ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Shenge Bushen Capsules （SBC） on sexual development in normal 3-week-old mice. MethodsThe experiment consisted of two parts. In the first part， mice were divided into four groups： The control group and the low， medium， and high-dose SBC groups （234.7， 469.4， 938.7 mg·kg^-1， respectively）. In the second part， mice were divided into four groups： Control group， Pseudostellariae Radix polysaccharide （PRP） group， total flavonoids group， and SBC group， all receiving a dose of 469.4 mg·kg^-1. After 7 days of administration， the vaginal opening of female mice and the descent of testes and scrotum in male mice， as well as the ovarian and testicular organ indices， were observed. After 4 weeks of administration， female and male mice were housed together for 2 days， and the pregnancy rate of females was monitored. After delivery， the pregnant female mice continued receiving the treatment for 4 weeks， and the sexual development of their offspring， including vaginal opening， testicular descent， and organ indices of ovaries and testes， was observed. Serum sex hormones were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， and the expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone （GnRH） and growth hormone （GH） proteins in the hypothalamus was assessed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group， there was no significant effect on the vaginal opening of female mice or the descent of testes in male mice after 7 days of SBC administration. After 4 weeks of administration， the pregnancy rate in the low-dose group was significantly reduced （P<0.05）， but no significant effects were observed in the other groups. The three doses of SBC did not significantly affect the ovarian or testicular organ indices， and there was no significant upregulation in the expression of GnRH or GH in the hypothalamus. The primary component of SBC， Pseudostellariae Radix polysaccharide， significantly reduced the vaginal opening in female mice after 7 days of administration （P<0.05）. After 4 weeks， the serum estradiol levels of non-pregnant female mice were decreased （P<0.05）， but there was no significant effect on the expression of GnRH or GH proteins in the hypothalamus of either male or female mice. Additionally， there were no significant effects on precocious puberty indicators， such as vaginal opening and testicular descent， in the offspring mice. ConclusionSBC does not significantly promote precocious puberty in young mice， and it does not have any noticeable effects on the pregnancy rate of adult mice or the sexual development of their offspring.

In recent years, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) have increased incidence and mortality, and most GIST is caused by the activation mutation of the c-KIT gene. Therefore, c-KIT has become a promising therapeutic target of GIST. At present, the drugs approved for the treatment of GIST including imatinib, sunitinib, regorafenib and ripretinib, are mostly prone to developing resistance and accompanied by various degrees of adverse reactions. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new c-KIT inhibitors to solve the problem of resistance. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor effect of a novel c-KIT inhibitor PN17-1 on gastrointestinal stromal tumor GIST-882 cells in vitro. We found that PN17-1 significantly inhibited the proliferation, colony formation and migration ability of GIST-882 cells, and significantly downregulated the protein expression levels of p-c-KIT and its downstream signals p-AKT, p-STAT5 and p-ERK in GIST-882 cells. In addition, PN17-1 induced apoptosis in GIST-882 cells, and the apoptosis may be mainly related to the mitochondrial-dependent endogenous pathway. In conclusion, the novel c-KIT inhibitor PN17-1 is a promising anti-GIST drug, and this study provides new ideas for further development of c-KIT inhibitors in the future.

Background: Traditional Mongolian medicine utilizes complex herbal formulations for restoring bodily functions and treating various ailments. Sampilnorov, a traditional medicinal composition, is recognized for its therapeutic properties in regenerating one of the 17 qualities and 15 functions of the human body, particularly qi and its associated functions. Aim: This study aims to analyze the therapeutic potential of Sampilnorov in treating conditions related to vein disorders, fever, and musculoskeletal diseases. Materials and Methods: A literature review was conducted, focusing on the Mongolian Medicine section of the Medical Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China. The pharmacological properties, indications, and mechanisms of Sampilnorov were examined. Results: The findings suggest that Sampilnorov is a valid therapeutic system in Mongolian traditional medicine for addressing multiple physiological dysfunctions. Further clinical and pharmacological studies are necessary to validate its efficacy and mechanisms of action. Conclusion Sampilnorov pills are traditionally used for Eliminating chronic fever and lesions in the white veins, Removing yellow fluid accumulation, Treating disorders of the black and white veins, such as paralysis, gout, rheumatism, and typhoid fever, Healing damaged veins and alleviating symptoms of leprosy, kidney vein concussions, kidney heat, vein and tendon spasms, and joint sprains.

