Objective: To screen and identify the key active molecules, signaling pathways, and therapeutic targets of Shuxuening (SXN) injection for treating liver cirrhosis (LC) and to evaluate its therapeutic potential using a mouse model. Methods: Target genes of SXN and LC were retrieved from public databases, and enrichment analysis was performed. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING), and hub genes were identified using Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE). LC was induced in rats and mice via intraperitoneal injections of diethylnitrosamine and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 12 weeks. Starting at week 7, SXN was administered intraperitoneally to the mice in the treatment group. Serum and liver tissues of the mice were collected for the detection of indicators, pathological staining, and expression analysis of hub targets using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: We identified 368 overlapping genes (OLGs) between SXN and LC targets. These OLGs were subsequently used to build a PPI network and to screen for hub genes. Enrichment analysis showed that these genes were associated with cancer-related pathways, including phosphoinositide-3-kinase/Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and various cellular processes, such as responses to chemicals and metabolic regulation. In vivo experiments demonstrated that SXN treatment significantly improved liver function and pathology in CCl4-induced LC mice by reducing inflammation and collagen deposition. Furthermore, qRT-PCR demonstrated that SXN regulated the expression of MAPK8, AR and CASP3 in the livers of LC mice. Conclusion This study highlighted the therapeutic effects of SXN in alleviating LC using both bioinformatics and experimental methods. The observed effect was associated with modulation of hub gene expression, particularly MAPK8, and CASP3.

Objective:To evaluate and compare the clinical value of unadjusted fracture risk assessment tool(FRAX) and adjusted FRAX in predicting the risk of hip fracture in patients with type 2 diabetes(T2DM).Methods:In this 10-year retrospective cohort study, 1 730 patients with T2DM were collected from August 2009 to July 2013. The 10-year risk of hip fracture was calculated using the China FRAX model. Hip fracture events during the follow-up period were collected through electronic medical records and telephone interviews. The value of FRAX and adjusted FRAX in predicting the risk of hip fracture in T2DM patients was evaluated from two aspects of discrimination and calibration. Cox regression model was used to investigate the relationship between diabetes related factors and hip fracture.Results:A total of 39 participants(2.3%) experienced hip fracture during a median follow-up of 10 years. The area under the curve of unadjusted FRAX was 0.760, but the calibration ability was poor [calibration χ2: 75.78, P<0.001; calibration ratio(observation/prediction): 3.97(95% CI 2.76~5.17)]. There was no significant improvement in calibration ability of adjusted FRAX. After adjustment for unadjusted or adjusted hip fracture probability calculated by FRAX(FRAX-HF), duration, estimated glomerular filtration rate, insulin use, cerebrovascular diseases, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy were significantly associated with an increased risk of hip fracture( P<0.05). Conclusion:The FRAX tool significantly underestimated the risk of hip fracture in T2DM patients, and there was still significantly underestimation after adjustment due to the failure to eliminate the influence of diabetes-related factors such as disease duration and peripheral neuropathy.

Objective To construct the prokaryotic expression vector pET30a( +)-VH-mms13 and identification of its protein after induced with IPTG.Method Heavy chain variable region VH gene of typeⅣcollagenase monoclonal antibody and magnetosome membrane protein gene mms13 were amplified separately,the fusion gene VH-linker-mms13 were synthesized by SOE-PCR technique and inserted into pET30a ( +) plasmid, which was confirmed by restriction enzyme digest and sequencing.Then the recombinant plasmid pET30a ( +)-VH-mms13 was transform into E.coli DE3 and induced with 0.4 mmol/L IPTG.The fused protein was identified by SDS-PAGE and Western blot.Results The length of fusion gene VH-mms13 was 738 bp,and the sequence was correct.After induced with IPTG,the fused protein was found in the inclusion body and Western blot results suggested that the fused protein can bind with His-tag antibody specifically.Conclusion Expression vector pET30a ( +)-VH-mms13 is successfully constructed and the fusion protein has good immunogenicity,which lay the foundation for the development of biomagnetism-targeted drug.

OBJECTIVEThis article aims to introduce the benefits of qualitative research and to discuss how such research can be applied to the study of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

DATA SOURCESRelevant articles were published in English as of May 2013 from Pubmed. Terms "polycystic ovary syndrome/PCOS, qualitative research and methodology" were used for searching.

STUDY SELECTIONArticles studying PCOS with qualitative methods were reviewed. Articles associated with the use of qualitative research in clinical research were cited.

RESULTSSix qualitative studies related to PCOS were found in the literature search. These studies addressed different aspects in PCOS women including their womanhood, lived experience, information need, and experience of treatment with acupuncture. Five of these six studies used phenomenology as guiding theory.

CONCLUSIONQuantitative research has been the dominant approach in the field so far, qualitative research is relevant to the advancement of PCOS.

Acupuncture Therapy ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ; therapy