Objective To investigate the current status of work readiness and its influencing factors among patients returning to work after lung cancer surgery. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on young and middle-aged postoperative lung cancer patients who were treated at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University from March to September 2023 and returned to their jobs. Data were collected through a general information questionnaire, readiness for return-to-work scale (RRTW), general self-efficacy scale (GSES), and simplified coping style questionnaire (SCSQ). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore the factors affecting the work readiness of patients returning to work. Results A total of 219 patients were included, with 59 males and 160 females aged 18-60 years. Among the postoperative lung cancer patients returning to work, 73.1% were in the active maintenance stage of return-to-work readiness with a RRTW score of (17.59±1.48) points, and 26.9% were in the uncertain maintenance stage with a RRTW score of (16.22±1.50) points. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patients aged≤30 years (OR=52.381), employees of enterprises and institutions (OR=7.682), agricultural, pastoral, fishery, forestry laborers (OR=15.665), positive coping (OR=5.043), those with higher self-efficacy (OR=1.157) and engaged in physically demanding work (OR=2.449) had higher return-to-work readiness, while patients with≥2 children (OR=0.055), self-payment (OR=0.044), and those working more than 40 hours per week (OR=0.122) had lower return-to-work readiness. Conclusion The return-to-work readiness of young and middle-aged postoperative lung cancer patients needs to be improved, and occupation, job nature, main coping styles, general self-efficacy and other factors are associated with return-to-work readiness.

6-gingerol, a bioactive compound from ginger, has demonstrated promising anticancer properties across various cancer models by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation and invasion. In this study, we explore its mechanisms against glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a notably aggressive and treatment-resistant brain tumor. We found that 6-gingerol crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively than curcumin, enhancing its potential as a therapeutic agent for brain tumors. Our experiments show that 6-gingerol reduces cell proliferation and triggers apoptosis in GBM cell lines by disrupting cellular energy homeostasis. This process involves an increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) and a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, primarily due to the downregulation of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Additionally, 6-gingerol reduces ERK phosphorylation by inhibiting EGFR and RAF, leading to G1 phase cell cycle arrest. These findings indicate that 6-gingerol promotes cell death in GBM cells by modulating MnSOD and ROS levels and arresting the cell cycle through the ERFR-RAF-1/MEK/ ERK signaling pathway, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for GBM and setting the stage for future clinical research.

6-gingerol, a bioactive compound from ginger, has demonstrated promising anticancer properties across various cancer models by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation and invasion. In this study, we explore its mechanisms against glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a notably aggressive and treatment-resistant brain tumor. We found that 6-gingerol crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively than curcumin, enhancing its potential as a therapeutic agent for brain tumors. Our experiments show that 6-gingerol reduces cell proliferation and triggers apoptosis in GBM cell lines by disrupting cellular energy homeostasis. This process involves an increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) and a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, primarily due to the downregulation of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Additionally, 6-gingerol reduces ERK phosphorylation by inhibiting EGFR and RAF, leading to G1 phase cell cycle arrest. These findings indicate that 6-gingerol promotes cell death in GBM cells by modulating MnSOD and ROS levels and arresting the cell cycle through the ERFR-RAF-1/MEK/ ERK signaling pathway, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for GBM and setting the stage for future clinical research.

The management goals of rheumatoid arthritis are to control pain and disease activity,prevent joint damage,restore function,and improve quality of life.Hand joint pain is a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis and currently cannot be cured.Systematic symptom management pro-tocols have been established abroad,while management often relies on clinical experience in China.This paper summarized the mechanisms of hand pain in rheumatoid arthritis and non-pharmacological intervention strategies,aiming to provide a scientific basis for patient management.

