Volume 4, Issue 2

Study on the Concentration-Dependent Toxic Effects of Ailanthus altissima and Dysphania ambrosioides Extracts on Red Imported Fire Ants

Abstract: This study utilized the water test-tube feeding method to assess the toxic effects and behavioral impacts of extracts from Ailanthus altissima and Dysphania ambrosioides at different concentrations (0%, 3%, 6%, 9%) on Solenopsis invicta (red imported fire ants). Single-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to statistically analyze behavioral indices such as mortality rate, aggregation rate, pole-climbing rate, attachment rate, and walking rate. The results showed that both the toxicity and behavioral inhibitory effects of the two extracts increased with increasing concentrations, exhibiting a significant concentration-dependent pattern. Notably, the lethality rate of the A. altissima extract reached 96.67% at 9% concentration, while that of D. ambrosioides was 83.33%. These findings support the potential feasibility of using these extracts as biological control agents against S. invicta and provide experimental evidence for the development of plant-derived insecticides. Read More

A Molecular Mechanism-Based Approach: Differences in the Roles of Berberine, Quercetin and Baicalin in the Treatment of Breast Cancer

Abstract: Breast cancer is considered one of the most prevalent types of malignant tumours among women worldwide, and recent academic studies have revealed that natural products highlight a key role in the intervention and treatment of breast cancer. The present study focused on three typical natural active compounds, berberine, quercetin and baicalin. It investigates their molecular pathways and functional heterogeneity in the field of breast cancer therapy, further compares the characteristics of the molecular mechanisms of each of the three compounds and their differences in the treatment of breast cancer, and at the same time deeply discusses their potential application value in combination therapy strategies as well as their future development trends in the field of breast cancer therapy. Read More

Summary of Best Evidence on the Application Timing and Management Strategies of Compression Therapy for Chronic Wounds

Abstract: Background: Chronic wounds, including venous ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers, impose significant clinical and economic burdens globally. Compression therapy is a cornerstone intervention, yet its optimal application timing and management strategies lack standardized guidelines. Methods: According to the ‘6S’ evidence resource model, evidence retrieval is searched from the top-down and collected relevant guidelines, best practices, evidence summaries, systematic reviews and expert consensus. The retrieval time limit was from the database establishment to 20 March 2025. Two reviewers independently screened and evaluated the literature, and then extracted and summarised the evidence according to the JBI grading of evidence and recommendation system. Results: This study summarizes 18 pieces of evidence in 7 aspects, including indications, contraindications, application, assessment, management strategies, effectiveness, and adverse reactions, related to the application timing and management strategies of compression therapy for chronic wounds. Conclusions: Compression therapy significantly enhances chronic wound healing but requires rigorous contraindication screening and dynamic pressure adjustment. Clinicians should adopt evidence-based protocols integrating ABI assessments and patient education. Future innovations should focus on smart devices and longitudinal outcome tracking. Read More

Comparison of the Core Concepts, Historical Context, and Modern Scientific Evaluation of Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection of Use and Disuse

Abstract: Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection stands as the cornerstone of modern biology. Yet, its formulation and reception occurred against the backdrop of pre-existing evolutionary ideas, most notably Jean-Baptiste Lamarck's theory of the inheritance of acquired characteristics, often summarized as "use and disuse." This paper provides a comprehensive comparison of these two pivotal theories, examining their core concepts, historical contexts, and crucially, their evaluation in light of modern science. We detail Lamarck's vision of organisms actively adapting through use and disuse of organs, passing these modifications directly to offspring. We contrast this with Darwin's mechanism of natural selection, where heritable variation within populations is acted upon by environmental pressures, leading to differential survival and reproduction. The historical analysis explores the intellectual climate of the 18th and 19th centuries, the influence of Lamarck on Darwin's thinking, and the fierce debates surrounding the publication of On the Origin of Species. Modern scientific evaluation, grounded in genetics, molecular biology, and rigorous experimentation, overwhelmingly supports the core tenets of natural selection as the primary driver of adaptation and evolutionary change. While Lamarckian inheritance, as originally conceived, has been falsified, the paper explores nuances such as epigenetic inheritance and phenotypic plasticity, demonstrating how they differ fundamentally from Lamarckism while enriching our understanding of organism-environment interactions. Ultimately, this comparison highlights the revolutionary nature of Darwin's theory, its enduring explanatory power, and why Lamarck's "use and disuse," despite its historical importance and intuitive appeal, remains relegated to the annals of superseded scientific ideas, save for very specific and limited modern reinterpretations. Read More

Research Progress on the Whitening of Angelica Dahurica

Abstract: This paper mainly reviews the application status and research progress of Angelica dahurica in the field of whitening in recent years, analyzes its active ingredients, mechanism of action, and existing problems, and provides a theoretical basis for the subsequent development of natural whitening products. Through literature review and summary. The extensive use of Angelica dahurica in both ancient and modern times confirms that its whitening and skin care effects are certain. However, there are still issues such as unclear mechanisms related to its whitening active ingredients and photosensitive coumarin components, and the photosensitivity of coumarin components limits their application in cosmetics. The idea of using natural active ingredients for skin care is becoming increasingly popular, and the development, validation, and application of natural whitening active ingredients will be the future direction of cosmetics. This article provides relevant references for the further development and application of Angelica dahurica in the field of whitening. Read More

Preoperative Anesthesia Education: A Critical Element in Comprehensive Patient Management

Abstract: Preoperative anesthesia education constitutes a fundamental component of perioperative care, significantly contributing to the protection of patient autonomy through informed consent, reduction of preoperative anxiety, and promotion of clinical safety. Despite its importance, current clinical methodologies are often disjointed and overly procedural, inadequately addressing patient-specific concerns. This article synthesizes evidence from the literature and clinical case analyses to identify patients’ primary informational needs, elucidates the essential function of preoperative anesthesia education in fostering humanistic care, optimizing patient safety, and strengthening the therapeutic alliance. It further outlines a standardized educational framework complemented by tailored approaches to meet individual patient requirements. The article concludes with actionable recommendations to overcome prevailing barriers, advocating for the integration of preoperative anesthesia education as a cornerstone of patient-centered, humanistic healthcare. Read More
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