Molecular mechanism and research progress of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer(PCa)is one of the most common malignant tumors in the male genitourinary system,ranking second in incidence worldwide.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),as an important component of complementary and alternative medicine,shows unique advantages in cancer treatment.Chinese herbal medicine is usually composed of multiple ingredients and involves multiple signaling pathways,which showed function of inducing apoptosis of cancer cells,arresting the cell cycle,inhibiting invasion and metastasis,reducing drug resistance,and regulating immune function.Physical therapy is also an important treatment of TCM.Currently,Physical therapy such as acupuncture or Tai Chi and Qigong are gaining increased recognition in the management of PCa,particularly in addressing issues like urinary incontinence and bone metastasis-related pain.This article reviews the TCM treatment and therapy of PCa,in order to provide new research avenues and treatment options for the treatment of PCa with TCM and improve the quality of life of patients.

Traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of Helicobacter pylorirelated gastritis:The mechanisms of signalling pathway regulations

Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis(HPAG)is a common condition of the gastrointestinal tract.However,extensive and long-term antibiotic use has resulted in numerous adverse effects,including increased resistance,gastrointestinal dysfunction,and increased recurrence rates.When these concerns develop,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)may have advantages.TCM is based on the concept of completeness and aims to eliminate pathogens and strengthen the body.It has the potential to prevent this condition while also boosting the rate of Helicobacter pylori eradication.This review elaborates on the mechanism of TCM treatment for HPAG based on cellular signalling pathways,which reflects the flexibility of TCM in treating diseases and the advantages of multi-level,multipathway,and multi-target treatments for HPAG.

Literature study on traditional Chinese medicine syndromes after renal transplantation

BACKGROUND Kidney transplantation is the most effective means to treat patients with renal failure,but its postoperative problems such as rejection reactions,immunosuppressant poisoning,chronic transplant kidney nephropathy,etc.still have not been effectively solved.This study searched for literature on traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndromes after kidney transplantation in China,conducted statistical analysis of the results,and sought to identify the underlying patterns.AIM To understand the TCM syndromes after renal transplantation and associated rules and provide a theoretical basis for further clinical research.METHODS The literature pertaining to TCM syndromes in renal transplantation,published in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang database,and WIP database from 1970 to 2021,was meticulously searched and comprehensively and statistically analyzed.RESULTS Following the established inclusion and exclusion criteria,13 studies were selected for analysis.Post-renal transplantation,no significant discrepancy was noted among the groups based on the location of TCM viscera.However,when categorized according to TCM pathogenic factors,the groups with spleen and kidney yang deficiency,as well as liver and kidney yin deficiency,exhibited a statistically significant difference in the frequency.CONCLUSION Currently,the research on TCM syndromes pertaining to renal transplantation is in its nascent phase.It is imperative to conduct a multicentric,large-scale survey of TCM syndromes subsequent to renal transplantation in the ensuing years.

Cohort study on the treatment of BRAF V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer with integrated Chinese and western medicine

BACKGROUND Patients with BRAF V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer(mCRC)have a low incidence rate,poor biological activity,suboptimal response to conventional treatments,and a poor prognosis.In the previous cohort study on mCRC conducted by our team,it was observed that integrated Chinese and Western medicine treatment could significantly prolong the overall survival(OS)of patients with colorectal cancer.Therefore,we further explored the survival benefits in the population with BRAF V600E mutant mCRC.AIM To evaluate the efficacy of integrated Chinese and Western medicine in the treatment of BRAF V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer.METHODS A cohort study was conducted on patients with BRAF V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer admitted to Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from January 2016 to December 2022.The patients were divided into two cohorts.RESULTS A total of 34 cases were included,with 23 in Chinese-Western medicine cohort(cohort A)and 11 in Western medicine cohort(cohort B).The median overall survival was 19.9 months in cohort A and 14.2 months in cohort B,with a statistically significant difference(P=0.038,hazard ratio=0.46).The 1-3-year survival rates were 95.65%(22/23),39.13%(9/23),and 26.09%(6/23)in cohort A,and 63.64%(7/11),18.18%(2/11),and 9.09%(1/11)in cohort B,respectively.Subgroup analysis showed statistically significant differences in median OS between the two cohorts in the right colon,liver metastasis,chemotherapy,and first-line treatment subgroups(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Integrated Chinese and Western medicine can prolong the survival and reduce the risk of death in patients with BRAF V600E mutant metastatic colorectal cancer,with more pronounced benefits observed in patients with right colon involvement,liver metastasis,combined chemotherapy,and first-line treatment.

