Network pharmacology study and in vitro experimental validation of Xiaojianzhong decoction against gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Cancer is one of the most serious threats to human health worldwide.Conventional treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy are associated with some drawbacks.In recent years,traditional Chinese medicine treatment has been increasingly advocated by patients and attracted attention from clinicians,and has become an indispensable part of the comprehensive treatment for gastric cancer.AIM To investigate the mechanism of Xiaojianzhong decoction(XJZ)in the treatment of gastric cancer(GC)by utilizing network pharmacology and experimental validation,so as to provide a theoretical basis for later experimental research.METHODS We analyzed the mechanism and targets of XJZ in the treatment of GC through network pharmacology and bioinformatics.Subsequently,we verified the impact of XJZ treatment on the proliferative ability of GC cells through CCK-8,apoptosis,cell cycle,and clone formation assays.Additionally,we performed Western blot analysis and real-time quantitative PCR to assess the protein and mRNA expression of the core proteins.RESULTS XJZ mainly regulates IL6,PTGS2,CCL2,MMP9,MMP2,HMOX1,and other target genes and pathways in cancer to treat GC.The inhibition of cell viability,the increase of apoptosis,the blockage of the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase,and the inhibition of the ability of cell clone formation were observed in AGS and HGC-27 cells after XJZ treatment.In addition,XJZ induced a decrease in the mRNA expression of IL6,PTGS2,MMP9,MMP2,and CCL2,and an increase in the mRNA expression of HOMX1.XJZ significantly inhibited the expression of IL6,PTGS2,MMP9,MMP2,and CCL2 proteins and promoted the expression of the heme oxygenase-1 protein.CONCLUSION XJZ exerts therapeutic effects against GC through multiple components,multiple targets,and multiple pathways.Our findings provide a new idea and scientific basis for further research on the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of XJZ in the treatment of GC.

3D anatomy and flow dynamics of net-depositional cyclic steps on the world’s largest submarine fan:a joint 3D seismic and numerical approach

Supercritical flows are ubiquitous in natural environments;however,there is rare 3D anatomy of their deposits.This study uses high-quality 3D seismic datasets from the world’s largest submarine fan,Bengal Fan,to interpret 3D architectures and flow processes of Pliocene undulating bedforms that were related to supercritical flows.Bengal undulating bedforms as documented in this study were developed in unconfined settings,and are seismically imaged as strike-elongated,crescentic bedforms in plan view and as rhythmically undulating,upstream migrating,erosive,discontinuous reflections in section view.Their lee sides are overall 3 to 4 times steeper(0.280 to 1.19°in slope)and 3 to 4 times shorter(117 to 419 m in length)than their stoss flanks and were ascribed to faster(high flow velocities of 2.70 to 3.98 m/s)supercritical flows(Froude numbers of 1.53 to 2.27).Their stoss sides,in contrast,are overall 3 to 4 times gentler(0.120 to 0.270 in slope)and 3 to 4 times longer(410 to 1139 m in length)than their lee flanks and were related to slower(low velocities of 2.35 to 3.05 m/s)subcritical flows(Froude numbers of 0.58 to 0.97).Bengal wave-like features were,thus,created by supercriticalto-subcritical flow transformations through internal hydraulic jumps(i.e.,cyclic steps).They have crests that are positive relative to the surrounding region of the seafloor,suggesting the predominant deposition of draping sediments associated with net-depositional cyclic steps.Turbidity currents forming Bengal wave-like features were,thus,dominated by deposition,resulting in net-depositional cyclic steps.Sandy deposits associated with Bengal net-depositional cyclic steps are imaged themselves as closely spaced,strike-elongated high RMS-attribute patches,thereby showing closely spaced,long and linear,strike-elongated distribution patterns.

The petrological characteristics and signif icance of organic-rich shale in the Chang 7 member of the Yanchang Formation,south margin of the Ordos basin,central China

The organic-rich shale of the Chang 7 member is the most important source rock in the Ordos basin.The sedimentary environment and the controlling factors of organic matter enrichment,however,are still in contention.In this investigation,the Yishicun outcrop,located on the south margin of the Ordos basin,has been considered for the study.X-ray diffraction,polarizing microscopy,field emission scanning electron microscopy and cathodoluminescence(CL)were used to investigate the petrological features of the organic-rich shale.The content of volcanic ash and the diameter of pyrite framboid pseudocrystals were measured to illustrate the relationship between oxygen level,ash content and the enrichment of organic matter.It has been found that the diameter of pyrite framboid pseudocrystals has a strong correlation with the total organic carbon,demonstrating that the redox status degree of the water column has a positive impact on the enrichment of organic matter.Additionally,with an increase in the ash content,the content of organic matter increased at first and then decreased,and reached a maximum when the ash content was about 6%,illustrating that the ash input has a double effect on the enrichment of organic matter.

Surgical treatment ofpatients with severe non-flail chest rib fractures

BACKGROUND Many patients have inadequate long-term analgesia,respiratory distress,and hypoxemia due to a long-standing substantial smoking history or the presence of primary pulmonary diseases;analgesic treatment is not valid in these patients.Even if the imaging findings of rib fractures are relatively mild,rib fractures may cause severe position limitation,respiratory distress,and hypoxemia.AIM To investigate the curative effect of surgical treatment for patients with severe non-flail chest rib fractures.METHODS A total of 78 patients from our hospital with severe noncontinuous thoracic rib fractures from September 2016 to September 2018 were enrolled in our study.Thirty-nine patients underwent surgical treatment,and 39 underwent conservative treatment.The surgical treatment group received surgery performed with titanium plates,and the screws were inserted with open reduction and internal fixation.The conservative treatment group received analgesia and symptomatic treatment.The pain scores at 72 h,1 wk,2 wk,4 wk,6 wk,3 mo,and 6 mo were compared,and the SF-36 quality of life scores were compared atthe 3rd and 6th months.RESULTS Pain relief in the surgical group was significantly better than that in the conservative group at each time point(72 h,1 wk,2 wk,4 wk,6 wk,3 mo,and 6 mo after surgery,P<0.001).The SF-36 scores were significantly higher in the surgical group than in the conservative group at 1 mo and 6 mo(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Patients with severe non-flail chest rib fractures have a better quality of life following surgical treatment than following conservative treatment,and surgical treatment is also useful for relieving pain.We should pay more attention to the physiological functions and clinical manifestations of patients with severe rib fractures.In patients with non-flail chest rib fractures,surgical treatment is feasible and effective.