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.

Background Gestational weight gain is closely related to maternal and infant health outcomes. Pregnant women are simultaneously exposed to four metals—lithium (Li), vanadium (V), uranium (U), and bismuth (Bi)—through inhalation of fine particulate matter and consumption of contaminated food and water. Existing studies suggest that exposure to these metals may be associated with gestational weight gain. However, no study has yet explored the complex relationships between exposure to mixtures of these four metals and weight gain at different stages of pregnancy. Objective To investigate the associations between mixed exposure to Li, V, U, and Bi in early pregnancy and the average weekly gestational weight gain during both early pregnancy and mid-to-late pregnancy. Methods This prospective study recruited eligible women in early pregnancy from an obstetrics clinic of a tertiary hospital in Jinan, China, between September 2021 and July 2023. Pre-pregnancy weight, current weight (at 11⁺⁰ to 13⁺⁶ weeks of gestation), and spot urine samples (≥5.0 mL) were collected at enrollment. Urinary concentrations of Li, V, Bi, and U were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Participants were followed up in late pregnancy (≥28 weeks of gestation) to collect information on physical activity via questionnaire; weight measurements at the last antenatal visit (35⁺⁰ to 37⁺⁶ weeks of gestation) were obtained from the hospital information system. After adjusting for covariates, multiple linear regression and generalized additive models were used to assess the associations of individual metals with weekly weight gain in early pregnancy and in mid-to-late pregnancy. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and quantile-based g-computation (Qgcomp) were applied to evaluate the joint effects of the metal mixture exposure on weekly weight gain at the two gestational stages. Results A total of 313 pregnant women were included. The geometric means of urinary Li, V, U, and Bi concentrations were 37.07, 0.20, 0.06, and 0.04 μg·L⁻¹, respectively; after creatinine adjustment, the corresponding values were 46.82, 0.25, 0.07, and 0.05 μg·g⁻¹ (Cr). The mean weekly gestational weight gain was (0.19±0.25) kg in early pregnancy and (0.53 ± 0.18) kg in mid-to-late pregnancy. Both multiple linear regression and generalized additive models showed that urinary V concentration was positively associated with average weekly gestational weight gain in early pregnancy, while no significant associations were found for other metals or for gestational weight gain in mid-to-late pregnancy. In the BKMR model with early-pregnancy weight gain as the outcome, V had the strongest association [posterior inclusion probability (PIP)=0.773]. When other metals were fixed at their medians, V showed a positive non-linear association with the outcome. A significant single-metal effect of V and its interaction with Li were observed. Compared with the 50th percentile of the metal mixture, the average weekly weight gain in early pregnancy increased by 0.016 (95%CI: 0.003, 0.029) and 0.018 (95%CI: 0.001, 0.036) at the 60th and 65th percentiles, respectively; conversely, at the 25th percentile, it decreased by 0.026 (95%CI: 0.002, 0.050). Overall, the joint effect of the metal mixture on early- pregnancy weight gain showed an upward trend. In the BKMR model for mid-to-late pregnancy gestational weight gain, all PIPs were<0.5, and no significant single-metal effects, interactions, or joint effects were identified. Qgcomp results confirmed a positive association between the metal mixture and early-pregnancy weight gain (b=0.031, 95%CI: 0.010, 0.051; P<0.01), with V contributing the highest positive weight (0.71). No significant association was found for weight gain in mid-to-late pregnancy (b=0.007, P=0.339). Conclusion Higher levels of co-exposure to the Li, V, Bi, and U metal mixture during early pregnancy may be associated with increased average weekly weight gain in early pregnancy. Among these metals, V exhibits a predominant role and appears to interact with Li. No association is observed between early-pregnancy metal mixture exposure and average weekly gestational weight gain in mid-to-late pregnancy. These findings suggest that monitoring and managing metal exposure during early pregnancy may be crucial for the rational regulation of gestational weight gain.

