ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Xiaoyaosan regulates HPT axis dysfunction in the rat model with the syndrome of liver depression and spleen deficiency by observing its effect on the glycoprotein hormone α-subunit （CGA）/glutathione peroxidase 2 （GPX2）/thyroid-stimulating hormone β-subunit （TSHβ） pathway for thyroid hormone synthesis. MethodsSeventy-two male SD rats were randomized into six groups： normal， model， high-dose （16.7 g·kg^-1）， medium-dose （8.35 g·kg^-1）， and low-dose （4.175 g·kg^-1） Xiaoyaosan， and fluoxetine （0.001 8 g·kg^-1） groups， with 12 rats in each group. The rat model of liver depression and spleen deficiency was induced by chronic restraint stress for 21 days. The intervention groups were treated with Xiaoyaosan decoctions or fluoxetine suspension， respectively. After modeling， hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe morphological changes in the thyroid and pituitary tissue of the rats. Serum levels of triiodothyronine （T3）， tetraiodothyronine （T4）， and thyroid-stimulating hormone （TSH） were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels， respectively， of TSH receptor （TSHR） in the thyroid tissue， thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor （TRHR） and TSHβ in the pituitary tissue， and thyrotropin-releasing hormone （TRH）， CGA， GPX2， and TSHβ in the hypothalamic tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group showed significant atrophy and irregularity of thyroid follicles， a marked reduction in colloid secretion， extensive vacuolar degeneration of adenocytes in the anterior pituitary， lowered serum levels of T3， T4， and TSH （P<0.01）， and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of TSHR in the thyroid tissue， TRHR and TSHβ in the pituitary tissue， and TRH， CGA， GPX2， and TSHβ in the hypothalamic tissue （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， high- and medium-dose Xiaoyaosan and fluoxetine alleviated the pathological changes in the thyroid and pituitary tissue， outperforming the low-dose Xiaoyaosan group. Moreover， they elevated the serum levels of T3， T4， and TSH （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The serum TSH level was also elevated in the low-dose Xiaoyaosan group （P<0.05）. The mRNA and protein levels of TSHR in the thyroid， TRHR and TSHβ in the pituitary， and TRH， CGA， GPX2， and TSHβ in the hypothalamus were up-regulated in the high- and medium-dose Xiaoyaosan groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Additionally， the mRNA and protein levels of TSHβ in the hypothalamus were up-regulated in the low-dose Xiaoyaosan group （P<0.01）. In the fluoxetine group， the mRNA and protein levels of TSHR in the thyroid， TRHR in the pituitary， and TRH， CGA， and GPX2 in the hypothalamus were up-regulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionThe downregulation of CGA/GPX2/TSHβ pathway may be one of the biological mechanisms underlying HPT axis dysfunction in the rat model with the syndrome of liver depression and spleen deficiency. Xiaoyaosan may regulate the HPT axis dysfunction by up-regulating the CGA/GPX2/TSHβ pathway.

