Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 （Nrf2）/glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4） signaling pathway plays a key role in the occurrence and development of tumors， and is involved in tumor cell proliferation， apoptosis， ferroptosis， invasion， migration， and drug resistance. Based on the Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway， this paper summarizes the research progress of the anti- tumor effects of traditional Chinese medicine. It is found that flavonoids （ginkgetin， luteolin， etc.）， terpenoids （atractylenolide， cucurbitacin B， etc.）， saponins （polyphyllin Ⅰ， polyphyllin Ⅶ）， ester （brusatol） and other effective components， and traditional Chinese medicine extracts （total coumarins in Pileostegia tomentella and total flavonoids of Pterocarya hupehensis Skan）， traditional Chinese medicine compounds （Fushao diqin fang， Xiaoai jiedu fang， etc.） can promote ferroptosis in tumor cells by inhibiting Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway and the expressions of its upstream and downstream factor proteins， as well as by increasing Fe2+ levels and lipid peroxidation， thereby exerting an antitumor effect.

T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP) is one of the simplest known RNA polymerases. Its unique structural features make it a critical model for studying the mechanisms of RNA synthesis. This review systematically examines the static crystal structure of T7 RNAP, beginning with an in-depth examination of its characteristic “thumb”, “palm”, and “finger” domains, which form the classic “right-hand-like” architecture. By detailing these structural elements, this review establishes a foundation for understanding the overall organization of T7 RNAP. This review systematically maps the functional roles of secondary structural elements and their subdomains in transcriptional catalysis, progressively elucidating the fundamental relationships between structure and function. Further, the intrinsic flexibility of T7 RNAP and its applications in research are also discussed. Additionally, the review presents the structural diagrams of the enzyme at different stages of the transcription process, and through these diagrams, it provides a detailed description of the complete transcription process of T7 RNAP. By integrating structural dynamics and kinetics analyses, the review constructs a comprehensive framework that bridges static structure to dynamic processes. Despite its advantages, T7 RNAP has a notable limitation: it generates double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) as a byproduct. The presence of dsRNA not only compromises the purity of mRNA products but also elicits nonspecific immune responses, which pose significant challenges for biotechnological and therapeutic applications. The review provides a detailed exploration of the mechanisms underlying dsRNA formation during T7 RNAP catalysis, reviews current strategies to mitigate this issue, and highlights recent progress in the field. A key focus is the semi-rational design of T7 RNAP mutants engineered to minimize dsRNA generation and enhance catalytic performance. Beyond its role in transcription, T7 RNAP exhibits rapid development and extensive application in fields, including gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccines. This review systematically examines the structure-function relationships of T7 RNAP, elucidates the mechanisms of dsRNA formation, and discusses engineering strategies to optimize its performance. It further explores the engineering optimization and functional expansion of T7 RNAP. Furthermore, this review also addresses the pressing issues that currently need resolution, discusses the major challenges in the practical application of T7 RNAP, and provides an outlook on potential future research directions. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of T7 RNAP, ranging from its structural architecture to cutting-edge applications. We systematically examine: (1) the characteristic right-hand domains (thumb, palm, fingers) that define its minimalistic structure; (2) the structure-function relationships underlying transcriptional catalysis; and (3) the dynamic transitions during the complete transcription cycle. While highlighting T7 RNAP’s versatility in gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccine production, we critically address its major limitation—dsRNA byproduct formation—and evaluate engineering solutions including semi-rationally designed mutants. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying key challenges, this work aims to provide novel insights for the development and application of T7 RNAP and to foster further thought and progress in related fields.

ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS） among female college students at a university in Fuzhou City， Jiangxi Province， and to facilitate early detection and intervention of PCOS. MethodsUsing a stratified sampling method， a total of 450 female freshmen were randomly selected for PCOS screening. A self-designed questionnaire was used for data collection， covering menstrual status， high androgen signs， lifestyle， dietary habits， and awareness of PCOS. Sample t test and χ² test were used to compare the basic information and dietary habits between PCOS and non-PCOS cases. The correlation between various indicators and the prevalence of PCOS was analyzed by a logistic regression model. ResultsA total of 12 PCOS cases were identified， with a prevalence rate of 2.99%. PCOS cases exhibited statistically significant differences compared to non-PCOS cases in terms of waist-to-hip ratio， waist circumference， abdominal obesity， the proportion of overweight or obese individuals， and a preference for sweet food （all P<0.05）. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between preference for sweet food and the occurrence of PCOS （OR=4.858， 95%CI=1.199‒19.675，P=0.027）， as well as a significant correlation with PCOS accompanied by abdominal obesity （OR=7.083， 95%CI=0.773‒64.937， P=0.048）. Among the female college students surveyed， 37.90% had never heard of PCOS， 51.62% were only familiar with the name of the disease， and 10.47% had attempted to search for PCOS-related information. ConclusionThe prevalence of PCOS among female college students should not be overlooked and unhealthy dietary habits may be a crucial factor contributing to the occurrence of PCOS during this period. Early screening for PCOS during puberty is crucial.

Objective To analyze the application value of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in prognosis prediction of hepatitis B virus (HBV) associated liver failure. Methods A total of 135 patients with HBV-related liver failure who underwent treatment at the Infection Department of the Second People's Hospital of Yibin City from July 2020 to June 2022 were selected as the study subjects (observation group). Additionally, 100 patients who underwent physical examination in the hospital during the same period with normal indicators were selected as the control group. Serum levels of AFP and IL-6 were compared between the two groups. Factors influencing the prognosis of HBV-related liver failure were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors affecting the prognosis of HBV-related liver failure patients. Results The levels of serum AFP and IL-6 in the control group were lower than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The two groups showed statistically significant differences in clinical symptoms such as hepatic encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome, ascites, and disease type (P<0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the clinical symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome, ascites and AFP≥25 μg/L and IL-6>10.0 pg/mL were risk factors affecting the prognosis of HBV-related liver failure. Conclusion Serum AFP and IL-6 can predict the prognosis of patients with HBV-related liver failure, which is worthy of clinical study.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of Bushen Jianpi Recipe(mainly composed of Astragali Radix,Epimedii Folium,Dioscoreae Rhizoma,Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Cervi Cornus Colla,Astragali Complanati Semen,Polygoni Multiflori Radix Preparata,Polygonati Rhizoma,Puerariae Lobatae Radix,and Rhei Radix et Rhizoma)on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)complicated with dyslipidemia and differentiated as spleen-kidney deficiency type,and to observe its effect on the level of adiponectin(ADP).Methods Ninety patients with T2DM complicated with dyslipidemia and differentiated as spleen-kidney deficiency type were randomly divided into western medicine group,Chinese medicine(CM)group,and combination of CM and western medicine group(hereinafter referred to as combination group),and each group had 30 patients.All of the 3 groups were given conventional hypoglycemic treatment.Moreover,the western medicine group was given oral use of Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets,CM group was given Bushen Jianpi Recipe,and the combination group was given Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets together with Bushen Jianpi Recipe orally.The course of treatment lasted for 8 weeks.The changes of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,glucose and lipid metabolism indexes,fasting insulin(FINS),insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR)and serum ADP levels of the three groups were observed before and after the treatment.After treatment,the efficacy of TCM syndrome of the three groups was evaluated.Results(1)After 8 weeks of treatment,the total effective rates for TCM syndrome efficacy in the western medicine group,CM group,and combination group were 66.67%(20/30),90.00%(27/30),and 93.33%(28/30),respectively.The intergroup comparison showed that the TCM syndrome efficacy of the CM group and the combination group was significantly superior to that of the western medicine group(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the TCM syndrome scores in all of the three groups were decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.01),and the decreases of the scores in both CM group and combination group was superior to that in the western medicine group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(3)After treatment,the levels of lipid metabolism parameters of total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)in the three groups were improved to various degrees compared with the pre-treatment levels,of which the levels of TC,TG,and LDL-C were significantly decreased,and the level of HDL-C was significantly increased in comparison with that before treatment,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).The intergroup comparison showed that the decrease of TC and LDL-C and the increase of HDL-C in the CM group were inferior to those in the western medicine group and the combination group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(4)After treatment,the levels of glucose metabolism parameters of fasting plasma glucose(FPG),2-hour postprandial glucose(2hPG),glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c),FINS,and HOMA-IR in the CM group and the combination group were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),while only the levels of FPG,2hPG,and HOMA-IR in the western medicine group were decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).The intergroup comparison showed that the patients in the decrease of FPG,2hPG,HbA1c,FINS,and HOMA-IR levels in the CM group and the combination group was significantly superior to that in the western medicine group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(5)In terms of adipokines,the serum ADP level in the three groups after treatment was significantly increased compared with that before treatment(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),and the increase of serum ADP level in both CM group and combination group was significantly superior to that in the western medicine group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Bushen Jianpi Recipe has certain effect on regulating lipid metabolism,and has obvious advantages in improving clinical symptoms and insulin resistance,lowering blood glucose,and increasing ADP level in patients with T2DM complicated with dyslipidemia and differentiated as spleen-kidney deficiency type.

