Cancer is a highly deadly disease, with breast cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer being the most prevalent in women. However, traditional cancer treatments present challenges due to their strong toxic side effects and adverse reactions. Numerous studies have demonstrated that natural products derived from various plants possess therapeutic and preventive properties against cancer. These phytochemicals have been extensively investigated as a potential alternative to conventional chemotherapy drugs, owing to their safety and efficacy. This article provides a comprehensive review of the recent advances in the chemoprevention and mechanisms of phytochemicals against the four major female cancers. The focus will be on how these phytochemicals regulate cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis to impede cancer progression. Given their extensive clinical applications, phytochemicals hold great promise in the field of cancer treatment. It hopes that this review will inspire more researchers to explore the potential of these natural compounds in combating female cancers.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the preventive effect of transcutaneous phrenic nerve stimulation on ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction (VIDD) in patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. The patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Jiaxing First Hospital from November 2022 to December 2023 were enrolled. Participants were randomized into the control group and the observation group using a random number table. The control group was given ICU standardized nursing intervention, including turning over and slapping the back, raising the head of the bed, sputum aspiration on demand, aerosol inhalation, oral care, and monitoring of airbag pressure and gastric retention, the observation group was given additional transcutaneous phrenic nerve stimulation intervention on the basis of ICU standardized nursing intervention. The stimulation intensity was set to 10 U, the pulse frequency was set to 40 Hz, and the stimulation frequency was set to 12 times/min. Transcutaneous phrenic nerve stimulation was administered once a day for 30 minutes each time, for a total of 5 days. Diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF) and arterial blood gas parameters on days 1, 3, and 5 of intervention were compared between the two groups. After 5 days of intervention, other parameters including the incidence of VIDD, duration of mechanical ventilation, and length of ICU stay were compared. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation were enrolled, with 16 dropouts (dropout rate was 13.33%). Ultimately, 51 patients in the control group and 53 patients in the observation group were analyzed. Baseline characteristics, including gender, age, body mass index (BMI), acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score, albumin (Alb), hemoglobin (Hb), and disease type, showed no significant differences between the two groups. DTF in both groups gradually increased over duration of intervention [DTF on days 1, 3, and 5 in the control group was (20.83±2.33)%, (21.92±1.27)%, and (23.93±2.33)%, respectively, and that in the observation group was (20.89±1.96)%, (22.56±1.64)%, and (25.34±2.38)%, respectively], with more significant changes in DTF in the observation group, showing time effects (F_time = 105.975, P < 0.001), intervention effects (F_intervention = 7.378, P = 0.008), and interaction effects (F_interaction = 3.322, P = 0.038). Arterial blood gas parameters did not differ significantly before intervention between the groups, but after 5 days of intervention, arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂) in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [mmHg (1 mmHg≈0.133 kPa): 100.72±15.75 vs. 93.62±15.54, P < 0.05], and arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) was significantly lower than that in the control group (mmHg: 36.53±3.10 vs. 37.69±2.02, P < 0.05). At 5 days of intervention, the incidence of VIDD in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [15.09% (8/53) vs. 37.25% (19/51), P < 0.05], and both duration of mechanical ventilation and length of ICU stay were significantly shorter than those in the control group [duration of mechanical ventilation (days): 7.93±2.06 vs. 8.77±1.76, length of ICU stay (days): 9.64±2.35 vs. 11.01±2.01, both P < 0.05]. CONCLUSIONS Transcutaneous phrenic nerve stimulation can improve diaphragmatic and respiratory function in patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation, reduce the incidence of VIDD, and shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation and length of ICU stay.
Humans ; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation ; Respiration, Artificial/adverse effects* ; Diaphragm/physiopathology* ; Phrenic Nerve ; Intensive Care Units ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged

Objective To mine and analyse the hub genes associated with the prognosis of basal-like breast cancer(BLBC)by bioinformatic methods.Methods We searched the GEO database to obtain an appropriate microarray dataset related to molecular subtyp-ing of breast cancer,and identified modules associated with BLBC by WGCNA.Then,the top 10％differential expressed genes in the module were screened as candidate genes using PPI and cytohubba.The candidate genes were subjected to survival analysis and expression analysis to obtain hub genes.Finally,we explored the correlation between the expressive level of hub genes and immune cell infiltration,chemokines,and immunomodulators by TIMER and TISIDB database.Furthermore,transcription factors(TFs)-hub gene network was constructed.Results A total of 891 genes in black modules related to BLBC were analyzed,and two hub genes,ESPL1 and CCNB2,were identified from the 80differential expressed genes.Two hub genes are associated with BLBC immune cell infiltration,mainly inclu-ding Th2 cells,CD8+T cells,endothelial cells,and tumor-associated fibroblasts.They were also related to chemokines,immunostimu-lators,immunosuppressive factors,and MHC molecules.The upstream transcriptional regulatory network of hub genes showed that 22 transcription factors simultaneously regulate two hub genes.Conclusion ESPL1 and CCNB2 are prognostic markers of BLBC and related to breast tumor immunity.