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of modified Chaihu Shugansan on the calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ（CaMKⅡ）/cAMP-response element binding protein （CREB） signaling pathway in the hippocampus and heart tissue of a rat model with myocardial ischemia and depression and explore the mechanism by which this formula prevents and treats coronary heart disease combined with depression. MethodsThe model of myocardial ischemia combined with depression was established by high-fat diet， intraperitoneal injection of isoproterenol （ISO）， and chronic unpredictable mild stress （CUMS）. A total of 108 SD male rats were randomly divided into normal group， model group， high （23.4 g·kg^-1）， medium （11.7 g·kg^-1）， and low （5.85 g·kg^-1） dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan， CaMKⅡ inhibitor （KN93） group， and KN93 + high， medium， and low dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan， with 12 rats in each group. From the first day of modeling to the end of modeling， drugs were administered once a day. In the seventh and eighth weeks， the KN93 group and the KN93 + high， medium， and low dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan were intraperitoneally injected with KN93 three times weekly. At the end of the eighth week， behavioral tests including sucrose preference， open field， and elevated plus maze were conducted. Electrocardiogram （ECG） lead Ⅱ changes were observed in each group of rats， and hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was performed to observe changes in heart tissue. Serum levels of triglycerides （TG）， total cholesterol （TC）， high-density lipoprotein （HDL）， low-density lipoprotein （LDL）， and lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） were measured by using an enzyme-labeled instrument. Creatine kinase （CK） and creatine kinase-MB （CK-MB） were detected by ultraviolet spectrophotometry， while serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 （MCP-1） was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect mRNA expression of CaMKⅡ and CREB in hippocampal and heart tissue， and Western blot was performed to assess protein expression of CaMKⅡ， phosphorylated （p）-CaMKⅡ， CREB， and p-CREB. ResultsCompared to the normal group， the model group showed significant reductions in sucrose preference rate， total activity distance in the open field， number of entries into the center area of the open field， and percentage of entries into the open arms of the elevated plus maze （P<0.01）. The ECG showed ST-segment elevation， and HE staining showed serious degeneration of myocardial fibers， disordered arrangement， and infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells. In addition， serum TC and LDL levels increased （P<0.01）， and HDL level decreased （P<0.01）. CK， CK-MB， LDH， and MCP-1 levels significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The mRNA expression of CaMKⅡ and CREB and the protein expression of p-CaMKⅡ and p-CREB decreased in the hippocampal tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）， but those increased in the heart tissue （P<0.01）. Compared to the model group， the high， medium， and low dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan showed improvements in these abnormalities. The KN93 group had reduced sucrose preference， total activity distance in the open field， number of entries into the center area of the open field， and percentage of entries into the open arms of the elevated plus maze （P<0.01）， as well as decreased serum CK， CK-MB， LDH， and MCP-1 levels （P<0.05， P<0.01）. KN93 also reduced ST-segment elevation， alleviated the degeneration degree of myocardial fibrosis， and lowered inflammatory cell infiltration. The mRNA expression of CaMKⅡ and CREB and the protein expression of p-CaMKⅡ and p-CREB in both the hippocampal and heart tissue were reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The KN93 + high， medium， and low dose groups of modified Chaihu Shugansan showed further improvements in these abnormalities compared to the KN93 group. ConclusionThe modified Chaihu Shugansan exerts antidepressant and myocardial protective effects in rats with myocardial ischemia and depression， possibly related to bidirectional regulation of the CaMKⅡ/CREB signaling pathway， with the high-dose modified Chaihu Shugansan showing the best effects.

Fundus photography in small animals holds great significance for studying alterations in the structure and function of retinal blood vessels. However, the absence of uniform operating practices can lead to inconsistencies and incomparability of data. To address this issue, this study aims to develop a standard operation guide for fundus photography in small animals. It will provide researchers with standardized operation procedures and accurate data analysis methods to ensure high accuracy and reproducibility in data collection and analysis. The adoption of these guidelines enables a high level of data consistency while providing more precise results than traditional methods. This guideline bridges the gap in the lack of standard operating norms for fundus photography in small animals, offering researchers a reliable operational framework. This guideline not only helps to improve the accuracy and comparability of data, but also provides strong support for retinal vascular research in clinical practice.

This study aims to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of 50 Hz-0.6 mT low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on postmenopausal osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. Thirty 3-month-old female SD rats were selected and divided into a sham operation group (Sham), an ovariectomized model group (OVX), and a low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) treatment group, with 10 rats in each group. After 8 weeks, the whole-body bone mineral density (BMD) of each group of rats was measured. The treatment group began to receive PEMF stimulation for 90 minutes daily, while the OVX group only received a simulated placement without electricity. After 6 weeks of intervention, all rats were sacrificed and tested for in vitro BMD, micro-CT, biomechanics, serum biochemical indicators, and bone tissue-related proteins. The results showed that the BMD of the OVX group was significantly lower than that of the Sham group 8 weeks after surgery, indicating successful modeling. After 6 weeks of treatment, compared with the OVX group, the PEMF group exhibited significantly increased BMD in the whole body, femur, and vertebral bodies. Micro-CT analysis results showed improved bone microstructure, significantly increased maximum load and bending strength of the femur, elevated levels of serum bone formation markers, and increased expression of osteogenic-related proteins. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that daily 90-minute exposure to 50 Hz-0.6 mT PEMF effectively enhances BMD, improves bone biomechanical properties, optimizes bone microstructure, stimulates bone formation, and inhibits bone resorption in ovariectomized rats, highlighting its therapeutic potential for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Female ; Animals ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal/therapy* ; Rats ; Bone Density ; Ovariectomy ; Magnetic Field Therapy/methods* ; Electromagnetic Fields

