Renal interstitial fibrosis （RIF） is a common pathological change process from the development of various chronic nephropathies to the end stage， and it is an important histological manifestation of renal function decline. At present， no effective anti-fibrosis drugs have been found in clinical practice. In recent years， with the continuous development of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） pharmacology， molecular biology， system biology， and network pharmacology， the research on regulating RIF with TCM monomer， single TCM， TCM compound， Chinese patent medicine， and TCM injection is deepening. Among them， Jianpi Yishen recipe， Shendi Bushen capsules， Jianzhong Bushen Xiaozheng decoction， Liuwei Dihuangtang， and Lycium barbarum polysaccharides can regulate transforming growth factor-β/small mother against decapentaplegic （TGF-β₁/Smads）， Wnt/β-catenin， and neurogenic locus notch homolog protein （Notch） signaling pathways. Wulingsan， Zhenwutang， pachymic acid ZA， pachymic acid ZC， and pachymic acid ZD， which mainly induce diuresis， can regulate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Hirudin， curcumin， and Fuzheng Huayu recipe， which mainly promote blood circulation， can inhibit inflammation-related pathways such as p-nuclear transcription factor-κB （NF-κB）， Toll-like receptor 4/p-nuclear transcription factor-κB （TLR4/NF-κB）， and Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （JAK/STAT）， so as to achieve anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation effects and alleviate the progression of RIF. Shenshuai Xiezhuo decoction， Shenkang injection， and Shenshuai recipe， which are mainly used for invigorating Qi， removing blood stasis， and removing turbidity， can inhibit transdifferentiation of pericytes-myofibroblasts through vascular endothelial growth factor receptor （VEGFR） signaling pathway. At present， there are many studies on the regulation of the RIF signaling pathway by TCM， but there is a lack of a systematic summary. In this study， by combing the signaling pathway of TCM in the treatment of RIF， the effective target of TCM treatment is screened， and its possible mechanism is found， which provides new ideas for clinical treatment and new drug research and development.

Objective To investigate the role of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) in trichloroethylene (TCE)-induced skin sensitization and liver damage in guinea pigs, using diallyl sulfide (DAS), a CYP2E1 inhibitor, as an intervention. Methods Specific pathogen-free female guinea pigs were randomly divided into blank control group, solvent control group, positive control (2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene) group, TCE-exposure group, and DAS-intervention group. Skin sensitization experiments were conducted using the guinea pig TCE maximal dose-skin sensitization test. Urinary trichloroacetic acid levels were determined following TCE induction and challenge. At 48 hours after the final challenge, serum liver function markers and inflammatory cytokines levels were detected. Histopathological examination on skin and liver tissues was performed, and hepatic CYP2E1 protein expression and oxidative stress indicators were assessed. Results The sensitization rates of guinea pigs were 100.0%, 75.0%, and 33.3% in the positive control, TCE-exposure, and DAS-intervention groups, respectively, while the blank control and solvent control groups were both 0.0%. Compared with the guinea pigs in TCE-exposure group, those in the DAS-intervention group had lower urinary trichloroacetic acid levels at intradermal induction, local induction, first challenge, and 24 hours after the final challenge time point (all P<0.05). Histopathology of guinea pigs showed dermal inflammatory infiltration and basal keratinocyte necrosis in the TCE-exposure group, whereas only mild dermal inflammation was observed in the DAS-intervention group. The guinea pigs in TCE-exposure group exhibited diffuse hepatocellular necrosis, while hepatic damage in the DAS-intervention group was alleviated, characterized by only mild hepatocellular steatosis and hepatocyte swelling around the central vein. The skin sensitization rate of guinea pigs in the TCE-exposure group increased (all P<0.01), the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT )activity, the levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α) increased (all P<0.05), the relative expression of CYP2E1 protein, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the level of malondialdehyde in liver tissue increased (all P<0.05), while the activity of catalase decreased (P<0.05), compared with the blank control and solvent control groups. The serum ALT activity and the levels of IL-2, IL-17, and TNF-α of guinea pigs in DAS-intervention group reduced (all P<0.05), as well as CYP2E1 protein expression, SOD activity, and malondialdehyde level in liver tissue reduced (all P<0.05), compared with the TCE-exposure group. Conclusion TCE can induce hepatic CYP2E1 expression, thereby promoting oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, which contributes to skin sensitization and liver damage. DAS alleviates TCE-induced toxic effects on skin and liver by inhibiting CYP2E1 expression.