Background/Aims: Multiple rapid swallows (MRS) is a provocative test during high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) to evaluate contraction reserve (CR). This study aims to determine the prevalence of CR in patients with ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) and MRS performed in the upright position, and to assess the ideal number of MRS sequences. Methods: We enrolled adult patients diagnosed with IEM according to the Chicago classification version 4.0 who underwent HRM with 3 MRS sequences. Presence of CR was identified as either: the distal contraction integral (DCI) of the post-MRS sequence exceeding the mean DCI of single swallows (ratio > 1) or the mean DCI of the 3 post-MRS sequences surpassing the mean DCI of single swallows. The occurrence of CR was compared following 1, 2, and 3 MRS sequences. Results: When assessing CR in 57 patients referenced to mean single supine swallow DCI, the pooled prevalence of CR following 1, 2, and 3 MRS sequences was 23/57 (40.4%), 31/57 (54.4%), and 33/57 (57.9%), respectively. More patients had CR after 2 MRS sequences compared to 1 (P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in CR between 2 and 3 MRS sequences (P = 0.160). More patients had CR after 2 (P = 0.013) and 3 MRS sequences (P = 0.034) when CR was referenced to single upright compared to single supine swallows. Conclusion Among patients with IEM, 58.0% had CR after 3 upright MRS sequences and 2 were adequate to assess CR.

Metabolites produced as intermediaries or end-products of microbial metabolism provide crucial signals for health and diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These metabolites include products of the bacterial metabolism of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules (such as bile acids [BAs], trimethylamine-N-oxide, and short-chain fatty acids), or products directly derived from bacteria. Recent studies have provided new insights into the association between MASLD and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, alterations in microbiota composition and metabolite profiles, notably altered BAs, have been described in studies investigating the association between MASLD and the risk of CKD. This narrative review discusses alterations of specific classes of metabolites, BAs, fructose, vitamin D, and microbiota composition that may be implicated in the link between MASLD and CKD.

Metabolites produced as intermediaries or end-products of microbial metabolism provide crucial signals for health and diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These metabolites include products of the bacterial metabolism of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules (such as bile acids [BAs], trimethylamine-N-oxide, and short-chain fatty acids), or products directly derived from bacteria. Recent studies have provided new insights into the association between MASLD and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, alterations in microbiota composition and metabolite profiles, notably altered BAs, have been described in studies investigating the association between MASLD and the risk of CKD. This narrative review discusses alterations of specific classes of metabolites, BAs, fructose, vitamin D, and microbiota composition that may be implicated in the link between MASLD and CKD.

Background/Aims: Multiple rapid swallows (MRS) is a provocative test during high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) to evaluate contraction reserve (CR). This study aims to determine the prevalence of CR in patients with ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) and MRS performed in the upright position, and to assess the ideal number of MRS sequences. Methods: We enrolled adult patients diagnosed with IEM according to the Chicago classification version 4.0 who underwent HRM with 3 MRS sequences. Presence of CR was identified as either: the distal contraction integral (DCI) of the post-MRS sequence exceeding the mean DCI of single swallows (ratio > 1) or the mean DCI of the 3 post-MRS sequences surpassing the mean DCI of single swallows. The occurrence of CR was compared following 1, 2, and 3 MRS sequences. Results: When assessing CR in 57 patients referenced to mean single supine swallow DCI, the pooled prevalence of CR following 1, 2, and 3 MRS sequences was 23/57 (40.4%), 31/57 (54.4%), and 33/57 (57.9%), respectively. More patients had CR after 2 MRS sequences compared to 1 (P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in CR between 2 and 3 MRS sequences (P = 0.160). More patients had CR after 2 (P = 0.013) and 3 MRS sequences (P = 0.034) when CR was referenced to single upright compared to single supine swallows. Conclusion Among patients with IEM, 58.0% had CR after 3 upright MRS sequences and 2 were adequate to assess CR.

