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.

Licochalcone E is a chalcone isolated from Glycyrrhiza uralensis and G. inflata Batal. This study explored the effect of licochalcone E on improving hepatic steatosis in obese mice and evaluated the role of licochalcone E in regulating lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. In vitro, oleic acid–induced hepatocytes were treated with licochalcone E to investigate its effect on lipid metabolic pathways. In animal experiments, male C57BL/6 mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) and treated with licochalcone E by intraperitoneal injection for 12 weeks to assess its effects on biochemical indexes and hepatic steatosis. Furthermore, mice were fed a methionine/choline-deficient (MCD) diet and administered licochalcone E, followed by evaluation of liver fibrosis. Licochalcone E effectively reduced body weight, epididymal and inguinal fat weight, and adipocyte size in HFD-induced obese mice. Licochalcone E treatment of obese mice also reduced hepatic lipid accumulation and improved hepatocyte steatosis. Licochalcone E regulated the expression of lipogenesis- and lipolysis-related genes in the livers of obese mice and increased AMPK phosphorylation and Sirt1 expression in the liver. Licochalcone E also attenuated hepatic inflammation and oxidative stress in obese mice. Furthermore, treatment of MCD-induced mice with licochalcone E reduced the number of lipid vacuoles and the extent of fibrosis and inhibited liver inflammation. In FL83B hepatocytes, licochalcone E could regulate lipogenesis and lipolysis, and increase the phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC. These findings provide new insights into the role of licochalcone E in regulating lipid metabolism and preventing hepatic steatosis.

Background Platelet parameters are important indicators of cardiovascular risk, and environmental pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may impair platelet function through oxidative stress. Objective To investigate the differential effects of single and mixed exposure to PCBs on platelet parameters among individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to evaluate the potential modifying role of a healthy lifestyle. Methods This study included 2249 participants (including 707 with NGT, 759 with IFG, and 783 with T2DM). Plasma PCB concentrations were measured using triple quadrupole gaschromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Generalized linear regression was used to assess the associations between individual PCB congeners and platelet parameters. Quantile g-computation (QGC) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were used to evaluate the overall effects of PCBs mixture exposure on platelet parameters across different glycemic states, as well as its interaction with healthy lifestyle score (HLS). Results Generalized linear regression analyses showed significant differences in the effects of PCBs on platelet parameters across different glycemic states (P<0.05). After adjusting for confounders, PCBs mixture exposure was significantly associated with lower platelet counts (PLT) in individuals with NGT (b=−10.60, 95%CI: −16.48, −4.71) and IFG (b=−12.91, 95%CI: −18.90, −6.92), whereas no significant association was observed in individuals with T2DM (P=0.051). Mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet-large cell ratio (P-LCR) increased significantly with higher PCBs exposure levels across all three groups (P<0.05). BKMR analysis showed a positive association between PCBs mixture exposure and P-LCR, with the strongest association observed in the NGT group. Furthermore, a significant interaction was observed between HLS and PCBs mixture exposure, and a higher HLS attenuated the effects of PCBs on P-LCR. Conclusion Glycemic glycemic states may modify the effects of PCBs on platelets. Individuals with NGT appear more sensitive to PCBs exposure, whereas the T2DM state may attenuate this effect. Moreover, healthy lifestyles, including not smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, maintaining moderate-to-high physical activity, a healthy diet, and an appropriate body mass index (BMI), may mitigate the adverse effects of most PCBs on platelet parameters.

