ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the methodological quality of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) guidelines and expert consensuses for the diagnosis and treatment of coronary heart diseases (CHD).MethodsDatabases including PubMed, CNKI, CBM, WanFang Data and the official websites of the China Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the Chinese Association of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine were electronically searched to collect guidelines (or expert consensus) of TCM for CHD from January 1st, 2010 to January 1st, 2021. Methodological evaluation of the included guidelines was conducted by 3 researchers independently using the AGREE Ⅱ instrument.ResultsA total of 16 guidelines were included. The AGREE Ⅱ scores for each domain were: clarity and presentation (63.89%), followed by scope and purpose (55.90%), stakeholder involvement (42.13%), the rigor of development (41.42%), editorial independence (32.12%), and applicability (21.99%). Nine guidelines were rated as level B (recommended after being revised), and 7 were rated as level C (not recommended).ConclusionsGuidelines and expert consensuses of TCM for CHD provide a standard for clinical practice, however, the methodological quality remains to be improved. It is suggested that future guidelines be formulated in accordance with international standards and using the methods of evidence-based medicine to improve the quality of guidelines further and promote international acceptability.
ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that could serve as prognostic biomarkers for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsThe Encyclopedia of RNA Interactomes (ENCORI) database was used to analyze the expression profile and RNA interaction network of lncRNA SNHG4 in NSCLC. Cell experiments were performed to determine the effects of lncRNA SNHG4 on the proliferation and migration of lung cancer cell line A549. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was employed to validate the interaction between SNHG4 and its potential targets.ResultslncRNA SNHG4 was highly expressed in NSCLC tissues. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patient survival rate was significantly correlated with SNHG4 expression levels. Knockdown of SNHG4 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cells while promoting cell apoptosis. Mechanistic studies identified miR-409-3p and DDX5 as direct targets of SNHG4. SNHG4 downregulated miR-409-3p expression in NSCLC cells, thereby relieving the inhibitory effect of miR-409-3p on DDX5 and promoting NSCLC cell growth. ConclusionlncRNA SNHG4 may exert its tumor-promoting role in NSCLC through the lncRNA SNHG4/miR-409-3p/DDX5 signaling pathway.
