Medicine
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Pneumonia is a respiratory disease with high pathogenicity and mortality. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a natural therapy that has proven effectiveness and safety. Although TCM has been found to be effective in treating pneumonia, further research is needed to determine the specific mechanism of action. ⋯ The study found that, according to network pharmacology prediction, 4 types of TCMs-natural active compounds, single herb medicine, Chinese patent medicines, and multi-component herbal formulations-were effective in treating pneumonia. TCM components demonstrated a multi-target and multi-pathway approach to treat the disease. The diversity of targets and signaling pathways not only facilitates the investigation of TCM's mechanism of action of TCM in pneumonia treatment but also offers novel insights and perspectives for innovative drug research and development.
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Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are present in and are important components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). TAMs differentiate into 2 functionally distinct morphologies, classically activated (M1)-type TAMs and alternatively activated (M2)-type TAMs, when stimulated by different cytokines. The 2 types of TAMs exhibit distinct properties and functions. ⋯ However, the intracellular signaling pathways involved in the polarization of TAMs are poorly understood. The AKT signaling pathway is an important signaling pathway involved in the polarization, growth, proliferation, recruitment, and apoptosis of TAMs, as well as the action of TAMs on other cells within the TME. This paper reviews the AKT signaling pathway in the polarization of TAMs and the regulation of the TME and provides new ideas for tumor immunotherapy.
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Cancer immune evasion is one of the important mechanisms for cancer development, which is essential to developing novel immunotherapeutic strategies. The SOX (SRY-related HMG-box) family of transcription factors plays a crucial role in normal physiology as well as in a variety of human diseases especially cancer. ⋯ This mini-review aimed to summarize how SOX family members induce cancer immune evasion by regulating antigen presentation, shaping the tumor immunosuppressive milieu, and controlling regulatory immune checkpoint inhibitors like programmed death ligand 1. Thorough exploration of SOX family will help uncover the mechanism of cancer immune evasion, and provide new ideas and targets for the development of immunotherapy strategies.
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a global health problem with high morbidity and mortality. Tai Ji and Qigong are traditional Chinese meditative movements, benefit COPD patient's physical and mental health. ⋯ Tai Ji and Qigong increase %PredFEV1 and promote QoL. However, the evidences are not sufficient, a proper subgroup analysis should be considered.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Efficacy of toothpaste containing OPTIMEALTH® OR in inhibiting dental plaque and gingivitis: A randomized controlled trial.
This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the effects of 2% OPTIMEALTH® OR toothpaste in regulating dental plaque microbiota and alleviating gingivitis. ⋯ Brushing teeth with 2% OPTIMEALTH® OR-fortified toothpaste could effectively reduce dental plaque and regulate plaque microbiota.