BACKGROUND The impact of lean type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)on the prognosis of patients with primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)remains unclear.AIM To explore the adverse prognostic impact of lean T2DM on liver-related ...BACKGROUND The impact of lean type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)on the prognosis of patients with primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)remains unclear.AIM To explore the adverse prognostic impact of lean T2DM on liver-related mortality risk in patients with PBC.METHODS This retrospective cohort study of 877 PBC patients stratified by T2DM status and lean phenotype used Cox regression models to analyze liver-related outcomes.Interaction effect models investigated T2DM and lean phenotype synergy.Propensity score matching(1:1)controlled for confounders between lean T2DM and non-T2DM non-lean groups,with sensitivity analyses validating results.RESULTS The median age of patients was 57 years(50-66),with 716(81.64%)being female,and median follow-up was 45 months(25-48),during which 234 deaths(26.68%)occurred.After fully adjusting for confounding factors,lean T2DM remained an independent mortality risk factor in PBC patients[hazard ratio(HR)=1.845,95%confidence interval:1.219-2.793,P=0.004].Interaction effect analysis confirmed a significant synergistic effect of T2DM and lean phenotype on mortality risk(interaction term HR=2.546,95%confidence interval:1.342-4.831,P=0.004).Stratified analysis further substantiated that T2DM significantly increased mortality risk only in lean patients(HR=2.331,P<0.001),while lean phenotype elevated risk only among T2DM patients(HR=2.165,P=0.0078).Propensity score matching validated this association(HR=1.63,P=0.008),with sensitivity analyses confirming the robustness of the conclusions.CONCLUSION Lean T2DM is an independent risk factor for liver-related adverse outcomes in PBC patients,and the coexistence of T2DM and lean phenotype exhibits a significant synergistic effect on mortality risk.展开更多
BACKGROUND Liver failure,particularly acute-on-chronic liver failure,is associated with high mortality(50%-90%).The plasma exchange(PE)mode of the artificial liver support system has been shown to improve clinical out...BACKGROUND Liver failure,particularly acute-on-chronic liver failure,is associated with high mortality(50%-90%).The plasma exchange(PE)mode of the artificial liver support system has been shown to improve clinical outcomes,although its efficacy may vary depending on the regenerative capacity of the liver.Alpha-fetoprotein(AFP),an oncofetal glycoprotein,is reactivated during liver regeneration and may serve as a prognostic biomarker.Previous studies have reported significantly higher post-PE AFP levels in survivors than in non-survivors(286.5 ng/mL vs 82.3 ng/mL at day 7).However,the predictive value of baseline AFP stratification and serial AFP kinetics during PE therapy remains unestablished.This study investigated whether serial AFP measurements predict clinical outcomes in liver failure patients receiving PE.AIM To evaluate the predictive value of serial AFP measurements in liver failure patients receiving PE.METHODS This retrospective study included 194 liver failure patients with complete AFP data,excluding those with tumors,bleeding disorders,allergies,or unstable conditions.Patients were stratified by baseline AFP into low-AFP(200 ng/mL,n=64)groups.AFP was measured before PE and on days 1,10,20,and 25.RESULTS Stratification by baseline AFP revealed significant gradients.The high-AFP group required fewer PE sessions than the low-AFP group(2.8±1.0 vs 4.2±1.5)but exhibited greater post-PE AFP elevation(75.1±20.3 ng/mL vs 33.1±10.2 ng/mL;P<0.001).The high-AFP group demonstrated optimal values,including the lowest ammonia,bilirubin,alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,γ-glutamyl transferase,and the highest albumin and prothrombin activity(all post hoc P<0.05 vs low-AFP).The medium-AFP group showed intermediate values except for prothrombin activity(35.2%±8.6%),which was significantly lower than in both other groups(P<0.001).The high-AFP group had a reduced incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis(9.4%vs 25.0%;P=0.003),superior three-month survival(90.6%vs 56.7%;P<0.001),and a higher post-treatment three-month receiver operating characteristic area under the curve(0.8851 vs 0.7051).CONCLUSION AFP dynamics correlate with regenerative capacity and clinical outcomes in liver failure.Serial AFP monitoring may enhance risk stratification and support personalized therapeutic strategies.展开更多
Background:Chai-Ling decoction(CLD),derived from a modification of Xiao-Chai-Hu(XCH)decoction and Wu-Ling-San(WLS)decoction,has been used to treat the early-stage of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).However,the mech...Background:Chai-Ling decoction(CLD),derived from a modification of Xiao-Chai-Hu(XCH)decoction and Wu-Ling-San(WLS)decoction,has been used to treat the early-stage of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).However,the mechanisms of CLD in COVID-19 remain unknown.In this study,the potential mechanisms of CLD in COVID-19 were preliminarily investigated based on network pharmacology and molecular docking method.Methods:Initially,the active components and targets of CLD were screened based on Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform and PharmMapper database.The targets of COVID-19 were obtained from GeneCards database.The protein-protein interaction network was established using STRING database to analyze the key targets.Gene Oncology(GO)analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis were also conducted to evaluate the pathways related to the targets of CLD on COVID-19.Moreover,the compound-target-pathway network was established using Cytoscape 3.2.7.Subsequently,the molecular docking method was performed to select the active compounds with high binding affinity on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2),which is the key target of SARS-CoV-2 in entering target cells.The possible binding sites were also visualized