Background Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) monitoring stations may generate missing data for a certain period of time due to various factors. This data loss will adversely affect air quality assessment and pollution control decision-making. Objective To propose an inverse distance weighted (IDW) spatiotemporal interpolation method based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) to interpolate and fill missing PM_2.5 spatiotemporal sequence data and increase interpolation accuracy. Methods An interpolation experiment was designed into two parts. The first part used hourly PM_2.5 observational data from four moments on January 1, 2017 in the Yangtze River Delta region. The second part employed daily PM_2.5 observational data from the first 10 d of January 2017 in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Interpolation accuracy was evaluated using four metrics: root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and mean relative error (MRE). Results IDW spatiotemporal interpolation method optimized with PSO significantly improved the accuracy of filling missing PM_2.5 spatiotemporal sequence data. In the hourly-scale experiment conducted in the Yangtze River Delta region, compared to a distance index of 2, the accuracy metrics RMSE, MAE, MAPE, and MRE generated by the proposed method improved on average by 0.17 μg·m⁻³, 0.27 μg·m⁻³, 0.17%, and 0.01%, respectively. The PM_2.5 spatial field maps generated for four moments based on this method clearly illustrated the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of hourly PM_2.5 concentrations in the Yangtze River Delta region. In the daily-scale experiment conducted in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the PSO-optimized distance index outperformed the traditional method, with interpolation accuracy improvements of approximately 0.215 μg·m⁻³, 0.283 μg·m⁻³, 0.174%, and 0.014%, respectively. Furthermore, the seasonal PM_2.5 spatial field maps generated by this method revealed the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of PM_2.5 concentrations in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region across different seasons, further validating the effectiveness and applicability of this method. Conclusion The IDW spatiotemporal interpolation method optimized with PSO is highly accurate and reliable for interpolating the missing data in the Yangtze River Delta region and the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, providing valuable insights for air pollution control and public health protection.

Objective:To explore the mechanism of astaxanthin improving renal damage in diabetic mice by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.Methods:C57BL/6J adult male mice (8 weeks, 22-24 g) were provided by Nanjing Junke Biological Co.,Ltd. The mice were divided into control group (mice raised under normal conditions and given phosphate buffered saline injection, n=15), model group (DN mouse model established as mentioned above, n=15), and astaxanthin group (on the basis of model mice,10 mg/kg body weight dose of astaxanthin was given, n=15). The serum urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and 24 h urine protein levels of mice were detected by biochemical kits. The levels of serum inflammatory factors in mice were detected by ELISA. Mesangial matrix expansion and fibrosis in mice were observed by renal histological analysis. Glomerular podocytes were analyzed by TUNEL detection and immunohistochemical staining. Nephrin and CD2AP expression were analyzed by Western blot.The expression of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was analyzed by Western blot. Results:The levels of serum urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and 24h urinary protein in model group were higher than those in control group ( P<0.05), but the levels of serum urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and 24h urinary protein in astaxanthin group were lower than those in model group ( P<0.05). The serum levels of TNF-α,1L-1β and 1L-6 in model group were higher than those in control group ( P<0.05), while the levels of TNF-α,1L-1β and 1L-6 in astaxanthin group were lower than those in model group ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the model group mainly showed different degrees of pancreatic islet lesions and vacuolar degeneration under light microscope ( P<0.05). HE staining showed glomerular sclerosis and dilatation, capillary lumen shrinkage, diffuse mesangial matrix dilatation, and peripheral capillary thickening and hardening ( P<0.05). PAS staining showed an increase in PAS-positive substances (purple plaques) in the model group of mice ( P<0.05), indicating glycogen accumulation in diabetic glomeruli. Masson staining showed accumulation of type Ⅳ collagen and increased fibrosis (blue stained area) in the kidney of the model group ( P<0.05). Astaxanthin treatment can significantly improve these diabetic induced histopathological changes ( P<0.05). Compared with control group,mesangial matrix expansion and fibrosis were increased in model group ( P<0.05), and decreased in astaxanthin group ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the apoptosis rate of podocyte in model group was increased ( P<0.05) ,while that in astaxanthin group was decreased ( P<0.05). The number of WT-1 positive podocytes in model group was lower than that in model group ( P<0.05), and the number of WT-1 positive podocytes in astaxanthin group was higher than that in model group ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, Nephrin and CD2AP proteins in the model group were decreased ( P<0.05), and the expressions of Nephrin and CD2AP proteins in astaxanthin group were increased ( P<0.05). The protein expressions of p85, p-Akt Ser473 and P-mtor Ser2448 in model group were increased compared with those in control group ( P<0.05), while the protein expressions of p85, P-Akt Ser473 and P-mtor Ser2448 in astaxanthin group were decreased compared with those in model group ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:Astaxanthin significantly improves kidney damage in diabetic mice by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,which manifests as inhibiting renal cell lesions and reducing inflammation.