A Brief Analysis of Chinese-English Idiom Translation from a Cultural Perspective

Idioms are the essence of language and a concentrated form of culture.As an important and core component of the linguistic world,they hold significant meaning and value for both academic research and practical application.Due to differences in political,cultural,historical,and regional backgrounds and characteristics,the existence,development,and usage of Chinese and English idioms vary,reflecting culture while also being influenced and constrained by it.In the translation process,a rigid,word-for-word translation of the cultural information in idioms may spark controversy.By analyzing the cultural values they reflect and comparing the cultural connotations of Chinese and English idioms,we can see the vast differences between Chinese and Western cultures.Therefore,only with a thorough understanding of the cultural characteristics of the East and West can one profoundly comprehend the meanings of Chinese and English idioms.

A Contrastive Analysis of English and Chinese Idioms About Color Words & Their Cultural Connotations

There are many idioms related to color words in English and Chinese.The use of color words in idioms adds beauty and vividness to the language.Due to the cultural differences,“color idioms”have gained different cultural connotations with the development of English and Chinese languages.It is of great significance to accurately understand and grasp the meanings and differences of color-related idioms in Chinese and English.This paper intends to analyze and expound the cultural connotations of English and Chinese idioms related to several widely used basic color words with the aim of helping English learners know and use the idioms about color words better.

An Analysis of Value Differences in English and Chinese Idioms from the Perspective of Intercultural Communication

Idioms are the essence and gems of human wisdom and an important carrier of national culture. As a special form of language, they play an important role in intercultural communication. Due to the uniqueness of each culture, English and Chinese idioms are different in many aspects, values included. The present paper attempts to analyze the different values in English and Chinese idioms from three aspects: dependence vs independence, past-time orientation vs future-time orientation, and harmony vs competition. And the authors hope that it will be of some practical significance in people's intercultural communication.

Non Equivalence of English and Chinese Idioms in Translation─A Contrastive Approach

Both the English and Chinese languages enjoy prolonged history and abound with idioms,which are the linguistic and intellectual essence of their people.But due to the differences in geography,history,religion,custom and other aspects of life,English and Chinese idioms serve as carriers of different cultural characteristic.As a result,cultural barriers often pose quite a difficulty for translation theory and practice.Therefore,as we understand and translate idioms of one language into another,the problems of how to retain the original image,style,flavor,characteristics,and how to overcome the misunderstandings between the two cultures constitute the most pressing issues.This paper aims to explore some reasons and strategies of non equivalence of idioms in translation.

Cultural difference and translation of English and Chinese idioms

This paper makes a comprehensive study on the cultural differences and translation of English and Chinese idioms.

The Differences of Cultural Connotations between English and Chinese Idioms

The paper analyses the cultural differences in English and Chinese idioms from three aspects and tries to figures out the underlying reasons of those differences.It is necessary for us to understand and learn about the cultural differences between English and Chinese idioms and a good mastery of those differences can help us get rid of the communicative barriers and understanding barriers.