by a three-dimensional graph.Results:Network pharmacology analysis showed that there were 106 active components and 160 targets of CLD.Additionally,251 targets related to COVID-19 were identified,and 24 candidates of CLD on COVID-19 were selected.A total of 283 GO terms of CLD on COVID-19 were identified,and 181 pathways were screened based on GO and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses.CLD might alleviate the inflammatory response and improve lung injury to treat COVID-19 through interleukin 17 signaling,T helper cell 17 differentiation,tumor necrosis factor signaling,and hypoxia inducible factor-1 signaling.Besides,molecular docking indicated that beta-sitosterol,kaempferol,and stigmasterol were the top three candidates in CLD with the highest affinity to SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2.Conclusion:Our study identifies the potential mechanisms of CLD on COVID-19 and beta-sitosterol,kaempferol,and stigmasterol may be the key compounds that exert antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2.展开更多
BACKGROUND Large-scale functional connectivity(LSFC)patterns in the brain have unique intrinsic characteristics.Abnormal LSFC patterns have been found in patients with dementia,as well as in those with mild cognitive ...BACKGROUND Large-scale functional connectivity(LSFC)patterns in the brain have unique intrinsic characteristics.Abnormal LSFC patterns have been found in patients with dementia,as well as in those with mild cognitive impairment(MCI),and these patterns predicted their cognitive performance.It has been reported that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)may develop MCI that could progress to dementia.We investigated whether we could adopt LSFC patterns as discriminative features to predict the cognitive function of patients with T2DM,using connectome-based predictive modeling(CPM)and a support vector machine.AIM To investigate the utility of LSFC for predicting cognitive impairment related to T2DM more accurately and reliably.METHODS Resting-state functional magnetic resonance images were derived from 42 patients with T2DM and 24 healthy controls.Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA).Patients with T2DM were divided into two groups,according to the presence(T2DM-C;n=16)or absence(T2DM-NC;n=26)of MCI.Brain regions were marked using Harvard Oxford(HOA-112),automated anatomical labeling(AAL-116),and 264-region functional(Power-264)atlases.LSFC biomarkers for predicting MoCA scores were identified using a new CPM technique.Subsequently,we used a support vector machine based on LSFC patterns for among-group differentiation.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve determined the appearance of the classification.RESULTS CPM could predict the MoCA scores in patients with T2DM(Pearson’s correlation coefficient between predicted and actual MoCA scores,r=0.32,P=0.0066[HOA-112 atlas];r=0.32,P=0.0078[AAL-116 atlas];r=0.42,P=0.0038[Power-264 atlas]),indicating that LSFC patterns represent cognition-level measures in these patients.Positive(anti-correlated)LSFC networks based on the Power-264 atlas showed the best predictive performance;moreover,we observed new brain regions of interest associated with T2DM-related cognition.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values(T2DM-NC group vs.T2DM-C group)were 0.65-0.70,with LSFC matrices based on HOA-112 and Power-264 atlases having the highest value(0.70).Most discriminative and attractive LSFCs were related to the default mode network,limbic system,and basal ganglia.CONCLUSION LSFC provides neuroimaging-based information that may be useful in detecting MCI early and accurately in patients with T2DM.展开更多
BACKGROUND Previous studies have suggested that a low albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio(AAPR)is associated with a lower survival rate in patients with various malignancies.However,the relationship between pretreat...BACKGROUND Previous studies have suggested that a low albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio(AAPR)is associated with a lower survival rate in patients with various malignancies.However,the relationship between pretreatment AAPR and the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer(GC)remains unclear.AIM To investigate the prognostic value of AAPR in distant metastatic GC.METHODS A total of 191 patients with distant metastatic cancer from a single institute were enrolled in this study.Pretreatment clinical data,including serum albumin and alkaline phosphatase levels,were collected.A chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test was applied to evaluate the correlations between AAPR and various clinical parameters in GC patients.The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression model were used to evaluate the prognostic efficacy of AAPR in metastatic GC patients.A two-sided P value lower than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS A receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that 0.48 was the optimal threshold value for AAPR.AAPR≤0.48 was significantly associated with bone(P<0.05)and liver metastasis(P<0.05).Patients with high levels of AAPR had better survival in terms of overall survival(OS)and progression-free survival(PFS),regardless of the presence of liver/bone metastasis.Pretreatment AAPR was found to be a favorable predictor of OS and PFS based on a multivariate cox regression model.AAPR-M system,constructed based on AAPR and number of metastatic sites,showed superior predictive ability relative to the number of metastatic sites for predicting survival.CONCLUSION Pretreatment AAPR may serve as an independent prognostic factor for predicting PFS and OS in patients with metastatic GC.Furthermore,AAPR may assist clinicians with individualizing treatment.展开更多
