ObjectiveAccording to the theory of medicinal properties in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， Tangye Jingfa Tu， implying that all tonic prescriptions should primarily feature sweetness. However， the "Chart of the Classic Methods of Decoction Therapy" recorded in Mnemonic Aids for Medical Practice （Fuxingjue） proposes that each of the Zangfu organs has a corresponding tonifying flavor， i.e.， pungent for the liver， salty for the heart， sweet for the spleen， sour for the lungs， and bitter for the kidneys. Therefore， deficiency syndromes of different organs should be primarily addressed with specific medicinal flavors. This study applies this theoretical framework to analyze the formulation and compatibility principles and efficacy positioning of commonly used TCM tonic prescriptions， providing a reference for differentiated clinical medication. MethodsA database of tonic prescriptions was established based on the textbook Science of Prescriptions. Excel software was used to separately calculate the number of medicinal types， frequency of use， flavors， and proportional composition of the prescriptions. The prescriptions were categorized to determine their compatibility structures and functional characteristics. ResultsA total of 60 prescriptions were included， classified into six categories， involving 110 medicinal types with 469 instances of use. From the perspective of the "Chart of the Classic Methods of Decoction Therapy"， different tonic prescriptions exhibit distinct dominant medicinal flavors and organ associations. Specifically， 15 Qi-tonifying prescriptions primarily adopted a "sweet flavor" to tonify the spleen. Nine blood-tonifying prescriptions primarily adopted a "pungent-salty flavor" to tonify the liver and heart. Seven Qi-and-blood-tonifying prescriptions primarily featured a "sweet-pungent flavor" to tonify the spleen and liver. Nineteen Yin-tonifying prescriptions primarily adopted a "bitter-sour flavor" to tonify the kidneys and lungs. Seven Yang-tonifying prescriptions primarily featured a "pungent-bitter flavor" to tonify the liver and kidneys. Three Yin-and-Yang-tonifying prescriptions primarily featured a "bitter-pungent-sweet flavor" to tonify the kidneys， liver， and spleen. ConclusionThe "Chart of the Classic Methods of Decoction Therapy" clearly illustrates the formulation and compatibility principles and key differences among various tonic prescriptions， indicating that not all tonic prescriptions are predominantly sweet in flavor. This provides new insights for the clinical modification and application of tonic prescriptions.

ObjectiveAccording to the theory of medicinal properties in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， Tangye Jingfa Tu， implying that all tonic prescriptions should primarily feature sweetness. However， the "Chart of the Classic Methods of Decoction Therapy" recorded in Mnemonic Aids for Medical Practice （Fuxingjue） proposes that each of the Zangfu organs has a corresponding tonifying flavor， i.e.， pungent for the liver， salty for the heart， sweet for the spleen， sour for the lungs， and bitter for the kidneys. Therefore， deficiency syndromes of different organs should be primarily addressed with specific medicinal flavors. This study applies this theoretical framework to analyze the formulation and compatibility principles and efficacy positioning of commonly used TCM tonic prescriptions， providing a reference for differentiated clinical medication. MethodsA database of tonic prescriptions was established based on the textbook Science of Prescriptions. Excel software was used to separately calculate the number of medicinal types， frequency of use， flavors， and proportional composition of the prescriptions. The prescriptions were categorized to determine their compatibility structures and functional characteristics. ResultsA total of 60 prescriptions were included， classified into six categories， involving 110 medicinal types with 469 instances of use. From the perspective of the "Chart of the Classic Methods of Decoction Therapy"， different tonic prescriptions exhibit distinct dominant medicinal flavors and organ associations. Specifically， 15 Qi-tonifying prescriptions primarily adopted a "sweet flavor" to tonify the spleen. Nine blood-tonifying prescriptions primarily adopted a "pungent-salty flavor" to tonify the liver and heart. Seven Qi-and-blood-tonifying prescriptions primarily featured a "sweet-pungent flavor" to tonify the spleen and liver. Nineteen Yin-tonifying prescriptions primarily adopted a "bitter-sour flavor" to tonify the kidneys and lungs. Seven Yang-tonifying prescriptions primarily featured a "pungent-bitter flavor" to tonify the liver and kidneys. Three Yin-and-Yang-tonifying prescriptions primarily featured a "bitter-pungent-sweet flavor" to tonify the kidneys， liver， and spleen. ConclusionThe "Chart of the Classic Methods of Decoction Therapy" clearly illustrates the formulation and compatibility principles and key differences among various tonic prescriptions， indicating that not all tonic prescriptions are predominantly sweet in flavor. This provides new insights for the clinical modification and application of tonic prescriptions.