Objective To make an epidemiological investigation on traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)dampness syndrome manifestations in the population at risk of cerebrovascular diseases in Guangdong area.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze the clinical data related to the risk of cerebrovascular diseases in 330 Guangdong permanent residents.The diagnosis of dampness syndrome,quantitative scoring of dampness syndrome and rating of the risk of stroke were performed for the investigation of the distribution pattern of dampness syndrome and its influencing factors.Results(1)A total of 306(92.73%)study subjects were diagnosed as dampness syndrome.The percentage of dampness syndrome in the risk group was 93.82%(258/275),which was slightly higher than that of the healthy group(48/55,87.27%),but the difference was not statistically significant(χ2 = 2.91,P = 0.112).The quantitative score of dampness syndrome in the risk group was higher than that of the healthy group,and the difference was statistically significance(Z =-2.24,P = 0.025).(2)Among the study subjects at risk of cerebrovascular disease,evaluation time(χ2 = 26.11,P = 0.001),stroke risk grading(χ2= 8.85,P = 0.031),and history of stroke or transient ischemic attack(TIA)(χ2 = 9.28,P = 0.015)were the factors influencing the grading of dampness syndrome in the population at risk of cerebrovascular disease.Conclusion Dampness syndrome is the common TCM syndrome in the population of Guangdong area.The manifestations of dampness syndrome are more obvious in the population with risk factors of cerebrovascular disease,especially in the population at high risk of stroke,and in the population with a history of stroke or TIA.The assessment and intervention of dampness syndrome should be taken into account for future project of stroke prevention in Guangdong.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of modified Fuzheng Yiliu Decoction(composed of Astragali Radix,Codonopsis Radix,Ligustri Lucidi Fructus,Hedyotis Diffusae Herba,Moutan Cortex,Visci Herba,etc.)combined with XELOX regimen(Oxaliplatin plus Capecitabine)for the treatment of postoperative patients with advanced gastric cancer of qi and yin deficiency type.Methods A total of 80 postoperative patients with advanced gastric cancer of qi and yin deficiency type were randomly divided into the Chinese medicine group and the control group,with 40 cases in each group.Both groups received chemotherapy with XELOX regimen,while the Chinese medicine group was given modified Fuzheng Yiliu Decoction.Three weeks constituted a course of treatment,the medication of Chinese medicine decoction lasted for two weeks or more in each course of treatment,and a total of 8 courses of treatment were performed.The incidence of adverse reactions during chemotherapy was monitored and changes in serum tumor markers of serum carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),carbohydrate antigen 199(CA199)and alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)were observed in the two groups before and after treatment.Moreover,the patients'quality of life was assessed by the scores of Karnofsky's Performance Status(KPS)and World Health Organization Quality of Life Measurement Scale(WHOQOL-100).Long-term follow-up was carried out for the evaluation of the prognostic indicators such as overall survival and one-year and 2-year overall survival rates.Results(1)Patients in the two groups were all followed up,and the median follow-up time was 27 months(95%CI:23.59-27.86).(2)After treatment,the levels of serum CEA and AFP in the Chinese medicine group were significantly lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),while serum CA199 tended to decrease compared with those before treatment,but the difference was not statistically significant(P＞0.05);in the control group,the levels of serum CEA,CA199,and AFP were not significantly decreased after treatment(P＞0.05).The intergroup comparison showed that the decrease of serum CEA,CA199 and AFP levels in the Chinese medicine group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(3)The adverse reactions during chemotherapy in the two groups mainly involved bone marrow suppression,gastrointestinal reactions and liver function abnormalities,etc.The incidences of all adverse reactions in the Chinese medicine group tended to be lower than those in the control group,but the differences were not statistically significant(P＞0.05).