Allergen-specific immunotherapy（AIT） remains the only therapeutic approach with the potential to modify the natural course of allergic rhinitis（AR）. Nevertheless, considerable inter-individual variability exists in patients'responses to AIT. To facilitate more reliable assessment of treatment efficacy, the China Rhinopathy Research Cooperation Group（CRRCG） convened young and middle-aged nasal experts in China to formulate the present consensus. The recommended subjective outcome measures for AIT comprise symptom scores, medication scores, combined symptom and medication scores, quality-of-life assessments, evaluation of disease control, and assessment of comorbidities. Objective indicators may supplement these measures. Currently available objective approaches include skin prick testing, nasal provocation testing, and allergen exposure chambers. However, these methods remain constrained by practical limitations and are not yet appropriate for routine implementation in clinical efficacy evaluation. In addition, several biomarkers, including sIgE and the sIgE/tIgE ratio, sIgG4, serum IgE-blocking activity, IgA, cytokines and chemokines, as well as immune cell surface molecules and their functional activity, have been shown to have associations with AIT outcomes. While these biomarkers may complement subjective assessments, they are subject to significant limitations. Consequently, large-scale multicenter trials and real-world evidence are required to strengthen the evidence base. The present consensus underscores the necessity of integrating patients'subjective experiences with objective testing throughout the treatment process, thereby providing a more comprehensive and accurate framework for efficacy evaluation. Looking forward, future investigations should prioritize the incorporation of multi-omics data and artificial intelligence methodologies, which hold promise for overcoming current limitations in assessment strategies and for advancing both the standardization and personalization of AIT.
Humans ; Allergens/immunology* ; China ; Consensus ; Desensitization, Immunologic ; Immunoglobulin E ; Quality of Life ; Rhinitis, Allergic/therapy* ; Treatment Outcome ; East Asian People

Ancient traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctrine says "The superior doctor prevents illnesses," pointing out preventative medicine as the ultimate goal for medical care. TCM recognizes that genetic predisposition and environmental and lifestyle influences contribute to diseases. It divides people into eight constitutions in addition to one normal/healthy kind. People with one of the eight subhealth constitutions are prone to develop different kinds of corresponding illnesses. The goal for this type of categorization is to help people take preemptive measures to prevent or delay disease onset. As the peripheral immune system through surveying the body, it can capture information from essentially all organs and reflect anomalies occurring in each organ. Thus, the detailed profiling of the peripheral immune-system function can generally reflect a person's overall heath state. In this study, we performed the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from individuals with Tanshi (phlegm dampness) constitution. They were prone to develop metabolic disorders including diabetes. scRNA-seq revealed greatly reduced mucosal-associated invariable T cell content and heightened TNFα-NFκB, JAK-STAT, and interferon signaling. These findings indicated heightened chronic inflammation, as well as increased hypoxia/apoptosis responses, likely resulting from frequent sleep apnea that Tanshi individuals experienced. Altogether, this pilot study demonstrated effectiveness in using scRNA-seq to reveal molecular-immunological bases for constitution categorization, thereby substantiating that preventative medicine originated from TCM.
Humans ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear/metabolism* ; Male ; Female ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Single-Cell Analysis ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Transcriptome ; Single-Cell Gene Expression Analysis

