Nigella sativa L. seeds have been traditionally utilized in Chinese folk medicine for centuries to treat vitiligo. This study revealed that the ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa L. (HZC) enhances melanogenesis and mitigates oxidative stress-induced cellular senescence and dysfunction in melanocytes. In accordance with established protocols, the ethanol fraction from Nigella sativa L. seeds was extracted, concentrated, and lyophilized to evaluate its herbal effects via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays, tyrosinase activity evaluation, measurement of cellular melanin contents, scratch assays, senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western blot analysis for expression profiling of experimentally relevant proteins. The results indicated that HZC significantly enhanced tyrosinase activity and melanin content while notably increasing the protein expression levels of Tyr, Mitf, and gp100 in B16F10 cells. Furthermore, HZC effectively mitigated oxidative stress-induced cellular senescence, improved melanocyte condition, and rectified various functional impairments associated with melanocyte dysfunction. These findings suggest that HZC increases melanin synthesis in melanocytes through the activation of the MAPK, PKA, and Wnt signaling pathways. In addition, HZC attenuates oxidative damage induced by H₂O₂ therapy by activating the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2-antioxidant response element (Nrf2-ARE) pathway and enhancing the activity of downstream antioxidant enzymes, thus preventing premature senescence and dysfunction in melanocytes.
Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Melanocytes/cytology* ; Cellular Senescence/drug effects* ; Nigella sativa/chemistry* ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology* ; Seeds/chemistry* ; Mice ; Animals ; Melanins/metabolism* ; Monophenol Monooxygenase/metabolism* ; Humans

Objective:To discuss the relationship between the systolic blood pressure (SBP) circadian rhythm and blood pressure variability (BPV) and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) among 178 patients with hypertension.Methods:This article was a retrospective study. Totally 178 patients with hypertension from January 2020 to January 2022 were selected based on incorporated basis. 24-hour dynamic blood pressure monitoring and echocardiography examination were performed. Data such as patients' SBP circadian rhythm, BPV, heart ultrasound heart dynamic maps were collected, and the relationship between SBP circadian rhythm and BPV and their LVEF was explored.Results:Among the 178 patients, the decreased proportion of SBP circadian rhythm>the proportion of existed SBP circadian rhythm>the proportion of inverted SBP circadian rhythm>the proportion of disappearance of SBP circadian rhythm; patients with disappearance of SBP circadian rhythm were the youngest (63.8 ± 14.5) years old, and patients with inverted SBP circadian rhythm were the oldest (71.5 ± 9.4) years old ( P<0.05); the 24-hour systolic blood pressure standard deviation of SBP circadian rhythm was observed in patients with (13.1 ± 2.8) mmHg

Objective:To explore the mechanism of Danxing Zhishuang Prescription in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) by combining network pharmacology with animal models.Methods:TCMSP, BATMAN database, Genecards, and OMIM databases were retrieved to obtain the active components and action targets of Danxing Zhishuang Prescription. Venny 2.1.0 was used to intersect drug targets and PD related genes, and a protein interaction network of the intersection targets was constructed using the STRING 12.0 platform. Topology analysis was performed using Cytoscape 3.10.0 software to identify the key targets of Danxing Zhishuang Prescription on PD; GO functional and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed on key targets using the WeChat platform, and molecular docking was validated through AutoDockTools 1.5.7. Using a random number table method, mice were divided into a blank control group, a model group, and a Danxing Zhishuang Prescription group, with 20 mice in each group; except for the blank group, all other groups of mice were orally administered fisetin to prepare PD models; Danxing Zhishuang Prescription group was orally administered with concentrated Danxing Zhishuang Prescription at a dosage of 10.5 g/kg, while the blank group and model group were orally administered with 0.2 ml of physiological saline for 21 days; Western blot was used to detect the expressions of Akt1, Bcl-2, Bax, and α-Syn proteins.Results:359 intersection targets, 69 core targets, and 185 active components were obtained the treatment of PD with Danxing Zhishuang Prescription. The main active components included quercetin, kaempferol, phenylalanine, etc., and the key targets were AKT1, TP53, TNF, ESR1, etc. KEGG analysis revealed several key signaling pathways, such as AGE-RAGE, PI3K-Akt, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis signaling pathways. The validation experiment results showed that compared with the model group, the expression of Bcl-2 protein was up-regulated ( P<0.01), and the expressions of Bax, Akt1, and α-Syn proteins were down-regulated in the Danxing Zhishuang Prescription group ( P<0.01). Conclusions:Danxing Zhishuang Prescription has the advantages of multi target and multi pathway treatment for PD. Its mechanism may be related to down-regulating the expressions of Bax, Akt1, and α-Syn proteins, improving brain blood supply, regulating neurotransmitter balance, inhibiting oxidative stress response, and promoting nerve regeneration.

