ObjectiveTo clarify the protective effect of Danlou tablet， a representative traditional Chinese medicine of the stagnation of phlegm and blood stasis co-treatment method， on vascular endothelial function in patients with atherosclerosis （AS）. MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted. From September 2023 to November 2023， a total of 72 patients who were diagnosed at Guang'anmen Hospital， China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for carotid atherosclerosis （CAS） combined with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease （CHD） and stable angina pectoris （SAP） were enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into a control group （receiving conventional Western medicine treatment） and an observation group （receiving Danlou tablet combined with conventional Western medicine treatment）， with 36 cases in each group. The intervention lasted for 12 weeks. The frequency of angina pectoris attacks was recorded to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Danlou tablet. Peripheral blood samples were collected from patients， and the expression levels of serum endothelial injury markers before and after treatment were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The nitrate reductase method was employed to evaluate the protective effect of Danlou tablet on vascular function. The expression levels of serum inflammatory factors and lipoproteins were determined by ELISA and an automatic biochemical analyzer （dynamic timed scatter turbidimetry and enzymatic method） to assess the anti-inflammatory and lipid-regulating effects of Danlou tablet. ResultsIn terms of angina pectoris attacks， compared with that in the control group， the frequency of attacks in the observation group was reduced （P<0.05）. In terms of endothelial injury markers， compared with the levels before treatment within the same group， the levels of endothelin-1 （ET-1）， intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （ICAM-1）， and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 （VCAM-1） in the peripheral blood of the observation group were decreased （P<0.05）， while the levels of nitric oxide （NO） and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） were increased （P<0.05）. Compared with the control group after treatment， the differences in ET-1， NO， ICAM-1， and VCAM-1 were significant （P<0.05）. In terms of serum inflammatory factors， after treatment， the interleukin-6 （IL-6） level in the observation group was decreased significantly （P<0.05）. Compared with the control group after treatment， the IL-6 level in the observation group was decreased significantly （P<0.01）. In terms of serum lipoproteins， after treatment， the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C） in the observation group was decreased （P<0.05）. After treatment， the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C） in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group （P<0.05）. In terms of safety evaluation， no serious adverse events occurred in either group during the intervention period. ConclusionDanlou tablet applied to patients with CAS combined with CHD can improve endothelial function， reduce inflammatory indicators， alleviate symptoms， improve the quality of life of patients， and demonstrate good safety.

ObjectiveTo clarify the protective effect of Danlou tablet， a representative traditional Chinese medicine of the stagnation of phlegm and blood stasis co-treatment method， on vascular endothelial function in patients with atherosclerosis （AS）. MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted. From September 2023 to November 2023， a total of 72 patients who were diagnosed at Guang'anmen Hospital， China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for carotid atherosclerosis （CAS） combined with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease （CHD） and stable angina pectoris （SAP） were enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into a control group （receiving conventional Western medicine treatment） and an observation group （receiving Danlou tablet combined with conventional Western medicine treatment）， with 36 cases in each group. The intervention lasted for 12 weeks. The frequency of angina pectoris attacks was recorded to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Danlou tablet. Peripheral blood samples were collected from patients， and the expression levels of serum endothelial injury markers before and after treatment were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The nitrate reductase method was employed to evaluate the protective effect of Danlou tablet on vascular function. The expression levels of serum inflammatory factors and lipoproteins were determined by ELISA and an automatic biochemical analyzer （dynamic timed scatter turbidimetry and enzymatic method） to assess the anti-inflammatory and lipid-regulating effects of Danlou tablet. ResultsIn terms of angina pectoris attacks， compared with that in the control group， the frequency of attacks in the observation group was reduced （P<0.05）. In terms of endothelial injury markers， compared with the levels before treatment within the same group， the levels of endothelin-1 （ET-1）， intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （ICAM-1）， and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 （VCAM-1） in the peripheral blood of the observation group were decreased （P<0.05）， while the levels of nitric oxide （NO） and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） were increased （P<0.05）. Compared with the control group after treatment， the differences in ET-1， NO， ICAM-1， and VCAM-1 were significant （P<0.05）. In terms of serum inflammatory factors， after treatment， the interleukin-6 （IL-6） level in the observation group was decreased significantly （P<0.05）. Compared with the control group after treatment， the IL-6 level in the observation group was decreased significantly （P<0.01）. In terms of serum lipoproteins， after treatment， the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C） in the observation group was decreased （P<0.05）. After treatment， the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C） in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group （P<0.05）. In terms of safety evaluation， no serious adverse events occurred in either group during the intervention period. ConclusionDanlou tablet applied to patients with CAS combined with CHD can improve endothelial function， reduce inflammatory indicators， alleviate symptoms， improve the quality of life of patients， and demonstrate good safety.

Glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that plays an important role in various physiological and pathological processes. In recent years, its role in lung diseases has gradually attracted attention. Studies have found that GPNMB is abnormally expressed in lung diseases and is involved in regulating pathological processes such as inflammatory responses, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis. This article systematically reviews the research progress of GPNMB in common lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer, and explores its potential as a therapeutic target, providing new insights for the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases in the future.

Lupus nephritis (LN), one of the most severe complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), has a complex pathogenesis involving various endogenous factors including autoimmune complex deposition, inflammatory cell infiltration, and cellular damage. Recent research has increasingly highlighted the prominent role of inflammasomes, particularly the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, in LN pathogenesis. Substantial evidence has confirmed its significant role in both the onset and progression of LN. Given that the NLRP3 inflammasome is a critical factor in triggering and exacerbating LN, its mechanism of action warrants in-depth exploration. Furthermore, research on intervention strategies targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome to ameliorate LN is of great significance. This article reviews the latest advances in the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in LN pathogenesis and related intervention studies, which may offer new insights for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of LN.
Humans ; Lupus Nephritis/etiology* ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism* ; Inflammasomes/immunology* ; Animals

Our previous research demonstrated that the Wenxia Changfu Formula (WCF), as a neoadjuvant therapy, inhibits M2 macrophage infiltration in the tumor microenvironment and prevents lung cancer metastasis. Given tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), this study investigated whether WCF impedes lung cancer metastasis by attenuating TAM-induced EMT in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Utilizing a co-culture model treated with or without WCF, we observed that WCF downregulated cluster of differentiation 163 (CD163) expression in macrophages, reduced CCL18 levels in the conditioned medium, and inhibited the growth, invasion, and EMT of NSCLC cells induced by macrophage co-culture. Manipulation of CCL18 levels and Src overexpression in NSCLC cells revealed that WCF's effects are mediated through CCL18 and Src signaling. In vivo, WCF inhibited recombinant CCL18 (rCCL18)-induced tumor metastasis in nude mice by blocking Src signaling. These findings indicate that WCF inhibits NSCLC metastasis by impeding TAM-induced EMT via antagonistic modulation of CCL18, providing evidence for its potential development and clinical application in NSCLC patients.
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition/drug effects* ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/metabolism* ; Humans ; Animals ; Lung Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Chemokines, CC/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Tumor-Associated Macrophages/drug effects* ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Signal Transduction/drug effects*

Objective:To investigate the effectiveness of teaching with regular two-way quality feedback combined with the Balint group technique for improving the core competencies of nurses in the department of cardiology.Methods:From June 2021 to July 2023, we assigned 118 nurses in the department of cardiology of our hospital into control group ( n=59, receiving teaching with regular two-way quality feedback) and study group ( n=59, receiving teaching with regular two-way quality feedback combined with the Balint group technique). The two groups were compared in terms of theoretical and practical assessment results, core competencies, empathic skills, and patient satisfaction with nursing. SPSS 22.0 software was used to conduct the t test and chi-square test. Results:After 2 months of intervention, the study group showed a significantly higher theoretical score [(94.23±4.36) vs. (91.54±3.14), P<0.05] and a significantly higher practical score [(98.67±1.08) vs. (97.54±1.21), P<0.05] than the control group. Both groups showed significant improvements in the dimension scores of the core competency scale and the total score and dimension scores of the empathy scale, and the research group was superior to the control group (all P<0.05). Patient satisfaction with nursing quality was significantly better for the study group than for the control group ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Teaching with regular two-way quality feedback combined with the Balint group technique is effective for improving the core competencies and empathic skills of cardiovascular nurses and patient satisfaction with nursing quality, which is worthy of application in clinical teaching.

Anastomotic leak(AL)is one of the severe complications following colorectal cancer surgery,signifi-cantly impacting the patient prognosis and potentially endangering their life.Current treatments for AL involve colos-tomy diversion surgery or long-term total parenteral nutrition with abdominal drainage,supplemented by other con-servative measures.However,the overall effectiveness of these treatments remains unsatisfactory.In recent years,endoscopic techniques have emerged as a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of AL.Among these,a no-vel rake-shaped closure system,known as the over-the-scope clip(OTSC),has been recognized by clinicians for its simple operation,few complications,high technical success rate and high clinical success rate.