Strategy Use in the Comprehension of English Idioms——A Comparative Study of Good and Poor Chinese English Learners

This study investigates whether L2 learners of English rely on their L1 (in this case Chinese) when attempting to comprehend an idiom in English and whether the student's level of proficiency has any effect on L1 use in understanding L2 idioms. Using think-aloud protocol, the following conclusions were reached: 1) Almost all subjects translated English idioms into Chinese and searched a match, i.e. there exist transfer and interference of L1 in understanding L2 idioms.2) When the L1 was unable to help for understanding different idioms, good students were able to use conceptual strategies (i.e. metaphors and schema) better than poor students. This paper concludes with a suggestion that metaphor instruction be used to teach L2 idioms since a student cannot get very far when relying solely on his L1.

Cultural Differences between English and Chinese on Idioms Origins

Different people from different cultures may have different understandings of the same sentence because they know little about the target cultures. While the ultimate aim of English teaching as a foreign language is to cultivate students' competence to apply English correctly, fluently, and appropriately in cross-cultural communication. Idioms, a part of language, are the essence of culture in every country. Using language in such communication, we often come across some idioms with distinctive cultural characteristics, so it is a very important and complicated thing for us to understand and use these idioms correctly. Therefore, in this paper, we will discuss the idioms reflecting the differences of Chinese and Western cultures in various levels with many lively, important, and interesting examples of idioms.

Knee osteoarthritis:A review of animal models and intervention of traditional Chinese medicine

Background:Knee osteoarthritis(KOA)characterized by degeneration of knee cartilage and subsequent bone hyperplasia is a prevalent joint condition primarily affecting aging adults.The pathophysiology of KOA remains poorly understood,as it involves complex mechanisms that result in the same outcome.Consequently,researchers are interested in studying KOA and require appropriate animal models for basic research.Chinese herbal compounds,which consist of multiple herbs with diverse pharmacological properties,possess characteristics such as multicomponent,multipathway,and multitarget effects.The potential benefits in the treatment of KOA continue to attract attention.Purpose:This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the advantages,limitations,and specific considerations in selecting different species and methods for KOA animal models.This will help researchers make informed decisions when choosing an animal model.Methods:Online academic databases(e.g.,PubMed,Google Scholar,Web of Science,and CNKI)were searched using the search terms“knee osteoarthritis,”“animal models,”“traditional Chinese medicine,”and their combinations,primarily including KOA studies published from 2010 to 2023.Results:Based on literature retrieval,this review provides a comprehensive overview of the methods of establishing KOA animal models;introduces the current status of advantages and disadvantages of various animal models,including mice,rats,rabbits,dogs,and sheep/goats;and presents the current status of methods used to establish KOA animal models.Conclusion:This study provides a review of the animal models used in recent KOA research,discusses the common modeling methods,and emphasizes the role of traditional Chinese medicine compounds in the treatment of KOA.

Five commonly used traditional Chinese medicine formulas in the treatment of ulcerative colitis:A network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Currently,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)formulas are commonly being used as adjunctive therapy for ulcerative colitis in China.Network meta-analysis,a quantitative and comprehensive analytical method,can systematically compare the effects of different adjunctive treatment options for ulcerative colitis,providing scientific evidence for clinical decision-making.AIM To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of commonly used TCM for the treatment of ulcerative colitis(UC)in clinical practice through a network metaanalysis.METHODS Clinical randomized controlled trials of these TCM formulas used for the adjuvant treatment of UC were searched from the establishment of the databases to July 1,2022.Studies that met the inclusion criteria were screened and evaluated for literature quality and risk of bias according to the Cochrane 5.1 standard.The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using ReviewManager(RevMan)5.4,and a funnel plot was constructed to test for publication bias.ADDIS 1.16 statistical software was used to perform statistical analysis of the treatment measures and derive the network relationship and ranking diagrams of the various intervention measures.RESULTS A total of 64 randomized controlled trials involving 5456 patients with UC were included in this study.The adjuvant treatment of UC using five TCM formulations was able to improve the clinical outcome of the patients.Adjuvant treatment with Baitouweng decoction(BTWT)showed a significant effect[mean difference=36.22,95%confidence interval(CI):7.63 to 65.76].For the reduction of tumor necrosis factor in patients with UC,adjunctive therapy with BTWT(mean difference=−9.55,95%CI:−17.89 to−1.41),Shenlingbaizhu powder[SLBZS;odds ratio(OR)=0.19,95%CI:0.08 to 0.39],and Shaoyao decoction(OR=−23.02,95%CI:−33.64 to−13.14)was effective.Shaoyao decoction was more effective than BTWT(OR=0.12,95%CI:0.03 to 0.39),SLBZS(OR=0.19,95%CI:0.08 to 0.39),and Xi Lei powder(OR=0.34,95%CI:0.13 to 0.81)in reducing tumor necrosis factor and the recurrence rate of UC.CONCLUSION TCM combined with mesalazine is more effective than mesalazine alone in the treatment of UC.