Objective:To explore the mechanism of astaxanthin improving renal damage in diabetic mice by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.Methods:C57BL/6J adult male mice (8 weeks, 22-24 g) were provided by Nanjing Junke Biological Co.,Ltd. The mice were divided into control group (mice raised under normal conditions and given phosphate buffered saline injection, n=15), model group (DN mouse model established as mentioned above, n=15), and astaxanthin group (on the basis of model mice,10 mg/kg body weight dose of astaxanthin was given, n=15). The serum urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and 24 h urine protein levels of mice were detected by biochemical kits. The levels of serum inflammatory factors in mice were detected by ELISA. Mesangial matrix expansion and fibrosis in mice were observed by renal histological analysis. Glomerular podocytes were analyzed by TUNEL detection and immunohistochemical staining. Nephrin and CD2AP expression were analyzed by Western blot.The expression of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was analyzed by Western blot. Results:The levels of serum urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and 24h urinary protein in model group were higher than those in control group ( P<0.05), but the levels of serum urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and 24h urinary protein in astaxanthin group were lower than those in model group ( P<0.05). The serum levels of TNF-α,1L-1β and 1L-6 in model group were higher than those in control group ( P<0.05), while the levels of TNF-α,1L-1β and 1L-6 in astaxanthin group were lower than those in model group ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the model group mainly showed different degrees of pancreatic islet lesions and vacuolar degeneration under light microscope ( P<0.05). HE staining showed glomerular sclerosis and dilatation, capillary lumen shrinkage, diffuse mesangial matrix dilatation, and peripheral capillary thickening and hardening ( P<0.05). PAS staining showed an increase in PAS-positive substances (purple plaques) in the model group of mice ( P<0.05), indicating glycogen accumulation in diabetic glomeruli. Masson staining showed accumulation of type Ⅳ collagen and increased fibrosis (blue stained area) in the kidney of the model group ( P<0.05). Astaxanthin treatment can significantly improve these diabetic induced histopathological changes ( P<0.05). Compared with control group,mesangial matrix expansion and fibrosis were increased in model group ( P<0.05), and decreased in astaxanthin group ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the apoptosis rate of podocyte in model group was increased ( P<0.05) ,while that in astaxanthin group was decreased ( P<0.05). The number of WT-1 positive podocytes in model group was lower than that in model group ( P<0.05), and the number of WT-1 positive podocytes in astaxanthin group was higher than that in model group ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, Nephrin and CD2AP proteins in the model group were decreased ( P<0.05), and the expressions of Nephrin and CD2AP proteins in astaxanthin group were increased ( P<0.05). The protein expressions of p85, p-Akt Ser473 and P-mtor Ser2448 in model group were increased compared with those in control group ( P<0.05), while the protein expressions of p85, P-Akt Ser473 and P-mtor Ser2448 in astaxanthin group were decreased compared with those in model group ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:Astaxanthin significantly improves kidney damage in diabetic mice by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,which manifests as inhibiting renal cell lesions and reducing inflammation.

Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological and genetic features of infantile rhabdomyofibrosarcoma (IRFS) with EGFR kinase domain duplication (EGFR-KDD).Methods:The clinical, morphological and immunohistochemical features of three IRFS with EGFR-KDD diagnosed from January 2022 to January 2024 at Department of Pathology, Foshan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Foshan, China were retrospectively analyzed using PCR or next generation sequencing technique; and related literature was reviewed.Results:There were 1 male and 2 females, aged at presentation ranging from 1 to 4 years. The tumor occurred in the left thigh, right maxillofacial region, and right popliteal space. The presenting symptom was a painless mass which was accidentally discovered. The maximum diameter of tumors ranged from 3 to 5 cm. Microscopically, the tumors were poorly defined and composed of relatively monomorphic spindle cells, arranged in diffuse, fascicular growth patterns, with moderate pale eosinophilic cytoplasm. Mitoses were abundant. A few round rhabdomyoblastic tumor cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm were found. There was no evidence of hemorrhage or necrosis. The tumor cells expressed vimentin, SMA, MSA, desmin, MyoD1 and myogenin; and the Ki-67 proliferation index was 10%-60%. RT-PCR showed EGFR-KDD in all three cases. Gene fusion was detected in three cases based on next generation sequencing, but only one case had EGFR-KDD. Follow-up data for 12 to 36 months showed two patients died of the disease and one patient was alive without recurrences and metastasis.Conclusions:IRFS is a rare soft tissue tumor that resembles infantile fibrosarcoma but has immunohistochemical evidence of rhabdomyoblastic differentiation. It more commonly occurs in infants and tends to appear in limbs and torso with poor prognosis. Aggressive multimodality treatment is recommended for these patients. EGFR-KDD may be a genetic driver to IRFS. Clinical response to EGFR targeted therapy might be promising in the future.

Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological and genetic features of infantile rhabdomyofibrosarcoma (IRFS) with EGFR kinase domain duplication (EGFR-KDD).Methods:The clinical, morphological and immunohistochemical features of three IRFS with EGFR-KDD diagnosed from January 2022 to January 2024 at Department of Pathology, Foshan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Foshan, China were retrospectively analyzed using PCR or next generation sequencing technique; and related literature was reviewed.Results:There were 1 male and 2 females, aged at presentation ranging from 1 to 4 years. The tumor occurred in the left thigh, right maxillofacial region, and right popliteal space. The presenting symptom was a painless mass which was accidentally discovered. The maximum diameter of tumors ranged from 3 to 5 cm. Microscopically, the tumors were poorly defined and composed of relatively monomorphic spindle cells, arranged in diffuse, fascicular growth patterns, with moderate pale eosinophilic cytoplasm. Mitoses were abundant. A few round rhabdomyoblastic tumor cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm were found. There was no evidence of hemorrhage or necrosis. The tumor cells expressed vimentin, SMA, MSA, desmin, MyoD1 and myogenin; and the Ki-67 proliferation index was 10%-60%. RT-PCR showed EGFR-KDD in all three cases. Gene fusion was detected in three cases based on next generation sequencing, but only one case had EGFR-KDD. Follow-up data for 12 to 36 months showed two patients died of the disease and one patient was alive without recurrences and metastasis.Conclusions:IRFS is a rare soft tissue tumor that resembles infantile fibrosarcoma but has immunohistochemical evidence of rhabdomyoblastic differentiation. It more commonly occurs in infants and tends to appear in limbs and torso with poor prognosis. Aggressive multimodality treatment is recommended for these patients. EGFR-KDD may be a genetic driver to IRFS. Clinical response to EGFR targeted therapy might be promising in the future.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the intervention effect and potential mechanism of breviscapine on hepatic fibrosis （HF） in rats based on the transforming growth factor-β（1 TGF-β1）/Smad2/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1（ERK1） and Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein 1（Keap1）/nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2（Nrf2）/heme oxygenase-1（HO-1） pathways. METHODS Totally 60 rats were randomly divided into normal control group， model group， breviscapine low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups （5.4， 10.8， 21.6 mg/kg）， and colchicine group （positive control， 0.45 mg/kg）， with 10 rats in each group， half male and half female. Except for the normal control group， HF model of the other groups was induced by carbon tetrachloride. Subsequently， each drug group was given corresponding medicine by gavage once a day for 28 days. The liver appearance of rats in each group was observed and their liver coefficients were calculated. The levels of alanineaminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate aminotransferase （AST）in serum， those of ALT， AST， superoxide dismutase （SOD），malondialdehyde （MDA） and glutathione peroxidase （GSH- Px） in liver tissue were detected. The liver tissue inflammatory and fibrotic changes were observed. The protein and mRNA expressions of TGF-β1， Smad2， ERK1， Nrf2， Keap1 and HO-in liver tissue were detected. RESULTS Compared with the normal control group， the model group showed large areas of white nodular lesions in the liver， obvious inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fiber deposition. The body weight， the levels of SOD and GSH-Px in liver tissue， the protein and mRNA expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 were significantly lowered in the model group （P＜0.05）； the liver coefficient， the percentage of Masson staining positive area， ALT and AST levels of serum and liver tissue， MDA level of liver tissue， the protein and mRNA expressions of TGF-β1， Smad2， ERK1 and Keap1 were significantly increased （P＜0.05）. Compared with the model group， the liver lesions of rats in each drug group were improved， and the above quantitative indexes were generally reversed （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Breviscapine has a good intervention effect on HF rats， which may be related to inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad2/ERK1 pathway for anti-fibrosis and regulating Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to inhibit oxidative stress.

