Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy is a globally prevalent type of primary glomerulonephritis, characterized by complex symptoms and diverse clinical manifestations. The internationally recognized " multiple hit hypothesis" explains the systemic immune disease features of IgA nephropathy. However, current treatment strategies primarily focus on local pathological changes, inadequately addressing its complex systemic mechanisms. The " qi cycle in round" theory, an integral concept of the academic thought of HUANG Yuanyu, a prominent medical expert from the Qing Dynasty, offers a concise and insightful framework for understanding complex pathologies. For example, this theory provides valuable insights for elucidating the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy and guiding its clinical management by simplifying intricate systemic processes. This study applies the " qi cycle in round" theory to postulate that patients with IgA nephropathy experience disrupted qi flow owing to spleen-stomach qi deficiency and dampness-heat accumulation. These imbalances manifest as internal symptoms, such as diarrhea; external vulnerability to illness; upper body symptoms, like sore throat; and lower body symptoms, such as hematuria and proteinuria. Pathologically, the condition is characterized by immune complex deposition. This article also emphasizes strategies that prioritize tonifying spleen-stomach qi to enhance the pivotal functions of transportation and transformation. Regulating qi and relieving stagnation are emphasized to harmonize ascending and descending dynamics. Additionally, eliminating turbidity and unblocking collaterals are highlighted to promote qi transformation. These approaches aim to restore the harmonious operation of organ qi dynamics and harmonious qi transformation functions. This study aims to provide a reference for syndrome differentiation and IgA nephropathy treatment using traditional Chinese medicine based on the " qi cycle in round" theory.