Objective To investigate the effect of early warning score system combined with(situation,background,ssessment,recommendation,SBAR)communication model in early warning of high-risk neonates,therefore to provide an effective communication method for an effective communication method to assess the changes of condition in neonates.Methods A before-after study model was adopted in the study.A total of 270 high-risk neonates admitted to the ward of the Department of Neonatology in a tertiary hospital between August and September 2022 were selected as research subjects.The high-risk neonates admitted in hospital in August were assigned in a control group,and those admitted in September were assigned in an trial group,with 135 neonates per group.Routine care was carried out in the control group,while early warning scoring combined with SBAR communication model were applied in the trial group on top of the cares offered to the control group.The occurrence of early warning events,concordance rate of nurse warning event and doctor handling events,and the satisfaction rate of doctors with the nursing performance were compared between the two groups.Results A total of 63.6%of early warning events were triggered by nurses in the control group,while it was 92.6%in the trial group,with a statistically significant difference between the groups(χ2=16.622,P<0.001).The consistency of handling of early warning events between the nurses and doctors in the trial group(Kappa coefficient=0.926)was higher than that in the control group(Kappa coefficient=0.641).The satisfaction rates of the doctors with the nurses about specialist knowledge,ability in emergency events,mastery of disease,timely observation of disease progress,collaboration between doctors and nurses,working enthusiasm,communication capability and the psychological quality in the trial group were all significantly higher than those in the control group[80.0%-95.0%vs.30.0%-55.0%,all P<0.01].Conclusions The Early Warning Score system combined with SBAR communication model can help nurses to accurately evaluate the changes of disease in neonates,complete the communication with doctors timely and effectively.It improves the observation,communication and handling capability among the nurses as well as the satisfaction rate of doctors with nursing work.

Metformin has been used for the treatment of type II diabetes mellitus for decades due to its safety, low cost, and outstanding hypoglycemic effect clinically. The mechanisms underlying these benefits are complex and still not fully understood. Inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory-chain complex I is the most described downstream mechanism of metformin, leading to reduced ATP production and activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Meanwhile, many novel targets of metformin have been gradually discovered. In recent years, multiple pre-clinical and clinical studies are committed to extend the indications of metformin in addition to diabetes. Herein, we summarized the benefits of metformin in four types of diseases, including metabolic associated diseases, cancer, aging and age-related diseases, neurological disorders. We comprehensively discussed the pharmacokinetic properties and the mechanisms of action, treatment strategies, the clinical application, the potential risk of metformin in various diseases. This review provides a brief summary of the benefits and concerns of metformin, aiming to interest scientists to consider and explore the common and specific mechanisms and guiding for the further research. Although there have been countless studies of metformin, longitudinal research in each field is still much warranted.
Humans ; Metformin/pharmacokinetics* ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism* ; Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology* ; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism* ; Aging

Objective:To explore the effects of a scenario-based experiential intervention rooted in the transition shock model for the role adaptation of newly employed nurses.Methods:A convenience sampling was used to select newly employed nurses from the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University between September and November 2020 were designated as the control group ( n=57) , who received standard new nurse training. Those employed between September and November 2021 formed the observation group ( n=62) , who underwent a scenario-based experiential intervention rooted in the transition shock model for three months. The degree of transition shock, psychological resilience, and turnover rates were compared between the two groups. Results:After the intervention, scores on the transition shock scale and its physical, psychological, knowledge and skills, social culture, and development dimensions in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05) . Scores on the Connor Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and its tenacity, strength, and optimism dimensions in the observation group were notably higher compared to the control group, which were statistically significant ( P<0.05) . Within one year post-employment, the turnover rates for the observation group and control group were 11.29% (7/62) and 28.07% (16/57) , respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:The scenario-based experiential intervention founded on the transition shock model can effectively alleviate the transition shocks faced by newly employed nurses. It also enhances their psychological resilience, facilitates their adaptation to new nursing roles, and reduces turnover rates.