Objective To investigate the effects of long-term exposure to three new types of light emitting diode (LED) sources on the behavior, learning, and memory of rats. Methods A total of 160 specific pathogen-free SD rats were divided into eight groups as followed, trichromatic fluorescent lamps color temperature control group, violet-chip full-spectrum white LED group, blue-chip white LED group, and blue-chip full-spectrum white LED group based on the light sources types, with color temperature of 4 000 K and 6 500 K groups in each group using the 4×2 factorial design. There were 20 rats in each group, with half of the rats were males and half females. Rats were exposed to artificial lighting, and the illumination was set at 750 lx. The rats in each group were exposed to different lighting environments for 12 hours per day for 24 weeks. The open-field and step-down tests were conducted in rats after 24 weeks exposure, followed by sacrifice of rats and measurement of organ coefficients. Differences in body weight, organ coefficients, and neurobehavioral indexes of rats in different groups were compared. Results The spleen coefficient of female rats decreased in blue-chip white LED of 6 500 K color temperature group, and the liver coefficient of male rats decreased in the violet-chip full-spectrum white LED of 4 000 K color temperature, blue-chip full-spectrum white LED of 4 000 K color temperature, and blue-chip full-spectrum white LED of 6 500 K color temperature groups, compared with the same-sex rats in trichromatic fluorescent lamps with same-color temperature control group (all P<0.05). The result of different types of light sources compared in the open-field test showed that the index of total distance and movement speed of female rats in the blue-chip full-spectrum white LED group were lower than those in the other three groups, and the time cost to the central area was longer than that in the blue-chip white LED group and the violet-chip full-spectrum white LED group (all P<0.05). The total distance and movement speed of male rats in the blue-chip full-spectrum white LED group were longer or higher than those in the violet-chip full-spectrum white LED group (all P<0.05). Based on the comparison of color temperature, the time and total distance of male rats in 6 500 K color temperature group were lower than that in the 4 000 K color temperature group (both P<0.05). In the step-down test, both male and female rats in the blue-chip full-spectrum white LED group made more errors compared with other three groups with the same gender (all P<0.05). Conclusion Based on the experimental conditions of this study, the blue-chip full-spectrum white light LED affects behavior, learning and memory of the rats, and trichromatic fluorescent lamp has the lowest effect on neurobehavior. The color temperature also affects behavior of the rats, and high color temperature has higher risk.

Objective:To characterize and analyze the genetic variation of hemagglutinin (HA) of influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 subtype virus in Shandong Province, and explore the genetic variation patterns for providing reference for influenza monitoring, epidemic prevention and control, and vaccine strain selection.Methods:HA gene sequences of the recommended strains of influenza vaccine from 2009 to 2024 and the representative strains of each branch were downloaded from the GISAID Influenza Data Platform, and were phylogenetically analyzed and characterized in terms of amino acid site variation with the HA gene sequences of 298 influenza A (H1N1) virus strains isolated from Shandong Province. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using the maximum likelihood (ML) method of the IQ-TREE online tool, and the amino acid site variants were viewed using MegAlign software. The potential glycosylation sites of the HA gene were predicted using the NetNGlyc 1.0 online software.Results:The HA gene homology of the 298 influenza A (H1N1) viruses isolated in Shandong Province ranged from 91.2% to 100.0%. The evolutionary branches were gradually distantly related over time, but the direction of evolution was roughly the same as that in other provinces. Amino acid mutations in the HA occurred every year and most were found in the antigenic determinants.Conclusions:The HA genes of influenza viruses isolated in Shandong Province from 2009 to 2024 are still in the process of continuous evolution, and continuous monitoring of the epidemiological trends and the evolutionary directions of influenza viruses is essential for early warning of influenza virus pandemics.