Patients with severe tumors do not refer to the patients with end-stage tumors,but rather to the patients with a performance status(PS)score between 2 and 4 in certain stages due to various reasons,such as acute or chronic comorbidities,tumor itself,or treatment-related adverse events.To these patients,there is a high probability of achieving survival benefit and/or improvement in PS scores after synergistic management of available life-support technologies and anti-tumor therapies based on dynamic and precise testing.Elderly patients with tumors frequently present with one or more chronic illnesses and have poor toler-ance and compliance to treatment.Moreover,their treatment regimens often lack high-quality clinical evidence,making them more susceptible to developing severe tumors.The management of severe tumors in the elderly is based on three basic diagnosis and treatment technologies:dynamic and precise detection,powerful life support technologies,and skillful application of current anti-tumor treatments.In specific clinical practice,the following 7 flexible and individualized treatment strategies should be adopted for different tumor types:1.concurrent management of cancer and comorbidities,2.upgrading and downgrading of anti-tumor drugs based on PS score,3.dynamic accurate detection,4.skillful combinations for increasing efficacy and reducing toxicity,5.complete overview,paying equal attention to systemic therapy and local therapy,6.safety first in medication for the elderly,7.multi-discipli-nary participation,individualized and comprehensive treatment.This article introduced the concept of severe tumors in the elderly and the associated management strategies,to increase awareness and provide feasible guidance for clinical practice.

Microsurgery is not only a technology, but also a science. Microsurgery was enlisted as a tier-three discipline in the Classification of National Clinical Medicine Disciplines (Discipline code 320.2715) in 1992. In the new era, the discipline development of microsurgery should be inherited, innovated, realistic and pragmatic, and it also relies on the other surgical specialties to expand the applications of microsurgery. Microsurgery technology should firmly adhere to its core competitiveness and hold high the banner of microsurgical characteristics by offering the best possible serves to all the clinical surgical disciplines; Pay equal attention to medicine, teaching and scientific researches; Unite, collaborate and strengthen academic exchanges at home and abroad; Focus on talent training (i.e. exports of great country, leading figures, etc.) and support the development of private hospitals specialised in microsurgery. The supportive roles of the Chinese Journal of Microsurgery shall be further enforced to facilitate the discipline development of microsurgery and promoting high-quality development of microsurgery.

OBJECTIVE To optimize the honey processing technology of Phellinus igniarius. METHODS The key factors of honey processing technology of P. igniarius （honey-water ratio， the mass ratio of honey-water to P. igniarius， the frying temperature and the frying time） were investigated by orthogonal test combined with analytic hierarchy process to determine the optimal technological parameters， using the internal quality （the contents of ergosterol， protocatechuic aldehyde and protocatechuic acid） and appearance traits as evaluation indexes. RESULTS The optimal process of honey-roasting P. igniarius was to take raw P. igniarius （1 cm3 square block）， add the appropriate amount of auxiliary materials （with 25 kg of refined honey and water for every 100 kg of P. igniarius）， mix well， moisten for 2 h until the auxiliary materials were completely absorbed； put it in a frying container， fry at the frying temperature of 130-140 ℃ for 5 min； take it out， put it in an oven at 50 ℃ for 2 h； take it out， and let it cool. The RSD of the results of three validation experiments was 0.68%. CONCLUSIONS The optimized honey processing technology of P. igniarius is stable and feasible.

OBJECTIVE To optimize the honey processing technology of Phellinus igniarius. METHODS The key factors of honey processing technology of P. igniarius （honey-water ratio， the mass ratio of honey-water to P. igniarius， the frying temperature and the frying time） were investigated by orthogonal test combined with analytic hierarchy process to determine the optimal technological parameters， using the internal quality （the contents of ergosterol， protocatechuic aldehyde and protocatechuic acid） and appearance traits as evaluation indexes. RESULTS The optimal process of honey-roasting P. igniarius was to take raw P. igniarius （1 cm3 square block）， add the appropriate amount of auxiliary materials （with 25 kg of refined honey and water for every 100 kg of P. igniarius）， mix well， moisten for 2 h until the auxiliary materials were completely absorbed； put it in a frying container， fry at the frying temperature of 130-140 ℃ for 5 min； take it out， put it in an oven at 50 ℃ for 2 h； take it out， and let it cool. The RSD of the results of three validation experiments was 0.68%. CONCLUSIONS The optimized honey processing technology of P. igniarius is stable and feasible.