Advances in the application of metal oxide nanozymes in tumor detection and treatment

Natural enzymes play an important role to support the regular life activities of the human body. However, the application conditions of natural enzymes are harsh and there are limitations in their use. As artificial enzymes, nanozymes possess the substrate specificity of natural enzymes. Due to the advantages of low cost, good stability and strong catalytic properties, nanozymes hold a wide range of applications in the fields of sensing, chemical, food and medicine. Some of the more common ones are noble metal nanozymes, metal oxide nanozymes and carbon-based nanozymes. Among them, metal oxide nanozymes have attracted much attention because of their decent fixity, exceedingly good physicochemical properties and other advantages. Today, malignant tumors pose a great danger to the human body and are a serious threat to human health. However, traditional treatments have more side effects, and finding new treatment modalities is particularly important for tumor treatment. For example, enzyme therapy can be used to catalyze reactions in the body to achieve tumor treatment. Nanozymes can exert enzymatic activity and effectively treat malignant tumors through catalysis and synergy, and have made certain progress. This paper reviews the detection and application of metal oxide nanozymes in tumor detection and treatment in recent years and provides an outlook on their future application and development.

Characterizing clinical progression in patients with musculoskeletal pain by pain severity and central sensitization-related symptoms

Central sensitization-related symptoms (CSS) are associated with the severity and progression of pain. The relationship between the severity of pain/CSS and clinical progresses remains unclear. This multicenter, collaborative, longitudinal study aimed to characterize the clinical outcomes of patients with musculoskeletal pain by classifying subgroups based on the severity of pain/CSS and examining changes in subgroups over time. We measured the pain intensity, CSS, catastrophic thinking, and body perception disturbance in 435 patients with musculoskeletal pain. Reevaluation of patients after one month included 166 patients for pain intensity outcome and 110 for both pain intensity and CSS outcome analysis. We classified the patients into four groups (mild pain/CSS, severe pain/mild CSS, severe pain/CSS, and mild pain/severe CSS groups) and performed multiple comparison analyses to reveal the differences between the CSS severity groups. Additionally, we performed the adjusted residual chi-square to identify the number of patients with pain improvement, group transition, changing pain, and CSS pattern groups at baseline. The most characteristic result was that the mild and severe CSS groups showed worsening pain. Moreover, many of the group transitions were to the same group, with a few transitioning to a group with mild pain/CSS. Our findings suggest that the severity and improvement of CSS influence pain prognosis.

[A Case of New Rapidly Progressing Ground-glass Nodule Lung Adenocarcinoma Near Primary Lesion after Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy]

Ground-glass nodule (GGN) lung cancer often progresses slowly in clinical and there are few clinical studies on long-term follow-up of patients with operable GGN lung cancer treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). We present a successful case of GGN lung cancer treated with SBRT, but a new GGN was found in the lung adjacent to the SBRT target during follow-up. The nodule progressed rapidly and was confirmed as lung adenocarcinoma by surgical resection. No significant risk factors and related driving genes were found in molecular pathological findings and genetic tests. It deserves further study whether new GGN is related to the SBRT. This case suggests that the follow-up after SBRT should be vigilant against the occurrence of new rapidly progressive lung cancer in the target area and adjacent lung tissue.
.

Hand therapist use of patient-reported outcomes

BACKGROUND

The use of standardized outcome measures is essential for best clinical practice by hand therapists to determine patient status, progress, and the outcome of interventions. A better understanding of current patient-reported outcome (PRO) use in hand and upper extremity practice is warranted.

PURPOSE

This study sought to understand what outcome measures are being used in clinical practice, how they are being used, and the perceived usefulness of PROs by active members of the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT).

STUDY DESIGN

This study employed a cross-sectional design.

METHODS

The web-based survey was distributed through Qualtrics (Qualtrics, Salt Lake City, Utah) to active members of ASHT with an email address on file. The survey consisted of multiple choice and open-ended questions.

RESULTS

A total of 348 members responded to the survey. Seven hundred thirty-two different outcome measures were reported to be used by the hand therapist respondents. The most used outcome measure was QuickDASH by 38% of the respondents. Two hundred seventy-five (88%) indicated that their workplace advocated the use of PROs. Most respondents indicated that there were not constraints preventing the use of a PRO. Few therapists respondents use a psychosocial PRO in clinical practice.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the hand therapist respondents to our survey use a PRO and discuss the results with their clients. The QuickDASH was the PRO used most often by hand therapists. Only a few hand therapists use a psychosocial tool to measure patient status in clinical practice.

[Bicycle accidents in the course of time in Münster, Germany : Analysis of changes in bicycle accidents over the past 10 years]

BACKGROUND

Bicycles have been a popular means of transport for many years. Especially in times of increased climate discussion, the bicycle has moved further into focus as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective means of transport. Bike lanes and roads are becoming more crowded and new means of transport such as pedelecs or e‑scooters are emerging.

METHODS

A total of four studies by Münster University Hospital on bicycle accidents and the official accident statistics of the Münster police were compared. In the period from 2009 to 2019, three studies were conducted that considered all bicycle accidents and one study that only considered pedelec riders separately.

RESULTS

The age distribution as well as main causes of accidents remained almost the same over the years. The number of pedelec accidents has increased. Pedelec riders have a higher average age and a higher proportion of intensive care stays; however, this cohort also has a high rate of helmet wearers. Overall, the willingness to wear a helmet seems to have increased.

CONCLUSION

It should be considered that with increasing bicycle traffic, safety measures must be increased accordingly. In this respect, accident prevention should focus on three major areas, engineering, education and enforcement.