Background:Hua-Zhuo-Kai-Yu decoction(HZKY)is an empirical formula in traditional Chinese medicine that is derived from the classic ancient prescription Da-Chai-Hu decoction.It has been demonstrated to have good clinic...Background:Hua-Zhuo-Kai-Yu decoction(HZKY)is an empirical formula in traditional Chinese medicine that is derived from the classic ancient prescription Da-Chai-Hu decoction.It has been demonstrated to have good clinical effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).However,the mechanism by which HZKY acts on NAFLD remains unclear.In this study,network pharmacology was used to predict the potential targets of HZKY in NAFLD.Additionally,in vivo studies were conducted to validate the crucial pathways determined using network pharmacology.Methods:Active compounds in HZKY were screened using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology and Analysis Platform and Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database,and the potential targets of compounds in HZKY were predicted using Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology and Analysis Platform,Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database,Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine,and PUBCHEM.In addition,targets involved in NAFLD were obtained from the GeneCards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man databases,and the potential targets of HZKY in NAFLD were identified based on the common potential targets between HZKY and NAFLD.Cytoscape 3.7.2 was used to visualize crosstalk and identify the key genes from the potential targets of HZKY in NAFLD.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis was conducted to predict the pathways by which HZKY acts on NAFLD.Rats were fed with a high-fat diet for 12 weeks to induce NAFLD and were then orally administered HZKY.Serum lipid levels and hematoxylin and eosin and oil red O staining results were assessed to determine the effects of HZKY in NALFD.Furthermore,the mechanisms of action of HZKY in NAFLD,as determined using network pharmacology,were validated based on the inhibition of apoptosis in the liver using Western blotting.Results:A total of 269 potential targets of 130 active compounds in HZKY were identified(oral bioavailability≥30%and drug-like≥0.18),and 62 targets were selected after being compared with the targets of NAFLD.Bcl-2-associated X protein(BAX),caspase3(CASP3),and caspase9(CASP9)were the key genes with the highest values of network connectivity.In addition,45 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways,including apoptosis,fatty acid synthesis,and estrogen signaling,were enriched according to the selected genes of HZKY.In vivo studies showed that the serum levels of total cholesterol,triglyceride,and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly elevated and the serum level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was decreased in the model group compared with those in the control group(P<0.01 for all).The expressions of BAX,CASP9,and CASP3 were upregulated in the model group compared with those in the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01,and P<0.01,respectively),while HZKY treatment decreased the body weights and serum levels of total cholesterol,triglyceride,and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and increased the serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in NAFLD model rats(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.05,and P<0.05,respectively).Hematoxylin and eosin and oil red O staining indicated that HZKY treatment reduced steatosis in the hepatocytes.Moreover,HZKY treatment inhibited apoptosis in the liver by downregulating the expressions of BAX,CASP3,and CASP9(P<0.05,P<0.01,and P<0.05,respectively).Conclusion:Our study demonstrates that HZKY improves NAFLD by inhibiting apoptosis in the liver by reducing the levels of BAX,CASP3,and CASP9.展开更多
Oxidative stress and diabetes have a tendency to alter protein, lipid, and DNA moieties. One of the strategic methods used to reduce diabetes-associated oxidative stress is to inhibit the carbohydrate-digesting enzyme...Oxidative stress and diabetes have a tendency to alter protein, lipid, and DNA moieties. One of the strategic methods used to reduce diabetes-associated oxidative stress is to inhibit the carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, thereby decreasing gastrointestinal glucose production. Plant-derived natural antioxidant molecules are considered a therapeutic tool in the treatment of oxidative stress and diabetes. The objective of this study was to identify tartary buckwheat rice flavonoids and evaluate the effect of in vitro digestion on their antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. High performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) analysis indicated the presence of rutin as a major component and quercitrin as a minor component of both digested and non-digested flavonoids. Both extracts showed a significant antioxidant capacity, but digested flavonoids showed reduced activity compared to non-digested. There were some decreases of the antioxidant activities(2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt(ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazy(DPPH) radical, and ferric reducing antioxidant power(FRAP)) of digested tartary buckwheat rice flavonoids compared with non-digested. Flavonoids from both groups significantly inhibited reactive oxygen species(ROS) production and α-glucosidase activity. Both digested and non-digested flavonoids markedly increased glucose consumption and glycogen content in Hep G2 cells. Tartary buckwheat rice flavonoids showed appreciable antioxidant and antidiabetic properties, even after digestion. Tartary buckwheat rice appears to be a promising functional food with potent antioxidant and antidiabetic properties.展开更多
Developing safer and more efficient hydrogen storage technology is a pivotal step to realizing the hydrogen economy. Owing to the lightweight, high hydrogen storage density and abundant reserves, MgH2 has been wide...Developing safer and more efficient hydrogen storage technology is a pivotal step to realizing the hydrogen economy. Owing to the lightweight, high hydrogen storage density and abundant reserves, MgH2 has been widely studied as one of the most promising solidstate hydrogen storage materials. However, defects such as stable thermodynamics, sluggish kinetics and rapid capacity decay have seriously hindered its practical application. This article reviews recent advances in catalyst doping and nanostructures for improved kinetic performance of MgH2/Mg systems for hydrogen release/absorption, the tuning of their thermodynamic stability properties by alloying and reactant destabilization, and the dual thermodynamic and kinetic optimization of the MgH2/Mg system achieved by nanoconfinement with in situ catalysis and ball milling with in situ aerosol spraying, aiming to open new perspectives for the scale-up of MgH2 for hydrogen storage applications.展开更多