Objective:To analyze the significance of HBV DNA below the lower detection limit of HBV RNA levels after long-term nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) antiviral therapy in patients with hepatitis B virus cirrhosis.Methods:97 cases with hepatitis B virus cirrhosis treated with NAs antiviral therapy for at least 3 years between May 2018 to July 2019 were selected. High-sensitivity HBV DNA (<20 IU/ml), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV RNA at least twice every 6 months were detected. According to Child-Pugh classification, HBeAg, HBsAg level, and HBV RNA level intergroup comparison was performed. Rank sum test, χ2 test and linear regression analysis were performed on the data. Results:Compared with the HBV RNA level of child-Pugh class A patients, the HBV RNA level of Child-Pugh class B+C patients were significantly higher [4.1 (0,4.9) log 10 copies/ml and 2.0 (0,3.5) log 10 copies/ml], and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=2.370, P<0.05). According to different HBeAg levels, they were divided into HBeAg positive and negative group, and the quantitative comparison of HBV RNA levels between the two groups were 2.0 (0, 4.5) log 10 copies/ml and 1.0 (1.0, 2.0) log 10 copies/ml, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=3.233, P<0.05). According to different HBsAg levels, they were divided into three groups: HBsAg≤100 IU/ml, 100

Objective:To translate Fear of Progression Questionnaire (FoP-Q) into Chinese and test its reliability and validity.Methods:After translation, back translation and cultural adaptation, the items of the simplified Chinese version of FoP-Q were determined. Using the convenient sampling method, a total of 269 patients with hematological malignancies from two Class Ⅲ Grade A hospitals in Beijing were selected as the research objects from August to December 2020. The general information questionnaire and the simplified Chinese version of FoP-Q were used to investigate the patients. Exploratory factor analysis was used to evaluate the structural validity of the simplified Chinese version of FoP-Q. Cronbach 's α coefficient and half-fold reliability coefficient were used to evaluate the reliability of the scale. Pearson correlation analysis method was used to analyze the correlation between each dimension and between each dimension and the total scale. A total of 269 questionnaires were distributed, and 256 valid questionnaires were returned. The effective response rate was 95.167% (256/269) . Results:The simplified Chinese version of FoP-Q extracted 5 factors through factor analysis, with a total of 41 items, and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 64.201%. The content validity index of each item of the scale was 0.857-1.000, the Kappa value was 0.850-1.000, the content validity index of the overall consistency scale was 0.814 and the content validity index of the average scale was 0.973. The total Cronbach 's α coefficient of the scale was 0.969, and the Cronbach 's α coefficient of the five factors was 0.815-0.941. The half-fold reliability coefficient of the total scale was 0.955. Conclusions:The simplified Chinese version of Fear of Progression Questionnaire has good reliability and validity, which can be used to evaluate the degree of fear of disease progression in patients with malignant tumors in China

