[Traditional Chinese medicine and active ingredients regulate M1/M2 macrophage polarization balance to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a review].

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) is a progressive lung dysfunction(disease) caused by long-term inhalation of toxic particles, especially smoking. The continued exposure to harmful substances triggers an abnormal inflammatory response, which causes permanent damage to the respiratory system, ultimately leading to irreversible pathological changes. Lung macrophages(LMs) are key innate immune effectors involved in the recognition, phagocytosis, and clearance of pathogens, as well as in the processing of inhaled hazardous particulate matter(e. g., cigarette smoke and particulate matter). LMs are polarized toward the M1 or M2 phenotype in response to the activation of inflammatory mediators to exert pro-/anti-inflammatory effects, respectively, thus being involved in the pulmonary parenchymal damage(emphysema) and repair(airway remodeling) throughout the process of COPD.In addition, they are responsible for phagocytosis and clearance of apoptotic or necrotic tissue cells, which helps to maintain the stability of the microenvironment in the lungs of COPD patients. Modern studies have revealed that macrophage polarization plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and development of COPD and is considered a potential target for treating COPD because of its ability to reduce airway inflammation, inhibit tissue remodeling, and combat oxidative stress. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and its active ingredients have become a hot area in the treatment of COPD by targeting the balance of M1/M2 macrophage polarization. TCM and its active ingredients can intervene in the inflammatory response to promote the repair of the lung tissue in the patients with COPD. This paper reviews the research achievements of TCM and its active ingredients in this field in recent years,aiming to provide a scientific basis and strong support for the precise diagnosis and treatment of COPD.

Imidazole propionate in type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases: a mini review.

Oral and gut microbiota can interact with the host by producing a diverse range of bioactive metabolites, thereby influencing overall host health. Imidazole propionate (ImP), a histidine-derived metabolite produced by microbes associated with diabetes mellitus, has attracted considerable attention on account of its roles in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. In this article, we review the metabolic pathways of ImP, as well as its roles and therapeutic potential in type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Future research should focus on key enzymes and regulatory factors in the ImP metabolic pathway, interactions with other metabolites, and conduct large-scale clinical studies to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the role of ImP in diverse populations and disease contexts. Moreover, targeted interventions against ImP could provide novel strategies for preventing and treating metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

A Review of the Efficacy and Mechanisms of Blood Flow Restriction Training in Enhancing Somatic Function and Preventing Falls in Older Adults.

Falls have become an important public health problem that seriously affects the quality of survival of older adults and are a major cause of fractures, death, and reduced quality of life. With the advent of an aging society, the social, economic, and medical burdens of falls in older adults are increasing. Currently, there is a lack of effective means to prevent falls in older adults, and traditional health education and clinical interventions are not effective. It is urgent to find a safe and effective training method that can improve balance function and is suitable for the elderly. Low-intensity blood flow restriction training (BFRT) is an emerging training modality that, by restricting blood flow to the limbs and combining it with low-intensity exercise, can effectively improve muscle mass, aerobic capacity, and bone density, and has been shown to enhance somatic function in older adults. However, the effectiveness and specific mechanisms of BFRT in preventing falls in older adults are unclear. Based on recent research progress, this paper explores the possibility of BFRT in preventing falls in older adults by analyzing its positive effects on muscle mass, balance function, and cognitive function, the risk factors of falling in the elderly are summarized, as well as its potential role in reducing fall risk factors. It aims to provide new thinking for academia and clinical practice and to provide a scientific basis for reducing the risk of falls in the elderly.

Short-chain fatty acids play a positive role in colorectal cancer.

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced by bacterial fermentation in the colon and are thought to be protective against gastrointestinal disease. SCFAs such as acetate, propionate and butyrate are important metabolites in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis and have been shown to be beneficial in colorectal cancer (CRC). SCFAs are responsible for maintaining a normal intestinal barrier and exhibit numerous immunomodulatory functions. In this review article, we will discuss the metabolism and mechanism of action of SCFAs and their effects on the CRC, with particular emphasis on dietary fiber treatment and the clinical research progress.