Current status and prospects for improved targeted delivery approaches for cancer

Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from the complicated disease known as cancer. Though they frequently have serious side effects and can harm healthy cells, the current cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, are effective in many cases. Targeted drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising new paradigm in cancer treatment because they can deliver drugs directly to cancer cells with minimal harm to healthy cells. This review aims to give a broad overview of the state of targeted drug delivery systems for cancer treatment and investigate the technology's potential in the future. We'll go through the various kinds of targeted drug delivery systems, their drawbacks, the most recent developments, and possible future paths for further study and creation. This review aims to provide an overview of the current status of targeted drug delivery systems for cancer treatment, including the different types of targeted drug delivery systems, their limitations, recent advancements, and potential future directions for research and development. By examining the field's current state and exploring prospects, this review aims to highlight the potential of targeted drug delivery systems for improving cancer treatment and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

Progress in diagnosis and treatment of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy

Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a mitochondrial genetic disease with central vision loss as the main symptom. It is one of the diseases that cause vision loss and optic atrophy in young and middle-aged people. The mutations of these three primary mitochondrial mutations, m.11778G>A, m.14484T>C, and m.3460G>A, are the main molecular basis, but their pathogenesis is also affected by nuclear genes, mitochondrial genetic background, and environmental factors. This article summarizes the research progress on molecular pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, and treatment of LHON in recent years, aiming to summarize the genetic pathogenesis and clinical treatment points of LHON.

Roles and Molecular Mechanisms of Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Microvascular Invasion: A Review

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being a leading cause of cancer-related death, has high associated mortality and recurrence rates. It has been of great necessity and urgency to find effective HCC diagnosis and treatment measures. Studies have shown that microvascular invasion (MVI) is an independent risk factor for poor prognosis after hepatectomy. The abnormal expression of biomacromolecules such as circ-RNAs, lncRNAs, STIP1, and PD-L1 in HCC patients is strongly correlated with MVI. Deregulation of several markers mentioned in this review affects the proliferation, invasion, metastasis, EMT, and anti-apoptotic processes of HCC cells through multiple complex mechanisms. Therefore, these biomarkers may have an important clinical role and serve as promising interventional targets for HCC. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview on the functions and regulatory mechanisms of MVI-related biomarkers in HCC.

Association Between Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Hematoma Progression After Cerebral Contusion

BACKGROUND

The objective of this research was to examine the impact of the monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) on the advancement of hematoma after cerebral contusion.

METHODS

The clinical information and laboratory test findings of people with cerebral contusion were retrospectively analyzed. Using the tertiles of MLR, the study participants were categorized into three groups, enabling the evaluation of the correlation between MLR and the advancement of hematoma after cerebral contusion.

RESULTS

Among the cohort of patients showing progression, MLR levels were significantly higher compared with the nonprogress group (P < 0.001). The high MLR group had a significantly higher proportion of patients with hematoma progression compared with the medium and low MLR groups. However, the medium MLR group had a lower proportion of patients with hematoma progression compared with the low MLR group. High MLR levels were independently linked to a higher risk of hematoma progression (Odds Ratio 3.546, 95% Confidence Interval 1.187-10.597, P = 0.024). By incorporating factors such as Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission, anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy, white blood cell count, and MLR into the model, the predictive performance of the model significantly improved (area under the curve 0.754).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that MLR may serve as a potential indicator for predicting the progression of hematoma after cerebral contusion. Further research is necessary to investigate the underlying pathological and physiological mechanisms that contribute to the association between MLR and the progression of hematoma after cerebral contusion and to explore its clinical implications.

Tackling barriers to scale up human papillomavirus vaccination in China: progress and the way forward

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is the first vaccine developed specifically targeting the prevention of cervical cancer. For more than 15 years, China has expedited a series of efforts on research and development of the domestically manufactured HPV vaccines, producing local population-based evidence, promoting free HPV vaccination from pilots, and launching action plans to tackle barriers in the scale-up of HPV vaccination. To further roll out the HPV vaccination program in China, several challenges should be addressed to support the steps forward. The availability of more locally manufactured HPV vaccines, pricing negotiation and local evidence supporting the efficacy of one-dose schedule would greatly alleviate the continued supply and financial constraints in China. Meanwhile, more attention should be paid to girls living in low-resource areas and males to ensure equal access to the HPV vaccination. Furthermore, linkage to secondary prevention and further real-world monitoring and evaluation are warranted to inform effective cervical cancer prevention strategies in the post-vaccine era.

Risk-stratified multi-round PSA screening for prostate cancer integrating the screening reference level and subgroup-specific progression indicators

BACKGROUND

Although prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is widely used in prostate cancer (PCa) screening, nearly half of PCa cases are missed and less than one-third of cases are non-lethal. Adopting diagnostic criteria in population-based screening and ignoring PSA progression are presumed leading causes.

METHODS

A total of 31,942 participants with multi-round PSA tests from the PLCO trial were included. Time-dependent receiver-operating-characteristic curves and area under curves (tdAUCs) were performed to determine the screening reference level and the optimal subgroup-specific progression indicator. Effects of risk-stratified multi-round PSA screening were evaluated with multivariable Cox regression and measured with hazard ratio [HR (95%CIs)].

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 11.6 years, a total of 3484 PCa cases and 216 PCa deaths were documented. The tdAUC of 10-year incidence PCa with PSA was 0.816, and the cut-off value was 1.61 ng/ml. Compared to subgroup with stable negative PSA in both first-round (FR) and last-round (LR) tests [FR(-)/LR(-)], HRs (95%CI) of PCa incidence were 1.66 (1.20-2.29), 8.29 (7.25-9.48), and 14.52 (12.95-16.28) for subgroups with loss of positive PSA[FR(+)/LR(-)], gain of positive PSA[FR(-)/LR(+)], and stable positive PSA[FR(+)/LR(+)]; while HRs(95%CI) of PCa mortality were 1.47 (0.52-4.15), 5.71 (3.68-8.86), and 5.01 (3.41-7.37). After excluding regressive PSA [(namely FR(+)/LR(-)], absolute velocity was the shared optimal progression indicator for subgroups with FR(-)/LR(-), FR(-)/LR(+), and FR(+)/LR(+), with tdAUCs of 0.665, 0.681 and 0.741, and cut-off values of 0.07, 0.21, and 0.33 ng/ml/year. After reclassifying participants into groups with positive and negative progression based on subgroup-specific progression indicators, incidence HR (95%CI) were 2.41 (1.87-3.10), 2.91 (2.43-3.48), and 3.16 (2.88-3.46) for positive progression compared to negative progression within subgroups of FR(-)/LR(-), FR(-)/LR(+), and FR(+)/LR(+), while mortality HR (95%CI) were 2.22 (0.91-5.38), 2.37 (1.28-4.38), and 2.98 (1.94-4.59). To improve screening performances by excluding regressive PSA and low-risk positive progression in FR(-)/LR(-), optimized screening strategy not only significantly reduce 32.4% of missed PCa (54.0% [1881/3484] vs. 21.6% [754/3484], P < 0.001), but also detected additional 8.0% of high-grade PCa (Gleason score 7-10: 36.0% [665/1849] vs. 28.0% [206/736], P < 0.001) than traditional screening strategy.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk-stratified multi-round PSA screening strategy integrating the screening reference level and the optimal subgroup-specific progression indicator of PSA could be recommended as a fundamental strategy to reduce missed diagnosis and improve the detection of high-grade PCa cases.

