The inflammatory microenvironment is closely associated with the initiation and progression of osteoarthritis （OA）， specifically manifesting as macrophage activation， dysregulation of inflammatory cytokines， and redox imbalance. Following an overview of the pathological characteristics of the OA inflammatory microenvironment， this paper reviews the research progress on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） intervening in OA by modulating the inflammatory microenvironment. It has been found that TCM monomers/active ingredients （such as total alkaloids from Strychnos nux-vomica ， quercetin， triptolide， etc.）， herb pairs （e.g. Angelica pubescens - Gentiana macrophylla ， Carthami Flos-Lycopodii Herba）， and TCM formulas （such as Zhuanggu jianxi formula， Duhuo jisheng decoction and Rongjin niantong formula， etc.） can inhibit macrophage activation， reduce the release of proinflammatory cytokines and the generation of reactive oxygen species by inhibiting multiple signaling pathways， including nuclear factor-κB， Wnt/ β -catenin， and mitogen-activated protein kinase， thereby alleviating the articular inflammatory microenvironment， restoring local joint homeostasis， and slowing the progression of OA.

Objective: To characterize perioperative dynamic changes in immune-cell phenotypes and inflammatory cytokines in patients undergoing CPB (cardiopulmonary bypass) cardiac surgery, and to explore their associations with postoperative outcomes. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 120 adult patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery under CPB at West China Hospital from May 2022 to March 2023 were enrolled. Perioperative immune-cell phenotypes and concentrations of 40 inflammation-related cytokines were measured. The primary outcomes were the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score at 24 h after surgery and ΔSOFA (the peak SOFA score within 48 h after surgery minus the preoperative SOFA score). Secondary outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), acute kidney injury (AKI), respiratory failure, severe liver injury, and infection. Results: The mean age of enrolled patients was 57±10 years. Of these, 52% (62/120) were male and 90% (108/120) underwent valve surgery. During the rewarming to the end of CPB, neutrophil counts rapidly increased (7.39×10 /L vs preoperative 3.07×10 /L, P<0.001), with significant upregulation of CD11b (7.30×10 /L vs preoperative 3.05×10 /L, P<0.001) and CD54 (7.15×10 /L vs preoperative 2.99×10 /L, P<0.001). Lymphocyte counts increased at the end of CPB (1.75×10 /L vs preoperative 1.12×10 /L, P<0.001) but decreased significantly at 24 h after surgery (0.59×10 /L vs preoperative 1.12×10 /L, P<0.001). Plasma analysis showed that multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines increased during CPB and remained elevated up to 24 h after surgery; five chemokines and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 peaked at the end of CPB. The SOFA score increased from 1 (1, 2) preoperatively to 7 (5, 10) at 24 h after surgery, with a ΔSOFA of 6 (4, 8). Within 30 days after surgery, 48 patients (40.0%) developed AKI, 17 (14.2%) developed infection, 4 (3.3%) developed severe liver injury, 3 (2.5%) developed respiratory failure, and 3 (2.5%) experienced MACE. During the 2-year follow-up, 8 patients (6.7%) experienced MACE and 5 (4.2%) died. Conclusion: Multi-organ dysfunction is common after cardiac surgery under CPB (median ΔSOFA, 6), accompanied by perioperative activation of multiple immune-cell subsets and upregulation of pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and chemotactic mediators. This study provides data-driven evidence and research clues for further investigation of the associations between CPB-related immune perturbations and postoperative organ dysfunction and clinical outcomes.

Tuberculosis (TB), a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is primarily airborne and remains a global health problem, especially in resource-limited countries and regions. The emergence of drug resistance in M. tuberculosis has rendered the existing means ineffective in the treatment of TB. Therefore, research in new therapeutic directions has become imperative. In this review, we outline functional peptides in terms of the mechanisms of action, anti-TB attempts, advantages and disadvantages, and latest advances, aiming to analyze the research progress in anti-TB peptides. Furthermore, we investigate the potential applications of bioactive compounds found in traditional Chinese Medicine within the context of peptides.

