Hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） is a common malignant tumor with a high mortality rate， an insidious onset， and complex pathological mechanisms. In the tumor microenvironment， tumor-promoting immune cells protect tumor cells from immune attacks， while dysfunction of anti-tumor immune cells causes the inhibition of immune response， thereby leading to the continuous deterioration of cancer. In recent years， traditional Chinese medicine has shown good efficacy in the treatment of HCC， and it can inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells by regulating immune cells. By analyzing related articles in China and globally， this article summarizes how immune cells affect the progression of HCC through the immunosuppressive pathway and how traditional Chinese medicine exerts an anti-HCC effect by regulating immune cells， in order to provide theoretical basis and reference for optimizing the treatment of HCC.

Objective To investigate the effects and mechanisms of silica dust on the apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) through in vitro and animal experiments. Methods i) In vitro experiment. A549 cells were stimulated with 100 mg/L silica suspension for 0, 12, 24 and 48 hours. The cell apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry. ii) Animal experiment. Specific pathogen-free male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control, 14-day, 28-day, and 56-day groups, with five mice in each group. The mice in the control group were sacrificed at 56 days after being treated with 40.0 μL 0.9% sodium chloride solution, and the mice in the last three groups were sacrificed at 14, 28 and 56 days after being treated with 40.0 μL silica suspension with a mass concentration of 125 g/L via tracheal exposure method. The lung tissues of mice were collected to measure lung organ coefficients. Masson staining was used to detect the degree of pulmonary fibrosis, and Ashcroft scores were evaluated. The apoptosis of AEC in mice was observed by TUNEL immunofluorescence assay. iii) The mRNA relative expression of apoptosis-related genes in A549 cells and mouse lung tissue was detected using reverse transcription and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results i) In vitro experiment. The apoptosis rate of A549 cells increased with longer silica exposure (all P<0.05). The relative expression of B cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) mRNA in A549 cells in 24 h group and 48 h group decreased (both P<0.05), and the relative expression of BCL-2 associated X protein (BAX) mRNA increased (both P<0.05), compared with 0 h group. The mRNA relative expression of caspase (CASP) -3 and CASP-9 in A549 cells increased with longer silica exposure (all P<0.05). ii) Animal experiment. The lung organ coefficients and Ashcroft score in mice progressively increased (all P<0.05), the degree of pulmonary fibrosis was gradually aggravated, and TUNEL positive cells in lung tissue were gradually increased, while Bax, Casp-3 and Casp-9 mRNA relative expression increased with longer silica exposure (all P<0.05). Conclusion Silica dust may cause pulmonary fibrosis by inducing apoptosis of AEC, with a time-dependent effect. The mechanism may be related to the effect of silica dust on mitochondrial apoptosis through Bcl-2/Bax/Caspase-3 signaling pathway.

Objective: To explore the muscle mass index (MMI) among adolescents in Xinjiangs agricultural and pastoral areas and its association with cardiovascular risk factors, providing references and basis for the prevention and intervention of cardiovascular diseases among adolescents in these regions. Methods: From March to July 2023, a total of 1 842 students aged 13-18 years from four middle schools in Yili agricultural and pastoral areas of Xinjiang were selected using cluster random sampling. Measurements of muscle mass, physical indicators, questionnaires, and blood samples were conducted and analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed using oneway analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis H test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Logistic regression analysis. Results: There were significant differences in weight，body mass index (BMI)，waist circumference，muscle mass，systolic blood pressure，diastolic blood pressure，total cholesterol，highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol and fasting blood glucose among adolescents with severe, insufficient, good, and sufficient MMI in Xinjiangs agricultural and pastoral areas(F=326.78，634.76，261.67，134.56，80.14，16.78，5.84，21.67，3.42，P<0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusting age and BMI, the risk of cardiovascular risk factors aggregation in adolescents with good (OR=0.55-0.62) and adequate (OR=0.52-0.57) MMI were lower than that in adolescents with insufficient MMI (P<0.05). After gender stratification, the risk of cardiovascular risk factors aggregation in adolescents with good MMI for boys (OR=0.48-0.62) and with good MMI for girls (OR=0.61) were also lower than that in adolescents with insufficient MMI (P<0.05). Conclusions MMI in adolescents from agricultural and pastoral areas of Xinjiang are positively correlated with cardiovascular health. Future efforts should focus on muscle strength training for adolescents in these areas, as improving MMI can play a positive role in promoting cardiovascular health in adolescents.