Corrigendum: The immunomodulatory mechanism of acupuncture treatment for ischemic stroke: research progress, prospects, and future direction.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1319863.].

Progress of Nanomaterials Based on Manganese Dioxide in the Field of Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy.

As a pivotal transition metal oxide, manganese dioxide (MnO2) has garnered significant attention owing to its abundant reserves, diverse crystal structures and exceptional performance. Nanosizing MnO2 results in smaller particle sizes, larger specific surface areas, optimized material characteristics, and expanded application possibilities. With the burgeoning research efforts in this field, MnO2 has emerged as a promising nanomaterial for tumor diagnosis and therapy. The distinctive properties of MnO2 in regulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) have attracted considerable interest, leading to a rapid growth in research on MnO2-based nanomaterials for tumor diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, MnO2 nanomaterials are also gradually showing up in the regulation of chronic inflammatory diseases. In this review, we mainly summarized the recent advancements in various MnO2 nanomaterials for tumor diagnosis and therapy. Furthermore, we discuss the current challenges and future directions in the development of MnO2 nanomaterials, while also envisaging their potential for clinical translation.

Research progress analysis of live streaming commerce based on CiteSpace.

In recent years, live streaming commerce (LSC) has become a popular research topic. However, current studies on LSC are relatively insufficient, and analyses have generally focused on its specific aspects, lacking a comprehensive and systematic perspective. Hence, this study utilises CiteSpace to undertake a visual bibliometric analysis aimed at delineating the knowledge framework and evolution of LSC and indicates future research directions to provide a comprehensive picture of the development of this dynamic field over the past six years. The results show that LSC is a thriving subject with several growing annual publications. Additionally, a strong collaboration exists between institutions and authors. Further, 'influence', 'consumer behaviour' and 'consumer purchase intention' are more popular in this domain and have assumed a leading position in recent research. Moreover, novel research trajectories have emerged, indicating interdisciplinary integration within the field. This study is innovative as it combines live streaming with commerce, analyses six years of literature, and builds an accurate and comprehensive knowledge framework within this domain. By identifying current gaps, this study contributes to the literature by addressing prior study limitations, enriching the knowledge base, providing crucial research directions for future exploration, and inspiring scholars to efficiently find research topics.

Progress in research on induced sputum in asthma: a narrative review.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical significance of induced sputum in asthma through a retrospective analysis of induced sputum in patients with asthma. DATA SOURCES: The data and references cited in this article were obtained from PubMed, Sci-Hub, and Web of Science. STUDY SELECTION: Observational studies with reliable data were selected. CONCLUSIONS: The cytological count, -omics, and pathogen detection of induced sputum are helpful for the clinical diagnosis of asthma and in guiding medication choices.

Research progress in the mechanisms and functions of specialized pro-resolving mediators in neurological diseases.

The nervous system interacts with the immune system through a variety of cellular regulators, signaling pathways, and molecular mechanisms. Disruptions in these interactions lead to the development of multiple neurological diseases. Recent studies have identified that specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) play a regulatory role in the neuroimmune system. This study reviews recent research on the function of SPMs in the inflammatory process and their association with the nervous system. The review aims to provide new perspectives for studying the pathogenesis of neurological diseases and identify novel targets for clinical therapy.

Chinese Medicines and Natural Medicine as Immunotherapeutic Agents for Gastric Cancer: Recent Advances.