The critical role of vanadium in metallurgy and the increasing commercialization of vanadium redox flow batteries have contributed to a rise in market demand for vanadium,emphasizing the need to ensure the sustainabil...The critical role of vanadium in metallurgy and the increasing commercialization of vanadium redox flow batteries have contributed to a rise in market demand for vanadium,emphasizing the need to ensure the sustainability of vanadium production.Converter vanadium slag and stone coal,generated during the smelting process of vanadium–titanium magnetite,serve as primary raw materials for vanadium extraction.This paper reviews the process mineralogy of converter vanadium slag and stone coal,encompassing the chemical and physical phase compositions of the raw materials and the state of vanadium occurrence.The aim is to establish a theoretical foundation for the mechanistic study of the vanadium extraction techniques and to provide a reference for the optimization of the process afterward.This paper systematically summarizes the current vanadium extraction technology from converter vanadium slag,covering roasting,direct leaching,sub-molten salt method,and the technology and research status of vanadium extraction from stone coal.Most importantly,it identifies key issues in the current vanadium extraction techniques and challenges faced in actual production,based on the analysis of the current vanadium extraction process and mechanism research.The forward feasibility and prospects for the development of vanadium extraction technology are outlined.展开更多
prevalence.A number of clinical workers and researchers have made great efforts to understand the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics and develop effective drugs for treatment.However,no effective drugs with ant...prevalence.A number of clinical workers and researchers have made great efforts to understand the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics and develop effective drugs for treatment.However,no effective drugs with antiviral effects on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 have been discovered currently.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has gained abundant experience in the treatment of infectious diseases for thousands of years.In this review,the authors summarized the clinical outcome,pathogensis and current application of TCM on coronavirus disease 2019.Further,we discussed the potential mechanisms and the future research directions of TCM against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.展开更多
The interactions between plants and herbivorous insects are complex and involve multiple factors,driving species formation and leading to the beginning of co-evolution and diversification of plant and insect molecules...The interactions between plants and herbivorous insects are complex and involve multiple factors,driving species formation and leading to the beginning of co-evolution and diversification of plant and insect molecules.Various molecular processes regulate the interactions between plants and herbivorous insects.Here,we discuss the molecular patterns of plant perception of herbivorous insect feeding through activation of early signaling components,crosstalk of plant defense network composed of multiple plant hormones,and various adaptive changes in insect responses to plant defenses.Both plant defenses and insect counter-defenses are molecular adaptation processes to each other.Molecular models of plant-herbivorous insect interactions can more intuitively help us to understand the co-evolutionary arms race between plants and herbivorous insects.These results will provide detailed evidence to elucidate and enrich the interaction network of plant-herbivorous insects.展开更多
Background Identifying the active ingredients from natural herbal medicines and demonstrating their potential mechanisms are key points in the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)field.In recent years,increasing studies ...Background Identifying the active ingredients from natural herbal medicines and demonstrating their potential mechanisms are key points in the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)field.In recent years,increasing studies have focused on the effects and mechanisms of Chinese herbal formulas.Basic studies on these formulas further coincide with the theory and practical use of TCM according to the clinical experiences for thousands of years.Single compounds have specific molecular structures;therefore,their methodologies in effect and mechanism studies are similar in both Western and Eastern medicines,making them more acceptable by researchers worldwide.展开更多
Autophagy can maintain the homeostasis of cells by removing the accumulated proteins,damaged organelles and pathogens.Studies have shown that autophagy is closely related to a variety of life activities,and its dysfun...Autophagy can maintain the homeostasis of cells by removing the accumulated proteins,damaged organelles and pathogens.Studies have shown that autophagy is closely related to a variety of life activities,and its dysfunction often leads to tumor,degenerative diseases and other diseases.Epigenetic modification is widely involved in autophagy and plays an important role in the occurrence and development of many diseases.In order to further understand the mechanism of autophagy,we review the related signaling pathways and epigenetic modifications of autophagy.展开更多