Background Platelet parameters are important indicators of cardiovascular risk, and environmental pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may impair platelet function through oxidative stress. Objective To investigate the differential effects of single and mixed exposure to PCBs on platelet parameters among individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to evaluate the potential modifying role of a healthy lifestyle. Methods This study included 2249 participants (including 707 with NGT, 759 with IFG, and 783 with T2DM). Plasma PCB concentrations were measured using triple quadrupole gaschromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Generalized linear regression was used to assess the associations between individual PCB congeners and platelet parameters. Quantile g-computation (QGC) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were used to evaluate the overall effects of PCBs mixture exposure on platelet parameters across different glycemic states, as well as its interaction with healthy lifestyle score (HLS). Results Generalized linear regression analyses showed significant differences in the effects of PCBs on platelet parameters across different glycemic states (P<0.05). After adjusting for confounders, PCBs mixture exposure was significantly associated with lower platelet counts (PLT) in individuals with NGT (b=−10.60, 95%CI: −16.48, −4.71) and IFG (b=−12.91, 95%CI: −18.90, −6.92), whereas no significant association was observed in individuals with T2DM (P=0.051). Mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet-large cell ratio (P-LCR) increased significantly with higher PCBs exposure levels across all three groups (P<0.05). BKMR analysis showed a positive association between PCBs mixture exposure and P-LCR, with the strongest association observed in the NGT group. Furthermore, a significant interaction was observed between HLS and PCBs mixture exposure, and a higher HLS attenuated the effects of PCBs on P-LCR. Conclusion Glycemic glycemic states may modify the effects of PCBs on platelets. Individuals with NGT appear more sensitive to PCBs exposure, whereas the T2DM state may attenuate this effect. Moreover, healthy lifestyles, including not smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, maintaining moderate-to-high physical activity, a healthy diet, and an appropriate body mass index (BMI), may mitigate the adverse effects of most PCBs on platelet parameters.

Objective This study reports on the obligatory parasitism of water mites Arrenurus sp. on Anopheles messeae at the Manzhouli Port, Inner Mongolia, China. Methods Duing July 2024, a survey on the mosquito diversity was conducted at the Manzhouli Port. Captured mosquitoes and their ectoparasites were identified to species level. Results A total of 1840 adult mosquitoes were collected, representing species from three genera: Culex(Cx. modestus, Cx. pipiens pallens), Aedes(Ae. dorsalis, Ae. flavidorsalis, Ae. flavescens), and Anopheles (An. messeae). Among all the mosqutioes specimens,3 out of 150 captured An. messeae were found to carry ectoparasitic mites, with number of 2,4,27 mites separately. Morphological and molecular identification reached the same result as water mites(Hydrachnidiae, Hydracrina). COI gene sequence showed 94% similarity with the closest species Arrenurus truncatellus. Conlusions Literature review suggests water mites are host-specific parasitism of mosquito species and herein with the first record of Arrenurus sp. parasiting on An. Messeae in the most high-latitude region globally.