BACKGROUD: According to the 2020 statistics from the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), it is projected that there will be over 1 million new cases of gastric cancer (GC) patients worldwide in 2020, resulting in approximately 770 000 deaths. Gastric cancer ranks fifth in terms of incidence rate and forth in death rate among malignant tumors. Despite advancements in early diagnostic techniques, the incidence of GC has exhibited a marginal decline; nevertheless, the mortality rate remains elevated for advanced inoperable patients with no currently available efficacious treatment options. RECENT FINDING: Chinese medicine (CM) has emerged as an efficacious treatment for GC, gradually gaining acceptance and widespread usage in China. It exhibits distinctive advantages in the prevention and treatment of metastasis. CM and natural medicine possess the ability to elicit antitumor effects by augmenting immune cell population, enhancing immune cell activity, and improving the tumor immune microenvironment. CMs and natural remedies encompass a diverse range of types, characterized by multiple targets, pathways, and extensive pharmacological effects. Consequently, they have become a prominent research area among oncologists worldwide. Numerous studies have demonstrated that CM and natural medicine can directly or indirectly enhance innate immune system components (including macrophages, natural killer cells, and myeloid suppressor cells), adaptive immune system elements (such as T lymphocytes and regulatory T cells), relevant cytokines (e.g., IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α), and PD-1/PD-L1 axis regulation, thereby bolstering the cytotoxicity of immune cells against tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS: This ultimately leads to an improved tumor immune microenvironment facilitating superior antitumor efficacy. This paper critically examines the role of CM and natural medicine in regulating immunotherapy for GC, aiming to establish a new theoretical framework for the clinical treatment and prevention of gastric cancer within the realm of CM.

Research progress on the role of mindfulness in intervention for adolescent obesity.

In the face of the increasingly serious background of overweight and obesity rates among adolescents in China, mindfulness, as an emerging therapeutic approach, has shown its unique effectiveness. This article reviewed the research progress of mindfulness in the intervention of adolescent obesity, summarized its effects on improving physiological and psychological indicators, and listed the different options for implementing mindfulness therapy. These studies supported the preliminary effectiveness of mindfulness in the intervention of adolescent obesity, providing a basis for mindfulness to become a new approach for obesity intervention in the future.

Gastrodin, a Promising Natural Small Molecule for the Treatment of Central Nervous System Disorders, and Its Recent Progress in Synthesis, Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics.

Gastrodia elata Blume is a traditional medicinal and food homology substance that has been used for thousands of years, is mainly distributed in China and other Asian countries, and has always been distinguished as a superior class of herbs. Gastrodin is the main active ingredient of G. elata Blume and has attracted increasing attention because of its extensive pharmacological activities. In addition to extraction and isolation from the original plant, gastrodin can also be obtained via chemical synthesis and biosynthesis. Gastrodin has significant pharmacological effects on the central nervous system, such as sedation and improvement of sleep. It can also improve epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, emotional disorders and cognitive impairment to a certain extent. Gastrodin is rapidly absorbed and widely distributed in the body and can also penetrate the blood-brain barrier. In brief, gastrodin is a promising natural small molecule with significant potential in the treatment of brain diseases. In this review, we summarised studies on the synthesis, pharmacological effects and pharmacokinetic characteristics of gastrodin, with emphasis on its effects on central nervous system disorders and the possible mechanisms, in order to find potential therapeutic applications and provide favourable information for the research and development of gastodin.

Research progress of ferroptosis in female infertility.

Ferroptosis is a novel type of programmed cell death dependent on iron and characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides in cells and is closely related to various diseases. Female infertility is a global health concern, which is associated with a variety of factors. The etiology remains unknown in many women with infertility. With further investigation into the pathogenesis of infertility, a growing number of studies have demonstrated the close connections between infertility and ferroptosis. Through a literature review, it is found that ferroptosis is closely involved in endometriosis- and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)-associated infertility and tubal factor infertility. Iron overload increases the resistance to ferroptosis, and ferroptosis in some cells accelerates endometrial lesion growth. Moreover, iron overload may be hazardous to oocytes. This review may shed some light on the diagnosis and treatment of female infertility.

Research progress and prospects of seismic performance on underground structure embedded in soft soil foundation.

For the complexity and difficulty of seismic research on subway station structure system embedded in soft soil foundation, the seismic research method is quite different from the ground structure. The methods of seismic research on subway station structures in soft soil were summarized, and relevant literature on this field in recent years were sorted out. The advanced progress of theoretical analysis and quasi-static simplification analysis, model test (shaking table test, centrifuge test), numerical simulation (the total stress method, the effective stress method), and dynamic reliability of underground structures were mainly introduced for seismic analysis of subway station embedded in the soft foundation. The advantages and disadvantages of each method and the development direction of this field were proposed briefly in order to better understand seismic analysis of underground structure engineering in soft soil.