(4)After treatment,the KPS scores of patients in both groups were improved compared with those before treatment(P＜0.01),and the improvement in the Chinese medicine group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.01).(5)After treatment,the scores of the four dimensions of WHOQOL-100 such as health status,mobility,life feelings,and other activities of daily life in the Chinese medicine group were significantly improved compared with the pre-treatment(P＜0.05),whereas there was no significant improvement in the control group(P＞0.05).The intergroup comparison showed that the improvement of the scores of each dimension of the WHOQOL-100 in the Chinese medicine group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(6)The median survival in the Chinese medicine group was 29.0 months(95%CI:25.95-31.70)and that in the control group was 22.0 months(95%CI:19.67-25.58),indicating that the median survival was significantly prolonged in Chinese medicine group(P＜0.01).The one-year and 2-year postoperative survival rates were 97.5%and 77.5%in the Chinese medicine group and 92.5%and 47.5%in the control group,respectively.The intergroup comparison showed that the one-year and 2-year postoperative survival rates in the Chinese medicine group were higher than those in the control group(P＜0.01).Conclusion Modified Fuzheng Yiliu Decoction can effectively alleviate the adverse reactions during adjuvant chemotherapy for postoperative patients with advanced gastric cancer of qi and yin deficiency type,improve the quality of life of patients,and prolong the survival time of patients.

Objective The network pharmacological methods and molecular docking technology were used for investigating the possibility of Psoraleae Fructus in promoting precocious puberty in children and its potential mechanism.Methods The main active ingredients of Psoraleae Fructus and their therapeutic targets were obtained from BATMAN-TCM online platform.The disease targets related with precocious puberty were obtained from GeneCards database.A visualized network of active ingredients-disease targets was constructed by Cytoscape 3.7.1 software.Protein-protein interaction(PPI)network diagrams were constructed based on the STRING online database.Gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis were conducted using Metascape online tool.The structures of the main active ingredients were obtained from PubChem database,the structures of core targets were obtained from RCSB PDB database,and then the structures were imported into Autodock for molecular docking.Finally,the mimic diagrams of the molecular docking were drawn using PYMOL software.Results A total of 12 active ingredients of Psoraleae Fructus were obtained,involving 274 targets.And there were 11 active ingredients and 98 targets associated with precocious puberty.The main active compounds were stigmasterol,bakuchiol,angelicin,bavachalcone,isobavachalcone,and xanthotoxin.The main targets were estrogen receptor 1(ESR1),estrogen receptor 2(ESR2),insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF1),and progesterone receptor(PGR),which were mainly involved in the ovarian steroidogenic pathway and Hippo signaling pathway.The molecular docking results showed that the active compounds were well binded to the targets.Conclusion It is possible that Psoraleae Fructus can promote the sexual development in children and has its potential pharmacological mechanism.The results will provide theoretical references for the clinical prevention and treatment of precocious puberty and early pubertal development in children.