Objective:To explore the risk factors of spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to analyze the prognosis of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) in the treatment of spontaneous rupture of HCC.Methods:From January 2008 to December 2018, at Tianjin Third Central Hospital, 126 patients diagnosed with spontaneous rupture of HCC (spontaneous rupture group) and in the same period 252 patients diagnosed as HCC without rupture (non-spontaneous rupture group) were retrospectively selected. Independent sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test were used to compare the general data, laboratory test results and imaging results between spontaneous rupture group and non-spontaneous rupture group. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors of spontaneous rupture of HCC. Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used for survival analysis of 92 patients treated with TAE and 31 patients treated with conservative treatment in patients with spontaneous rupture of HCC, and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression was used to analyze the independent prognostic factors of patients treated with TAE. Results:The proportions of tumor maximum diameter ≥5 cm, tumors mainly located in segment Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ and Ⅵ of the liver, tumors protruding height from the surface of liver ≥1 cm, liver cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in spontaneous rupture group were all higher than those in non-spontaneous rupture group (46.8%, 59/126 vs. 35.7%, 90/252; 61.1%, 77/126 vs. 46.0%, 116/252; 73.0%, 92/126 vs. 18.7%, 47/252; 81.7%, 103/126 vs. 69.0%, 174/252; 20.6%, 26/126 vs. 11.5%, 29/252), and the level of fibrinogen is lower than that in non-spontaneous rupture group ((3.07 ±1.38) g/L vs. (3.92±1.13) g/L), and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=4.343, 7.644, 106.780, 6.918 and 5.628, t=-3.276, all P<0.05). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the location of tumors in segment Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, Ⅵ of the liver, the height of tumors protruding from the surface of liver ≥1 cm, liver cirrhosis and the fibrinogen was lower than the lower limit of the reference value were independent risk factors of spontaneous rupture of HCC (odds ratio ( OR)=1.354, 5.726, 1.152, 1.892; 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.062 to 2.008, 1.049 to 19.575, 1.016 to 1.895, 1.267 to 3.346; all P<0.05). Among 92 patients with spontaneous rupture of HCC treated with TAE, the TAE technical success rate and clinical success rate were 100.0% (92/92) and 93.5% (86/92), respectively. Thirty-one patients received conservative treatment. The median survival time of the patients treated with TAE was 243 d (38 d, 377 d), which was about 10 times that of the patients who accepted conservative treatment (23 d (9 d, 51 d)). The 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, 1-year and 3-year survival rates of the patients treated with TAE were 72.8%, 50.8%, 46.0%, 31.1% and 13.6%, respectively, and those of patients who accepted conservative treatment were 25.8%, 17.2%, 11.5%, 5.7% and 0, respectively; and the differences in survival rates between the two groups were statistically significant ( χ2=34.606, P<0.01). Log-rank test analysis showed that initial hemoglobin <60 g/L, C grade of liver function, total bilirubin (TBil)≥50 μmol/L, complicated with portal vein tumor thrombus, hepatic lobe embolism during TAE, and tumor maximum diameter ≥10 cm were all correlated with poor survival rates of patients with spontaneous rupture of HCC after TAE ( χ2=3.752, 4.146, 22.318, 4.087, 5.685 and 7.893, all P<0.05). The results of multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that TBil ≥ 50 μmol/L, hepatic lobe embolism during TAE, and tumor maximum diameter ≥10 cm were independent factors of poor prognosis of spontaneous rupture of HCC treated with TAE ( OR=25.873, 8.415, 18.620; 95% CI 4.916 to 126.005, 1.136 to 27.319, 2.754 to 84.368; all P<0.05). Conclusions:In HCC patients with tumors located in segments Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ and Ⅵ of the liver, the height of tumors protruding from the surface of liver ≥1 cm, liver cirrhosis or the fibrinogen is lower than the lower limit of the reference value, close attention should be paid to the risk of spontaneous tumor rupture. TAE is an effective treatment for acute spontaneous rupture of HCC, and the prognosis of patients treated with TAE is better than that of patients receiving conservative treatment. However, patients with TBil ≥50 μmol/L, hepatic lobe embolism during TAE and tumor maximum diameter ≥10 cm have a poor prognosis after TAE treatment.

Objective:To explore the effect of scenario simulation nursing in fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) examination of preschool children.Methods:From January 2017 to March 2021, 98 preschool children who underwent FFA examination in the Fluorescence Contrast Room of Shanxi Eye Hospital were selected as the research object. Children from 2017 to December 2018 were in the control group with routine nursing, and children from January 2019 to March 2021 were in the experimental group with scenario simulation nursing. The incidence of adverse reactions and satisfaction with cooperation were compared between the two groups of children.Results:The incidence of adverse reactions in children in the experimental group was 2.00%, which was lower than 16.67% in children in the control group. The satisfaction with cooperation in the experimental group was 94.0%, which was higher than 79.2% in the control group. The differences were all statistically significant ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:The application of scenario simulation nursing in FFA examination of preschool children can effectively reduce the incidence of adverse reactions in children and improve the satisfaction of children with cooperation during the examination.