AIM: To investigate the potential inhibitory effect of pterostilbene on the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EndMT)induced by high glucose conditions in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells(HRMECs).METHODS: The optimal concentration of pterostilbene for treating HRMECs was determined using the CCK-8 assay, with 12.5 and 25 μmol/L concentrations selected for subsequent experiments. Four experimental groups were established: control group, high glucose group, high glucose combined with 12.5 μmol/L pterostilbene treatment group, and high glucose combined with 25 μmol/L pterostilbene treatment group. The expression levels of HDAC7 and EndMT-associated markers were detected via Western blot analysis. Cell migration ability was assessed using Transwell migration assays and scratch wound healing tests, while vasculogenic capability was evaluated through tube formation assays.RESULTS: The CCK-8 assay revealed that pterostilbene at a concentration of 22.07 μmol/L inhibited 50% of cell viability in HRMECs. Western blot analysis demonstrated that compared with the control group, the expression levels of HDAC7, ZEB1, Vimentin, and Snail were significantly upregulated in HRMECs cultured in high glucose(all P<0.01), while the expressions of VE-cadherin and CD31 were significantly reduced(all P<0.01). Compared to the high glucose group, the treatment with 12.5 and 25 μmol/L pterostilbene significantly reduced the expression of HDAC7, ZEB1, Vimentin, and Snail under high glucose conditions(all P<0.01). Notably, 25 μmol/L pterostilbene enhanced the expression of VE-cadherin and CD31(all P<0.01). Scratch wound healing tests revealed that HRMECs treated with high glucose exhibited a significantly increased cell migration rate compared to the control group(P<0.05), while the application of 25 μmol/L pterostilbene significantly suppressed HRMECs migration under high glucose conditions(P<0.01). Transwell migration assays demonstrated that the cell migration rate in the high glucose group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.01), with cell migration rate markedly reduced following treatment with both of 12.5 and 25 μmol/L pterostilbene(all P<0.01). The tube formation assay revealed that the ability of HRMECs to form tubular structures was significantly enhanced under high glucose conditions(P<0.01), and both 12.5 and 25 μmol/L of pterostilbene effectively inhibited this effect(all P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Pterostilbene can inhibit HDAC7 expression, suppress EndMT-mediated migration of HRMECs, and impair tube formation under high-glucose conditions.

AIM: To investigate the potential inhibitory effect of pterostilbene on the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EndMT)induced by high glucose conditions in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells(HRMECs).METHODS: The optimal concentration of pterostilbene for treating HRMECs was determined using the CCK-8 assay, with 12.5 and 25 μmol/L concentrations selected for subsequent experiments. Four experimental groups were established: control group, high glucose group, high glucose combined with 12.5 μmol/L pterostilbene treatment group, and high glucose combined with 25 μmol/L pterostilbene treatment group. The expression levels of HDAC7 and EndMT-associated markers were detected via Western blot analysis. Cell migration ability was assessed using Transwell migration assays and scratch wound healing tests, while vasculogenic capability was evaluated through tube formation assays.RESULTS: The CCK-8 assay revealed that pterostilbene at a concentration of 22.07 μmol/L inhibited 50% of cell viability in HRMECs. Western blot analysis demonstrated that compared with the control group, the expression levels of HDAC7, ZEB1, Vimentin, and Snail were significantly upregulated in HRMECs cultured in high glucose(all P<0.01), while the expressions of VE-cadherin and CD31 were significantly reduced(all P<0.01). Compared to the high glucose group, the treatment with 12.5 and 25 μmol/L pterostilbene significantly reduced the expression of HDAC7, ZEB1, Vimentin, and Snail under high glucose conditions(all P<0.01). Notably, 25 μmol/L pterostilbene enhanced the expression of VE-cadherin and CD31(all P<0.01). Scratch wound healing tests revealed that HRMECs treated with high glucose exhibited a significantly increased cell migration rate compared to the control group(P<0.05), while the application of 25 μmol/L pterostilbene significantly suppressed HRMECs migration under high glucose conditions(P<0.01). Transwell migration assays demonstrated that the cell migration rate in the high glucose group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.01), with cell migration rate markedly reduced following treatment with both of 12.5 and 25 μmol/L pterostilbene(all P<0.01). The tube formation assay revealed that the ability of HRMECs to form tubular structures was significantly enhanced under high glucose conditions(P<0.01), and both 12.5 and 25 μmol/L of pterostilbene effectively inhibited this effect(all P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Pterostilbene can inhibit HDAC7 expression, suppress EndMT-mediated migration of HRMECs, and impair tube formation under high-glucose conditions.