Objective To investigate the regulatory role of the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) signaling on the subtypes and functions of natural killer (NK) cells at the maternal-fetal interface during the second trimester in mice following Toxoplasma gondii infection during the first trimester. Methods Twelve 6- to 8-week-old female mice of the C57BL/6J strain were divided into a control group and an infection group, of 6 mice in each group. On the 6.5th day of pregnancy (Gd6.5), each pregnant mouse in the infection group was intraperitoneally injected with 150 tachyzoites of the Toxoplasma gondii PRU strain, while mice in the control group were injected with an equal volume of physiological saline. On the 12.5th day of pregnancy (Gd12.5), uterus and placenta tissues were sampled from pregnant mice for pathological observations, and the mRNA expression levels of PD-1, PD-L1, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were quantified in uterus and placenta tissues. The PD-1 and DX5 expression was measured on NK cells at the maternal-fetal interface using flow cytometry. In addition, the in vitro JEG-3 trophoblast cells and NK-92MI cells co-culture system was established as the control group, and the addition of T. gondii tachyzoites in the co-culture system served as the infection group. The PD-1, PD-L1, and DX5 mRNA expression was quantified in cells using real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) assay, and the TNF-α concentration was measured in the cell culture supernatant using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results On Gd12.5, clear and intact cellular structures of placental decidual tissues were seen in pregnant mice in the control group, with no remarkable abnormal changes found in the uterine columnar epithelial cells, and inflammatory cell infiltration and blood stasis at varying degrees were found in uterine and placental tissues from pregnant mice in the infection group. The relative PD-1, PD-L1, and TNF-α mRNA expression was (1.004 ± 0.004), (1.001 ± 0.001), and (1.001 ± 0.001) in uterine tissues from pregnant mice in the control group and (2.480 ± 0.720), (3.355 ± 0.920), and (2.391 ± 0.073) in the infection group, respectively. The relative PD-1, PD-L1, and TNF-α mRNA expression was (1.007 ± 0.010), (1.006 ± 0.006), and (1.001 ± 0.001) in the uterine tissues in the control group and (6.948 ± 1.918), (3.225 ± 1.034), and (1.536 ± 0.150) in the infection group, respectively. The relative PD-1, PD-L1, and TNF-α mRNA expression was higher in both the uterine (t = 3.55, 4.43 and 33.02, all P values < 0.05) and placental tissues (t = 5.36, 3.72 and 6.18, all P values < 0.05) in the infection group than in the control group. Flow cytometry showed that the proportions of PD-1⁺ NK cells, PD-1⁺ DX5⁺ NK cells, and DX5⁺ NK cells were (12.200 ± 1.082)%, (9.373 ± 7.728)%, and (44.000 ± 4.095)% in uterine tissues from pregnant mice in the control group, and (21.733 ± 1.630)%, (18.767 ± 1.242)%, and (73.367 ± 0.611)% in the infection group, respectively. The proportions of PD-1⁺ NK cells, PD-1⁺ DX5⁺ NK cells, and DX5⁺ NK cells were (1.100 ± 0.510)%, (2.277 ± 1.337)%, and (96.167 ± 2.831)% in placental tissues from mice in the control group, and (26.867 ± 9.722)%, (23.433 ± 6.983)%, and (82.467 ± 2.248)% in the infection group, respectively. The proportions of PD-1⁺ NK cells (t = 8.45, P < 0.05) and DX5⁺ NK cells (t = 12.29, P < 0.05) were higher in uterine tissues from pregnant mice in the infection group than in the control group, and no significant difference was seen in the proportion of PD-1⁺ DX5⁺ NK cells (Z = -1.09, P > 0.05). The proportions of PD-1⁺ NK cells (t = 4.58, P < 0.05) and PD-1⁺ DX5⁺ NK cells (t = 5.15, P < 0.05) were higher in placental tissues from pregnant mice in the infection group than in the control group, while the proportion of DX5⁺ NK cells was lower in the infection group than in the control group (t = -6.56, P < 0.05). RT-qPCR assay revealed that the relative PD-1, PD-L1, and DX5 mRNA expression was (1.010 ± 0.005), (1.002 ± 0.003), and (1.001 ± 0.001) in the JEG-3 cells and NK92MI cells co-culture system and (3.638 ± 1.258), (0.397 ± 0.158), and (4.267 ± 1.750) in the control group, and ELISA measured that the TNF-α concentration was higher in the cell culture supernatant in the infection group [(22.056 ± 3.205) pg/mL] than in the control group [(12.441 ± 0.001) pg/mL] (t = 5.20, P < 0.05). The PD-1(t = 3.62, P < 0.05) and DX5 mRNA expression (t = 3.23, P < 0.05) was higher in the infection group than in the control group, and the PD-L1 mRNA expression was lower in the infection group than in the control group (t = -6.63, P < 0.05). Conclusions Following T. gondii infection, both PD-L1 expression and PD-1 expression on DX5⁺ NK cells at the maternal-fetal interface are upregulated in mice during the second trimester; however, the proportion of DX5⁺ NK cells decreases. These findings suggest that PD-1/PD-L1 signaling may suppress NK cell functions by modulating DX5⁺ NK cell subsets.

Cemental tear is a rare and indetectable condition unless obvious clinical signs present with the involvement of surrounding periodontal and periapical tissues. Due to its clinical manifestations similar to common dental issues, such as vertical root fracture, primary endodontic diseases, and periodontal diseases, as well as the low awareness of cemental tear for clinicians, misdiagnosis often occurs. The critical principle for cemental tear treatment is to remove torn fragments, and overlooking fragments leads to futile therapy, which could deteriorate the conditions of the affected teeth. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate interventions are vital for managing cemental tear. Novel diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), microscopes, and enamel matrix derivatives, have improved early detection and management, enhancing tooth retention. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, combined with improved clinical awareness among dental professionals, serves to mitigate risks of diagnostic errors and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. This expert consensus reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cemental tear, aiming to provide a clinical guideline and facilitate clinicians to have a better understanding of cemental tear.
Humans ; Dental Cementum/injuries* ; Consensus ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Tooth Fractures/therapy*

