ObjectiveAngelicae Sinensis Radix， a commonly used medicinal herb with both medicinal and edible properties， is frequently adulterated in the market， severely affecting the clinical efficacy of preparations. While qualitative identification techniques for adulterants and counterfeits are now relatively mature， quantitative detection methods for adulterated processed products remain unexplored. Quantitative detection research of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and its primary closely related adulterant， "Tu Danggui" （Angelica gigas）， was conducted to establish a herbal quantitative molecular detection （Herb-Q） method for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and its processed products， providing a model for the establishment of quantitative detection technologies for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and related health products. MethodsThe specific single-nucleotide polymorphism （SNP） loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Angelica gigas Nakai were screened based on the complete chloroplast genome sequence. The specific SNP loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix were selected for quantitative methodological investigations （linearity， limit of quantification， limit of detection， and reproducibility） by mixing the powder of the herbs with different adulteration ratios. Huoxue Zhitong powder with three distinct adulteration ratios （15%， 25%， and 35%） was utilized to ascertain the precision of the Herb-Q method for the quantitative detection of Chinese patent medicines containing Angelicae Sinensis Radix. ResultsBy comparing the 123 chloroplast genome sequences of Angelicae Sinensis Radix， based on the principles of intraspecies conservation， interspecies specificity， and meeting the requirements of pyrophosphate high-throughput sequencing， it was determined that 9 674^th locus （A/G） in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_042826.1 and 38 592^nd locus （T/C） in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_029393.1 could be the exclusive molecular identification loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Angelica gigas Nakai， respectively. The linear relationship R² of the Herb-Q method established by selecting the specific 9 674^th locus （A/G） of Angelicae Sinensis Radix was 0.997 4 （R²>0.99）， indicating an excellent linear relationship. The limits of quantification and detection were established at 2.0%， exhibiting excellent reproducibility ［relative standard deviation（RSD）<2.0%］. The established quantitative system based on the Herb-Q method detected the adulteration amount of counterfeit A. gigas in the Huoxue Zhitong powder， with an average deviation of 1.3% for three molecular quantitative replicates. ConclusionThis research demonstrates that the Herb-Q quantitative detection method established based on the 9 674^th locus （A/G） in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_042826.1 of Angelicae Sinensis Radix has good applicability， objectivity， and accuracy for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and A. gigas， and its processed products. This method has the capacity to provide technical support for the quantitative detection of commercially available Angelicae Sinensis Radix derivatives， including traditional Chinese medicinal preparations， dietary supplements， and nutraceuticals.

ObjectiveAngelicae Sinensis Radix， a commonly used medicinal herb with both medicinal and edible properties， is frequently adulterated in the market， severely affecting the clinical efficacy of preparations. While qualitative identification techniques for adulterants and counterfeits are now relatively mature， quantitative detection methods for adulterated processed products remain unexplored. Quantitative detection research of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and its primary closely related adulterant， "Tu Danggui" （Angelica gigas）， was conducted to establish a herbal quantitative molecular detection （Herb-Q） method for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and its processed products， providing a model for the establishment of quantitative detection technologies for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and related health products. MethodsThe specific single-nucleotide polymorphism （SNP） loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Angelica gigas Nakai were screened based on the complete chloroplast genome sequence. The specific SNP loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix were selected for quantitative methodological investigations （linearity， limit of quantification， limit of detection， and reproducibility） by mixing the powder of the herbs with different adulteration ratios. Huoxue Zhitong powder with three distinct adulteration ratios （15%， 25%， and 35%） was utilized to ascertain the precision of the Herb-Q method for the quantitative detection of Chinese patent medicines containing Angelicae Sinensis Radix. ResultsBy comparing the 123 chloroplast genome sequences of Angelicae Sinensis Radix， based on the principles of intraspecies conservation， interspecies specificity， and meeting the requirements of pyrophosphate high-throughput sequencing， it was determined that 9 674^th locus （A/G） in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_042826.1 and 38 592^nd locus （T/C） in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_029393.1 could be the exclusive molecular identification loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Angelica gigas Nakai， respectively. The linear relationship R² of the Herb-Q method established by selecting the specific 9 674^th locus （A/G） of Angelicae Sinensis Radix was 0.997 4 （R²>0.99）， indicating an excellent linear relationship. The limits of quantification and detection were established at 2.0%， exhibiting excellent reproducibility ［relative standard deviation（RSD）<2.0%］. The established quantitative system based on the Herb-Q method detected the adulteration amount of counterfeit A. gigas in the Huoxue Zhitong powder， with an average deviation of 1.3% for three molecular quantitative replicates. ConclusionThis research demonstrates that the Herb-Q quantitative detection method established based on the 9 674^th locus （A/G） in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_042826.1 of Angelicae Sinensis Radix has good applicability， objectivity， and accuracy for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and A. gigas， and its processed products. This method has the capacity to provide technical support for the quantitative detection of commercially available Angelicae Sinensis Radix derivatives， including traditional Chinese medicinal preparations， dietary supplements， and nutraceuticals.