BackgroundIt has been shown that academic procrastination， cognitive emotion regulation strategies， anxiety and mobile phone dependence are closely related， but the detailed mechanism by which academic procrastination contributes to mobile phone dependence remains largely unclear and mediation analysis is currently lacking. ObjectiveTo explore the mediation role of cognitive emotion regulation strategies and anxiety in the relationship between academic procrastination and mobile phone dependence among college students， so as to provide references for the prevention and intervention of college students' mobile phone dependence. MethodsIn March 2023， 474 students from Xinjiang Normal University were selected by random sampling technique， and Mobile Phone Addiction Index （MPAI）， Procrastination Assessment Scale-Students （PASS）， Beck Anxiety Inventory （BAI） and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire-Chinese version （CERQ-C） were used to conduct the survey. Pearson correlation analysis was adopted to examine the correlation among all variables， and Process 3.5 macro program was utilized to determine the mediation effect of cognitive emotion regulation strategies and anxiety on the relationship between academic procrastination and mobile phone dependence among college students. Results①PASS scores were positively correlated with the scores on CERQ-C negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy， BAI and MPAI （r=0.374， 0.229， 0.661， P<0.01）， CERQ-C negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy scores were positively correlated with BAI and MPAI scores （r=0.372， 0.498， P<0.01）， and BAI scores were positively correlated with MPAI scores （r=0.340， P<0.01）. ② Both negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy and anxiety exerted an mediation effect on the relationship between academic procrastination and mobile phone dependence among college students， with an effect value of 0.094 （95% CI： 0.056~0.137） and 0.013 （95% CI： 0.001~0.029）， and a chained mediation effect of negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy and anxiety on the relationship between academic procrastination and mobile phone dependence among college students was also documented， with an effect value of 0.015 （95% CI： 0.006~0.026）. ConclusionAcademic procrastination is proved to be effective in predicting college students' mobile phone dependence both directly and indirectly through either separate or chained mediation of negative cognitive emotion regulation strategy and anxiety. ［Funded by Social-Science Fund Project in Xinjiang （number， 2023CSH068）； Scientific Research Projects of Universities in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region （number， XJEDU2023P081）］

AIM:To establish methods for the isolation,identification,primary culture and evaluation of gas-tric smooth muscle cells(GSMC)from rat and mouse.METHODS:Thirty SD rats and thirty C57BL/6 mice were random-ly assigned into three groups,with 10 rats or mice in each group.Three parallel experiments were conducted to isolate pri-mary GSMC under aseptic conditions.The isolated cells were identified through morphological observation,immunofluo-rescence and Western blot.Flow cytometry was employed to analyze the purity of the cells.Additionally,trypan blue ex-clusion test was utilized to evaluate the viability of the cells after resuscitation.RESULTS:Isolated rat and mouse GSMC exhibited a fusiform or polygonal morphology.Immunofluorescence and Western blot results demonstrated the expression of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA).Flow cytometry showed that the positive expression rate of α-SMA was 99.6%in rat GSMC and 97.4%in mouse GSMC.Moreover,the viability rates of rat and mouse GSMC after cryopreservation were found to be greater than 97%.CONCLUSION:A stable and reliable method for the isolation,culture and evaluation of primary GSMC from rat and mouse has been established.