Objective Orosomucoid1 （ORM1） is a novel target in the quest for anti-fatigue pharmacotherapy. Preliminary investigations have illuminated oleuropein （OLE） as a promising candidate molecule, poised to enhance ORM1 expression. To elucidate the influence of OLE on ORM1 protein expression and assess its ramifications on muscle endurance. Methods The impact of OLE on ORM1 protein expressions within hepatocytes and liver tissue was meticulously quantified through Western blotting; the effects of OLE on muscle endurance were evaluated via the rotarod and forced swimming tests; glycogen content within liver and muscle tissues was determined utilizing a specialized kit; and PAS staining was employed to visualize glycogen deposition in the gastrocnemius muscle. Results OLE demonstrated a capacity to elevate ORM1 protein expression in hepatocytes in a time- and dose-dependent manner, concurrently prolonging the duration of swimming and rotarod performance in mice, also in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, OLE augmented ORM1 expression in liver tissue, elevated serum ORM1 levels, and enhanced glycogen reserves within the liver and muscle. Conclusion OLE may serve to amplify muscle endurance by elevating ORM1 levels in vivo and augmenting glycogen stores within skeletal muscle.

The aim of the experiment was to study the effects of Echinacea purpurea extract on the digestive ability,immune function and intestinal barrier of the Bamei ternary pigs.Forty-eight healthy pigs of 50 days old were randomly divided into four groups,each with three replicates and four pigs in each replicate.The control group(CON)was fed a basal diet,and the experimental group was divided into 5 g/kg(T1),10 g/kg(T2)and 15 g/kg(T3)of Echinacea extract in the basal diet.The pre-test period was 5 days and the main test period was 35 days with free feeding and drinking during the test period.The results showed that:There was no significant effect on the apparent digestibility of nutrients and jejunum morphology in the test group compared to the CON group(P＞0.05).Amylase and trypsin activities were significantly higher in the experimental group and lipase activities were significantly higher in T2 and T3 groups compared to CON group(P＜0.05).GSH,CAT and T-AOC activities were significantly higher in the experimental group compared to CON group(P＜0.05).In comparison with CON group,the levels of IL-1 and IL-6 were significantly lower in the experimental group(P＜0.05),and the levels of TNF-α were significantly lower in the T2 and T3 groups(P＜0.05);and the levels of IL-10 were signifi-cantly higher in the T3 group(P＜0.05).The mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR4,MyD88,TRAF6,and NF-κB were significantly lower in the experimental group(P＜0.05).The mRNA and protein expression levels of CLDN-1,OCLN and ZO-1 were significantly increased in the test group(P＜0.05).The results between the test groups showed that the protein expression levels of CLDN-1 and OCLN were significantly increased in the T3 group compared with the T1 group(P＜0.05).In conclusion,the addition of Echinacea extract to the ration can,to a certain ex-tent,improve the digestive ability,balance the immune ability,and improve the intestinal barrier function of the Bamei ternary pigs,thus promoting the intestinal health of pigs.

Objective:To investigate the effects of pulsed electric field (PEF) combined with gemcitabine (GEM) on the viability and stemness of HCCC-9810 cholangiocarcinoma stem cells.Methods:HCCC-9810 cholangiocarcinoma stem cells were established in serum-free, cytokine-rich medium and divided into four groups: the control group, GEM group, PEF group, and the pulsed electric field combined with gemcitabine (PEF+ GEM) group. Cell proliferation was detected using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay. Cell viability and apoptosis rate were measured by flow cytometry. Cell invasion ability was assessed using the Transwell assay. The expression of stemness marker proteins CD133 and Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4), as well as the expression of β-catenin, was detected by Western blotting.Results:Regarding cell viability, the GEM, PEF, and PEF+ GEM groups showed significantly lower cell viability and higher apoptosis rate than the control group at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h (all P<0.05). At 48 h and 72 h, the PEF+ GEM group showed significantly lower cell viability (7.2%±0.3% and 5.9%±0.8%, respectively) than the GEM group (50.7%±0.6% and 31.0%±1.2%, respectively) and the PEF group (12.2%±0.2% and 12.8%±0.2%, respectively) (all P<0.05). Regarding stemness inhibition, the PEF+ GEM groups showed significantly lower expression levels of CD133 and OCT4 at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h compared with the control group (all P<0.05). Notably, at 48 h, the PEF+ GEM group showed a significantly lower expression level of the OCT4 (0.61±0.02) than the GEM group (0.87±0.08) and the PEF group (1.00±0.10) ( P<0.01). Furthermore, at 24 h and 48 h, the GEM, PEF, and PEF+ GEM groups showed significantly lower expression levels of β-catenin compared with the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Pulsed electric field combined with gemcitabine therapy demonstrated more effective anti-proliferation and cancer stemness inhibition effects on HCCC-9810 cholangiocarcinoma stem cells compared with either monotherapy.