The transcription factor HOXB13 plays crucial roles in cancer development. HOXB13 is abnormally expressed in most cancers, which makes it a valuable therapeutic target for cancer therapy. The level of HOXB13 differs significantly between healthy and cancer tissues, which indicates that the level of HOXB13 is closely related to carcinogenesis. The regulatory network mediated by HOXB13 in cancer proliferation, metastasis, and invasion has been systematically investigated. Moreover, HOXB13 variants play distinct roles in different cancers and populations. By understanding the molecular mechanisms and mutation features of HOXB13, we provide a comprehensive overview of carcinogenesis networks dependent on HOXB13. Finally, we discuss advancements in anticancer therapy targeting HOXB13 and the roles of HOXB13 in drug resistance to molecular-targeted therapies, which serves as a foundation for developing HOXB13-targeted drugs for clinical diagnosis and cancer therapies.
Humans ; Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Homeodomain Proteins/metabolism* ; Carcinogenesis/genetics* ; Mutation ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Molecular Targeted Therapy ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics*

Objective To quantify the association between obesity and erectile dysfunction (ED) risk through a meta-analysis. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, systematic searches of Chinese and English databases (up to March 2025) were conducted to include observational studies (cohort, cross-sectional, case-control). Adjusted effect sizes (OR and 95% CI) were extracted. Study quality was assessed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality(AHRQ) scale, and a random-effects model was applied to pool effect sizes. Subgroup analyses (geographic region, obesity definitions) and sensitivity analyses were performed to validate robustness. Results Ten studies (n=230 744), including nine cross-sectional studies, were included. The meta-analysis revealed that obesity significantly increased ED risk (random-effects OR=1.80, 95% CI: 1.29-2.51), with high heterogeneity (I2=99.9%). Subgroup analyses indicated stronger associations in USA populations (OR=2.10, 95% CI: 1.23-3.60) than in Chinese populations (OR=1.16, 95% CI: 1.05-1.28). The highest effect size was observed when using BMI≥25 kg/m3 as the obesity threshold (OR=3.05, 95% CI: 2.06-4.51). Sensitivity analyses confirmed robust results (OR: 1.60-1.94 after excluding any single study). Conclusions Obesity is a critical risk factor for ED, with effect strength influenced by geographic region and obesity definitions. Interventions targeting BMI≥30 kg/m2 in Western populations and metabolic risks at BMI≥25 kg/m3 in Asian populations are recommended.

