Infection with HPV16, a high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), can cause cervical cancer in humans. These infections carry a high risk of morbidity and mortality globally in females. This study aimed to conduct an in vivo comparison of Poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolide) (PLGA)-encapsulated peptide mixture nanoparticles and PLGA microspheres as delivery systems for vaccines.

PLGA polymers were used to form microspheres for a therapeutic vaccine against cervical cancer. The target antigens were the L1 and L2 capsid proteins and the E6 and E7 oncoproteins from HPV16. These antigens were selected based on their immunogenicity, allergenicity, and toxicity. We predicted epitopes for cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and helper T lymphocytes. In our investigation of CTL epitopes, we employed synthetic chimeric PLGA microsphere peptides, consisting of multiple H-2Db-restricted HPV16 peptides, coupled with other immune-potentiating adjuvants as predicted by our work.

H-2Db-restricted HPV16 peptides, when administered subcutaneously, enabled CTLs to eliminate in vitro TC-1 tumor cells expressing E6 and E7 of HPV16. Additionally, TC-1 cells protected C57BL/6 mice against in vivo challenges. To address this problem, peptide-based vaccines, which are among the most effective vaccine systems, have been extensively studied. Combining peptide-based vaccinations with microsphere peptide mixture particles and delivery technologies enhances their efficacy in stimulating cellular immune responses and eliminating tumor cells.

This approach may provide a potential therapeutic candidate vaccine based on microsphere-encapsulated peptides for the prevention of cervical cancer caused by HPV.

Patients with corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) face not only physical strains but also significant psychological stress, highlighting the importance of addressing their mental health concerns. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Lianhua Qingwen on the psychological well-being of asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients, providing empirical evidence to guide clinical practices.

Conducted in eight shelter hospitals in Shanghai, the study employed a cluster randomization method to allocate patients equally into either the Lianhua Qingwen group or the control group. The Lianhua Qingwen group received oral doses of four capsules or one packet of granules three times daily for 14 days. In contrast, the control group received standardized treatment according to the diagnostic and treatment plan, excluding Lianhua Qingwen. Mental health was assessed using the Self-rating Depression Scale and Self-rating Anxiety Scale, with symptom reporting on the 7th and 14th days, accompanied by nucleic acid test result screenshots. A follow-up investigation on new disease occurrence was conducted six months post-discharge.

Among the 2,652 valid questionnaire respondents, the Lianhua Qingwen group accounted for 1,665 cases, characterized by a higher proportion of females (32.7% vs. 26.9%), younger age (44.8 vs. 46.2 years), lower percentages of asymptomatic infections (27.6% vs. 38.5%), higher baseline Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores (2.7 vs. 1.9), and higher Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 scores (1.9 vs. 1.4). Further multivariate logistic regression analysis explored factors influencing the alleviation of depressive and anxiety symptoms during follow-up, revealing that Lianhua Qingwen use was an independent factor in reducing anxiety (odds ratio = 1.37, 95% confidence interval 1.14–1.65, p = 0.001) and depression (odds ratio = 1.42, 95% confidence interval 1.19–1.69, p < 0.0001). Lianhua Qingwen increased the likelihood of reducing anxiety by 37% and depression by 42%.

Lianhua Qingwen significantly alleviated anxiety and depression symptoms in COVID-19 patients, suggesting its potential therapeutic efficacy in mitigating these conditions.

The effect of tenofovir amibufenamide (TMF) on blood lipid profiles in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains unclear. This study aimed to explore whether TMF affects blood lipids during 48 weeks in patients with CHB.

A total of 91 patients with CHB undergoing TMF treatment for 48 weeks were divided into two groups: Lipid Normal (n = 42) and Lipid Abnormal (n = 49), based on baseline blood lipid levels. Lipid indices, virological responses, and biochemical indicators were compared between the two groups. Clinical observations were further verified through in vitro experiments.

After an average follow-up of 373 ± 121 days, lipid indices in all 91 patients had not significantly changed compared with baseline (total cholesterol: 4.67 vs. 4.69 mmol/L, P = 0.2499; triglycerides: 1.08 vs. 1.04 mmol/L, P = 0.4457; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol: 1.25 vs. 1.25 mmol/L, P = 0.3063; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol: 3.03 vs. 3.02 mmol/L, P = 0.5765). Subgroup comparisons showed lipid indices remained stable. Among treatment-naïve patients (n = 82), complete viral suppression rates were 23.2%, 59.8%, 70.7%, and 86.6% at four, 12, 24, and 48 weeks, respectively. Cellular experiments revealed that TMF did not promote lipid metabolism in primary hepatocytes and AML12 cells.