Objective:The aim of this study is to discover the possible working mechanisms of Ardisiae Japonicae Herba(AJH)on hepatoma carcinoma(HCC).Methods:In this study,ethanol extract of AJH was prepared and used to treat HCC...Objective:The aim of this study is to discover the possible working mechanisms of Ardisiae Japonicae Herba(AJH)on hepatoma carcinoma(HCC).Methods:In this study,ethanol extract of AJH was prepared and used to treat HCC cell in vitro.Furthermore,a genomic wide RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)was performed to screen deregulated genes in HCC cells after the treatment of AJH extract.The gene and protein expression related to lipid metabolism in HCC cells were also investigated to validate the results obtained from RNA-seq.Results:AJH extract could inhibit HCC cell proliferation in vitro.RNA-seq analysis has identified 1,601 differentially expressed genes(DEGs,fold change≥2.0 or fold change≤0.5,P<0.05)in HCC after AJH extract treatment,which included 225 up-regulated genes and 1,376 down-regulated genes.KEGG pathway analysis of DEGs demonstrated that lipid metabolism was a potential pathway related to AJH treatment.In agreement with the RNA-seq data,q PCR and Western-blot analysis indicated that expression of genes and proteins related to lipid metabolism(SREBP1,ACC,ACLY and FASN)were significantly downregulated in AJH treatment group as compared with the control group.Furthermore,AJH extract could also decrease lipid contents and cellular free fatty acid levels in HCC cells.Conclusion:Ethanol extract of AJH could inhibit HCC cell proliferation in vitro,the possible mechanism may be related to the inhibition of lipid metabolism.展开更多
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82160106Yunnan Provincial Department of Education Scientific Research Fund Project,No.2025J0270Yunnan Provincial Science and Technology Department Science and Technology Program Project,No.202501AY070001-088。
摘要BACKGROUND The impact of lean type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)on the prognosis of patients with primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)remains unclear.AIM To explore the adverse prognostic impact of lean T2DM on liver-related mortality risk in patients with PBC.METHODS This retrospective cohort study of 877 PBC patients stratified by T2DM status and lean phenotype used Cox regression models to analyze liver-related outcomes.Interaction effect models investigated T2DM and lean phenotype synergy.Propensity score matching(1:1)controlled for confounders between lean T2DM and non-T2DM non-lean groups,with sensitivity analyses validating results.RESULTS The median age of patients was 57 years(50-66),with 716(81.64%)being female,and median follow-up was 45 months(25-48),during which 234 deaths(26.68%)occurred.After fully adjusting for confounding factors,lean T2DM remained an independent mortality risk factor in PBC patients[hazard ratio(HR)=1.845,95%confidence interval:1.219-2.793,P=0.004].Interaction effect analysis confirmed a significant synergistic effect of T2DM and lean phenotype on mortality risk(interaction term HR=2.546,95%confidence interval:1.342-4.831,P=0.004).Stratified analysis further substantiated that T2DM significantly increased mortality risk only in lean patients(HR=2.331,P<0.001),while lean phenotype elevated risk only among T2DM patients(HR=2.165,P=0.0078).Propensity score matching validated this association(HR=1.63,P=0.008),with sensitivity analyses confirming the robustness of the conclusions.CONCLUSION Lean T2DM is an independent risk factor for liver-related adverse outcomes in PBC patients,and the coexistence of T2DM and lean phenotype exhibits a significant synergistic effect on mortality risk.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82160106.
摘要BACKGROUND Liver failure,particularly acute-on-chronic liver failure,is associated with high mortality(50%-90%).The plasma exchange(PE)mode of the artificial liver support system has been shown to improve clinical outcomes,although its efficacy may vary depending on the regenerative capacity of the liver.Alpha-fetoprotein(AFP),an oncofetal glycoprotein,is reactivated during liver regeneration and may serve as a prognostic biomarker.Previous studies have reported significantly higher post-PE AFP levels in survivors than in non-survivors(286.5 ng/mL vs 82.3 ng/mL at day 7).However,the predictive value of baseline AFP stratification and serial AFP kinetics during PE therapy remains unestablished.This study investigated whether serial AFP measurements predict clinical outcomes in liver failure patients receiving PE.AIM To evaluate the predictive value of serial AFP measurements in liver failure patients receiving PE.METHODS This retrospective study included 194 liver failure patients with complete AFP data,excluding those with tumors,bleeding disorders,allergies,or unstable conditions.Patients were stratified by baseline AFP into low-AFP(200 ng/mL,n=64)groups.AFP was measured before PE and on days 1,10,20,and 25.RESULTS Stratification by baseline AFP revealed significant gradients.The high-AFP group required fewer PE sessions than the low-AFP group(2.8±1.0 vs 4.2±1.5)but exhibited greater post-PE AFP elevation(75.1±20.3 ng/mL vs 33.1±10.2 ng/mL;P<0.001).The high-AFP group demonstrated optimal values,including the lowest ammonia,bilirubin,alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,γ-glutamyl transferase,and the highest albumin and prothrombin activity(all post hoc P<0.05 vs low-AFP).The medium-AFP group showed intermediate values except for prothrombin activity(35.2%±8.6%),which was significantly lower than in both other groups(P<0.001).The high-AFP group had a reduced incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis(9.4%vs 25.0%;P=0.003),superior three-month survival(90.6%vs 56.7%;P<0.001),and a higher post-treatment three-month receiver operating characteristic area under the curve(0.8851 vs 0.7051).CONCLUSION AFP dynamics correlate with regenerative capacity and clinical outcomes in liver failure.Serial AFP monitoring may enhance risk stratification and support personalized therapeutic strategies.
基金university-level project on curing disease in 2018 of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine(XJ201801).
