[Retracted] Arnebin‑1 promotes angiogenesis by inducing eNOS, VEGF and HIF‑1α expression through the PI3K‑dependent pathway.

Following the publication of the above paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that the α‑tubulin protein bands shown in Fig. 2A on p. 689 were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in the following paper: Tian R, Li Y and Gao M: Shikonin causes cell‑cycle arrest and induces apoptosis by regulating the EGFR‑NF‑κB signalling pathway in human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells.

Efficacy of Acetylshikonin in Preventing Obesity and Hepatic Steatosis in db/db Mice.

Zicao (Lithospermum erythrorhizon) has been used in clinics as a traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Acetylshikonin (AS) is the main ingredient of Zicao, Xinjiang, China. The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-obesity and anti-nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) efficacy of AS in a model of spontaneous obese db/db mice.

Arnebin-1 promotes angiogenesis by inducing eNOS, VEGF and HIF-1α expression through the PI3K-dependent pathway.

Arnebin-1, a naphthoquinone derivative, plays a crucial role in the wound healing properties of Zicao (a traditional wound healing herbal medicine). It has been noted that Arnebin-1, in conjunction with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), exerts a synergistic pro-angiogenic effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and accelerates the healing process of diabetic wounds. However, the mechanisms responsible for the pro-angiogenic effect of arnebin‑1 on HUVECs and its healing effect on diabetic wounds have not yet been fully elucidated.

The efficacy of cold-gel packing for relieving episiotomy pain - a quasi-randomised control trial.

Purposes: This study evaluated the effectiveness of cold-gel packing on episiotomy pain among postpartum women who had normal spontaneous deliveries.

Methods: A quasi-randomised control trial was conducted in a maternity ward of a regional teaching hospital in northern Taiwan. Seventy postpartum women were recruited, choosing to be in either the experimental or control group (35 women per group).