Objective Depression,a most common psychiatric disease,is defined in Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)as Yu Syndrome,i.e.,depression disorder,or Baihe Disease,i.e.,lily bulb disease,a category of emotional disorders treated with lily-based TCM preparations.In TCM,depression is managed through syndrome differentiation and treatment,which is characterized by high efficacy and safety.However,there is no unified standard for the classification of depression syndromes,which leads to a disconnection between the analysis of patients'medication patterns and their actual syndromes and hinders the study of medication patterns specific to particular syndromes.Therefore,this study is focused on investigating the medication patterns of different sub-types of depression patients based on an objective classification system of depression.Methods We searched for and retrieved clinical literature on TCM formulas for depression from relevant databases,including China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang Data,VIP Database,Sinomed,Web of Science,and PubMed.Information on patient symptoms and medication was standardized.Then,the symptoms and the medication frequency of depression patients were statistically analyzed.We used the K-means clustering method combined with implicit structural analysis to objectively categorize depression patients into sub-types.In addition,the main symptoms and core TCM formulas of each sub-type of depression patients were identified.On the basis of objective classification system,we also statistically analyzed the characteristics of herbs used on depression patients,including the 4 basic properties,the 5 flavors,the attributes,the therapeutic efficacy,and the co-occurrence patterns,which may help reveal the medication patterns.Results A total of 3 537 publications and 4 434 prescriptions were included in the analysis.By using the K-means algorithm and latent structure analysis methods,patients with depression were categorized into 9 sub-types,with Cluster 6 accounting for the largest proportion.The most common symptoms among depression patients were insomnia and a depressed mood.Medication frequency analysis showed that Radix Bupleuri(Chai Hu),Radix Paeoniae Alba(Bai Shao),Poria(Fu Ling),Rhizoma Chuanxiong(Chuan Xiong),and Radix Curcumae(Yu Jin)were the most commonly used TCM herbs.For the depression sub-types of Clusters 1,2,and 6,blood-activating and stasis-dissolving herbs were used most often.The depression sub-types of Clusters 3,4,5,8,and 9 were mainly treated with qi-regulating herbs,while the depression sub-type of Cluster 7 was treated with qi-supplementing herbs.Depression patients were mostly treated with herbs that were cold or warm in nature and had sweet,bitter,and pungent flavors.Moreover,treatments for Cluster 1 and Cluster 6 mainly targeted the spleen meridian,while those for Cluster 2,Cluster 3,Cluster 4 and Cluster 5 mainly targeted the heart meridian.The treatments for the other sub-types mainly targeted the liver meridian.The core TCM formulas for the 9 depression sub-types included Zishui Qinggan Decoction,Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder,Huanglian Wendan Tang,Chaihu Guizhi Tang,Modified Xiaoyao Powder,Qinggan Jieyu Tang,Xiaoyao Powder,Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction,and Bazhen Decoction.The most commonly used Chinese herbal medicinal formulas were Gan Cao-Chai Hu,Bai Shao-Chai Hu,and Chen Pi-Chai Hu.Conclusion Based on machine learning,this study reveals the scientific aspects of TCM typing and syndrome-based treatment.It clarifies the rationale for targeting different symptoms in depression treatment and provides theoretical support for clinicians to make medication prescriptions.It also presents a new perspective for investigating TCM medication patterns.

Objective To establish a stable,reliable,and clinically relevant porcine model of endotoxin-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS).Methods Ten 8-month-old male Bama minipigs were deeply sedated,followed by invasive mechanical ventilation and electrocardiographic monitoring.Lipopolysaccharide(LPS)was intravenously pumped at 600 μg/(kg·h)for 3 hours,then maintained at 15 μg/(kg·h)thereafter.Dynamic monitoring was performed at five time points after LPS injection(LPS 0,1,3,5,and 8 h),including arterial blood gas analysis and chest computed tomography(CT)scans.Pathological examination of lung tissues obtained via bronchoscopic biopsy(HE staining and transmission electron microscopy)was conducted.These indicators were comprehensively used to evaluate the success of the animal model.Results At 5 hours after LPS administration,8 minipigs developed symptoms such as skin cyanosis,elevated body temperature,and respiratory distress.The oxygenation index decreased to<300 mmHg.Chest CT scans showed diffuse pulmonary infiltrates.Histopathology revealed alveolar edema and hyaline membrane formation.Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated disruption of pulmonary blood-air barrier,depletion of lamellar bodies in type Ⅱ pneumocytes,inflammatory cell infiltration,and exudation of plasma proteins and fibrin.Compared with LPS 0 h,at LPS 8 h,the oxygenation index and arterial blood pH were significantly decreased(P<0.001),while blood lactic acid and serum potassium were significantly increased(P<0.05);serum calcium and base excess were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the lung injury score based on HE-stained lung sections was significantly increased(P<0.01).Conclusion The porcine ARDS model established by continuous LPS injection can dynamically simulate the pathophysiological characteristics and typical pathological manifestations of clinical septic ARDS,making it an effective tool to study the pathogenesis,prevention,and treatment strategies of septic ARDS.

With the rapid development of deep learning(DL)technology,its potential applications in the medical field have become increasingly prominent.As a refractory disease,osteonecrosis of the femoral head(ONFH)has certain limitations in traditional diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.The application of DL technology is expected to overcome these limitations and improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.At present,the applications of DL models-including enhancing image clarity,improving diagnostic accuracy and efficiency,conducting prognostic evaluations,optimizing preoperative planning,assisting intraoperative imaging,and customizing personalized treatment plans-have fully demonstrated their tremendous potential in the diagnosis and treatment of ONFH.This review summarizes the current application status of DL in ONFH diagnosis and treatment,aiming to provide references and insights for future related research.