Objective To explore the application value of simple drawing line puncture combined with visual articular process arthroplasty in lateral foraminoscopy.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 89 patients with single-segment lumbar disc herniation treated with lateral foraminoscopy from May 2019 to December 2022,including traditional transforaminal endoscopic spine system(TESSYS)technology(conventional group,35 cases)and simple drawing line puncture combined with visual articular process arthroplasty(modified group,54 cases).The fluoroscopy times,puncture time,and operation time of the two groups were compared.The Visual Analogue Score(VAS),Oswestry Disability Index(ODI),and MacNab criteria were used to evaluate the surgical effect at 3 d after surgery and at the last follow-up.Results All the operations were successfully completed without conversion to open surgery.In the conventional group,there was 1 case of L4 nerve root injury,who was considered intraoperative nerve root compression injury.There was no abnormality in lower limb muscle strength after surgery,but hyperalgesia and numbness in the innervated cutaneous area accompanied by nocturnal cramps.The patient was given treatment with pregabalin,mecobalamin,vitamin B1 and B6 for 2 months,and returned to normal at 1 year of follow-up.The other cases had no complications such as dural injury,abdominal organ injury,or incision infection.Recurrence occurred in 1 case in the conventional group and 2 cases in the modified group,and all the 3 cases occurred within 3 months after operation.Among them,2 patients had severe symptoms and underwent endoscopic revision again,and the other patient improved after conservative treatment.Compared with the conventional group,the puncture times[(1.8±0.7)times vs.(7.5±1.1)times,t=27.543,P=0.000].fluoroscopy times[(5.7±1.8)times vs.(23.2±2.2)times,t=41.235,P=0.000]and operation time[(72.7±7.2)min vs.(92.7±7.7)min,t=12.317,P=0.000]in the modified group were significantly reduced or shortened,and there was no significant difference in postoperative hospital stay[(3.2±0.6)d vs.(3.3±0.6)d,t=0.062,P=0.951]between the two groups.The conventional group was followed up for(14.0±1.3)months and the modified group was followed up for(13.6±1.2)months.There were no significant differences in VAS scores[(1.5±0.6)points vs.(1.6±0.7)points,t=0.751,P=0.455].ODI[(10.8±3.4)％vs.(11.8±3.9)％,t=1.284,P=0.202].and excellent and good rate of MacNab criteria[100％(54/54)vs.100％(35/35),Z=-0.981,P=0.327]between the two groups at the last follow-up.Conclusions Simple drawing line puncture combined with visual articular process arthroplasty can significantly improve the accuracy of intervertebral foramen aspiration,with simple operation,reduced X-ray exposure for doctors and patients,shortened operation time,and improved surgical safety.It is worthy of promotion and application in percutaneous foraminoscopy.

Return to work is regarded as an important milestone in the recovery process and reintegration into society for cancer patients.Returning to work can not only meet the basic economic needs of cancer patients, but also promote the realization of individual and social values, contributing to improving their quality of life and physical and mental health.This article reviewed the relevant evaluation tools developed at home and abroad for cancer patients' return to work, and provides a more comprehensive and reliable reference for medical staff to accurately evaluate the return to work of cancer patients, formulate personalized vocational rehabilitation plans, improve the return to work rate of cancer patients and improve the quality of life.

Objective:To investigate the effects of pulsed electric field (PEF) combined with gemcitabine (GEM) on the viability and stemness of HCCC-9810 cholangiocarcinoma stem cells.Methods:HCCC-9810 cholangiocarcinoma stem cells were established in serum-free, cytokine-rich medium and divided into four groups: the control group, GEM group, PEF group, and the pulsed electric field combined with gemcitabine (PEF+ GEM) group. Cell proliferation was detected using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay. Cell viability and apoptosis rate were measured by flow cytometry. Cell invasion ability was assessed using the Transwell assay. The expression of stemness marker proteins CD133 and Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4), as well as the expression of β-catenin, was detected by Western blotting.Results:Regarding cell viability, the GEM, PEF, and PEF+ GEM groups showed significantly lower cell viability and higher apoptosis rate than the control group at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h (all P<0.05). At 48 h and 72 h, the PEF+ GEM group showed significantly lower cell viability (7.2%±0.3% and 5.9%±0.8%, respectively) than the GEM group (50.7%±0.6% and 31.0%±1.2%, respectively) and the PEF group (12.2%±0.2% and 12.8%±0.2%, respectively) (all P<0.05). Regarding stemness inhibition, the PEF+ GEM groups showed significantly lower expression levels of CD133 and OCT4 at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h compared with the control group (all P<0.05). Notably, at 48 h, the PEF+ GEM group showed a significantly lower expression level of the OCT4 (0.61±0.02) than the GEM group (0.87±0.08) and the PEF group (1.00±0.10) ( P<0.01). Furthermore, at 24 h and 48 h, the GEM, PEF, and PEF+ GEM groups showed significantly lower expression levels of β-catenin compared with the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Pulsed electric field combined with gemcitabine therapy demonstrated more effective anti-proliferation and cancer stemness inhibition effects on HCCC-9810 cholangiocarcinoma stem cells compared with either monotherapy.