Synergistic effects of carbon cycle metabolism and photosynthesis in Chinese cabbage under salt stress

Chinese cabbage(Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) has a long cultivation history and is one of the vegetable crops with the largest cultivation area in China. However, salt stress severely damages photosynthesis and hormone metabolism, nutritional balances, and results in ion toxicity in plants. To better understand the mechanisms of salt-induced growth inhibition in Chinese cabbage, RNA-seq and physiological index determination were conducted to explore the impacts of salt stress on carbon cycle metabolism and photosynthesis in Chinese cabbage. Here, we found that the number of thylakoids and grana lamellae and the content of starch granules and chlorophyll in the leaves of Chinese cabbage under salt stress showed a time-dependent response, first increasing and then decreasing. Chinese cabbage increased the transcript levels of genes related to the photosynthetic apparatus and carbon metabolism under salt stress, probably in an attempt to alleviate damage to the photosynthetic system and enhance CO_(2) fixation and energy metabolism. The transcription of genes related to starch and sucrose synthesis and degradation were also enhanced;this might have been an attempt to maintain intracellular osmotic pressure by increasing soluble sugar concentrations. Soluble sugars could also be used as potential reactive oxygen species(ROS) scavengers, in concert with peroxidase(POD)enzymes, to eliminate ROS that accumulate during metabolic processes. Our study characterizes the synergistic response network of carbon metabolism and photosynthesis under salt stress.

Systems Theory-Driven Framework for AI Integration into the Holistic Material Basis Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine

This paper introduces a systems theory-driven framework to integration artificial intelligence(AI)into traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)research,enhancing the understanding of TCM’s holistic material basis while adhering to evidence-based principles.Utilizing the System Function Decoding Model(SFDM),the research progresses through define,quantify,infer,and validate phases to systematically explore TCM’s material basis.It employs a dual analytical approach that combines top-down,systems theory-guided perspectives with bottom-up,elements-structure-function methodologies,provides comprehensive insights into TCM’s holistic material basis.Moreover,the research examines AI’s role in quantitative assessment and predictive analysis of TCM’s material components,proposing two specific AIdriven technical applications.This interdisciplinary effort underscores AI’s potential to enhance our understanding of TCM’s holistic material basis and establishes a foundation for future research at the intersection of traditional wisdom and modern technology.

A chromosome-level genome assembly for Chinese plum‘Wushancuili'reveals the molecular basis of its fruit color and susceptibility to rain-cracking

Chinese plum(Prunus salicina Lindl.)originates from China and makes a large contribution to the global production of plums.The P.salicina‘Wushancuili'has a green coloration and high fruit quality and is economically important in eliminating poverty and protecting ecology in the Yangtze River Three Gorges Reservoir.However,rain-induced cracking(rain-cracking,literally skin cracking caused by rain)is a limitation to‘Wushancuili'fruit production and causes severe losses.This study reported a high-quality‘Wushancuili'genome assembly consisting of a 302.17-Mb sequence with eight pseudo-chromosomes and a contig N50 of 23.59 Mb through the combination of Illumina sequencing,Pacific Biosciences HiFiⅢsequencing,and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture technology.A total of 25109 protein-coding genes are predicted and 54.17%of the genome is composed of repetitive sequences.‘Wushancuili'underwent a remarkable orthoselection during evolution.Gene identification revealed that loss-of-function in four core MYB10 genes results in the anthocyanin deficiency and absence of red color,revealing the green coloration due to the residual high chlorophyll in fruit skin.Besides,the occurrence of cracking is assumed to be closely associated with cell wall modification and frequently rain-induced pathogen enrichment through transcriptomic analysis.The loss of MYB10 genes might render fruit more susceptible to pathogen-mediated cracking by weakening the epidermal strength and reactive oxygen species(ROS)scavenging.Our findings provided fundamental knowledge regarding fruit coloration and rain-cracking and will facilitate genetic improvement and cultivation management in Chinese plums.