Objective To explore the regulation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT)-mediated inflammatory response in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)by modified Shengxian Decoction through the lung-gut axis.Methods Thirty rats were divided into three groups:Control group,COPD group,and COPD+modified Shengxian Decoction(SXT)group,with 10 rats in each.The COPD model was established using passive smoking combined with intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide(LPS).General symptoms and signs of the rats were monitored during the modeling and intervention periods.Hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining and immunohistochemistry(IHC)were used to observe lung tissue structure.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)in lung tissues.Flow cytometry was used to detect the number of type Ⅱ innate lymphoid cells(nILC2)and type 2 innate lymphoid cells(iILC2)in lung and intestinal tissues.Illumina MiSeq sequencing technology was used to perform 16S rRNA gene sequencing on rat feces to analyze the gut microbiota structure.Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)was used to determine the content of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)in rat feces.Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of related proteins in the PI3K/AKT pathway.Results Compared with the Control group,the COPD group showed significantly reduced lung function indicators,increased heart rate and decreased body mass,while the SXT group showed significant improvement in lung function and general signs(P＜0.05).HE staining showed that the COPD group had lung tissue damage filled with inflammatory cells,while the SXT group had significantly fewer inflammatory cells.IHC results showed that the SXT group had significantly reduced expression of caspase-3 protein(P＜0.05).ELISA results showed that the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly increased in the COPD group,while the SXT group showed significant improvement in inflammatory damage.The ratio of nILC2 to iILC2 in lung and intestinal tissues was significantly reduced in the COPD group,indicating a significant inflammatory response,while the SXT group showed significant improvement(P＜0.05).The levels of ILC2 cytokines IL-13 and IL-4 were significantly increased in the COPD group,while the SXT group had significantly reduced IL-13 and IL-4 levels.The relative abundance of lung and gut microbiota in the SXT group was significantly higher than that in the Control and COPD groups(P＜0.05).Beta diversity index analysis showed significant differences in species diversity among the three groups(P＜0.05).GC-MS detected six types of SCFAs in rat feces:acetic acid,propionic acid,isobutyric acid,butyric acid,isovaleric acid,and valeric acid.Their levels were lower in the COPD group than in the Control group,but the levels in the SXT group were higher than those in the COPD group.Western blotting results showed that the expressions of p-PI3K,PI3K,p-AKT,AKT,p-NF-κB,and NF-κB proteins were significantly reduced in the SXT group compared to the COPD group(P＜0.05).ELISA results showed that the SXT group had significantly downregulated expression levels of IL-1β and IL-10 compared to the COPD group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Modified Shengxian Decoction can alleviate COPD inflammation.It may mediate the inflammatory response in COPD by inhibiting iILC2 cell activity and expressions of related proteins in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway through gut microbiota metabolism.

Objective The present study aims to explore the mediating role of rumination and coping styles in social support and post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)in young and middle-aged spinal cord injury(SCI)patients.The study will provide a basis for developing targeted interventions.Methods Two hundred and forty young and middle-aged SCI patients hospitalized for treatment were selected by convenience sampling and questionnaires were administered using the General Information Questionnaire,the Perceived Social Support Scale(PSSS),the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire(SCSQ),the Event Related Rumination Inventory(ERRI),and the Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Self-assessment Scale(PCL-C),Mediation analysis using Model-6 with Process4.1 plugin in SPSS 25.0.Results The mean scores for PTSD,social support,rumination,positive coping,and negative coping in young and middle-aged SCI patients were 29.00(26.00,35.75),67.00(62.00,70.00),and 37.00(34.00,4 1.00),and 36.00(33.00,42.00),respectively.PTSD demonstrated a negative correlation(r=-0.553,r=-0.484,P＜0.001)and a negative correlation with positive coping and rumination(r=0.499,r=0.472,P＜0.001).The mediation modelling test demonstrated that rumination and positive and negative coping mediated significantly between social support and PTSD,with effect values of-0.078 1,-0.097 0 and-0.049 6,accounting for 17.81％,22.12％and 11.31％of the total effect,respectively.Furthermore,the chain mediation effects of rumination and positive coping and negative coping were also significant,with effect values of-0.026 3 and-0.026 2,accounting for 5.99％and 5.97％of the total effect,respectively.Conclusions The present study hypothesises that rumination,thinking and coping styles play a simple and chain-mediating role between social sup-port and PTSD in young and middle-aged SCI patients.Medical professionals should focus on the mediating role of rumination and coping styles when developing interventions related to improving and preventing PTSD in patients,which can be done by increasing the level of social support for patients,decreasing the level of rumination,and guiding patients to positively cope with their illness.

Objective:To investigate the basic situation of occupational internal exposure to 131I among staff in the nuclear medicine department. Methods:Direct in- vitro measurements of thyroid doses from internal exposure were conducted for six months on 36 staff members of a hospital′s nuclear medicine department in Nanjing using the ORTEC Detective-100 portable high-purity germanium (HPGe) spectrometer. The cumulative effective doses were estimated, and the distribution of internal doses and their relationship with job type and external doses were analyzed. Results:During the monitoring period, a total of 203 monitorings were made. Of the monitoring result, 85.7% were below the recording level. Of the result exceeding the recording level, 12.8% were below the investigation level, while 1.5% exceeded the investigation level. The highest personal internal dose during the monitoring period was 2.54 mSv, the lowest was 0.015 mSv, and the median was 0.094 mSv.Conclusions:During the monitoring period, 14.3% of the monitored staff had result above the recorded levels. In the working environment of radionuclide treatment, there is no significant difference in the internal dose received between doctors, nurses, technicians, or other relevant personnel.