Objective:To assess the efficacy and safety of Gongxuening Capsules in reducing post-abortion bleeding following artificial abortion.Methods:A multicenter, randomized, double-blind study was conducted. From May 31, 2022 to March 31, 2023, 484 women who underwent vacuum aspiration abortion for early intrauterine pregnancy were enrolled in 11 centers and randomly assigned to control group and the study group at a 1∶1 ratio using a center-block randomization method. Control group were administered a placebo of Gongxuening Capsules for 9 d, while the study group received the actual Gongxuening Capsules for the same duration. The outcomes measured included vaginal bleeding volume, duration of vaginal bleeding, endometrial thickness, time to menstrual recovery, and complications.Results:1) A total of 484 subjects were enrolled, and 472 completed the study. Totally 450 subjects were included in the efficacy analysis set, with 224 in control group and 226 in the study group; 468 subjects were included in the safety analysis set, with 236 in control group and 232 in the study group. The baseline characteristics of the two groups were comparable (all P>0.05). 2) The vaginal bleeding volume was lower in the study group [(13.30±12.14) mL] than in control group [(19.00±17.67) mL, P<0.001]. The proportion of subjects in the study group with bleeding days less than 4 d [29.65% (67/226)] was higher than that in control group [19.20% (43/224), P=0.010]. 3) No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of time to menstrual recovery and endometrial thickness (all P>0.05). 4) In the study group, 3 subjects experienced non-therapeutic-related complications, while 11 subjects in control group. The incidence of complications was lower in the study group [1.29% (3/232)] than in control group [4.66% (11/236), P=0.033]. Conclusion:The administration of Gongxuening Capsules to women following artificial abortion significantly reduced vaginal bleeding volume and was associated with good safety, with the treatment being well-tolerated by the subjects.

Objective:To retrieve, screen, evaluate and integrate the relevant evidence of nursing management for patent foramen ovale detected by contrast transesophageal echocardiography (cTEE) to provide a basis for clinical practice.Methods:A systematic search was conducted in relevant Chinese and English databases, guideline websites, and professional association websites such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, PubMed, and MedLink, etc. Relevant literatures on the detection of patent foramen ovale by cTEE were included, including guidelines, expert conconsensus, clinical decisions, evidence summaries, and systematic reviews. The search period was from the establishment of the database to July 31, 2024. Two evidence-based nursing researchers evaluated the quality of the literature and extracted relevant evidence in combination with clinical situations.Results:A total of 15 literatures were included. Among them, there were 3 guidelines, 6 expert consensuses, 3 clinical decisions, 2 quasi-experiments, and 1 systematic review. Thirty pieces of evidence were summarized from five aspects: assessment, education and publicity, preparation before examination, detection during examination, care after examination.Conclusions:The best evidence for the nursing management of patent foramen ovale detected by cTEE is of high quality and strong authority, which can provide evidence-based basis for standardizing clinical practice and accurately and efficiently detecting patent foramen ovale.

Space radiation is the most important environmental harmful factor in long-term manned spaceflight and deep space exploration, and it may produce deterministic and stochastic effects on tissues and organs. In-depth research into the biological effects, mechanisms, and protective measures of space radiation is essential and serves as an important foundation for exploring radiation biology and promoting major manned space projects. Firstly, this review introduces the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of space radiation during low-earth orbit flights, manned lunar landings, and deep space exploration missions, as well as the health risks and challenges it posed to astronauts. Then, it discusses medical requirements and exposure limits, risk assessment, and protection technologies included in the space radiation protection system established internationally and over 30 years of Chinese manned spaceflight departments. Finally, it outlines the subsequent work and prospects for further research.