Objective To explore the effects and mechanisms of curcumin Ⅰ(Cur Ⅰ)in alleviating bleomycin(BLM)induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.Methods C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 3 groups(n=6 per group),normal group received a single intratracheal instillation of saline;BLM group received a single intratracheal instillation of BLM(3 mg/kg)to induce pulmonary fibrosis;BLM+Cur Ⅰ group received intraperitoneal injections of curcumin Ⅰ(200 μg/kg,Bidx14 day)in addition to BLM treatment.Mice from each group were euthanized on day 14 of the experiment,and lungs,plasma,and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were collected.Histopathological examination,scoring of pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis were performed to analyze the effects of curcumin Ⅰ on nuclear lung structure in the pulmonary fibrosis mouse model.Immunohistochemistry,Western blotting,and Real-time PCR were conducted to assess the impact of curcumin Ⅰ on nuclear factor(NF)-κB pathway-related protein expression in the pulmonary fibrosis mouse model.ELISA was used to evaluate the effects of curcumin Ⅰ on inflammatory factors in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of the pulmonary fibrosis mice.Results Compared to the BLM group,intervention with curcumin Ⅰ significantly alleviated lung tissue damage in mice.Compared to the normal group,mice in the BLM group showed significantly elevated levels of interleukin(IL)-6 in serum and IL-1 β,IL-6 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(P＜0.001).In contrast,mice in the BLM+Cur Ⅰ group exhibited significant decreases in serum IL-6 and IL-1 β,as well as IL-6 expression in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(P＜0.05).Compared to the normal group,protein expression levels of NF-κB,CD54,growth regulated oncogene(GRO),and CD 11b were significantly upregulated in the BLM group(P＜0.05).In contrast,protein levels of NF-κB and CD54 were significantly decreased in lung tissues of mice from the BLM+Cur Ⅰ group(P＜0.05),with CD11b and GRO also showing a decreasing trend.Conclusion Curcumin Ⅰ can suppress inflammation in pulmonary fibrosis mice,improve lung fibrosis,and its mechanism may be associated with modulation of the NF-κB/CD54 signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the expressions of annexin A2 and glycogen synthesis kinase-3β(GSK-3β)in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma(CSCC)tissues,and to analyze their correlation with CSCC as well as their clinical pathological diagnostic value.Methods The pathological tissues of 68 patients with CSCC and 40 patients with keratoacanthoma(KA)who underwent surgical treatment in the Department of Dermatology of the Second Hospital of Nanning from October 2020 to May 2024 were collected,and the surrounding normal skin tissues of 32 patients with benign skin diseases were used as controls.The expressions of annexin A2,GSK-3β and β-catenin were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.Spearman was used to evaluate the correlation between the expressions of annexin A2 and GSK-3β and the pathological characteristics in CSCC.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was drawn to analyze the clinical diagnostic value of annexin A2 and GSK-3β in CSCC.Results Compared with the normal skin tissues,the expressions of annexin A2 and β-catenin in CSCC increased,and GSK-3β decreased(P＜0.05);Compared with the KA tissues,the expression of annexin A2 in CSCC tissues increased(P＜0.05).The expression of annexin A2 was negatively correlated with that of GSK-3β in CSCC(r=-0.3901,P＜0.01).GSK-3β expression was related to tissue differentiation,with lower expression in poorly differentiated patients'cancer tissues(P＜0.05).The sensitivity of annexin A2 and GSK-3β for diagnosis of CSCC was 85.3%and 41.2%,respectively,with specificities of 46.9%and 84.4%respectively.The sensitivity of annexin A2 for distinguishing between CSCC and KA was 85.3%,with a specificity of 40.0%.Conclusion Annexin A2 and GSK-3β may be used as potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis or differential diagnosis of CSCC,and play important roles in the development of CSCC.Their mechanism may be related to the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.