[Research progress on the role of type II innate lymphoid cells in liver diseases]

Type II innate lymphoid cell (ILC2) is a newly identified innate immunological cell that belongs to the lymphocyte lineage in cell morphology, resides in the body's mucosal tissues, and has the dual functions of innate and adaptive immunity to promote tissue remodeling and repair after injury. Additionally, it is involved in the occurrence and development of a variety of liver diseases and plays an important role in maintaining the immunological homeostasis of the liver region. This article reviews the differentiation, development, and biological functions of ILC2, with particular attention to the research progress in liver diseases.

Application experience and research progress of different emerging technologies in plastic surgery

In the diagnosis and treatment of plastic surgery, there are structural processing problems, such as positioning, moving, and reconstructing complex three-dimensional structures. Doctors operate according to their own experience, and the inability to accurately locate these structures is an important problem in plastic surgery. Emerging digital technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and three-dimensional printing are widely used in the medical field, particularly in plastic surgery. This article reviews the development of these three technical concepts, introduces the technical elements and specific applications required in plastic surgery, summarizes the application status of the three technologies in plastic surgery, and summarizes prospects for future development.

Evaluation of the implementation progress through key performance indicators in a new multimorbidity patient-centered care model in Chile

BACKGROUND

Complex health interventions involve deep organizational, structural, and cultural changes that challenge health teams and decision-makers. The explosion of chronic diseases has made the multimorbidity approach a global priority. The Centro de Innovación en Salud ANCORA UC implemented a Multimorbidity Patient-Centered Care Model in the Chilean public health system.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the progress of the implementation of the Multimorbidity Patient-Centered Care Model in seven primary care centers through key performance indicators.

METHODS

a set of indicators was designed to evaluate change management, operations, installation of new roles, and services and activities of the intervention strategy of the model. Key performance indicators were identified to monitor the implementation progress on minimal components for the model's sustainability. Each item was assigned against an expected minimum score of 67% of progress from the overall score. They were monitored twice in seven primary health centers in 2019 and 2020, which intervened 22,642 patients with the intervention.

RESULTS

The results showed that six of the seven primary care centers reached the minimum implementation threshold. The main advances were in operational conditions, and those with minor progress in implementation were the clinical services. Population size, organization, coordination of the health care teams, additional training, and decision-makers support were key factors that determined the degree of progress in a complex intervention.

CONCLUSION

It was possible to measure the progression of the implementation of a complex intervention through key performance indicators delivering relevant information for decision-makers that pursue a successful and faithful implementation. This study provides a valuable tool for the national scale-up of a similar model started in Chile by the Ministry of Health and other countries.

Treatment of neurometabolic epilepsies: Overview and recent advances

The rarity and heterogeneity of neurometabolic diseases make it challenging to reach evidence-based principles for their specific treatments. Indeed, current treatments for many of these diseases remain symptomatic and supportive. However, an ongoing scientific and medical revolution has led to dramatic breakthroughs in molecular sciences and genetics, revealing precise pathophysiologic mechanisms. Accordingly, this has led to significant progress in the development of novel therapeutic approaches aimed at treating epilepsy resulting from these conditions, as well as their other manifestations. We overview recent notable treatment advancements, from vitamins, trace minerals, and diets to unique medications targeting the elemental pathophysiology at a molecular or cellular level, including enzyme replacement therapy, enzyme enhancing therapy, antisense oligonucleotide therapy, stem cell transplantation, and gene therapy.

Endoscopic transluminal drainage and necrosectomy for infected necrotizing pancreatitis: Progress and challenges

Infected necrotizing pancreatitis (INP) represents a severe condition in patients with acute pancreatitis. Invasive interventions are recommended in symptomatic INP. Growing evidence has suggested interventional strategies of INP evolving from traditional surgery to minimally invasive step-up endoscopic procedures. However, there is still no standardized protocol for endoscopic interventions. Recently, various studies have been published about the endoscopic management of INP. This article reviews published articles and guidelines to present the progress and challenges of endoscopic transluminal drainage and necrosectomy in INP.

Endoscopic transluminal drainage and necrosectomy for infected necrotizing pancreatitis: Progress and challenges

Infected necrotizing pancreatitis (INP) represents a severe condition in patients with acute pancreatitis. Invasive interventions are recommended in symptomatic INP. Growing evidence has suggested interventional strategies of INP evolving from traditional surgery to minimally invasive step-up endoscopic procedures. However, there is still no standardized protocol for endoscopic interventions. Recently, various studies have been published about the endoscopic management of INP. This article reviews published articles and guidelines to present the progress and challenges of endoscopic transluminal drainage and necrosectomy in INP.

Endoscopic transluminal drainage and necrosectomy for infected necrotizing pancreatitis: Progress and challenges

Infected necrotizing pancreatitis (INP) represents a severe condition in patients with acute pancreatitis. Invasive interventions are recommended in symptomatic INP. Growing evidence has suggested interventional strategies of INP evolving from traditional surgery to minimally invasive step-up endoscopic procedures. However, there is still no standardized protocol for endoscopic interventions. Recently, various studies have been published about the endoscopic management of INP. This article reviews published articles and guidelines to present the progress and challenges of endoscopic transluminal drainage and necrosectomy in INP.