Group painting art therapy is a kind of therapy using painting art as the medium,which helps the individuals to improve their mental health and achieve recovery through group participation.In this kind of therapy,the participants express their emotions,thoughts and experiences through painting,share them with others,and obtain support and feedback,thereby this process promotes self-awareness,emotional expression and social interaction.The empirical research results indicate that when the group painting art therapy is ap-plied to the patients with schizophrenia during the rehabilitation phase,it has multifaceted effects,including al-leviating psychotic symptoms,improving medication adherence,relieving emotional distress,enhancing sleep quality,increasing self-awareness,improving cognitive function,and increasing social functioning and overall quality of life.In terms of intervention methods,the researchers have assessed the application efficacy of sole group painting art therapy in the rehabilitation of schizophrenia patients and have also explored its combined application with other treatments.For the future,more long-term follow-up studies can be conducted,and in-terdisciplinary cooperation can be strengthened,while focusing on community resource construction.

Objective To establish primary and simian virus 40(SV40)T antigen transformed human vascular en-dothelial cell models,and provide available resources for endothelial research.Methods Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC),human umbilical artery endothelial cells(HUAEC),great saphenous vein endothelial cells(GSVEC)and endothelial cells form endometrium and liver tissue were isolated and cultured respectively.Then,the primary endothelial cells were transformed by lentivirus containing SV40 big T and small T antigens,and continuously subcultured in vitro.The expression of CD31 was detected by flow cytometry,species identification-and mycoplasma detection by PCR,and cell identity was identified by STR detection.The transformed ECs were checked for HLA types.Some of them were tested for RNA expression profile and infected by Cas9 lentivirus to es-tablish stable clones.Results Totally 187 cell lines of transformed HUVEC,1 of transformed HUAEC,5 of trans-formed GSVEC,1 of transformed endothelial cells from endometrium and 1 of transformed endothelial cells from liv-er tissue,and 9 monoclonal HUVEC cell lines stably expressing Cas9 protein were established.All the transformed umbilical endothelial cells were CD31 positive ranging from 20%-90%for 20 cases,while for the rest 168 cases the positive rate was more than 90%.RNA expression revealed stable activation of cell proliferation(cell cycle and DNA synthesis).Their species were identified as human origin.The STR results were consistent with those of the primary culture and unique,and there was no mycoplasma contamination.All these cells could be obtained with the sharing services of National Science and Technology Infrastructure,the National Biomedical Cell-line Resource cen-ters(NSTI-BMCR).Conclusions A series of primary and SV40 T antigen transformed human vascular endothelial cell models have been established,which provide a tool for the study of cardiovascular diseases,inflammation,tumors and immune-related diseases.

Objective:To investigate the effects of basal luteinizing hormone(bLH)and different luteinizing hor-mone/follicle stimulating hormone ratio(LH/FSH)on the pregnancy outcome of in vitro fertilization or intracyto-plasmic sperm injection(IVF/ICSI)in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Methods:From July 2013 to January 2020,424 PCOS patients who underwent flexible gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol for ovulation induction in first IVF/ICSI were collected retrospectively from the department of reproductive medi-cine,The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University.The patients were divided into normal bLH(LH≤10 U/L,316 cases)and high bLH(LH>10 U/L,108 cases)group according to different levels of bLH;At the same time,according to the different levels of LH/FSH ratio,they were divided into low ratio(LH/FSH≤1,227 cases)group,median ratio(10.05).②Compared with patients in different LH/FSH ratio groups,the high ratio group had higher AMH and antral follicle count(AFC)than the other two groups,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).In terms of ovulation induction,the high ratio group had lower numbers of retrieved eggs,transferred embryos,and endometrial thickness on HCG day compared to the other two groups,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in pregnancy outcome indicators among the three groups of patients(P>0.05).③Binary Logistic regression analy-sis showed no significant correlation between live birth rate and bLH,LH/FSH ratio(P>0.05),but the live birth rate was related to the number of embryos transferred(P<0.05).Conclusions:Elevated bLH level and LH/FSH ratio may affect the outcomes of ovulation induction in women with PCOS(such as the number of oocytes re-trieved and endometrial thickness on HCG injection day),but there is no significant correlation with live birth rate of assisted reproduction.