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of transumbilical extracorporeal laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy(TUELAA)for pediatric uncomplicated appendicitis.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 38 cases treated with TUELAA between January2019 and October2024.The median age was7.5 years old(range,2.4-16.3 years old).The duration of abdominal pain before admission was(20.6±10.6)h.Preoperative ultrasound revealed an average appendiceal diameter of(0.92±0.15)cm,with appendicoliths identified in15 cases.A vertical umbilical incision approximately1.5 cm in length was made,through which a 5 mm trocar(15 cm in length)with a 30° laparoscope and a 5 mm short trocar(9 cm in length)with grasping forceps were inserted.The abdominal cavity was explored,adhesions were dissected,and the appendiceal tip was grasped.The tissue between the two trocars was incised,and the appendix was extracted through the umbilical incision for extracorporeal ligation and excision.Results Among the 38 cases,31 had no significant adhesions around the appendix,and the appendectomy was successfully performed with smooth extraction of the appendix.In the remaining 7 cases with adhesions around the appendix,blunt laparoscopic dissection was used to release the adhesions.After the appendix tip was freed,it was extracted through the umbilical incision for complete excision.The surgical time was(27.1±8.6)min,and the postoperative hospitalization was1-3 d.Pathological diagnoses revealed32 cases of acute suppurative appendicitis and 6 cases of gangrenous appendicitis.No intravenous analgesics were used postoperatively.No discomfort such as abdominal pain was noted during telephone follow-ups for 2-68 months(median,58 months).Conclusion TUELAA demonstrates definite efficacy and favorable cosmetic outcomes for the treatment of pediatric uncomplicated appendicitis.

Objective:To compare the efficacy of three-dimensional visualization-assisted intermuscular versus conventional intermuscular cervical expansive open-door laminoplasty (CEOL) in the treatment of cervical spinal cord injury without fracture or dislocation (CSCIWFD).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 58 patients with CSCIWFD admitted to Zhengzhou Orthopedic Hospital from October 2021 to January 2024, including 39 males and 19 females, aged 36-77 years [(52.9±8.9)years]. Among them, 26 patients were treated with three-dimensional visualization-assisted intermuscular CEOL (three-dimensional visualization group), while 32 patients were treated with conventional intermuscular CEOL (conventional intermuscular group). All patients were treated with CEOL in 4 segments (C 3-C 6), comprising 104 surgical segments in the three-dimensional visualization group and 128 in the conventional intermuscular group. The following outcomes were compared between the two groups, including the operative duration, intraoperative blood loss, accuracy rate of open-door and hinge placement at the surgical levels, visual analogue scale (VAS) of the neck and shoulder and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score preoperatively, at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months postoperatively and at the last follow-up, American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale preoperatively and at the last follow-up, and postoperative complication rate. Results:All patients were followed up for 12-24 months [(17.5±3.1)months]. The operative duration and intraoperative blood loss were (117.0±12.3)minutes and (151.3±30.9)ml in the three-dimensional visualization group, which were shorter or less than (131.9±15.0)minutes and (184.7±42.9)ml in the conventional intermuscular group ( P<0.01). The accuracy rate of open-door and hinge placement at the surgical levels was 94.2% (98/104) in the three-dimensional visualization group, significantly higher than 83.6% (107/128) in the conventional intermuscular group ( P<0.05). The VAS scores of the neck and shoulder preoperatively, at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months postoperatively, and at the last follow-up were 6.0(5.0, 7.0)points, 3.5(3.0, 4.0)points, 3.0(2.0, 3.0)points, 2.0(1.0, 3.0)points, 2.0(1.0, 2.3)points, and 2.0(1.0, 2.0)points in the three-dimensional visualization group, which were not statistically different from 5.0(4.3, 6.8)points, 4.0(3.0, 4.0)points, 3.0(2.0, 3.0)points, 2.0(1.3, 2.0)points, 2.0(1.0, 2.8)points, and 2.0(1.0, 2.0)points in the conventional intermuscular group ( P>0.05). The VAS scores of the neck and shoulder in the two groups were significantly decreased at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months postoperatively from the preoperative values ( P<0.05), while they were stabilized at 6 months postoperatively and at the last follow-up compared with those at 3 months postoperatively, with no significant difference among them ( P>0.05). The JOA scores were (8.1±2.8)points, (10.0±2.6)points, (10.5±2.6)points, (11.6±2.3)points, (12.7±2.3)points, and (13.7±2.4)points in the three-dimensional visualization group, which were not statistically different from (8.8±2.2)points, (10.3±2.1)points, (10.8±2.0)points, (12.0±2.0)points, (12.9±2.0)points, and (13.8±2.1)points in the conventional intermuscular group ( P>0.05). The JOA scores of the two groups showed continuous improvement at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months postoperatively and at the last follow-up in comparison with the preoperatively values ( P<0.05). Although no significant difference was observed between the two groups in ASIA grade preoperatively and at the last follow-up ( P>0.05), the ASIA grade at the last follow-up was significantly improved compared with that before surgery in both groups ( P<0.05). The postoperative complication rate was 12% (3/26) in the three-dimensional visualization group, significantly lower than 38% (12/32) in the conventional intermuscular group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Compared with the conventional intermuscular approach, the three-dimensional visualization-assisted intermuscular CEOL offers advantages in reducing surgical trauma, improving surgical precision, and lowering the postoperative complication rate in the treatment of CSCIWFD.

With Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum drug pair as the research object, supramolecular chemistry of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) was used to study differences between the compatibility of herbal medicine Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma with mineral medicine Gypsum Fibrosum and its main component CaSO_4·2H_2O, so as to preliminarily discuss the scientific connotation of compatibility of Gypsum Fibrosum in clinical application. A Malvern particle sizer, a scanning electron microscope(SEM), and a conductivity meter were used to observe and determine the physical properties such as microscopic morphology, particle size, and conductivity of Gypsum Fibrosum, CaSO_4·2H_2O, and water decoctions of them with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. An inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer(ICP-OES) was employed to detect the inorganic metal elements in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-CaSO_4·2H_2O. Isothermal titration calorimetry(ITC) was conducted to quantify the interactions of Gypsum Fibrosum and CaSO_4·2H_2O with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. A Fourier transform infrared spectrometer(FTIR) was used to analyze the characteristic absorption peak change of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-CaSO_4·2H_2O. X-ray diffraction(XRD) was performed to determine the crystal structure and phase composition of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-CaSO_4·2H_2O. Further, glycyrrhizic acid(GA) was substituted for Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma to co-decoct with Gypsum Fibrosum, CaSO_4·2H_2O, and freeze-dried powder of their respective water decoctions. The results of XRD were used for verification analysis. The results showed that although CaSO_4·2H_2O is the main component of Gypsum Fibrosum, there were significant differences between their decoctions and between the decoctions of them with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Specifically,(1) Both CaSO_4·2H_2O and Gypsum Fibrosum were amorphous fibrous. However, the particle size and conductivity were significantly different between the decoctions of CaSO_4·2H_2O and Gypsum Fibrosum alone.(2) Under SEM, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-CaSO_4·2H_2O was a hybrid system with various morphologies, while Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum presented uniform nanoparticles.(3) The particle sizes and conductivities of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-CaSO_4·2H_2O and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum were significantly different and did not follow the same tendency as those of the decoctions of CaSO_4·2H_2O and Gypsum Fibrosum alone.(4) Compared with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-CaSO_4·2H_2O, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum had stronger molecular binding ability and functional group structure change.(5) The crystal form was largely different between the freeze-dried powder of CaSO_4·2H_2O decoction and Gypsum Fibrosum decoction, and their crystal forms were also significantly different from those of the freeze-dried powder of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-CaSO_4·2H_2O and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Gypsum Fibrosum decoctions. The reason for the series of differences is that Gypsum Fibrosum is richer in trace elements than CaSO_4·2H_2O. The XRD results of GA-Gypsum Fibrosum and GA-CaSO_4·2H_2O decoctions further prove the importance of trace elements in Gypsum Fibrosum for supramolecule formation. This research preliminarily reveals the influence of compatibility of Gypsum Fibrosum or CaSO_4·2H_2O on decoction phase state, material form, and crystal form, providing a basis for the rational clinical application of Gypsum Fibrosum.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Calcium Sulfate/chemistry* ; Glycyrrhiza/chemistry* ; Crystallization ; Particle Size ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Rhizome/chemistry*