Research progress on inhibitors and inhibitory mechanisms of mycotoxin biosynthesis.

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungi with harmful effects such as carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity. They cause widespread contamination of plant products such as crops, food, and feed, posing serious threats to the life and health of human beings and animals. It has been found that many traditionally synthesized and natural compounds are capable of inhibiting the growth of fungi and their secondary metabolite production. Natural compounds have attracted much attention due to their safety, environmental, and health friendly features. In this paper, compounds of plant origin with inhibitory effects on ochratoxins, aflatoxins, Fusarium toxins, and Alternaria toxins, including cinnamaldehyde, citral, magnolol, eugenol, pterostilbene, curcumin, and phenolic acid, are reviewed, and the inhibitory mechanisms of different compounds on the toxin production of fungi are also elucidated, with the aim of providing application references to reduce the contamination of fungal toxins, thus safeguarding the health of human beings and animals.

[Impacts of testis aging on overall health: Advances in studies].

The testis, as one of the important reproductive organs in men, has two major functions of secreting androgens and producing sperm. Androgen and spermatogenesis are the key factors for the evaluation of the testicular function. The lack of androgen or the decline of spermatogenic function is both a symbolic manifestation and a "product" of testis aging. In order to gain a deeper insight into the relationship between testis aging and overall health, this article reviews the relevant literature based on the correlation of androgen deficiency with various systemic diseases and the belief in the impacts of testis aging on the health of the cardiovascular and nervous systems through different channels, the development and progression of metabolic diseases, orthopedic diseases, PCa, kidney disease, peptic ulcer and other diseases. All these suggest that adequate attention should be paid to the studies of male reproductive health and its impact on overall health, so as to provide some new ideas and evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment of relevant conditions.

Research progress on miR-124-3p in the field of kidney disease.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 18-25 nucleotides long, single-stranded, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression. They play a crucial role in maintaining normal cellular functions and homeostasis in organisms. Studies have shown that miR-124-3p is highly expressed in brain tissue and plays a significant role in nervous system development. It is also described as a tumor suppressor, regulating biological processes like cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion by controlling multiple downstream target genes. miR-124-3p has been found to be involved in the progression of various kidney diseases, including diabetic kidney disease, calcium oxalate kidney stones, acute kidney injury, lupus nephritis, and renal interstitial fibrosis. It mediates these processes through mechanisms like oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, and ferroptosis. To lay the foundation for future therapeutic strategies, this research group reviewed recent studies on the functional roles of miR-124-3p in renal diseases and the regulation of its downstream target genes. Additionally, the feasibility, limitations, and potential application of miR-124-3p as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target were thoroughly investigated.

[Research Progress in Organocatalysts Used in the Synthesis of Medical Polyurethanes and Their Biotoxicity]. / åŒ»ç”¨èšæ°¨é ¯åˆæˆæ‰€ç”¨æœ‰æœºå‚¬åŒ–å‰‚åŠå ¶ç”Ÿç‰©æ¯’æ€§ç ”ç©¶è¿›å±•.

Medical polyurethanes have emerged as a leading choice for biomedical applications owing to their exceptional biocompatibility and good physical and mechanical properties. Catalysts play a crucial role as additives in the synthesis of medical polyurethanes, enhancing synthesis efficiency and material properties. However, the catalysts used may affect the biocompatibility of polyurethanes and pose potential harm to human health. This review encapsulates the latest findings regarding the catalysts employed in the synthesis of medical polyurethane materials and their biotoxicity. Initially, we reviewed the prevalent types of catalysts used in the synthesis of medical polyurethane materials and described their distinctive characteristics. Subsequently, our focus shifted to exploring the potential biotoxicity associated with these catalysts. Finally, we provided a forward-looking perspective and recommendations for the future trajectory of catalyst selection in the synthesis of medical polyurethane materials. By acquiring a more profound understanding of the properties and biotoxicity of catalysts used in the synthesis of medical polyurethane materials, and by uncovering existing issues and challenges, we can better guide the design of medical polyurethane materials. This, in turn, enables us to chart the course for future development and ultimately enhance the biocompatibility and safety profiles of medical polyurethane materials. Such advancements will promote the continued development and application of medical polyurethane materials in clinical settings.