Metabolites produced as intermediaries or end-products of microbial metabolism provide crucial signals for health and diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These metabolites include products of the bacterial metabolism of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules (such as bile acids [BAs], trimethylamine-N-oxide, and short-chain fatty acids), or products directly derived from bacteria. Recent studies have provided new insights into the association between MASLD and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, alterations in microbiota composition and metabolite profiles, notably altered BAs, have been described in studies investigating the association between MASLD and the risk of CKD. This narrative review discusses alterations of specific classes of metabolites, BAs, fructose, vitamin D, and microbiota composition that may be implicated in the link between MASLD and CKD.

Background/Aims: Multiple rapid swallows (MRS) is a provocative test during high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM) to evaluate contraction reserve (CR). This study aims to determine the prevalence of CR in patients with ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) and MRS performed in the upright position, and to assess the ideal number of MRS sequences. Methods: We enrolled adult patients diagnosed with IEM according to the Chicago classification version 4.0 who underwent HRM with 3 MRS sequences. Presence of CR was identified as either: the distal contraction integral (DCI) of the post-MRS sequence exceeding the mean DCI of single swallows (ratio > 1) or the mean DCI of the 3 post-MRS sequences surpassing the mean DCI of single swallows. The occurrence of CR was compared following 1, 2, and 3 MRS sequences. Results: When assessing CR in 57 patients referenced to mean single supine swallow DCI, the pooled prevalence of CR following 1, 2, and 3 MRS sequences was 23/57 (40.4%), 31/57 (54.4%), and 33/57 (57.9%), respectively. More patients had CR after 2 MRS sequences compared to 1 (P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in CR between 2 and 3 MRS sequences (P = 0.160). More patients had CR after 2 (P = 0.013) and 3 MRS sequences (P = 0.034) when CR was referenced to single upright compared to single supine swallows. Conclusion Among patients with IEM, 58.0% had CR after 3 upright MRS sequences and 2 were adequate to assess CR.

Objective: To investigate the knowledge of hepatitis C prevention and treatment and related factors among two groups of female sex workers (FSW) and men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Xizang Autonomous Region (Xizang) to provide a basis for the subsequent development of Hepatitis C publicity and education strategies. Methods: From August to September 2021, a special survey was conducted among 1 244 FSW and 234 MSM in 5 districts (counties) of 4 regions in Xizang. A one-on-one face-to-face questionnaire survey was adopted, and the χ² test and logistic regression were used to analyze the related factors of awareness of hepatitis C prevention and treatment among FSW and MSM. Results: The awareness rates of hepatitis C prevention and treatment knowledge among FSW and MSM were 35.0% (436/1 244) and 11.1% (26/234), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the positive related factors of FSW' awareness of hepatitis C prevention and treatment knowledge among those who had high school or technical secondary school education (aOR=4.72, 95%CI: 3.30-6.74) and college education or above (aOR=2.24, 95%CI: 1.58-3.18), those who experienced self-perceived risk of HCV infection (aOR=1.87, 95%CI: 1.43-2.45), negative related factors included married or cohabiting (aOR=0.58, 95%CI: 0.35-0.95), divorce or windowless (aOR=0.44, 95%CI: 0.27-0.72), no condom was used in the most recent commercial sexual activity (aOR=0.54, 95%CI: 0.43-0.69). The positive related factors of MSM's awareness of hepatitis C prevention and treatment knowledge were over 40 years old (aOR=8.65, 95%CI: 3.19-23.42) and having a self-perceived risk of HCV infection (aOR=6.25, 95%CI: 2.50-15.61). Conclusions: The awareness rate of hepatitis C prevention and treatment among FSW and MSM was relatively low in Xizang in 2021 and urgently needs to be improved. It is necessary to formulate targeted publicity strategies based on the characteristics of these two groups of people, increase publicity efforts, and expand the coverage of knowledge publicity to popularize key points about the clinical manifestations, treatment options, and transmission routes of hepatitis C, and carry out necessary warnings and education.
Humans ; Male ; Hepatitis C/therapy* ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Sex Workers/psychology* ; Homosexuality, Male ; Female ; Adult ; China ; Young Adult ; Middle Aged ; Logistic Models