Realigning Global Health Realities Towards Children's Surgery: Progress and Possibilities

Despite the high population of children, increasing surgical disease burden and shortage of pediatric surgeons, as well as limited infrastructure, children's surgical care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has been neglected for decades. This has contributed to unacceptably high morbidity and mortality, long term disabilities and economic loss to families. The work of the global initiative for children's surgery (GICS) has raised the profile and visibility of children's surgery in the global health space. This has been achieved a philosophy of inclusiveness, LMIC participation, focus on LMIC needs and high income country (HIC) support, and driven by implementation to change on the ground situations. Children's operating rooms are being installed to strengthen infrastructure and children's surgery is being gradually included in national surgical plans to provide the policy framework to support children's surgical care. In Nigeria, pediatric surgery workforce has increased from 35 in 2003 to 127 in 2002, but the density remains low at 0.14 per 100,000 population <15 years. Education and training have been strengthened with the publication of a pediatric surgery textbook for Africa and creation of a Pan Africa pediatric surgery e-learning platform. However, financing children's surgery in LMICs remains a barrier as many families are at risk of catastrophic healthcare expenditure. The success of these efforts provides encouraging examples of what can be collectively achieve by appropriate and mutually beneficial global north-south collaborations. Pediatric surgeons need to commit their time, knowledge and skills, as well as experience and voices to strengthen children's surgery globally to impact more lives, for the overall good of more.

Research progress in drug therapy of juvenile idiopathic arthritis

BACKGROUND

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatic disease in children. With the gradual expansion of the incidence of JIA in the population, the pathogenesis and treatment of JIA were further explored and analyzed, and JIA has achieved some success in drug therapy.

DATA SOURCES

A systemic literature search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, the US National Institutes of Health Ongoing Trials Register, and the EU Clinical Trials Register. Through the searching of clinical trials of JIA in recent years, we summarized the progress of the clinical treatment of JIA.

RESULTS

The main treatment drugs for JIA include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and biological agents. So far, a variety of biological agents targeting the cytokines and receptors involved in its pathogenesis have been gradually approved for JIA in many countries. The application of biological agents in JIA showed good efficacy and safety, bringing unprecedented experience to children and adolescents with JIA.

CONCLUSIONS

The potential and advantages of biologic agents in the treatment of JIA are significant, and the application of biologic agents in the treatment of JIA will be more and more common.

Proton Conductive Lanthanide-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks: Synthesis Strategies, Structural Features, and Recent Progress

In the fields of proton exchange membrane fuel cells as well as impedance recognition, molecular sieve, and biochemistry, the development of proton conductive materials is essential. The design and preparation of the next generation of proton conductive materials-crystalline metal-organic framework (MOF) materials with high proton conductivity and excellent water stability-are facing great challenges. Due to the large radius and high positive charge of lanthanides, they often interact with organic ligands to exhibit high coordination numbers and flexible coordination configurations, resulting in the higher stability of lanthanide-based MOFs (Ln-MOFs) than their transition metal analogues, especially regarding water stability. Therefore, Ln-MOFs have attracted considerable attention. This review offers a view of the latest progress of proton conductive Ln-MOFs, including synthesis strategy, structural characteristics, and advantages, proton conductivity, proton conductive mechanism, and applications. More importantly, by discussing structure-property relationships, we searched for and analyzed design techniques and directions of development of Ln-MOFs in the future. The latest progress of synthesis strategy, structural characteristics, proton conductive properties and mechanism and applications on Ln-MOFs. Ln-MOFS Lanthanide-based MOFs, MOF metal-organic framework, PEMFC proton exchange membrane fuel cells.

Factors associated with progression of different prediabetic status to Diabetes: A Community-based cohort study

AIMS

To examine the predictive factors associated with the progression of different prediabetic status to diabetes.

METHODS

A two-year retrospective cohort study was conducted on 5741 participants aged 40 years or older. Finally, 1685 participants with prediabetes defined by IFG (impaired fasting glucose), IGT (impaired glucose tolerance) and CGI (combined IFG and IGT) were included. Logistic regression model was used to evaluate the risk of prediabetes progression to diabetes.

RESULTS

Of the 1685 subjects with prediabetes at baseline, 212 (12.6%) subjects progressed to diabetes and 1473 (87.4%) subjects did not. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that people with CGI were associated with an increased risk of progressing to diabetes compared to those with IFG (OR, 95% CI: 3.127, 2.047-4.776). Moreover, males, obese people, people with increased BMI and WHR (Waist/ Hip ratio), and hypertension were positively associated with the progression to diabetes, while HOMA-β was negatively associated with the progression to diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Subjects with CGI are prone to progressed to diabetes compared to those with IFG or IGT in middle-aged and older person in China. More attention should be paid to male and obese prediabetic subjects, and measures should be taken to control the increase in their BMI and WHR.

Evolution and ethics viewed from within two metaphors: machine and organism

How is moral thinking, ethics, related to evolutionary theorizing? There are two approaches, epitomized by Charles Darwin who works under the metaphor of the world as a machine, and by Herbert Spencer who works under the metaphor of the world as an organism. Although the author prefers the first approach, the aim of this paper is to give a disinterested account of both approaches.

Progress in using zebrafish as a toxicological model for traditional Chinese medicine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been applied for more than 2000 years. However, modern basic research on the safety of TCMs is limited. Establishing safety evaluation technology in line with the characteristics of TCM and conducting large-scale basic toxicity research are keys to comprehensively understand the toxicity of TCMs. In recent years, zebrafish has been used as a model organism for toxicity assessment and is increasingly utilized for toxicity research of TCMs. Yet, a comprehensive review in using zebrafish as a toxicological model for TCMs is lacked.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aim to summarize the progress and limitation in toxicity evaluation of TCMs using zebrafish and put forward the future research ideas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The scientific databases, including Springer, Science Direct, Wiley, Pubmed and China Knowledge Resource Integrated (CNKI) were searched using the key words of zebrafish, toxicology, traditional Chinese medicine, acute toxicity, liver injury, cardiotoxicity, kidney toxicity, developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity, gastrointestinal irritation, immunotoxicity, ototoxicity, and osteotoxicity.

