vocal Cord Paralysis ; Vocal Cords ; Voice