Objective To explore the value of biparametric magnetic resonance imaging(bp-MRI)radiomics models in noninvasive prediction of high-risk prostate cancer.Methods A total of 320 patients with pathologically confirmed prostate cancer were retro-spectively selected,and all patients underwent bp-MRI before pathology,including T2WI and diffusion weighted imaging(DWI).Appar-ent diffusion coefficient(ADC)maps were extracted from DWI.All patients were divided into high-risk(Gleason score≥8)and medium-low risk(Gleason score ≤7)groups based on the Gleason score.Using 3D Slicer software,the entire prostate gland was outlined.Python software was used to calculate parameters,and the minimum redundancy maximum correlation and sequence back-ward elimination algorithms were used to extract and select radiomics features and to build a model.Three radiomics(T2 WI,DWI,ADC)models were constructed and verified by logistic regression(LR).The performance of the model was evaluated by area under the curve(AUC)of receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,specificity(SP),sensitivity(SE),and accuracy(ACC).An indi-vidual prediction model was established via the clinical data of 224 patients and bp-MRI features,and validated via the data of 96 patients.Results A total of 1 165 radiomics features were extracted.After feature screening,2,4 and 6 radiomics features were screened out to construct T2WI model,DWI model and ADC model for predicting high-risk prostate cancer.All radiomics models had significant predictive performance in identifying medium-low risk and high-risk groups(P＜0.05).The DWI model had the highest predictive value,and the AUC,ACC,SE,and SP in the training group were 0.814,0.756,0.838,and 0.744,respectively.The AUC,ACC,SE,and SP in the verification group were 0.840,0.756,0.848,and 0.784,respectively.Conclusion Radiomics based on bp-MRI can better identify medium-low risk and high-risk prostate cancer before surgery.

Objective To explore the role and potential mechanisms of all-trans retinoic acid(ATRA)on activation and oxidative stress of hepatic stellate cell(HSC).Methods Platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF-bb,10 ng/ml)was applied to induce the activation of HSCs,which was then treated with ATRA at a dosage of 5 μmol/L for 48 h.The effects of ATRA on HSC activation were evaluated by detecting changes in cell growth viability and phenotypic marker expression.The effects of ATRA on HSC oxidative stress were evaluated by detecting changes in intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS),reduced glutathione(GSH)and malondialdehyde(MDA),and the expression of antioxidant genes.The effects of ATRA on HSC autophagic activity were evaluated by detecting changes in autophagy marker expression and autophagic flow.Results Compared with the PDGF-bb group,the cell viability was significantly reduced in ATRA-treated HSCs(P＜0.01),as well as the expression of α-SMA and Collagen I.The intracellular levels of ROS and MDA were significantly reduced in ATRA-treated HSCs(P＜0.01),whereas the GSH level was significantly increased(P＜0.01).The expression levels of antioxidant genes(NRF2,HO-1,and ATF4),were significantly higher in ATRA-treated HSCs than those in the normal ones under PDGF-bb condition(P＜0.01).Meanwhile,the expression of autophagy markers Beclin 1 and LC3 Ⅱ/I,and signal of autophagy flow in ATRA-treated HSCs were found to be significantly reduced(P＜0.01).Conclusion ATRA significantly inhibited PDGF-bb-induced HSC activation and reduced the level of oxidative stress and autophagic activity of HSCs,which had potential applications in the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis.

Objective To analyze the mechanism of Huangwu Ganfu Ointment in relieving pain of knee osteoarthritis(KOA)based on network pharmacology;To verify it in animal experiments.Methods The active components of Huangwu Ganfu Ointment were obtained by TCMSP database,PubChem database and SwissADME platform,the effective components were screened,and the targets were obtained from SEA database.KOA disease-related targets were obtained from GeneCards,OMIM and other databases,and the intersection targets were obtained.A effective component-target-disease network was constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.0 Software.Protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was constructed by STRING database and core targets were screened.GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of intersection targets were analyzed using DAVID platform.The KOA rat model with cold and damp syndrome was established,and the intervention of Huangwu Ganfu Ointment was carried out.The efficacy was observed and the core target expressions were detected.Results Totally 104 effective components were screened from Huangwu Ganfu Ointment,and 59 potential targets were obtained for treating KOA.PPI network interaction analysis obtained the important targets of IL6,IL1B and PTGS2.KEGG enrichment results showed that Huangwu Ganfu Ointment may involve 84 signaling pathways such as IL-17,TNF,TRP and NF-κB in the treatment of KOA,most of which were related to inflammation.The results of animal experiments showed that Lecuesne MG scores increased in the model rats(P<0.05),and paw withdrawal threshold(PWT)significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with model group,PWT in Huangwu Ganfu Ointment medium-and high-dosage groups were significantly recovered,and synovitis Krenn score decreased(P<0.05).The Mankin score of cartilage tissue of Huangwu Ganfu Ointment high-dosage group decreased(P<0.05).The contents of IL-6 and IL-1β in all Huangwu Ganfu Ointment groups decreased(P<0.01).Huangwu Ganfu Ointment medium-and high-dosage groups could down-regulate the expression of TRPV1 protein(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion The mechanism of Huangwu Ganfu Ointment in alleviating the pain of KOA may be related to reducing inflammatory response,reducing the release of inflammatory factors of IL-1β and IL-6,alleviating inflammatory pain sensitivity of KOA,and down-regulating the expression level of TRPV1.