RESULTS

Zebrafish assays are low experimental cost and short cycle, easily achieving high-throughput toxicity screening, and exemption from ethical legislation up to 5 dpf. It has been widely used to evaluate the acute toxicity, liver toxicity, cardiotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity, gastrointestinal irritation, immunotoxicity, and ototoxicity caused by TCMs, although some physiological difference limited its application.

CONCLUSIONS

Zebrafish is a powerful model for TCMs toxicity evaluation, but it is not flawless. The toxicity testing criterion and high throughput assays are urgent to be established. This review provides references for future studies.

Deacetoxycephalosporin C synthase (expandase): Research progress and application potential

Cephalosporins play an indispensable role against bacterial infections. Deacetyloxycephalosporin C synthase (DAOCS), also called expandase, is a key enzyme in cephalosporin biosynthesis that epoxides penicillin to form the hexavalent thiazide ring of cephalosporin. DAOCS in fungus Acremonium chrysogenum was identified as a bifunctional enzyme with both ring expansion and hydroxylation, whereas two separate enzymes in bacteria catalyze these two reactions. In this review, we briefly summarize its source and function, improvement of the conversion rate of penicillin to deacetyloxycephalosporin C through enzyme modification, crystallography features, the prediction of the active site, and application perspective.

Recent Progress in Near-Infrared Organic Electroluminescent Materials

Near-infrared (NIR) refers to the section of the spectrum from 650 to 2500 nm. NIR luminescent materials are widely employed in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), fiber optic communication, sensing, biological detection, and medical imaging. This paper reviews organic NIR electroluminescent materials, including organic NIR electrofluorescent materials and organic NIR electrophosphorescent materials that have been investigated in the past 6 years. Small-molecule, polymer NIR fluorescent materials and platinum(II) and iridium(III) complex NIR phosphorescent materials are described, and the limitations of the development of NIR luminescent materials and future prospects are discussed.

Recent Progress in Chemical Modification of the Natural Polysaccharide Guar Gum

Guar gum (GG) is a natural heteropolysaccharide. Due to its non-toxic, eco-friendly, and biodegradable nature, GG has found wide applications in many areas, in particular food, paper, textile, petroleum, and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, GG is often called "Black Gold" as well. Due to the presence of hydroxyl groups, GG can be modified by various methods. The physical and biological properties of GG can be modulated by chemical modifications. In this manuscript, various methods for the chemical modifications of GG have been discussed according to the type of modifications. Mechanistic insights have also been provided whenever possible. In addition, potential applications of new GG derivatives have also been briefly mentioned.

The First Brazilian Thesis of Evolution: Haeckel's Recapitulation Theory and Its Relations with the Idea of Progress

The aim of this work is to present the thesis "On the Ontogenetic Evolution of the Human Embryo in its Relations with Phylogenesis," by Affonso Regulo de Oliveira Fausto (1866-1930), published in Brazil in 1890. To our knowledge, it was one of the first Brazilian academic works focused specifically on evolution. It was also the first doctoral thesis that addressed the topic of recapitulation in order to analyze what was then called the progressive evolution of the human species in tandem with the embryological development of the individuals that would constitute the Brazilian "type." In the present work, we analyze the author's thesis in relation to its sources, concepts, as well as the country's political context at the time of its publication. Fausto's text, in which he explicitly recognized the influence of Ernst Haeckel's (1834-1919) recapitulation theory, represents a window to understand better a concept of nation based on science and on the idea of inexorable progress that was accepted in Brazil at the end of the nineteenth century.

BION'S GRAPH OF "IN SEARCH OF EXISTENCE"

If we want to understand Bion's psychoanalysis and analytic field theory, its most creative development, there is one point we must always bear in mind. Bion conceives individual therapy as group therapy. Consequently, he invites the analyst to put the patient's past and related causal theories in the background. Rather she should focus on the emotional transformations that occur in the here and now. This is very different from observing the Freudian principles of oneiric and transference distortion, on the one hand, and the (re)construction of the patient's past history, on the other. It is also different from paying attention to so-called deep unconscious fantasies or enactments. Such a crucial aspect, though, is often misunderstood. Here the concepts of the grid and of the regression or "in search of existence" graph are employed as a way of clarifying it. Trying at any given moment to grasp the direction of the vector that represents the sum of the emotional turbulences affecting the field, whether regressive or progressive (in other words, whether reflecting the growth of the mind or its destruction), implies using a radical technique to achieve receptiveness to the unconscious. The analyst treats all narratives in the session as if they were the recounting of a dream dreamt by the analytic dyad or group of two. A few clinical vignettes are presented by way of illustration.

The Research Progress of DPP-4 Inhibitors

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease, and diabetes patients have long-term higher blood sugar levels than standard. Most people with diabetes have complications that greatly affect their standard of living. Patients with type 2 DM occupy the vast majority of all diabetes patients. Glucagonlike peptide-1 (GLP-1) secreted by intestinal enteroendocrine L-cells is a small molecule polypeptide, which is glucose concentration-dependent and can effectively reduce blood glucose concentration. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) is an important target for the treatment of type 2 DM because it can degrade GLP-1. DPP-4 inhibitors can enhance the blood glucose lowering effect of GLP-1 by inhibiting DPP-4. This article summarizes the development of DPP-4 inhibitors from 2015 to 2019, and can provide helpful information for the discovery of novel DPP-4 inhibitors in the future.

Chemokines and the extracellular matrix: Set of targets for tumor development and treatment

The extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of various molecules that support tissue cells, including proteins, fibronectin, laminin, collagen IV, and glycosaminoglycans. In addition to interactions between the ECM and cells, the ECM also interacts with chemokines, and growth factors, and these interactions ensure cell survival, development, differentiation, and migration of both immune system cells and tumor cells. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms of interaction between the ECM and chemokines, focusing on the tumor microenvironment and the modulation of these elements as a target for therapies in several types of cancer.

Prevention and treatment of COVID-19 using Traditional Chinese Medicine: A review

BACKGROUND

A novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) outbreak in more than 200 countries recently caused viral pneumonia that was extremely infectious and pathogenic. The Chinese government proposes that both Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine can be used in combination to treat pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV2, and TCM effectively provides continuous prevention and treatment.

