ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Polygonatum neutral polysaccharides from sibiricum （PSP-NP） on colon injury in mice with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD）. MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a control group， a COPD model group， and a PSP-NP group. The COPD model was established using smoke exposure combined with intranasal LPS administration. The PSP-NP group was simultaneously treated daily with 200 mg/kg of PSP-NP via intragastric gavage， while the other groups received an equal volume of saline. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the colon. ELISA was employed to detect the levels of LPS in serum and the expressions of ZO-1， Occludin， IL-6， and TNF-α in colon tissue. UPLC-MS was used to detect the types and contents of bile acids in colonic content， and to screen for differential bile acids. Differential microbial flora were identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing， and correlation analysis was conducted with differential bile acids. PSP-NP was combined with the differential bile acids cholic acid （CA）， and deoxycholic acid （DCA） in vitro to analyze the binding capacity of PSP-NP for CA and DCA. PSP-NP was applied to NCM460 normal colonic epithelial cells cultured in CA and DCA. Cell migration ability was assessed using the scratch assay， and the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α， IL-6， and NF-κB were measured by RT-qPCR. ResultsPSP-NP effectively improved colonic damage in COPD model mice， enhanced mechanical barrier function， alleviated inflammatory response， and regulated abnormal changes in colonic flora and bile acid metabolism. Correlation analysis further revealed that PSP-NP regulated colonic bile acid metabolism and reduced the redundancy of secondary bile acids by increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroidota， Verrucomicrobiota， Bacteroides， and Akkermansia， while decreasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Notably， in vitro binding assays demonstrated that PSP-NP bound to differential bile acids DCA and CA， with the strongest binding capacity for DCA at 58.2%. In cellular functional studies， DCA inhibited the migration ability of colonic epithelial cells NCM460 and significantly increased the relative mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α， IL-6， and NF-κB. Importantly， co-treatment with PSP-NP significantly ameliorated the impact of DCA on NCM460 cells. ConclusionsPSP-NP may significantly improve colonic damage in COPD model mice. The mechanism may involve the regulation of colonic bile acid metabolism and bile acid profiles through both microbial modulation and direct binding， thereby reducing the damage caused by secondary bile acids such as DCA to colonic epithelial cells.

Background The affinity between placental transporters and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) could affect the placental transport and toxicity of PFAS, while the study on the interaction between PFAS and placental transporters is limited. Objective To explore interactions between PFAS and placental transporters using molecular docking, and to provide a theoretical basis for PFAS toxicity prediction and fetal health risk assessment. Methods Fifteen PFAS compounds, each conformationally sampled and energy-minimized, and 16 placental transporters, represented by their 3D structures, were imported into a molecular docking software (MOE 20140901). For each PFAS, 30 distinct conformations were generated and docked into the active pockets of the transporters using a semi-flexible docking mode. Docking poses were primarily scored and ranked based on their calculated binding free energy (ΔG, kcal·mol⁻¹), with additional consideration given to hydrogen bonding interactions and the ligand's root mean square deviation (RMSD) at the binding site; the top 20 poses for each complex were subsequently output. Optimal binding configurations were identified as those exhibiting a relatively low binding free energy (ΔG ranging from −3 to −10 kcal·mol⁻¹), well-defined hydrogen bonds, and an RMSD ≤ 2.0 Å. The binding capabilities of the PFAS to the placental transporters were then evaluated based on these optimal docking results. Results The PFAS could bind to the placental transporters, with structural specificity. For example, the binding capabilities increased as the carbon chain length of PFAS increased, and it was also higher for PFOS alternatives than for PFOS. Besides, the binding capabilities of sulfonic PFAS with the same carbon chain length was also stronger than that of carboxylic PFAS. For example, the binding capabilities of PFOS (C8) to 15 placental transporters was higher than that of PFOA (C8), except for glucose transporter 1 (PFOS vs. PFOA: −4.14 vs. −4.14). Further, PFAS might be bound to the placental transporter through hydrogen, ionic, and hydrophobic interactions. Conclusion PFAS are able to bind the placental transporters, and its toxicity and exposure risk can’t be ignored.