Objective Developing a new type of full-face respiratory protective mask for nuclear facility sites to enhance the sound transmission function and improve the facial adaptability. Methods Combined with feedback from on-site practical needs, this study utilized finite element simulation and ergonomic design methods to investigate the voice transmission units of full-face masks and the facial features of workers at key nuclear facilities. Based on the research results, a new full-face respiratory protection mask structure was designed. Results The optimized structure of passive thin film voice transmission unit significantly enhanced voice transmission efficiency, reducing average voice transmission loss by approximately 70% compared to the control group using thin plate units of equivalent thickness. The existing facial feature test panels insufficiently cover and unevenly classify the facial features of workers at key nuclear facilities. In this study, a specialized test panel based on measurement data achieved a total coverage of 98.5% with high distribution uniformity within each class, providing effective guidance for redesigning full-face mask structural parameters. In comparison to foreign products currently utilized in nuclear facilities, the newly designed full-face mask structure exhibited excellent tightness and structural safety and reliability, and can be cleaned, decontaminated, and reused. Conclusion The results of this study provide significant guidance for improving and optimizing full-face respiratory protection mask used at nuclear facilities, as well as promoting domestic production of high-quality full-face respiratory protection masks.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential value and its mechanism of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). METHODS: The effect of DHA on the viability of AML cells was detected by CCK-8 assay. The effect of DHA on intracellular oxidation-reduction state was detected by fluorescence probe staining and flow cytometry. Western blot, adenovirus transfection, and laser confocal analysis were used to analyze the effect of DHA on autophagy. The small molecule inhibitors were used to further elucidate the possible mechanism of DHA-induced AML cell death. RESULTS: DHA could inhibit the viability of HL-60 and Kasumi-1 cell lines, and significantly increase the level of intracellular oxidative stress. When treated with 10 μmol/L DHA, reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HL-60 cells and Kasumi-1 cells was increased to 2.6 times and 2.0 times, respectively. In addition, the expression of autophagy-related proteins were up-regulated in DHA-treated AML cells, together with the increase of intracellular autophagy flux and activation of autophagy. Furthermore, autophagy inhibitors reduced DHA-induced cell death, and inhibited the level of oxidative stress by scavenging intracellular free radicals, thus inhibiting autophagy and restoring cell viability. CONCLUSION DHA can activate autophagic cell death of AML by inducing oxidative stress.
Apoptosis ; Artemisinins/pharmacology* ; Autophagic Cell Death ; Autophagy ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; Oxidative Stress

Objective: To investigate the effects of cathepsin S(Cat S) on proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells and its potential regulatory mechanism. Methods: Normal osteoblasts(hFOB) and osteosarcoma cells(SAOS2 and MG63) were selected as the subjects of this study.Cat S small interfering(si) RNA(si-Cat S) and negative control sequence(si-NC) were transfected into SAOS2 and MG63 cells to modulate the expression of Cat S in osteosarcoma cells.The experimental cells were randomly divided into four groups: hFOB group(hFOB cells),Control group(untransfected SAOS2 or MG63 cells),si-NC group(SAOS2 or MG63 cells transfected with si-NC) and si-Cat S group(SAOS2 or MG63 cells transfected with si-Cat S).The expression of Cat S in SAOS2 and MG63 cells was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot.Effect of Cat S knockdown on the proliferation of SAOS2 and MG63 cells was assessed by CCK-8 and clone formation assays.And effects of Cat S knockdown on the migration and invasion of SAOS2 and MG63 cells were determined by wound-healing and Transwell assays, respectively.Western blot assay was performed to measure the effects of SAOS2 knockdown on the expressions of apoptosis-related proteins(Bcl-2,Bax and Caspase-3) and Wnt/β-catenin pathway related proteins(LRP5,β-catenin, C-myc and Cyclin D1) in SAOS2 cells. Results: Compared with hFOB group, the expression of Cat S in SAOS2 group and MG63 group was upregulated(P<0.001).In addition, compared with si-NC group, the proliferation, migration and invasion of cells in si-Cat S group were reduced(P<0. 001). Results of Western blot showed that compared with si-NC group,the expression of Bcl-2 in si-Cat S group was downregulated,while the expression of Bax and Caspase-3 were upregulated(P<0. 001). Meanwhile,compared with si-NC group,the expression of LRP5,β-catenin,C-myc and Cyclin D1 in si-Cat S group was downregulated(P<0. 001). Conclusion Cat S siRNA knockdown can inhibit the proliferation,migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells and induce apoptosis by regulating Wnt/β-catenin pathway,indicating that Cat S may be one of the potential targets for the treatment of osteosarcoma.