摘要Background:Chai-Ling decoction(CLD),derived from a modification of Xiao-Chai-Hu(XCH)decoction and Wu-Ling-San(WLS)decoction,has been used to treat the early-stage of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).However,the mechanisms of CLD in COVID-19 remain unknown.In this study,the potential mechanisms of CLD in COVID-19 were preliminarily investigated based on network pharmacology and molecular docking method.Methods:Initially,the active components and targets of CLD were screened based on Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform and PharmMapper database.The targets of COVID-19 were obtained from GeneCards database.The protein-protein interaction network was established using STRING database to analyze the key targets.Gene Oncology(GO)analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis were also conducted to evaluate the pathways related to the targets of CLD on COVID-19.Moreover,the compound-target-pathway network was established using Cytoscape 3.2.7.Subsequently,the molecular docking method was performed to select the active compounds with high binding affinity on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2),which is the key target of SARS-CoV-2 in entering target cells.The possible binding sites were also visualized by a three-dimensional graph.Results:Network pharmacology analysis showed that there were 106 active components and 160 targets of CLD.Additionally,251 targets related to COVID-19 were identified,and 24 candidates of CLD on COVID-19 were selected.A total of 283 GO terms of CLD on COVID-19 were identified,and 181 pathways were screened based on GO and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses.CLD might alleviate the inflammatory response and improve lung injury to treat COVID-19 through interleukin 17 signaling,T helper cell 17 differentiation,tumor necrosis factor signaling,and hypoxia inducible factor-1 signaling.Besides,molecular docking indicated that beta-sitosterol,kaempferol,and stigmasterol were the top three candidates in CLD with the highest affinity to SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2.Conclusion:Our study identifies the potential mechanisms of CLD on COVID-19 and beta-sitosterol,kaempferol,and stigmasterol may be the key compounds that exert antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81771815.
摘要BACKGROUND Large-scale functional connectivity(LSFC)patterns in the brain have unique intrinsic characteristics.Abnormal LSFC patterns have been found in patients with dementia,as well as in those with mild cognitive impairment(MCI),and these patterns predicted their cognitive performance.It has been reported that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)may develop MCI that could progress to dementia.We investigated whether we could adopt LSFC patterns as discriminative features to predict the cognitive function of patients with T2DM,using connectome-based predictive modeling(CPM)and a support vector machine.AIM To investigate the utility of LSFC for predicting cognitive impairment related to T2DM more accurately and reliably.METHODS Resting-state functional magnetic resonance images were derived from 42 patients with T2DM and 24 healthy controls.Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA).Patients with T2DM were divided into two groups,according to the presence(T2DM-C;n=16)or absence(T2DM-NC;n=26)of MCI.Brain regions were marked using Harvard Oxford(HOA-112),automated anatomical labeling(AAL-116),and 264-region functional(Power-264)atlases.LSFC biomarkers for predicting MoCA scores were identified using a new CPM technique.Subsequently,we used a support vector machine based on LSFC patterns for among-group differentiation.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve determined the appearance of the classification.RESULTS CPM could predict the MoCA scores in patients with T2DM(Pearson’s correlation coefficient between predicted and actual MoCA scores,r=0.32,P=0.0066[HOA-112 atlas];r=0.32,P=0.0078[AAL-116 atlas];r=0.42,P=0.0038[Power-264 atlas]),indicating that LSFC patterns represent cognition-level measures in these patients.Positive(anti-correlated)LSFC networks based on the Power-264 atlas showed the best predictive performance;moreover,we observed new brain regions of interest associated with T2DM-related cognition.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values(T2DM-NC group vs.T2DM-C group)were 0.65-0.70,with LSFC matrices based on HOA-112 and Power-264 atlases having the highest value(0.70).Most discriminative and attractive LSFCs were related to the default mode network,limbic system,and basal ganglia.CONCLUSION LSFC provides neuroimaging-based information that may be useful in detecting MCI early and accurately in patients with T2DM.
摘要BACKGROUND Previous studies have suggested that a low albumin-to-alkaline phosphatase ratio(AAPR)is associated with a lower survival rate in patients with various malignancies.However,the relationship between pretreatment AAPR and the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer(GC)remains unclear.AIM To investigate the prognostic value of AAPR in distant metastatic GC.METHODS A total of 191 patients with distant metastatic cancer from a single institute were enrolled in this study.Pretreatment clinical data,including serum albumin and alkaline phosphatase levels,were collected.A chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test was applied to evaluate the correlations between AAPR and various clinical parameters in GC patients.The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression model were used to evaluate the prognostic efficacy of AAPR in metastatic GC patients.A two-sided P value lower than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS A receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that 0.48 was the optimal threshold value for AAPR.AAPR≤0.48 was significantly associated with bone(P<0.05)and liver metastasis(P<0.05).Patients with high levels of AAPR had better survival in terms of overall survival(OS)and progression-free survival(PFS),regardless of the presence of liver/bone metastasis.Pretreatment AAPR was found to be a favorable predictor of OS and PFS based on a multivariate cox regression model.AAPR-M system,constructed based on AAPR and number of metastatic sites,showed superior predictive ability relative to the number of metastatic sites for predicting survival.CONCLUSION Pretreatment AAPR may serve as an independent prognostic factor for predicting PFS and OS in patients with metastatic GC.Furthermore,AAPR may assist clinicians with individualizing treatment.
基金This work was performed at Tianjin University of Chinese Medicine,China,and was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(81560772)Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin(17JCYBJC42800).