Salvia miltiorrhiza is a perennial herb of the genus Salvia(Lamiaceae). As one of the earliest medicinal plants to undergo molecular biology research, it has gradually become a model plant for molecular biology of medicinal plants. With the gradual analysis of the genome of S. miltiorrhiza and the biosynthetic pathways of its main active components tanshinone and salvianolic acids, the transcriptional regulation mediated by transcription factors and related regulatory proteins has gradually become a new research focus. Due to the lack of scientific and unified naming of transcription factors and different research indexes in different literature, this paper systematically sorted out the transcription factors in different literature with the genomes of DSS3 from selfing for three generations and bh2-7 from selfing for six generations as reference. In total, 73 transcription factors and related regulatory proteins belonging to 13 gene families were identified. The effects of overexpression or gene silencing experiments on tanshinone and salvianolic acids were also analyzed. This study unified the identified transcription factors, which laid a foundation for further constructing the regulatory networks of secondary metabolites and insect or stress resistance and improving the quality of medicinal materials by using global transcriptional regulation engineering.
Salvia miltiorrhiza/chemistry* ; Plant Proteins/metabolism* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Transcription Factors/metabolism* ; Abietanes/metabolism*

This study aimed to characterize and identify the non-volatile components in aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the stems and leaves of Rhododendron tomentosum by using sensitive and efficient ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) combined with a self-built information database. By comparing with reference compounds, analyzing fragment ion information, searching relevant literature, and using a self-built information database, 118 compounds were identified from the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of R. tomentosum, including 35 flavonoid glycosides, 15 phenolic glycosides, 12 flavonoids, 7 phenolic acids, 7 phenylethanol glycosides, 6 tannins, 6 phospholipids, 5 coumarins, 5 monoterpene glycosides, 6 triterpenes, 3 fatty acids, and 11 other types of compounds. Among them, 102 compounds were reported in R. tomentosum for the first time, and 36 compounds were identified by comparing them with reference compounds. The chemical components in the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of R. tomentosum leaves and stems showed slight differences, with 84 common chemical components accounting for 71.2% of the total 118 compounds. This study systematically characterized and identified the non-volatile chemical components in the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of R. tomentosum for the first time. The findings provide a reference for active ingredient research, quality control, and product development of R. tomentosum.
Rhododendron/chemistry* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Mass Spectrometry/methods* ; Plant Leaves/chemistry*

Panax ginseng as a perennial herb of Araliaceae, exhibits pharmacological effects such as central nervous system stimulation, anti-tumor properties, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection. The B3 gene family plays a crucial role in growth and development, antioxidant activity, stress resistance, and secondary metabolism regulation of plants and has been extensively studied in various plants. However, the identification and analysis of the B3 gene family in P. ginseng have not been reported. In this study, a total of 145 B3 genes(PgB3s) with complete open reading frames(ORF) were identified from P. ginseng and classified into five subfamilies based on domain types. Through correlation analysis with ginsenoside content, SNP/InDels analysis, and interaction analysis with key enzyme genes, 15 PgB3 transcripts were found to be significantly correlated with ginsenoside content and exhibited a close interaction network with key enzyme genes involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis, which indicated that these genes may participate in the regulation of ginsenoside biosynthesis. Additionally, this study found that PgB3 genes exhibited induced expression in response to methyl jasmonate(MeJA) stress, which aligned with the presence of abundant stress response elements in their promoters, confirming the important role of the B3 gene family in P. ginseng in stress resistance. The results of this study revealed the potential functions of PgB3 genes in ginsenoside biosynthesis and stress response, providing a significant theoretical basis for further research on the functions of PgB3 genes and their regulatory mechanisms.
Panax/metabolism* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Plant Proteins/metabolism* ; Ginsenosides/biosynthesis* ; Multigene Family ; Phylogeny