Compounds isolated from Epimedium include the total flavonoids of Epimedium , icariin, and its metabolites (icaritin, icariside I, and icariside II), which have similar molecular structures. Modern pharmacological research and clinical practice have proved that Epimedium and its active components have a wide range of pharmacological effects, especially in improving sexual function, hormone regulation, anti-osteoporosis, immune function regulation, anti-oxidation, and anti-tumor activity. To date, we still need a comprehensive source of knowledge about the pharmacological effects of Epimedium and its bioactive compounds on the male reproductive system. However, their actions in other tissues have been reviewed in recent years. This review critically focuses on the Epimedium , its bioactive compounds, and the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that modulate vital pathways associated with the male reproductive system. Such intrinsic knowledge will significantly further studies on the Epimedium and its bioactive compounds that protect the male reproductive system and provide some guidances for clinical treatment of related male reproductive disorders.
Male ; Epimedium/chemistry* ; Humans ; Genitalia, Male/drug effects* ; Flavonoids/therapeutic use* ; Animals

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a hospital-made resuscitation pack, a Chinese medicinal herbal compound formula designed to enhance recovery in post-bronchoscopy patients. METHODS: In this randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, eligible patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to either the treatment or control groups. The patients in the treatment group applied the resuscitation pack, which contained aromatic compounded Chinese herbs. The patients in the control group applied a hospital-made, single herb placebo pack. Packs were placed on the Tiantu (CV 22) acupuncture point for 4 h as soon as the bronchoscopy finished. Efficacy indicators, such as recovery time, patients' symptoms including nausea and dizziness, and adverse events (AEs) were observed and compared. The outcome indices were evaluated at baseline, 1 and 24 h after the bronchoscopy. Subgroup analysis was further performed by patients' age and depth of sedation. RESULTS: When applying generalized estimating equations (GEE) to evaluate the intensity of post-bronchoscopy nausea and vomiting, the intensity was lower in the treatment group (163 cases) compared with the control group (162 cases; 95% CI: 0.004, 0.099, P=0.03]. Also, significantly lower intensity of nausea was observed in the 60-70 years of age subgroup (95% CI: 0.029, 0.169, P=0.006) and deep sedation subgroup (95% CI: 0.002, 0.124; P=0.04). There was no significant difference in dizziness between two groups by GEE (95% CI: -0.134, 0.297; P=0.459). In addition, no serious AEs were observed in either group. CONCLUSIONS Our study found that the resuscitation pack markedly improved patients' symptoms by reducing nausea and vomiting after bronchoscopy without AEs, compared with placebo in the perioperative period. (Trial registration No. ChiCTR2000038299).
Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Bronchoscopy/adverse effects* ; Single-Blind Method ; Aged ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Treatment Outcome ; Resuscitation ; Adult ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