A narrative review: research progress of adjuvant intensive endocrine therapy for early breast cancer.

Background and Objective: Hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HR+/HER2-) breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent subtype of all BCs. The primary treatment modality is endocrine therapy (ET). Traditional adjuvant ET for early-stage breast cancer (EBC) has undergone extensive exploration and is relatively well-established. However, patients at high risk of recurrence may still experience early relapse, necessitating consideration of intensified adjuvant ET to reduce recurrence risk. The objective of this narrative review is to examine various strategies for intensifying adjuvant ET in EBC, thoroughly analyze key clinical studies, and summarize the most effective treatment approaches supported by current evidence-based medicine. Furthermore, it addresses unresolved challenges that necessitate further refinement and investigation. Methods: As of March 2024, a comprehensive literature search, compilation, and analysis were conducted across PubMed, Baidu Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, and relevant academic conferences. Key Content and Findings: There are numerous methods to intensify adjuvant ET: (I) combining ovarian function suppression (OFS) to reduce estrogen levels in the body and induce a state of artificial menopause to enhance the efficacy of ET; (II) individual extension of the duration of ET based on patients' varying risks of recurrence, with high-risk patients covering two peak recurrence periods; (III) the addition of cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6i) can significantly extend invasive disease-free survival and reduce the risk of recurrence, serving as the main intensive treatment for high-risk patients; (IV) combination with bone-modifying drugs (BMD) can significantly reduce rates of bone metastasis and slightly enhance prognosis but is not commonly used in adjuvant settings; (V) combined with poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, current studies only show a trend towards benefit in HR+ patients with germline BRCA1/2 mutations; more data are still needed to support its clinical benefit. This narrative review examines various strategies for intensifying adjuvant ET in EBC, critically evaluates key clinical studies, and summarizes the most effective treatment approaches supported by current evidence-based medicine. Furthermore, it addresses unresolved challenges that necessitate further refinement and investigation. Conclusions: In the context where traditional adjuvant ET is relatively well-established, the emergence of novel ET has notably addressed issues of endocrine resistance more effectively. Various intensified adjuvant ET has shown potential in further reducing recurrence risk among high-risk patients. However, additional research and time are essential to determine the optimal approaches for intensified adjuvant ET.

Research progress in stroke risk perception assessment tool.

BACKGROUND: One of the main illnesses in the globe that causes impairment and death in people is stroke. In the globe today, it ranks as the second leading cause of death and the leading cause of death in China. OBJECTIVE: This paper analyses into the critical role of risk perception in developing individual awareness of stroke risk and encouraging proactive preventive health behaviors, essential for effective primary stroke prevention strategies and reduced stroke incidence. It discusses the concept of risk perception, the content and dimensions of global stroke assessment tools, and their application status, aiming to provide insights for their development and intervention research. METHODS: Risk perception encompasses subjective assessments of stroke likelihood and severity, influenced by personal experiences, knowledge of risk factors, beliefs about prevention effectiveness, and emotional responses. Global stroke assessment tools, like the Framingham Stroke Risk Score and CHA2DS2-VASc Score, evaluate stroke risk based on factors such as age, gender, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. In order to improve risk perception and proactive health management and lower the burden of strokes, the paper assesses the advantages and disadvantages of these tools and makes recommendations for improving accessibility, customizing interventions, running educational campaigns, promoting multidisciplinary collaboration, and integrating technology. RESULTS: By combining the research tools of stroke risk perception, it is found that the evaluation tools are mostly single-dimensional evaluation tools centered on the two dimensions of onset possibility and susceptibility. CONCLUSION: Some scholars have developed multi-dimensional evaluation tools, but the evaluation population is relatively limited, and the evaluation system lacks comprehensiveness and systematization.