METHODS

The present review analyzes and summarizes the prevention and treatment of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) with TCM. A classified analysis of the efficacy and advantages of TCM for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 was performed, and the mechanisms of TCM in treating COVID-19 are summarized.

RESULTS

TCM is effective in preventing COVID-19, and medical staff can prevent an iatrogenic infection by taking a decoction made based on the principles of TCM. As of March 13, 2020, new cases of COVID-19 in China have decreased in number to single digits. TCM's curative effect was outstanding, with a national participation rate of over 90%. More than 70,000 people were cured of COVID-19 and discharged from the hospital. Only approximately 10,000 patients are currently being treated, and the total treatment time is approximately 2 months.

CONCLUSIONS

TCM is currently the best choice for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19, and it is expected that it will be promoted by countries around the world.

Major Depressive Disorder: Advances in Neuroscience Research and Translational Applications

Major depressive disorder (MDD), also referred to as depression, is one of the most common psychiatric disorders with a high economic burden. The etiology of depression is still not clear, but it is generally believed that MDD is a multifactorial disease caused by the interaction of social, psychological, and biological aspects. Therefore, there is no exact pathological theory that can independently explain its pathogenesis, involving genetics, neurobiology, and neuroimaging. At present, there are many treatment measures for patients with depression, including drug therapy, psychotherapy, and neuromodulation technology. In recent years, great progress has been made in the development of new antidepressants, some of which have been applied in the clinic. This article mainly reviews the research progress, pathogenesis, and treatment of MDD.

[Research Progress of Small Molecule Anti-angiogenic Drugs in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer]

肺癌是世界上发病率最高的癌症之一，且尚无二线进展后的标准治疗方案，而肿瘤血管生成目前已被确定为恶性肿瘤的重要治疗靶点，小分子多靶点血管激酶抑制剂可通过抑制血管生成相关信号通路，抑制肿瘤血管的生成。目前已开展多项小分子抗血管生成药物治疗非小细胞肺癌的临床试验，且已有部分血管内皮生长因子受体酪氨酸激酶抑制剂（vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors, VEGFR-TKIs）获批治疗晚期非小细胞肺癌，本文基于国内外多项小分子抗血管生成药物治疗非小细胞肺癌的发展现状，归纳了多个VEGFR-TKIs及成纤维细胞生长因子受体（fibroblast growth factor receptor, FGFR）-TKI单药或联合[包括分别与化疗、表皮生长因子受体（epidermal growth factor receptor, EGFR）-TKIs、免疫治疗、放疗等联合）]治疗非小细胞肺癌的疗效与安全性研究，同时探讨了VEGFR-TKIs可能存在的耐药机制及疗效预测指标等，并对未来抗血管治疗非小细胞肺癌的发展趋势以及存在的潜在问题进行展望，同时为肺癌后续的精准治疗及个体化治疗提供新的思路。

Effectiveness of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in realization of the right to a remedy for Child victims of violence in Africa

BACKGROUND

In spite of the progress achieved over the years since the adoption of the CRC, violence against children (VAC) is still widespread in the African continent. Although some progress has been made in addressing violence through the implementation of the CRC and its use in the courts, there are still gaps particularly in ensuring access to remedies for child victims of violence.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

The strongest factors that impede measures to eliminate VAC in Africa are its broad societal acceptance and weak remedial tools to deal with the issue, including access to justice and assistance to child victims. The article analyses the CRC's implementation and influence on national courts' jurisprudence on VAC in South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the article' is to provide evidence of the positive impact of the CRC on the right to a remedy for child victims of violence in selected African states, while highlighting existing gaps.

METHODS

Evidence is provided through the CRC reporting process, and the impact of the CRC on national courts in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.

RESULTS

Facts and cases of redress for child victims of violence in the three states, as well as roles and paths that the stakeholders undertake, reflect the strength, value, role and influence of the CRC on the recent progress in these states. The law and legal advocacy in the selected African states have proved to be a powerful tool for children.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a need for more evidence and more research on the topic in each African state, so that real impact of the CRC on national remedial activities, as well as its relatedness to the level and types of violence against children is properly evaluated.

Tumor-infiltrating B cell is associated with the control of progression of gastric cancer

This study aimed to further explore the clinicopathological correlation of B cell infiltration in gastric cancer (GC) and its impact on prognostic. By immunohistochemical method, CD20+ B cells, CD3+ T cells, CD66b+ tumor-associated neutrophils, CD163+ tumor-associated macrophages, and CD57+ natural killer cells were analyzed in consecutive sections of 584 GC tissues and 69 normal adjacent tissues. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses determined the relationship between clinical relevance or prognosis and B cell infiltration. The correlation between total B cell infiltration and various T cell subtype infiltration in GC tissues from 407 patients in the TCGA data was also analyzed. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses determined the effects of total B cell infiltration and various B cell subtype infiltration on the prognosis of patients with GC. The infiltration level of CD20+ B cells was positively correlated with that of T cells (risk ratio [RR] = 0.0930), especially CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells (P < 0.05). A high level of CD20+ B cell infiltration was significantly associated with low lymph node involvement and low TNM stage (P < 0.05). High levels of CD20+ B cell infiltration were significantly associated with improvements in overall survival and disease-free survival. Univariate Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that CD20+ B cell infiltration was an independent protective factor of prognosis. Higher levels of class-switched memory B cell and plasma cell also reflected better overall survival, and class-switched memory B cell and plasma cell were independent protective factors for prognosis. The findings indicate that B cell infiltration in GC, especially switched memory B cells and plasma cells, has a significant effect on tumor progression and prognosis.