Objective:To explore the expression of 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7) in gastric cancer using bioinformatics methods and its relationship with clinical pathological characteristics and prognosis of gastric cancer patients.Methods:DHCR7 expression in gastric cancer was analyzed using the UALCAN database; DHCR7 mRNA expression and its relationship with the prognosis of gastric cancer patients were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier plotter database; The expression of DHCR7 and its correlation with tumor immune infiltration level were analyzed using Sangerbox 3.0 and TIMER database; Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of DHCR7 mRNA in gastric cancer tissues and adjacent tissues; immunohistochemical staining was conducted to detect the DHCR7 expression in gastric cancer tissues and adjacent tissues and its correlation with clinical pathological parameters; Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the efficacy of DHCR7 expression in the diagnosis of gastric cancer.Results:The analysis results of the UALCAN database showed that there were statistically significant differences in DHCR7 mRNA expression among gastric cancer patients of different genders ( χ2=18.15, P<0.001), grades ( χ2=16.32, P<0.001), and TP53 mutation status ( χ2=20.12, P<0.001). Survival analysis showed that the 10-year overall survival (OS) rate ( HR=1.55, 95% CI: 1.31-1.84, P<0.001), 10-year progression free survival (PFS) rate ( HR=1.67, 95% CI: 1.36-2.05, P<0.001), and 10-year post progression survival (PPS) rate ( HR=1.81, 95% CI: 1.43-2.28, P<0.001) of gastric cancer patients with high DHCR7 expression were significantly lower than those with low DHCR7 expression. Immune infiltration analysis showed the expression of DHCR7 was negatively correlated with the comprehensive score ( r=-0.51, P<0.001), stromal cell score ( r=-0.48, P<0.001), immune cell score ( r=-0.45, P<0.001), CD4 + T cells ( r=-3.01, P<0.001), macrophages ( r=-0.40, P<0.001), neutrophils ( r=-0.32, P<0.001), and dendritic cells ( r=-0.37, P<0.001) infiltration levels in gastric cancer, and positively correlated with the purity of gastric cancer cells ( r=0.15, P<0.001). The qRT-PCR results showed that compared with adjacent tissues (1.86±0.51), the expression of DHCR7 in gastric cancer tissues (3.43±0.13) was significantly upregulated, with a statistically significant difference ( t=42.89, P<0.001). The relative expression level of DHCR7 in normal gastric mucosal cells GES-1 was 1.06±0.19, and the relative expression levels in four types of gastric cancer cells (HGC-27, AGS, SNU-1, and SGC-7901) were 2.40±0.26, 1.88±0.11, 1.51±0.04, and 2.63±0.20, respectively, there were statistically significant differences in the expression of DHCR7 among the five types of cells ( F=38.34, P<0.001), and the relative expression level of DHCR7 in normal gastric mucosal cells was statistically significant different compared to the four types of gastric cancer cells mentioned above ( P=0.002; P=0.003; P=0.017; P<0.001) ; The immunohistochemical results showed that the high expression rate of DHCR7 in gastric cancer tissues was 80.0% (96/120), which was significantly higher than that in adjacent tissues (68.3%) (82/120) ( χ2=56.84, P<0.001). There were statistically significant differences in tumor maximum diameter ( χ2=40.17, P<0.001), histological grade ( χ2=16.20, P<0.001) and pTNM stage ( χ2=16.99, P<0.001) between patients with high and low DHCR7 expression. The ROC curve results showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of DHCR7 expression level for diagnosing gastric cancer were 0.76 (based on TCGA database, 95% CI: 0.68-0.83, P<0.001) and 0.97 (120 clinical samples of gastric cancer, 95% CI: 0.95-0.99, P<0.001), respectively. Conclusions:DHCR7 is highly expressed in gastric cancer and closely associated with poor prognosis in patients, which may be a novel biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer.

Modulating Tankyrases (TNKS), interactions with USP25 to promote TNKS degradation, rather than inhibiting their enzymatic activities, is emerging as an alternative/specific approach to inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Here, we identified UAT-B, a novel neoantimycin analog isolated from Streptomyces conglobatus, as a small-molecule inhibitor of TNKS-USP25 protein-protein interaction (PPI) to overcome multi-drug resistance in colorectal cancer (CRC). The disruption of TNKS-USP25 complex formation by UAT-B led to a significant decrease in TNKS levels, triggering cell apoptosis through modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Importantly, UAT-B successfully inhibited the CRC cells growth that harbored high TNKS levels, as demonstrated in various in vitro and in vivo studies utilizing cell line-based and patient-derived xenografts, as well as APC^min/+ spontaneous CRC models. Collectively, these findings suggest that targeting the TNKS-USP25 PPI using a small-molecule inhibitor represents a compelling therapeutic strategy for CRC treatment, and UAT-B emerges as a promising candidate for further preclinical and clinical investigations.

ObjectiveTo comprehensively elucidate the potential mechanisms of Xiao Xumingtang （XXMT） combined with electroacupuncture （EA） collaboratively in alleviating cerebral ischemia/reperfusion （I/R） injury. MethodThe rat model of cerebral I/R injury was established using the modified suture-occluded method. Seven days after modeling， rats in the XXMT+EA groups were administered XXMT at low （15 g·kg^-1）， medium （30 g·kg^-1）， and high （60 g·kg^-1） doses， alongside daily 20-min EA treatment （stimulating acupoints GV14 and GV20）. Cerebral infarction and neuronal damage were evaluated using the Zea Longa test score， TTC staining， and TUNEL staining. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of NOD-like receptor hot protein domain related protein 3 （NLRP3）， Gasdermin D （GSDMD）， cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 （Caspase-1）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and interleukin-18 （IL-18） in the ischemic area of the cerebral cortex. ResultCompared with the sham group， the I/R group showed a significant increase in neurological deficit scores and infarct volume （P<0.01）， along with a higher apoptosis rate of cortical neurons and elevated mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3， GSDMD， Caspase-1， IL-1β， and IL-18 （P<0.05）. In contrast， the medium- and high-dose XXMT combined with EA treatment significantly reduced neurological deficit scores and infarct volume （P<0.01）， and decreased the apoptosis rate of cortical neurons as well as the mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3， GSDMD， Caspase-1， IL-1β， and IL-18 （P<0.05）. The improvement showed a dose-dependent relationship with XXMT. ConclusionThe combined use of XXMT and EA can exert neuroprotective effects by modulating the NLRP3/GSDMD/Caspase-1 signaling pathway， thereby reducing neurological deficits， minimizing brain infarct size， and improving cortical neuronal damage.