Regardless of baseline blood lipid characteristics, 48 weeks of antiviral treatment with TMF in patients with CHB had no significant lipid-raising effect.

Shufeng Jiedu Capsules (SFJD), a traditional Chinese medicine preparation, are widely used in the clinical treatment of influenza, yet their mechanism of action remains unclear. This study aimed to systematically explore the molecular mechanism of SFJD in the treatment of influenza using network pharmacology and bioinformatics techniques.

The active ingredients of SFJD were retrieved from traditional Chinese medicine databases, and their targets were identified using the Swiss Target Prediction and TCMSP databases. Influenza disease genes were obtained from the GEO, GeneCards, and DisGeNET databases, and a Venn diagram was used to identify potential targets by mapping SFJD targets to influenza disease genes. Network construction and analysis of potential therapeutic targets were performed using the STRING12.0 database and Cytoscape3.9.1 software, leading to the identification of key targets. The expression of potential therapeutic targets in tissues and cells was retrieved using the BioGPS database. Functional enrichment analysis of these targets was conducted using the DAVID database. Molecular docking was then used to assess the interactions between key targets and core active ingredients.

SFJD contains 193 active ingredients and 985 targets. There are 510 influenza disease genes, 97 of which are potential therapeutic targets for SFJD in treating influenza, with 27 key targets identified through network construction and analysis. Tissue/cell-specific analysis revealed that 39 potential therapeutic targets are highly expressed in 37 specific tissues/cells. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted pathways such as the C-type lectin receptor signaling pathway, tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 signaling pathway. Molecular docking results indicated strong interactions between the core active ingredients and the key targets.

This study systematically reveals that the mechanism of action of SFJD in treating influenza is complex, involving multiple targets and pathways related to antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune regulation effects. The findings provide valuable reference information for future clinical treatment and basic research on influenza.

Data regarding risk factors and long-term outcomes of U.S. patients with biopsy-proven metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are limited. This study aimed to investigate the role of clinical and histologic risk factors on long-term outcomes in patients with MASLD.

A retrospective cohort study of 451 adults with biopsy-proven MASLD was conducted at a U.S. academic hospital from 2012 to 2020. An experienced pathologist evaluated the index liver biopsy. Patients with a prior liver transplant or alternative etiologies of chronic liver disease were excluded. The duration of the risk exposure was determined from the date of the index liver biopsy to an outcome event or the last follow-up examination. Outcome events of interest included incident liver-related events, liver decompensation, and all-cause mortality.

In the final cohort of 406 patients followed for a median of 3.7 years (interquartile range: 4.8 years), 35 patients died, 41 developed hepatic decompensation, and 70 experienced a liver-related event. Among histologic risk factors, stage 3 (adjusted Hazard ratio (aHR) 2.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18–6.11) and stage 4 (aHR 6.96, 95% CI 3.55–13.64) fibrosis were associated with incident liver-related events compared to stage 0–1 fibrosis. Stage 4 (aHR 8.46, 95% CI 3.26–21.99) fibrosis alone was associated with incident liver decompensation events compared to stage 0–1 fibrosis. Among clinical risk factors, hypertension (aHR 2.58, 95% CI 1.05–6.34) was associated with incident liver decompensation.

In a U.S. single-center cohort of patients with biopsy-proven MASLD, advanced fibrosis was the primary risk factor for incident liver decompensation and liver-related events.

Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are commonly used for contraception, but their long-term effects on oxidative stress, lipid profiles, and liver function remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of intermediate-term OCP use (Yasmin) on oxidative stress, lipid profile, and liver function, with particular emphasis on antioxidant markers, lipid metabolism, and hepatic enzyme activity, to better understand the potential metabolic and hepatic effects.

A case-control study was conducted in Maysan Governorate, Iraq, involving 150 women (100 OCP users and 50 non-users). Blood samples were collected from Al-Sadr Teaching Hospital and a specialized clinic between February and April 2023. Serum levels of antioxidants, lipids, and liver enzymes were measured using biochemical assays.