[Circulating endothelial microparticles for prediction of therapeutic effect in advanced lung cancer]

Objective: To explore the correlation of endothelial microparticles and progression of advanced lung cancer, and its predictive value in therapeutic effect. Methods: The data of patients with advanced lung cancer in the Oncology Department of Frist Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from October 2018 to May 2019 were collected. Blood routine, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), tumor markers, and circulating endothelial microparticles (CD105+ EMPs) were measured before treatment. Flow cytometry was used to detect the number of CD105+ EMPs, and multivariate regression analysis was used to study the predict factors of advanced lung cancer progression. Results: A total of 88 patients were recruited in the study, including 60 in the objective response (OR) group and 28 in the disease progression (PD) group. There were no significant differences in gender, age, basic diseases, tumor stage, cancer type and therapeutic intervention between two groups, while there were significant differences in tumor marker, LDH, total microparticles (MPs), and endothelial microparticles (CD105+ EMPs) between two groups (P<0.05). In the multivariate regression analysis, CD105+ EMPs ≥70 events/μl (OR=3.623, 95%CI=1.345~9.761, P=0.011) and LDH (OR=1.008, 95%CI=1.001~1.015, P=0.032) were able to predict the progression of advanced lung cancer. A predictive model of advanced lung cancer progression was established based on the multivariate regression results. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.729 (95%CI=0.620~0.837, P=0.001), the sensitivity was 32.1%, the specificity was 91.6%, the positive predictive value was 64.2%, and the negative predictive value was 74.3%. Conclusion: Circulating endothelial microparticles are associated with the progression of advanced lung cancer, it combined with LDH can predict the therapeutic effect of advanced lung cancer.

[Research progress of anti-angiogenic drugs in the treatment of small cell lung cancer]

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC), a special type of lung cancer, is a highly malignant neuroendocrine tumor with strong invasiveness and rapid progression. SCLC is sensitive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, so radiotherapy and chemotherapy have been the main first-line treatment of SCLC. However, it is easy to develop drug resistance after treatment. Therefore, the study of anti-angiogenic therapy has attracted more and more attention. At present, anti-angiogenic drugs mainly focus on four categories: monoclonal antibodies (such as bevacizumab), endogenous angiogenesis inhibitors (such as endostar), anti-angiogenic fusion protein (such as aflibercept) and small molecular tyrosine kinase inhibitors (such as anlotinib). There are still some bottlenecks in the research and clinical application of antiangiogenic drugs. It is the right direction to explore better combination therapy and effective dual-field and multi-target drugs.

Neurogenic pulmonary edema following acute stroke: The progress and perspective

Neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) following acute stroke is an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with clinical characteristics that include acute onset, apparent pulmonary interstitial fluid infiltration and rapid resolution. The pathological process of NPE centers on sympathetic stimulation and fulminant release of catecholamines, which cause contraction of resistance vessels. Elevated systemic resistance forces fluid into pulmonary circulation, while pulmonary circulation overload induces pulmonary capillary pressure that elevates, and in turn damages the alveolar capillary barrier. Damage to the alveolar capillary barrier leads to pulmonary ventilation disorder, blood perfusion disorder and oxygenation disorder. Eventually, NPE will cause post-stroke patients' prognosis to further deteriorate. At present, we lack specific biological diagnostic indicators and a meticulously unified diagnostic criterion, and this results in a situation in which many patients are not recognized quickly and/or diagnosed accurately. There are no drugs that are effective against NPE. Therefore, understanding how to diagnose NPE early by identifying the risk factors and how to apply appropriate treatment to avoid a deteriorating prognosis are important scientific goals. We will elaborate the progress of NPE after acute stroke in terms of its pathophysiological mechanisms, etiology, epidemiology, clinical diagnosis and early prediction, comprehensive treatment strategies, and novel drug development. We also propose our own thinking and prospects regarding NPE.

In advanced pancreatic cancer: The value and significance of interventional therapy

Pancreatic cancer is famous as “the king of cancer” due to its high degree of malignancy, rapid course of disease development, and poor prognosis. Relevant epidemiological studies have indicated that with improvement in people’s standard of living, the morbidity and mortality of pancreatic cancer has increased. At the same time, the disease shows an obvious upward trend worldwide. Pancreatic cancer has become a major public health problem that seriously affects the life and health of people. The present review focuses on the recent advances in interventional therapy such as transcatheter arterial infusion, radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, and irreversible electroporation of pancreatic cancer.

Assault-related Factors and Trauma-related Cognitions Associated with Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms in High-distress and Low-distress Korean Female Victims of Sexual Assault

BACKGROUND

Information about the factors involved in the progress of both high distressed and low distressed victims in the early days after a sexual assault are needed to provide effective intervention for victims of sexual assault. In this study, we examined the relationship among posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, assault-related factors and trauma-related cognitions in Korean female victims of sexual assault.

METHODS

For this study, we retrospectively investigated the records of 94 female victims from the Sunflower Center for Women and Children Victims of Violence at the Ajou University Hospital in Korea. Demographic characteristics and the features of the sexual assault, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and trauma-related cognition were obtained from data recorded at the initial assessment. One month after the initial assessment, victims were contacted by telephone and their PTSD symptom severity was re-evaluated. The sample of 94 participants were divided into two groups depending on the PTSD symptom scale scores at initial assessment: High-distress group and Low-distress group.

RESULTS

Repeated-measured analyses of variance revealed that the high-distress group showed a decrease in PTSD symptom severity over the month, while the low-distress group did not show significant change of PTSD symptom severity. In correlation analysis, negative thoughts and beliefs about the assault were strongly correlated with PTSD symptom severity one month later in both the low-distress and high-distress groups.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that trauma-related cognitions seem to play an important role in the maintenance of PTSD both of high-distress and low-distress groups, and that effective intervention will need to address these cognitive factors.

The effect of hyoscine n- butylbromide on labor progress: A systematic review

Background

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effectiveness of hyoscine n-butylbromide in labor progress.

Methods

The databases including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Science-Direct, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for studies published up to December 2019. Articles that published as randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and full-text articles published in English or other languages were included and participants were primi or multigravida women who were in active phase of labor. The intervention included HBB compared to placebo (normal saline) that was used during active phase of labor. Pooled estimates were measured using the fixed or random effect model, while the overall effect was reported in a mean difference (MD). All data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.3.