Objective To observe the role of dried tangerine peel in Yigong Powder improves iron metabolism and promotes red blood cell generation in anemia of chronic disease (ACD).Methods With a two-by-two factorial design,the Yigong Powder was divided into dried tangerine peel and Chenpi absent Decoction. According to the random number table method,32 zymosan-induced generalized inflammation (ZIGI) mice were randomly divided into the model group,the dried tangerine peel group,the Chenpi absent Decoction group,and the Yigong Powder group. The dried tangerine peel group,Chenpi absent Decoction group and the Yigong Powder group were given dried tangerine peel(3.083 g/kg),Chenpi absent Decoction(12.33g/kg),and Yigong Powder(15.413g/kg)by gavage to the corresponding group of mice. The model group was given an equal amount of physiological saline by gavage,and treated continuously for 7 days. After the completion of administration,the body weight of each group of mice was recorded. The hemoglobin content of each group of mice was detected using a fully automatic cell counter,the serum iron content was detected using colorimetry,the serum ferritin content was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA),and the spleen index was calculated. The liver tissue inflammatory factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β),interleukin-6 (IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α),interferon-γ (IFN-γ),interleukin-4 (IL-4),and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels were detected using Luminex method. The mRNA expressions of liver tissue hepcidin gene (HAMP) and membrane iron transporter ( Fpn) were detected using real-time fluorescence PCR method. Results Dried tangerine peel and Chenpi absent Decoction both showed interactive effects in regulating hemoglobin,serum iron,serum ferritin content,improving spleen index,and regulating the mRNA expressions of HAMP,Fpn,as well as IL-1β and IFN-γ (P<0.05). Compared with the model group,dried tangerine peel significantly increased hemoglobin,serum iron content,and Fpn mRNA expression in ZIGI model mice,while decreasing ferritin content,spleen index,HAMP mRNA expression,and the levels of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,and IFN-γ (P<0.05). Chenpi absent Decoction significantly increased serum iron content and Fpn mRNA expression in ZIGI model mice,while reducing spleen index,ferritin content,HAMP mRNA expression,and the levels of IL-1β and IFN-γ、IL-4 (P<0.05). Conclusion The effects of dried tangerine peel on inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α) and Fpn may play a key role in the improvement effects of Yigong Powder on ACD and iron metabolism.

Objective The family reconstruction method was used to establish paternity index algorithm for uncle-nephew relationships between two full sibling uncles and one nephew.Methods According to Mendelian genetic law,the family of two known full-sib uncles and one nephew were reconstructed according to the relationship between uncle and nephew,and the test hypothesis was established between two full sibling uncles and one nephew as the uncle-nephew relationship and unrelated individuals,and the paternity index of the uncle-nephew relationship between two full sibling uncles and one nephew was calculated by using Excel.Results Among the 99 genotypic combinations between two full sibling uncles and one nephew,91 of which were consistent with the genetic rules of uncle-nephew relationships,while 8 of which were not.a stepwise mutation model was introduced in the situations that do not conform to the genetic laws of uncle-nephew relationships.The paternity index of uncle-nephew relationship between two full sibling uncles and one nephew can be calculated using Excel.Conclusion The uncle-nephew testing involved by two full sibling uncles makes use of the role of the assistant,and the paternity index of the obtained uncle-nephew relationship is higher than that between two known full-siblings alone and their nephew,which has a good practical value in helping the appraiser to draw a clear appraisal opinion.

Humans ; Adult ; Serum Albumin, Human ; Consensus ; Cardiac Surgical Procedures ; Thoracic Surgery