OBJECTIVES: Verrucous epidermal nevus (VEN), seborrheic keratosis (SK), verruca plana (VP), verruca vulgaris (VV), and nevus sebaceous (NS) are common verrucous proliferative skin diseases with similar clinical appearances, often posing diagnostic challenges. Dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) can aid in their differentiation, yet their specific features under these tools have not been systematically described. This study aims to summarize and analyze the dermoscopic and RCM features of VEN, SK, VP, VV, and NS. METHODS: A total of 121 patients with histopathologically confirmed verrucous proliferative skin diseases were enrolled. Dermoscopy and RCM imaging was used to observe and analyze the microscopic features of these conditions. RESULTS: Under dermoscopy, the 5 diseases displayed distinct characteristics: VEN typically showed gyriform structures; SK was characterized by gyriform structures, comedo-like openings, and milia-like cysts; VP and VV featured dotted vessels and frogspawn-like structures; NS presented as brownish-yellow globules. RCM revealed shared features such as hyperkeratosis and acanthosis across all 5 diseases. Specific features included gyriform structures and elongated rete ridges in VEN; pseudocysts and gyriform structures in SK; evenly distributed ring-like structures in VP; vacuolated cells and papillomatous proliferation in VV; and frogspawn-like structures in NS. CONCLUSIONS These 5 verrucous proliferative skin conditions exhibit distinguishable features under both dermoscopy and RCM. The combination of these 2 noninvasive imaging modalities holds significant clinical value for the differential diagnosis of verrucous proliferative skin diseases.
Humans ; Dermoscopy/methods* ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Microscopy, Confocal/methods* ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Adolescent ; Keratosis, Seborrheic/pathology* ; Young Adult ; Warts/diagnosis* ; Child ; Aged ; Skin Diseases/pathology* ; Nevus, Sebaceous of Jadassohn/diagnosis* ; Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis* ; Child, Preschool

In the century-long evolution of insulin pharmaceuticals, each transformative advancement in this drug class has been closely tied to the ability to obtain new insulin isoforms for research. Despite this, the recently discovered naturally occurring isoforms of glycosylated human insulin have remained largely unattainable for proper characterization. Herein, we demonstrate for the first time that total chemical synthesis can be used to generate all isoforms. This achievement required maintaining the correct positions of the interchain disulfide bonds while effectively removing protecting groups on complex glycans. Notably, the availability of seven glycoforms reveals the important effects of natural sialylated glycans in suppressing insulin self-association and enhancing its solubility, surpassing the performance of currently employed rapid-acting insulin drugs. This work not only offers a readily adaptable platform for exploring natural O-glycosylation in other therapeutic proteins and peptides but also lays the groundwork for further research into harnessing natural glycosylation for therapeutic applications.

OBJECTIVE: To describe survival trends and global patterns of esophageal cancer (EC) using survival data from population-based cancer registries. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, SEER, and SinoMed databases for articles published up to 31 December 2023. Eligible EC survival estimates were evaluated according to country or region, period, sex, age group, pathology, and disease stage. RESULTS: After 2010, Jordan exhibited the highest age-standardized 5-year relative survival rates (RSRs)/net survival rates (NSRs) at 41.1% between 2010 and 2014, while India had the lowest, at 4.1%. Survival rates generally improved with diagnostic age across most countries, with significant increases in South Korea and China, of 12.7% and 10.5% between 2000 and 2017, respectively. Survival was higher among women compared to men, ranging from 0.4%-10.9%. Survival rates for adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were similar, differing by about 4%. In China, the highest age-standardized RSRs/NSRs was 33.4% between 2015 and 2017. Meanwhile, the lowest was 5.3%, in Qidong (Jiangsu province) between 1992-1996. CONCLUSION Global EC survival rates have improved significantly in recent decades, but substantial geographical, sex, and age disparities still exist. In Asia, squamous cell carcinoma demonstrated superior survival rates compared to adenocarcinoma, while the opposite trend was observed in Western countries. Future research should clarify the prognostic factors influencing EC survival and tailor prevention and screening strategies to the changing EC survival patterns.
Humans ; Esophageal Neoplasms/mortality* ; Registries ; Male ; Female ; Survival Analysis ; Middle Aged ; Survival Rate ; Aged ; Global Health

Obesity, as a chronic recurrent disease, has become a major public health challenge in China. To implement the requirements of the Healthy China Initiative (2019—2030), under domestic guidelines or consensus statements on overweight and obesity, and in alignment with the latest scientific advances globally, the Quality control protocol for adult overweight and obesity screening in health management (examination) institutions (2025 edition) was developed. This protocol was drafted by the Health Management Center of Shanghai Changzheng Hospital and formulated through multiple rounds of deliberation by experts in China’s health examination quality control field. The protocol establishes unified standards for screening facilities, personnel qualifications, and measurement or testing procedures. It defines specific screening items, outlines a standardized screening pathway, and sets requirements for the final medical review, ensuring the scientific validity, effectiveness, and safety of the screening process. The implementation of this protocol will enhance the consistency of weight management practices for adults across health examination institutions and strengthen the quality control of overweight and obesity screening programs.