Results

Twenty studies involving 3108 women were included in meta-analysis. Based on subgroup analysis by parity, use of HBB significantly reduced the duration of the first stage of labor in primigravida women (MD = − 57.73; 95% CI: [− 61.48, − 53.60]) and in multigravida women (MD = − 90.74; 95% CI: [− 97.24, − 84.24]). Administering HBB could reduce the second stages of labor in primigravidas and multigravidas about 6 min and 4 min respectively. Also, HBB reduced the duration of the third stage of labor in multigravidas about 3 min. APGAR score at one and 5 min after birth was not affected. The main maternal adverse effect was tachycardia and dry mouth. Labor duration in studies in which the participants were primi-and multigravida was not presented based on separate parities except for four papers, and the route of HBB administration was not the same across all studies.

Conclusions

Although, the effect of HBB was minimal when multigravidas and primigravidas women were considered together, the HBB was clinically effective in primigravida and multigravida women for shortening the first and the second stages of labor. Also, HBB could reduce the length of the third stage of labor in multigravidas.

Micro/Nano fabricated cantilever based biosensor platform: A review and recent progress

Recent trends in biosensing research have motivated scientists and research professionals to investigate the development of miniaturized bioanalytical devices to make them portable, label-free and smaller in size. The performance of the cantilever-based devices which is one of the very important domains of sensitive field level detection has improved significantly with the development of new micro/nanofabrication technologies and surface functionalization techniques. The cantilevers have scaled down to Nano from micro-level and have become exceptionally sensitive and also have some anomalous associated properties due to the scale. In this review we have discussed about fundamental principles of cantilever operation, detection methods, and previous, present and future approaches of study through cantilever-based sensing platform. Other than that, we have also discussed the past major bio-sensing efforts through micro/nano cantilevers and about recent progress in the field.

Systemic treatment of the metastatic renal cell carcinoma: usefulness of the apparent diffusion coefficient of diffusion-weighted MRI in prediction of early therapeutic response

Accurate prediction of early treatment response to systemic therapy (ST) with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) could help avoid ineffective and expensive treatment with serious side effects. Neither RECIST v.1.1 nor Choi criteria successfully discriminate between patients with mRCC who received ST having a short or long time to progression (TTP). There is no biomarker, which is able to predict early therapeutic response to TKIs application in patients with mRCC. The goal of our study was to investigate the potential of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of MRI in prediction of early therapeutic response to ST with pazopanib in patients with mRCC. The retrospective study enrolled 32 adult patients with conventional mRCC who received pazopanib (mean duration-7.5 ± 3.45). The mean duration of follow-up was 11.85 ± 4.34 months. In all patients as baseline examination and 1 month after treatment, 1.5T MRI including DWI sequence was performed followed by ADC measurement of the main renal lesion. For assessment of the therapeutic response, RECIST 1.1 is used. Partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD) were observed in 12 (37.50%), 10 (31.25%) and 10 (31.25%) cases with mean TTP of 10.33 ± 2.06 months (95% confidence interval, CI = 9.05-11.61), 7.40 ± 2.50 months (95% CI = 5.61-9.19) and 4.20 ± 1.99 months (95% CI = 2.78-5.62) accordingly (p < 0.05). There was no difference in change of main lesions' longest size 1 month after ST in patients with PR, SD and PD. Comparison of mean ADC values before and 1 month after systemic treatment showed significant decrease by 19.11 ± 10.64% (95% CI = 12.35-25.87) and by 7.66 ± 6.72% (95% CI = 2.86-12.47) in subgroups with PR and SD, respectively (p < 0.05). There was shorter TTP in patients with mRCC if ADC of the main renal lesion 1 month after the ST increased from the baseline less than 1.73% compared to patients with ADC levels above this threshold: 5.29 ± 3.45 versus 9.50 ± 2.04 months accordingly (p < 0.001). Overall, our findings highlighted the use of ADC as a predictive biomarker for early therapeutic response assessment. Use of ADC will be effective and useful for reliable prediction of responders and non-responders to systemic treatment with pazopanib.

On "the application of science to science itself:" chemistry, instruments, and the scientific labor process

The "Instrumental Revolution" in chemistry refers to a transitional period in the mid-20th century during which sophisticated instrumentation based on physical principles was introduced to solve chemical problems. Historical and philosophical reflection on whether the revolution was a scientific one has been dominated by general models of scientific revolution, in particular, those proposed by Thomas Kuhn, I. B. Cohen and Ian Hacking. In this article I propose that the Industrial Revolution is a useful model for understanding the transformation wrought by the increasingly important role of machines in chemical research. Drawing on Marx's analysis of that event, I argue that that the Instrumental Revolution bears a striking resemblance to the industrial one. I offer grounds for thinking that the resemblance is not fortuitous, but rather reflects a general pattern of development involving the mechanization of the labor process. It is suggested that the cognitive consequences of radical changes in the means of production, as exemplified in the Instrumental Revolution, warrant the consideration of whether the latter is an instance of a kind of revolution in science rather than a singular episode.

Mechanism and current progress of Poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors in the treatment of ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy and the fifth most lethal cancer type overall in women. Ovarian cancer often presents genome instability, with almost half of the ovarian cancers harbor defects in one or more of the six DNA repair pathways, most of them in homologous recombination (HR). Targeting DNA repair genes has becoming a unique strategy to combat HR-deficient cancers in recent years. The multi-functional enzyme Poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) plays an impart role in DNA damage repair and genome stability. PARP inhibitors inhibit DNA repair pathways and cause apoptosis of cancer cells, especially in homologous recombination (HR)-deficient cells. PARP inhibitors (PARPi) have drawn increasing amount of attention due to their remarkable efficacy and low toxicity in treating HR-deficient ovarian cancers (i.e. BRCA1/2 mutated). To date, three PARP inhibitor drugs have been approved for treating ovarian cancer by FDA in United States, namely Olaparib, Rucaparib, and Niraparib. In this review, we summarized the current research progress of PARPi from basic science to clinical studies. We discussed the mechanism of action of PARP inhibitors and the exciting results from the clinical studies of the FDA-approved PARP inhibitors. We also highlighted the current research progress on PARP inhibitor resistance, which has become a challenge in clinics.