Objective To explore the application value of simple drawing line puncture combined with visual articular process arthroplasty in lateral foraminoscopy.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 89 patients with single-segment lumbar disc herniation treated with lateral foraminoscopy from May 2019 to December 2022,including traditional transforaminal endoscopic spine system(TESSYS)technology(conventional group,35 cases)and simple drawing line puncture combined with visual articular process arthroplasty(modified group,54 cases).The fluoroscopy times,puncture time,and operation time of the two groups were compared.The Visual Analogue Score(VAS),Oswestry Disability Index(ODI),and MacNab criteria were used to evaluate the surgical effect at 3 d after surgery and at the last follow-up.Results All the operations were successfully completed without conversion to open surgery.In the conventional group,there was 1 case of L4 nerve root injury,who was considered intraoperative nerve root compression injury.There was no abnormality in lower limb muscle strength after surgery,but hyperalgesia and numbness in the innervated cutaneous area accompanied by nocturnal cramps.The patient was given treatment with pregabalin,mecobalamin,vitamin B1 and B6 for 2 months,and returned to normal at 1 year of follow-up.The other cases had no complications such as dural injury,abdominal organ injury,or incision infection.Recurrence occurred in 1 case in the conventional group and 2 cases in the modified group,and all the 3 cases occurred within 3 months after operation.Among them,2 patients had severe symptoms and underwent endoscopic revision again,and the other patient improved after conservative treatment.Compared with the conventional group,the puncture times[(1.8±0.7)times vs.(7.5±1.1)times,t=27.543,P=0.000].fluoroscopy times[(5.7±1.8)times vs.(23.2±2.2)times,t=41.235,P=0.000]and operation time[(72.7±7.2)min vs.(92.7±7.7)min,t=12.317,P=0.000]in the modified group were significantly reduced or shortened,and there was no significant difference in postoperative hospital stay[(3.2±0.6)d vs.(3.3±0.6)d,t=0.062,P=0.951]between the two groups.The conventional group was followed up for(14.0±1.3)months and the modified group was followed up for(13.6±1.2)months.There were no significant differences in VAS scores[(1.5±0.6)points vs.(1.6±0.7)points,t=0.751,P=0.455].ODI[(10.8±3.4)％vs.(11.8±3.9)％,t=1.284,P=0.202].and excellent and good rate of MacNab criteria[100％(54/54)vs.100％(35/35),Z=-0.981,P=0.327]between the two groups at the last follow-up.Conclusions Simple drawing line puncture combined with visual articular process arthroplasty can significantly improve the accuracy of intervertebral foramen aspiration,with simple operation,reduced X-ray exposure for doctors and patients,shortened operation time,and improved surgical safety.It is worthy of promotion and application in percutaneous foraminoscopy.

This study aims to investigate the effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP12 on obe-sity prevention.In our study,Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP12 was added to the diet for feed-ing,and the blood biochemistry status of rabbit,as well as the antioxidant effect of serum and liver samples were analyzed by determining the body weight change and feed intake of Japanese White rabbits.The changes in colony structure and abundance were also analyzed by 16S rDNA sequen-cing.The results showed that supplementation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP12 inhibits weight gain,decreases serum glucose and ALT levels,and increases SOD activity in the liver.16S RNA gene sequencing analysis showed that the addition of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP12 increases the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Desulfovibrioides at the phylum level,and the supple-mentation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP12 increases the abundance of Muribaculaceae at the genus level.Predictive analysis of microbiota function revealed that the supplementation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP12 positively regulated iron-sulfur clusters and Zn-dependent proteases.In conclusion,the addition of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum effectively inhibits weight gain in Japanese White rabbits,enhances the antioxidative activity of the liver,and induces altera-tions in the gut microbiota composition of these rabbits.These findings lay an experimental foun-dation for further exploring the mechanisms by which Lactobacillus plantarum LP12 exerts its preventive effects against obesity and promotes metabolic health.