Objective To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Huatan Quyu Decoction on learning and memory abilities in rats with vascular dementia(VD).Methods Totally 112 male SD rats were randomly selected with 16 rats as the sham-operation group,the remaining rats were used to prepare VD models by segmental ligation of the common carotid artery.The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into model group,Huatan Quyu Decoction low-,medium-and high-dosage groups(6.1,12.1,24.2 g/kg),donepezil hydrochloride group(0.5 mg/kg)and combination group(Huatan Quyu Decoction 12.1 g/kg+donepezil hydrochloride 0.5 mg/kg),with 16 rats in each group.Each group was given the corresponding treatment measures for 4 weeks.The Morris water maze test was used to assess learning and memory abilities,neurological function was evaluated using Garcia score,HE staining was used to observe the morphology of the hippocampal tissue,ELISA was employed to detect the serum content of Aβ,immunohistochemistry was utilized to observe the β-catenin,LRP6 and GSK-3β protein expression in brain tissue.Results Compared with the sham-operation group,the escape latency of the model group rats was prolonged(P<0.01),the number of crossing platforms was reduced(P<0.01),and the neurological deficit score was decreased(P<0.01),the arrangement of hippocampal tissue cells was disorderly,and the tissue was severely damaged,the serum Aβ content increased(P<0.01),the expressions of β-catenin and LRP6 protein in brain tissue decreased,and the expression of GSK-3β protein increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the escape latency of rats in each administration group was shortened,the number of crossing platforms increased,the neurological deficit score increased,the number of hippocampal cells was relatively more,the arrangement was more orderly,and the structure was relatively complete,the serum Aβ content decreased,the expressions of β-catenin and LRP6 proteins increased,and the expression of GSK-3β protein decreased.Among them,Huatan Quyu Decoction high-dosage group had a significantly better effect than Huatan Quyu Decoction low-and medium-dosage groups(P<0.01),and there was no statistical significance in various indicators compared with the donepezil hydrochloride group(P>0.05).Compared with the donepezil hydrochloride group,the combination group showed significant improvements in learning and memory abilities(P<0.01),the neurological deficit score significantly increased(P<0.01),the number of hippocampal cells significantly increased,arranged neatly,and structurally intact,the serum Aβ content significantly decreased(P<0.01),the expression of β-catenin and LRP6 proteins significantly increased,and the expression of GSK-3β protein significantly decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion Huatan Quyu Decoction can repair cognitive function in VD rats,improve learning and memory abilities,and alleviate VD symptoms by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to reduce serum Aβ content,decrease the apoptosis of nerve cells and alleviate the degree of pathological damage in hippocampal tissue.

Objective To investigate the effects of a continuous-dose administration versus different dosage regimens of polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution(PEG)taken in two doses with a 12-hour interval on bowel cleansing efficacy,with the goal of optimizing bowel preparation protocols and improving patient tolerability.Methods 232 patients who underwent painless colonoscopy and used PEG as a bowel cleanser from June 2024 to September 2024 were selected as study subjects.Participants were divided into three groups:the control group(3.00 L PEG continuous dose),experimental group A(0.75 L+2.25 L PEG),and experimental group B(1.50 L+1.50 L PEG).All patients underwent painless colonoscopy within 4～6 h after completing PEG intake.The interval between the two doses of PEG in group A and group B was 12 h.The bowel cleansing efficacy was assessed by using the Boston bowel preparation scale(BBPS),and the rates of colon polyp detection,adverse reactions,sleep duration,and tolerability were recorded.Results There were no significant statistical differences in BBPS scores and colon polyp detection rates among the three groups(P>0.05).Experimental group B experienced the least adverse reactions,followed by experimental group A,while the control group reported the most significant adverse reactions(P<0.05).The timing of PEG administration did not have a significant impact on sleep duration among the three groups(P>0.05).Patients in experimental group B showed good tolerability to PEG and were willing to accept this bowel preparation regimen,followed by group A,while the control group exhibited the poorest tolerability,with significant statistical differences among the three groups(P<0.05).Conclusion The continuous administration and divided administration of PEG have no significant impact on the effectiveness of intestinal cleansing and the detection rate of colonic polyps.However,the divided PEG regimen with a 12 h interval results in fewer adverse reactions and better tolerance,especially the optimal regimen of taking 1.50 L PEG in two doses with a 12 h interval.