Objective:To compare the dynamic changes of transcutaneous partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PtCO 2) and treatment effect of non-invasive intermittent nebulization and non-invasive simultaneous nebulization in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods:This was a randomized parallel controlled trial study. A total of 70 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD in Changzhou First People′s Hospital from October 2021 to September 2022 were selected by convenience sampling method, and divided into control group and experimental group by randomized digits table method with 35 cases in each group. The control group was given non-invasive intermittent oxygen-driven nebulization, and the experimental group was given non-invasive simultaneous oxygen-driven nebulization. The PtCO 2 values at 0, 5, 10, 15 min (the end point of atomization) of the 2 groups were observed, the daily arterial blood gas analysis indexes (mainly including PaCO 2, PaO 2 and pH) were recorded, and the clinical pulmonary infection score and the self-assessment score of COPD patients were recorded before treatment, on the 4th and 7th day of treatment. Results:Finally, 33 patients were included in both the control group and the experimental group. There were 25 males and 8 females in the control group, aged (75.33 ± 8.24) years old. There were 25 males and 8 females in the experimental group, aged (72.39 ± 8.56) years old. The PtCO 2 values at 0, 5, 10, 15 min in the control group were (63.83 ± 12.47), (64.40 ± 12.57), (65.42 ± 13.77), (66.62 ± 14.59) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). There were statistically significant differences in PtCO 2 at all time points ( F=8.05, P<0.01). Further pairwise comparison by Sidak method showed that there were statistically significant differences in PtCO 2 at 15 min compared with 0, 5, 10 min (all P<0.05). The PtCO 2 values at 0, 5, 10, 15 min in the experimental group were (67.62 ± 11.89), (67.15 ± 12.12), (67.82 ± 12.22), (68.15 ± 12.09) mmHg. There was no statistically significant difference in PtCO 2 at all time points ( F=2.00, P>0.05). The PaCO 2 and pH value of the two groups were improved with the treatment time, the control group had a statistically significant difference on the 4th day of treatment compared with before treatment ( P<0.05), while the experimental group on the second day of treatment compared with before treatment ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Both kinds of nebulization have achieved good therapeutic effects, but non-invasive simultaneous nebulization can better maintain the stability of PtCO 2 in the process of nebulization with higher safety, and can improve the arterial blood gas index PaCO 2 and pH value of patients earlier, which is a more suitable nebulization method for the combination of non-invasive ventilation and nebulization, especially for patients with hypercapnia.

BACKGROUND:Our previous studies have confirmed that H2O2 and ginsenoside Rg1 can cause changes in reactive oxygen species levels in human periodontal ligament cells,but the correlation of reactive oxygen species with apoptosis and autophagy remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect and mechanism of ginsenoside Rg1 on H2O2-induced apoptosis and autophagy of human periodontal ligament cells. METHODS:Human periodontal ligament cells were divided into control group,H2O2 group and H2O2+Rg1 group.Ginsenoside Rg1(50 μmol/L)was pre-incubated for 24 hours and H2O2 was treated for 2 hours(500 μmol/L).CCK-8 assay was used to detect the proliferation ability of the cells.A fluorescent probe DCFH-DA was used to detect the reactive oxygen species level of the cells.qRT-PCR and western blot assay were used to detect heme oxygenase 1,apoptosis-related factor Caspase-3,Bax,anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2,autophagy Beclin-1,P62,LC3,pathway-related factors phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K),protein kinase B(AKT),mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)mRNA and protein expression. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the control group,the proliferation activity of human periodontal ligament cells in the H2O2 group decreased.Compared with the H2O2 group,the proliferation activity of human periodontal ligament cells increased in the H2O2+Rg1 group.(2)Compared with the control group,the expression of reactive oxygen species and heme oxygenase-1 increased in the H2O2 group.Compared with the H2O2 group,the expression of reactive oxygen species and heme oxygenase-1 decreased in the H2O2+Rg1 group.(3)Compared with the control group,the expression of Caspase-3,Bax,Beclin-1 and LC3 increased,while the expression of Bcl-2 and P62 decreased in human periodontal ligament cells of the H2O2 group.Compared with the H2O2 group,the expressions of Caspase-3,Bax,Beclin-1 and LC3 decreased,and the expressions of Bcl-2 and P62 increased in the H2O2+Rg1 group.(4)Compared with the control group,the expressions of PI3K,AKT and mTOR decreased in human periodontal ligament cells of the H2O2 group.Compared with the H2O2 group,the expressions of PI3K,AKT and mTOR increased in human periodontal ligament cells of the H2O2+Rg1 group.(5)These results suggest that ginsenoside Rg1 can inhibit H2O2-induced apoptosis and autophagy in human periodontal ligament cells by reducing the content of reactive oxygen species and down-regulating the related factor expression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.