OBJECTIVE To study the efficacy and mechanism of Shugan Jianpi Jiedu decoction in the treatment of the precancerous lesions of breast cancer through animal experiment. METHODS SD rats were taken and divided into 6 groups(10 rats in each group), namely blank group, breast precancerous lesion model group, tamoxifen group, Shugan Jianpi Jiedu decoction groups with low dose, middle dose, and high dose. DMBA modeling method was used to carry out modeling for breast precancerous lesion. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of breast tissue. CD4+, CD8+ were detected by flow cytometry. ELISA was used to detect IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, E2, P. The protein expression of ER, PI3K, p-Akt and mTOR was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS HE staining showed changes in rat mammary tissue, indicating successful modeling. Compared with the blank group, the content of CD4+ decreased and the content of CD8+ increased in the model group(P<0.01); compared with model group, the content of CD4+ increased and the content of CD8+ decreased in low, middle, high dose groups of Shugan Jianpi Jiedu decoction and tamoxifen group(P<0.01). The levels of IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 in the model group were significantly lower than those in the blank group(P<0.01), while IL-12 and IL-6 were significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the concentrations of IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 in the low, middle and high dose groups of Shugan Jianpi Jiedu decoction and the tamoxifen group were significantly increased(P<0.01), while IL-12 and IL-6 decreased significantly(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the contents of E2 and P in the model group increased significantly(P<0.05 or P<0.01), the contents of E2 and P in the low, middle and high dose groups of Shugan Jianpi Jiedu decoction and the tamoxifen group were significantly lower than those in the model group(P<0.01). The Western blotting results showed that compared with the blank group, the expression of ER, PI3K, p-Akt and mTOR in the model group was significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of ER, PI3K, p-Akt and mTOR in the low, medium and high dose groups of Shugan Jianpi Jiedu decoction and the tamoxifen group were significantly decreased(P<0.01). CONCLUSION Shugan Jianpi Jiedu decoction may inhibit the expression of ER, thus inhibiting the expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Meanwhile, it can affect the immune response and reverse the precancerous lesions of breast cancer.

Objective:To use pan-genomics and subtractive proteomics techniques to screen the new antibacterial targets from the Staphylococcus aureus genome,and to lay the foundation for the development of anti-Staphylococcus aureus drugs.Methods:The genome sequencing data of 50 strains with sequencing level Complete were collected by searching the whole genome sequencing data in the National Center for Biotechnology Information(NCBI)Database with Staphylococcus aureus as the keyword;BPGA tool was used to conduct the pan-genomics analysis on the genomic data to obtain the core genes of Staphylococcus aureus;subtractive proteomics technique was used to screen the potential antibacterial targets from the core genes.These potential antibacterial targets were used as the receptors;LibDock software was used to screen the potential anti-Staphylococcus aureus drugs from the US Food and Drug Administration(FDA)-approved drug library;molecular docking technology was used to analyze the binding abilities of the drugs and targets.Results:There were 14 379 gene families in the 50 Staphylococcus aureus genomes,of which 1 620 were the core genes.The subtractive proteomics analysis results showed that tyrosine autokinase 1335 was the potential anti-Staphylococcus aureus target.LibDock software screened out nine compounds,including balofloxacin,tenofovir disoproxil fumarate,and adefovir,that may exert anti-Staphylococcus aureus effects on this target protein.The molecular docking results showed there was good binding abilities between the targets and the compounds.Conclusion:Tyrosine autokinase may be the potential target for antii-Staphylococcus aureus.