摘要Background:Hua-Zhuo-Kai-Yu decoction(HZKY)is an empirical formula in traditional Chinese medicine that is derived from the classic ancient prescription Da-Chai-Hu decoction.It has been demonstrated to have good clinical effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).However,the mechanism by which HZKY acts on NAFLD remains unclear.In this study,network pharmacology was used to predict the potential targets of HZKY in NAFLD.Additionally,in vivo studies were conducted to validate the crucial pathways determined using network pharmacology.Methods:Active compounds in HZKY were screened using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology and Analysis Platform and Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database,and the potential targets of compounds in HZKY were predicted using Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology and Analysis Platform,Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database,Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine,and PUBCHEM.In addition,targets involved in NAFLD were obtained from the GeneCards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man databases,and the potential targets of HZKY in NAFLD were identified based on the common potential targets between HZKY and NAFLD.Cytoscape 3.7.2 was used to visualize crosstalk and identify the key genes from the potential targets of HZKY in NAFLD.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis was conducted to predict the pathways by which HZKY acts on NAFLD.Rats were fed with a high-fat diet for 12 weeks to induce NAFLD and were then orally administered HZKY.Serum lipid levels and hematoxylin and eosin and oil red O staining results were assessed to determine the effects of HZKY in NALFD.Furthermore,the mechanisms of action of HZKY in NAFLD,as determined using network pharmacology,were validated based on the inhibition of apoptosis in the liver using Western blotting.Results:A total of 269 potential targets of 130 active compounds in HZKY were identified(oral bioavailability≥30%and drug-like≥0.18),and 62 targets were selected after being compared with the targets of NAFLD.Bcl-2-associated X protein(BAX),caspase3(CASP3),and caspase9(CASP9)were the key genes with the highest values of network connectivity.In addition,45 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways,including apoptosis,fatty acid synthesis,and estrogen signaling,were enriched according to the selected genes of HZKY.In vivo studies showed that the serum levels of total cholesterol,triglyceride,and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly elevated and the serum level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was decreased in the model group compared with those in the control group(P<0.01 for all).The expressions of BAX,CASP9,and CASP3 were upregulated in the model group compared with those in the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01,and P<0.01,respectively),while HZKY treatment decreased the body weights and serum levels of total cholesterol,triglyceride,and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and increased the serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in NAFLD model rats(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.05,and P<0.05,respectively).Hematoxylin and eosin and oil red O staining indicated that HZKY treatment reduced steatosis in the hepatocytes.Moreover,HZKY treatment inhibited apoptosis in the liver by downregulating the expressions of BAX,CASP3,and CASP9(P<0.05,P<0.01,and P<0.05,respectively).Conclusion:Our study demonstrates that HZKY improves NAFLD by inhibiting apoptosis in the liver by reducing the levels of BAX,CASP3,and CASP9.
基金supported by the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Plan(No.D151100004015002)the Research Foundation of the Education Department of Zhejiang Province(No.Y201328143),China
摘要Oxidative stress and diabetes have a tendency to alter protein, lipid, and DNA moieties. One of the strategic methods used to reduce diabetes-associated oxidative stress is to inhibit the carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, thereby decreasing gastrointestinal glucose production. Plant-derived natural antioxidant molecules are considered a therapeutic tool in the treatment of oxidative stress and diabetes. The objective of this study was to identify tartary buckwheat rice flavonoids and evaluate the effect of in vitro digestion on their antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. High performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) analysis indicated the presence of rutin as a major component and quercitrin as a minor component of both digested and non-digested flavonoids. Both extracts showed a significant antioxidant capacity, but digested flavonoids showed reduced activity compared to non-digested. There were some decreases of the antioxidant activities(2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt(ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazy(DPPH) radical, and ferric reducing antioxidant power(FRAP)) of digested tartary buckwheat rice flavonoids compared with non-digested. Flavonoids from both groups significantly inhibited reactive oxygen species(ROS) production and α-glucosidase activity. Both digested and non-digested flavonoids markedly increased glucose consumption and glycogen content in Hep G2 cells. Tartary buckwheat rice flavonoids showed appreciable antioxidant and antidiabetic properties, even after digestion. Tartary buckwheat rice appears to be a promising functional food with potent antioxidant and antidiabetic properties.