Objective:To explore the clinical and salivary metabolic component characteristics of patients with OSA combined with LPRD, and to investigate the potential co-morbid mechanisms of LPRD and OSA.Methods:A total of 98 adult patients with OSA (81 males and 17 females) who visited the Department of Otolaryngology of Peking University Third Hospital from March 2024 to May 2024 were consecutively included. The age ranged from 19 to 68 years (mean±standard deviation: 39.44±11.39 years). The severity of OSA was grouped according to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) [mild group (29 cases), moderate group (26 cases), and severe group (43 cases)]. Patients with a reflux symptom index score (RSI)>13 points and/or a reflux sign score (RFS)>7 points were considered LPRD positive. Among the 98 OSA patients, 48 had LPRD and 50 did not. All patients were diagnosed with OSA through out of center sleep testing(OCST) or polysomnography (PSG), and general information, laryngoscopic examination images, and RSI scales were collected. The RFS was evaluated based on the laryngoscopic examination results. Saliva samples were collected from both groups for metabolomics analysis. Chi-square test was used for categorical variable comparison, and independent sample t-test or one-way ANOVA analysis of variance was used for continuous variable comparison.Results:Stratified analysis showed that the proportion of male patients in the mild OSA group was significantly lower than that in the moderate or severe OSA groups (58.6%, 92.3%, 93.0%, χ2=16.43, P<0.001), and the BMI was significantly lower in the mild OSA group [(25.80±4.41)kg/m 2, (27.53±3.88)kg/m 2, (28.99±3.65)kg/m 2, F=6.91, P=0.002]. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of LPRD among patients with different severity of OSA. The BMI of OSA patients with LPRD was higher than that of patients with OSA alone [(28.65±4.75)kg/m 2, (26.94±3.16)kg/m 2, t=-2.07, P=0.041], but there were no statistically significant differences in gender composition, age, AHI, and minimum blood oxygen saturation between the two groups. The metabolomics results of saliva samples from both groups showed significant differences in the levels of tryptophan pathway metabolites. The salivary serotonin metabolite level in patients with LPRD combined with OSA was significantly lower than that in patients with OSA alone (relative abundance 0.12±0.019 vs 0.22±0.046, t=2.04, P=0.045). Conclusion:Patients with OSA combined with LPRD have a greater BMI and significantly lower serotonin, a tryptophan metabolite component of saliva, which may be a potential co-morbidity mechanism between OSA and LPRD.

Purpose To investigate the expression of LAMB3 and ITGB4 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)and analyze their associations with clinicopathological features.Methods Bioinformatics was used to assess the expression of LAMB3 and ITGB4 in pan-cancer and ESCC.Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate their expression and distribution in ESCC tissues,and correlations clinicopathological features were analyzed.Follow-up data were collected to construct Kaplan-Meier survival curves,and Cox regression analysis was proformed to determine their prognostic significance.Results Bioinformatics analysis showed that LAMB3 and ITGB4 were highly expressed in ES-CC tissues(P＜0.001).Immunohistochemistry confirmed that both proteins were localized in the cytoplasm and membrane of tumor cells.High LAMB3 expression was significantly associated with poor differentiation(P＜0.001),lymph node metastasis(P=0.015),and T staging(P＜0.001).High ITGB4 expression was significantly correlated with poor differentiation(P=0.004)and advanced T staging(P=0.004).Cox regression analysis identified high ex-pression of LAMB3 and ITGB4 as independent prognostic factors for overall survival[HR=4.97(95％CI:2.73-9.02);HR=2.33(95％CI:1.36-3.99)].Conclusion LAMB3 and ITGB4 are highly expressed in ESCC.High LAMB3 expression is associated with tumor differentiation,lymph node metastasis,and T staging,while high ITGB4 expression is correlated with tumor differentiation and T staging.Patients with high expression of LAMB3 or ITGB4 have poorer overall survival,suggesting that these proteins may serve as prognostic biomarkers for unfavorable outcome in ESCC.