Diabetic kidney disease(DKD)is a severe complication of diabetes.Its incidence increases annually,posing a significant burden on public health.The strategy of symptomatic treatment based on pathogenesis differentiation,focusing on identifying pathogenesis,is particularly meaningful for managing complex and variable chronic diseases like DKD.Within this framework,the state of latent heat persists throughout DKD,with"latent heat causing accumulation"identified as the core pathogenesis affecting and promoting the development and progression of DKD.This paper is centered on the concept of"latent heat causing accumulation"and adopts symptomatic treatment based on pathogenesis differentiation as its guiding principle to explore the role of latent heat in DKD.It highlights that the onset of DKD involves environmental and constitutional pathogenesis associated with"the concealment of latent heat"and"stagnant-heat invading collaterals"as the initial pathogenesis,"latent heat causing accumulation"as the core mechanism,and"secondary turbid heat"as the derivative pathogenesis.These pathogenesis factors collectively influence the symptoms,sequelae,and prognosis of DKD.Moreover,this paper provides commonly used prescriptions for different stages,syndrome types,and complications of the disease,aiming to offer a reference for clinical practice in flexibly addressing changes in disease conditions based on varied pathogenesis.

Objective In this study,we aimed to use network pharmacology techniques to predict the key targets of a prescription of Ziziphi spinosae semen formula(ZSSF)compound for depression,and to verify its mechanism of action using a zebrafish model of rifampicin-induced depression.Methods The drug targets of ZSSF were retrieved from the TCMSP database,and the target names were corrected using the UniProt database.Depression-related targets were identified using the GeneCards,OMIM,and NCBI databases.Protein-protein interaction information for the shared targets was predicted using the STRING database.The collected data were then analyzed using the Metascape database to determine GO and KEGG pathway enrichment,and the result were visualized using microbiotics.Behavioral experiments and reverse-transcription quantitative PCR experiments were conducted to verify the therapeutic effects of ZSSF on a zebrafish depression model induced by risperdal.Results 188 targets were screened to find the interactions between depression and ZSSF.The protein-protein interaction result showed that ZSSF primarily targeted TNF-α,IL-2,IL-6,IL-1β,and IL-10 to produce its antidepressant effect.KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that ZSSF exerted its effects on depression through various signaling pathways,including the TNF,PI3K-Akt,and cGMP-PKG signaling pathways.The result of the animal experiments showed that the treatment groups given high,medium,and low doses of ZSSF exhibited significant improvements in movement distance under acoustic and light stimulation compared with the model group(P＜0.05).The speed of movement of the treatment groups was also significantly faster(P＜0.01).Additionally,the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α,IL-2,IL-6,IL-1β,and IL-10 were up-regulated in the brain tissues of zebrafish in the high-,medium-,and low-dosage groups of ZSSF compared those in the model group(P＜0.001).Conclusions ZSSF exerts its antidepressant effect through multiple components and targets,and its antidepressant effects may be associated with its inhibition of inflammatory factors.

Malignant tumors pose a serious threat to human health and are one of the main causes of human death worldwide.In order to further improve the therapeutic outcomes of malignant tumors and prolong patients'survival time,clarifying the pathogenesis of malignant tumors and searching for new diagnostic and therapeutic targets become particularly important.It has been found that the occurrence and development of malignant tumors are the results of the interaction between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment(TME).Versican,encoded by the VCAN gene,is a type of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan belonging to the exogenous lectin proteoglycan family.It is a major component of the extracellular matrix and plays an important role in embryonic development and inflammatory responses.As an important component of TME,versican is abnormally expressed in various tumor tissues such as renal cell carcinoma,hepatocellular carcinoma,and gastric cancer,and is closely related to the clinical pathological characteristics and prognosis of the patients.It is a potential biomarker for early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of tumors.Further researches have shown that versican can promote tumor development in a number of ways,such as promoting tumor cell proliferation,invasion and metastasis,inhibiting tumor cell apoptosis,promoting tumor angiogenesis,and inhibiting anti-tumor immune responses.This article reviews the current research status of the expression and biological effects of versican in malignant tumors,aiming to provide reference for subsequent research,clinical diagnosis and treatment of tumors.