基金financially supported by Research Funds for the Central Universities (No. 2023CDJXY-019)the Fundamental Guiding Project of Scientific Research Program in Ministry of Education of Hubei Province (No. B2021025)+2 种基金Shenzhen Municipal Science and Technology Innovation Commission (No. JCYJ20210324141613032)the Innovative Research Group Project of the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province (No. 2019CFA020)Special Projects for Local Science and Technology Development Guided by the Chinese Central Government (No. 2019ZYYD024)。
摘要Developing safer and more efficient hydrogen storage technology is a pivotal step to realizing the hydrogen economy. Owing to the lightweight, high hydrogen storage density and abundant reserves, MgH2 has been widely studied as one of the most promising solidstate hydrogen storage materials. However, defects such as stable thermodynamics, sluggish kinetics and rapid capacity decay have seriously hindered its practical application. This article reviews recent advances in catalyst doping and nanostructures for improved kinetic performance of MgH2/Mg systems for hydrogen release/absorption, the tuning of their thermodynamic stability properties by alloying and reactant destabilization, and the dual thermodynamic and kinetic optimization of the MgH2/Mg system achieved by nanoconfinement with in situ catalysis and ball milling with in situ aerosol spraying, aiming to open new perspectives for the scale-up of MgH2 for hydrogen storage applications.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.51774140,82204604 and 22304055)Hebei Province High-end Iron and Steel Metallurgy Joint Fund Project(No.E2021209147)+4 种基金Hebei Natural Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholar(No.E2019209433)the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province(No.E2022209158)the Science and Technology Planning Project of Hebei Province(No.23564101D)the Key Research Project of North China University of Science and Technology(No.ZD-ST-202308)the Operation Expenses for Universities’Basic Scientific Research of Hebei Province(No.JQN2021018)。
摘要The critical role of vanadium in metallurgy and the increasing commercialization of vanadium redox flow batteries have contributed to a rise in market demand for vanadium,emphasizing the need to ensure the sustainability of vanadium production.Converter vanadium slag and stone coal,generated during the smelting process of vanadium–titanium magnetite,serve as primary raw materials for vanadium extraction.This paper reviews the process mineralogy of converter vanadium slag and stone coal,encompassing the chemical and physical phase compositions of the raw materials and the state of vanadium occurrence.The aim is to establish a theoretical foundation for the mechanistic study of the vanadium extraction techniques and to provide a reference for the optimization of the process afterward.This paper systematically summarizes the current vanadium extraction technology from converter vanadium slag,covering roasting,direct leaching,sub-molten salt method,and the technology and research status of vanadium extraction from stone coal.Most importantly,it identifies key issues in the current vanadium extraction techniques and challenges faced in actual production,based on the analysis of the current vanadium extraction process and mechanism research.The forward feasibility and prospects for the development of vanadium extraction technology are outlined.
摘要prevalence.A number of clinical workers and researchers have made great efforts to understand the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics and develop effective drugs for treatment.However,no effective drugs with antiviral effects on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 have been discovered currently.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has gained abundant experience in the treatment of infectious diseases for thousands of years.In this review,the authors summarized the clinical outcome,pathogensis and current application of TCM on coronavirus disease 2019.Further,we discussed the potential mechanisms and the future research directions of TCM against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
基金the National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFD1400200)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32272588,31972299).
摘要The interactions between plants and herbivorous insects are complex and involve multiple factors,driving species formation and leading to the beginning of co-evolution and diversification of plant and insect molecules.Various molecular processes regulate the interactions between plants and herbivorous insects.Here,we discuss the molecular patterns of plant perception of herbivorous insect feeding through activation of early signaling components,crosstalk of plant defense network composed of multiple plant hormones,and various adaptive changes in insect responses to plant defenses.Both plant defenses and insect counter-defenses are molecular adaptation processes to each other.Molecular models of plant-herbivorous insect interactions can more intuitively help us to understand the co-evolutionary arms race between plants and herbivorous insects.These results will provide detailed evidence to elucidate and enrich the interaction network of plant-herbivorous insects.
摘要Background Identifying the active ingredients from natural herbal medicines and demonstrating their potential mechanisms are key points in the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)field.In recent years,increasing studies have focused on the effects and mechanisms of Chinese herbal formulas.Basic studies on these formulas further coincide with the theory and practical use of TCM according to the clinical experiences for thousands of years.Single compounds have specific molecular structures;therefore,their methodologies in effect and mechanism studies are similar in both Western and Eastern medicines,making them more acceptable by researchers worldwide.
基金This work was supported by a grant from the Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin(11JCYBJC13400,17JCYBJC42800)National Natural Science Fundation of China(81560772).
摘要Autophagy can maintain the homeostasis of cells by removing the accumulated proteins,damaged organelles and pathogens.Studies have shown that autophagy is closely related to a variety of life activities,and its dysfunction often leads to tumor,degenerative diseases and other diseases.Epigenetic modification is widely involved in autophagy and plays an important role in the occurrence and development of many diseases.In order to further understand the mechanism of autophagy,we review the related signaling pathways and epigenetic modifications of autophagy.
基金supported by a grant from the Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin(No.17JCYBJC42800)National Natural Science Fundation of China(No.81560772,81703828)。
摘要Objective:The aim of this study is to discover the possible working mechanisms of Ardisiae Japonicae Herba(AJH)on hepatoma carcinoma(HCC).Methods:In this study,ethanol extract of AJH was prepared and used to treat HCC cell in vitro.Furthermore,a genomic wide RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)was performed to screen deregulated genes in HCC cells after the treatment of AJH extract.The gene and protein expression related to lipid metabolism in HCC cells were also investigated to validate the results obtained from RNA-seq.Results:AJH extract could inhibit HCC cell proliferation in vitro.RNA-seq analysis has identified 1,601 differentially expressed genes(DEGs,fold change≥2.0 or fold change≤0.5,P<0.05)in HCC after AJH extract treatment,which included 225 up-regulated genes and 1,376 down-regulated genes.KEGG pathway analysis of DEGs demonstrated that lipid metabolism was a potential pathway related to AJH treatment.In agreement with the RNA-seq data,q PCR and Western-blot analysis indicated that expression of genes and proteins related to lipid metabolism(SREBP1,ACC,ACLY and FASN)were significantly downregulated in AJH treatment group as compared with the control group.Furthermore,AJH extract could also decrease lipid contents and cellular free fatty acid levels in HCC cells.Conclusion:Ethanol extract of AJH could inhibit HCC cell proliferation in vitro,the possible mechanism may be related to the inhibition of lipid metabolism.