The multi-component pharmacokinetic study of Chinese herbal extracts elaborates the in vivo processes,including absorption,distribution,metabolism,and excretion,of multiple bioactive components,which is of significance in revealing pharmacodynamic material basis of Chinese herbal medicine. In recent years,with the innovation in ideas,and development of techniques and methods on traditional Chinese medicine( TCM) research,the pharmacokinetic studies of Chinese herbal extracts were extensively performed,and notable progress has been made. This paper reviewed the advancement of multi-component pharmacokinetics of Chinese herbal extracts in recent five years from analysis technology of biological sample,the pharmacokinetic characteristics of Chinese herbal medicine with complex system,and the impacts of processing and pathological state on pharmacokinetics of Chinese herbal extracts,aiming to provide a reference for quality control,product development and rational medication of Chinese herbal extracts.
China ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Quality Control

RNF20, an E3 ligase critical for monoubiquitination of histone H2B at lysine 120 (H2Bub), has been implicated in the regulation of various cellar processes; however, its physiological roles in adipocytes remain poorly characterized. Here, we report that the adipocyte-specific knockout of Rnf20 (ASKO) in mice led to progressive fat loss, organomegaly and hyperinsulinemia. Despite signs of hyperinsulinemia, normal insulin sensitivity and improved glucose tolerance were observed in the young and aged CD-fed ASKO mice. In addition, high-fat diet-fed ASKO mice developed severe liver steatosis. Moreover, we observed that the ASKO mice were extremely sensitive to a cold environment due to decreased expression levels of brown adipose tissue (BAT) selective genes, including uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1), and impaired mitochondrial functions. Significantly decreased levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Pparγ) were observed in the gonadal white adipose tissues (gWAT) from the ASKO mice, suggesting that Rnf20 regulates adipogenesis, at least in part, through Pparγ. Rosiglitazone-treated ASKO mice exhibited increased fat mass compared to that of the non-treated ASKO mice. Collectively, our results illustrate the critical role of RNF20 in control of white and brown adipose tissue development and physiological function.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the optimum extraction technique and high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method to simultaneously quantify nine compounds of gallic acid, hydroxy-paeoniflorin, catechin, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, pentagalloylglucose, benzoic acid, benzoylpaeoniflorin and paeonol in . METHODS: Linear gradient elution was applied using water containing 0.1%phosphoric acid and acetonitrile as the mobile phase with a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min, column temperature of 30℃ and wavelength of 230 nm. The method of ultrasound extraction was used. Methanol and ethanol were used as extraction solvents, and three factors and three levels of orthogonal experiments was designed using L (3 ) table to investigate the effects of solvent concentration, ratio of liquid to material and extraction time on the total content of nine components of . RESULTS: HPLC method was verified to have high specificity, sensitivity and accuracy through methodological validation, and it could be used for simultaneous quantitative analysis of nine components of . The results showed that the optimum extraction technology of nine components of was using 70%ethanol as extraction solvent, ratio of liquid to material was 200 mL/g and ultrasound extraction time was 30 min. CONCLUSIONS HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of nine components of is established, and the optimum extraction technology is confirmed.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Paeonia

Objective:To explore the association between blood pressure control and risk of ischemic stroke (IS) in patients with hypertension.Methods:A total of 5 488 patients with hypertension from 60 communities were randomly selected from 101 communities in 8 streets of Nanshan District in Shenzhen City by using two-stage sampling method. The social demographic characteristics, behavior and life style, coronary heart disease and diabetes were collected and the physical condition, blood pressure and blood biochemical indexes were measured. From April 1, 2010 to August 31, 2017 as the follow-up period, the incidence of IS was annually collected by using telephone survey. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to analyze the relationship between blood pressure control, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and the risk of IS.Results:The age of all patients was (58.50±12.14) years old, including 2 712 males (49.42%) and 3 112 patients with well-controlled blood pressure (56.71%). During the follow-up period, 358 new cases of IS were confirmed, and the incidence density was 1 346.27/100 000 person-years. Cox proportional hazard regression model analysis showed after adjusting for confounding factors, unstable blood pressure control, SBP≥150 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa; compared with SBP<120 mmHg), and DBP≥95 mmHg (compared with DBP<80 mmHg) were associated with risk of IS. The HR (95% CI) was 1.29 (1.04, 1.59), 2.00 (1.26, 3.17) and 1.52 (1.01, 2.64), respectively. Subgroup analyses showed these associations only existed in female patients with hypertension. The HR (95% CI) was 1.39 (1.05, 1.85), 2.53 (1.41, 4.56) and 1.73 (1.00, 3.36), respectively. Conclusion:Unstable blood pressure control increases the risk of IS in female patients with hypertension.