On the Translation of Chinese Four-character Idioms Loaded with Color Words

Chinese four-character idioms loaded with color words are the typical symbol of the Chinese culture and their transition is important to Chinese-English dictionaries.The quality of the dictionary and users' understanding are affected by the correctness and appropriateness of their translation.This paper mainly focuses on the translation of four-character Chinese idioms with color words in New Century Chinese-English Dictionary.The research shows that there are three strategies for Chinese fourcharacter idioms loaded with color words in the dictionaries:literal translation,free translation and the integration of literal translation and annotative translation.

Understandings of Urban Sustainability in China:a Bibliometric Analysis Using Chinese Literatures

Cities hold a critical responsibility for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)due to their high population density,extensive resource consumption,and significant economic contributions.To examine the present state of understandings regarding urban sustainability(SDG 11:Sustainable Cities and Communities)within Chinese research communities,this study collected 15950 papers from 1994 to 2022 on the 12 indicators of SDG 11,from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),a hub of Chinese academic papers,that directly relate to policymaking.Significant research topics on SDG 11 were identified for each indicator using bibliometrics analysis approaches.The high-frequency keywords and clusters of keywords over the last three decades reveal that existing studies primarily concentrated on the physical aspects,such as transportation and environment,while there is a lack of consideration of societal aspects.This indicates a limited and biased understanding of the urban sustainability within the Chinese academic community.Hence,it is crucial to prioritize the societal aspects in order to develop a research agenda that further advances urban sustainability.

Chinese herbal medicine combined with Western medicine for Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children:An overview of systematic reviews

Objective:To summarize the characteristics and evaluate the quality of the methodology and evidence within systematic reviews(SRs)of Chinese herbal medicine(CHM)for Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP)inchildren.Methods:SRs of randomized controlled trials were searched using PubMed,the Cochrane Library,Embase,the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Databases(CNKI),the Chinese Scientific Journals Database(VIP),Wanfang,and the SinoMed Database.SRs on the use of CHM alone or in combination with Western medications for MPP in children were included.The study compared the effects of Western medicine alone with those of CHM.The evidence quality using the A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews(AMSTAR)2,the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)2020,and the Grading of Recommendations,Assessment,Development,and Evaluation(GRADE)criteria.The primary indicators were the total effective rate,fever subsidence time,and cough disappearance time.The secondary outcomes were pulmonary rale disappearance time,average hospitalization time,lung X-ray infiltrate disappearance time,immunological indices,and inflammatory cytokine levels.Results:Twelve relevant SRs were included;75%(9/12)were assessed as very low quality,and 25%(3/12)Were rated as low quality using the AMSTAR 2 criteria.According to the PRISMA 2020 checklist,the average SR score was 20.3 out of a 27 point maximum.In all SRs,CHM demonstrated improvement in symptoms and signs among children with MPP.The evidence quality using the GRADE criteria ranged from"very low"(>50%)to"moderate"(<5%).The most common downgrading factor was imprecision,followed by publication bias and inconsistency.Conclusion:This overview highlights the limited quality of the methodology and evidence of the included SRs.Although the included studies showed the beneficial effects of CHM on MPP in children,it was difficult to draw firm conclusions owing to methodological flaws.