OCP users had significantly lower levels of glutathione peroxidase vitamin E and uric acid (p < 0.001) compared to non-users. Lipid profiles showed that OCP users had higher levels of triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein (p < 0.05), whereas total cholesterol was significantly higher in non-users (p < 0.05). Liver enzyme activity, including alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total serum bilirubin, did not show statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). Longer duration of OCP use was significantly negatively correlated with vitamin E levels (r = −0.67), glutathione peroxidase activity (r = −0.56), uric acid levels (r = −0.45) and high-density lipoprotein (r = −0.54). Positive correlations were found between the duration of OCP use and total cholesterol (r = 0.62), triglyceride (r = 0.58), low-density lipoprotein (r = 0.60), and liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (r = 0.66) and aspartate aminotransferase (r = 0.64).

Intermediate-term OCP use was associated with changes in oxidative stress and lipid metabolism, potentially increasing cardiovascular and metabolic risks. Regular monitoring of these parameters is recommended for OCP users.

Memory loss is a symptom of several neurological disorders, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It can significantly impact individuals, their loved ones, and society as a whole. Current pharmaceutical interventions have shown some improvement in individuals’ quality of life, but more needs to be done to reduce the burden of memory loss and AD. This paper investigates herbal remedies for memory loss, with a particular focus on the mechanisms underlying their effects. By consulting several South Asian printed books, numerous traditionally used medicinal plants with memory-enhancing properties were identified. A review of published studies showed that many of these plants have reported properties related to memory enhancement and the treatment of AD. Some of the relevant mechanistic actions reported for these plants include acetylcholinesterase inhibition, anti-inflammatory activity, antioxidant effects, and neuroprotective properties. There is also evidence that some plants exhibit a combination of different mechanisms, making them especially promising as therapeutic agents for memory loss. Our review shows the existence and potential of medicinal plants in addressing memory loss. Additionally, some reports provide a scientific basis for the use of these plants in conditions characterized by memory decline, such as AD. This study underscores the importance of further research to evaluate the efficacy of traditionally used medicinal plants in the management of memory loss.

Large-scale data on the hepatitis D virus (HDV)/hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection rate is needed to estimate the current epidemiology of HDV in China. This study aimed to estimate the current epidemiology of HDV.

Patients with chronic HBV infection, with documented serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity for more than six months, were enrolled across China. Blood samples were collected at baseline for central evaluations of HDV antibody and HBsAg quantification. Assessments for antibodies of hepatitis A virus, hepatitis C virus, hepatitis E virus, and human immunodeficiency virus, as well as HDV RNA quantification, were performed in patients who tested positive for HDV antibodies.

Of the 5,044 enrolled patients between September 24, 2021, and December 28, 2022, 4,936 patients were included in the analysis. The mean age (±standard deviation) was 42.9 ± 9.9 years, and 69.8% of patients were male. The mean alanine aminotransferase level was 34 ± 58 U/L, and 1,509 (30.6%) patients were hepatitis B e antigen-positive. The mean (standard deviation) HBsAg level at baseline was 3,535 ± 11,292 IU/mL among 4,842 patients who were HBsAg positive. The rate of HBV infection and HDV antibody positivity was 0.24% (95% confidence interval: 0.1–0.4%), and only one patient was HDV RNA positive.

The prevalence of HDV antibody positivity was 0.24% in Chinese patients with chronic HBV infection, and only one patient with both anti-HDV antibody and HDV RNA positivity was observed in this study.

Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A/2B (CDKN2A/2B) deletions are frequently identified in patients with biliary tract cancer; however, standard treatment options for this genetic alteration are lacking. Here, we present the case of a 64-year-old woman diagnosed with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and hilar lymph node metastasis who underwent radical surgery. Postoperative pathology confirmed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. The tumor recurred during the second cycle of adjuvant chemotherapy following surgery, and the metastatic sites included the cranial region, right lung, and right adrenal gland. Genetic analysis revealed a CDKN2A/2B deletion, indicating palbociclib sensitivity. Subsequently, the patient received palbociclib plus lenvatinib as systemic therapy, along with stereotactic radiotherapy for the intracranial lesion. Notably, the right pulmonary metastasis significantly regressed after 12 months of treatment, with the complete disappearance of the intracranial tumor. However, the disease progressed at 32.2 months, with significant enlargement of the right adrenal gland metastasis and new metastasis in the right lung. The progression-free survival and overall survival were 32.2 months and 34.4 months, respectively. In conclusion, our case demonstrates that palbociclib plus lenvatinib is a promising chemotherapy-free second-line treatment for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with a CDKN2A/2B deletion.