Objective To explore the construction of α-1,3-galactosyltransferase (GGTA1) gene-knockout (GTKO) Diannan miniature pigs and the kidney xenotransplantation from pigs to rhesus macaques, and to assess the effectiveness of GTKO pigs. Methods The GTKO Diannan miniature pigs were constructed using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system and somatic cell cloning technology. The phenotype of GTKO pigs was verified through polymerase chain reaction, Sanger sequencing and immunofluorescence staining. Flow cytometry was used to detect antigen-antibody (IgM) binding and complement-dependent cytotoxicity. Kidney xenotransplantation was performed from GTKO pigs to rhesus macaques. The humoral immunity, cellular immunity, coagulation and physiological indicators of the recipient monkeys were monitored. The function and pathological changes of the transplanted kidneys were analyzed using ultrasonography, hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence staining. Results Single-guide RNA (sgRNA) targeting exon 4 of the GGTA1 gene in Diannan miniature pigs was designed. The pGL3-GGTA1-sgRNA1-GFP vector was transfected into fetal fibroblasts of Diannan miniature pigs. After puromycin selection, two cell clones, C59# and C89#, were identified as GGTA1 gene-knockout clones. These clones were expanded to form cell lines, which were used as donor cells for somatic cell nuclear transfer. The reconstructed embryos were transferred into the oviducts of trihybrid surrogate sows, resulting in 13 fetal pigs. Among them, fetuses F04 and F11 exhibited biallelic mutations in the GGTA1 gene, and F04 had a normal karyotype. Using this GTKO fetal pig for recloning and transferring the reconstructed embryos into the oviducts of trihybrid surrogate sows, seven surviving piglets were obtained, all of which did not express α-Gal epitope. The binding of IgM from the serum of rhesus monkey 20# to GTKO pig PBMC was reduced, and the survival rate of GTKO pig PBMC in the complement-dependent cytotoxicity assay was higher than that of wild-type pig. GTKO pig kidneys were harvested and perfused until completely white. After the left kidney of the recipient monkey was removed, the pig kidney was heterotopically transplanted. Following vascular anastomosis and blood flow restoration, the pig kidney rapidly turned pink without hyperacute rejection (HAR). Urine appeared in the ureter 6 minutes later, indicating successful kidney transplantation. The right kidney of the recipient was then removed. Seven days after transplantation, the transplanted kidney had good blood flow, the recipient monkey's serum creatinine level was stable, and serum potassium and cystatin C levels were effectively controlled, although they increased 10 days after transplantation. Seven days after transplantation, the levels of white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils in the recipient monkey increased, while platelet count and fibrinogen levels decreased. The activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time and prothrombin time remained relatively stable but later showed an upward trend. The recipient monkey survived for 10 days. At autopsy, the transplanted kidney was found to be congested, swollen and necrotic, with a small amount of IgG deposition in the renal tissue, and a large amount of IgM, complement C3c and C4d deposition, as well as CD68⁺ macrophage infiltration. Conclusions The kidneys of GTKO Diannan miniature pigs may maintain normal renal function for a certain period in rhesus macaques and effectively overcome HAR, confirming the effectiveness of GTKO pigs for xenotransplantation.

Objective: To investigate the biological effects of carvacrol on rats with stomach-heat and stomach-cold and its regulation on transient receptor potential(TRP) channels in rats with stomach-heat, and to study the cold and heat properties of carvacrol and its possible mechanism. Methods: According to the random number method, 100 SD rats were divided into stomach-heat blank group, stomach-heat model group, Coptidis Rhizoma group, stomach-heat low-dose and high-dose carvacrol group, stomach-cold blank group, stomach-cold model group, Baked ginger group, stomach-cold low-dose group and high-dose carvacrol group, 10 rats in each group. The rat model of stomach-heat was established by intragastric administration of pepper aqueous solution (0.80 g/kg) and anhydrous ethanol, and the rat model of stomach-cold was established by intragastric administration of water extract of Anemarrhena asphodeloides and sodium hydroxide (10.40 g/kg). On the day of modeling, the rats in the Baked ginger group were given Baked ginger decoction (0.78 g/kg), and the rats in the Coptidis Rhizoma group were given Coptidis Rhizoma decoction (0.43 g/kg).The stomach-cold and stomach-heat low-dose group of carvacrol was given carvacrol emulsion (40 mg/kg), high-dose group was given carvacrol emulsion (80 mg/kg).All rats of the blank and model groups were given the equal volume of emulsion prepared by 5% dimethyl sulfoxide, 1% Tween 80, 1% polyethylene glycol 400, and 93% normal saline, once a day, for 7 days. The general condition of rats was observed and the body mass was recorded. The pathological morphology of gastric tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The changes of material and energy metabolism, cyclic nucleotide (cAMP), thyroid hormone and gastrointestinal hormone in each group were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression levels of transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1), transient receptor potential channel M8 (TRPM8) and uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) in rats with gastric fever were detected by Western blotting. Results: Compared with the stomach-heat blank group, the body mass of rats in the stomach-heat model group decreased at the fifth and seventh day (P<0.05). The contents (or ratio) of hepatic glycogen (HGlyc), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were decreased (P<0.05), and Na+ -K+ -ATPase, Ca2+ -Mg2+ -ATPase, cytochrome C oxidase (COX), NADH dehydrogenase (ND), cyclic adenosine phosphate (cAMP), cAMP/cyclic guanosine phosphate (cGMP), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), gastrin (GAS), motilin (MTL), and α-amylase (α-AMS) all increased (P<0.05). Compared with the stomach-heat model group, the body mass of rats in the Coptidis Rhizoma group decreased at the third, fifth, and seventh day, the contents (or ratio) of HGlyc, TC, TG, VIP and α-AMS were increased, and Na+ -K+ -ATPase, COX, ND, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, T3, T4, and GAS all decreased (P<0.05). The body mass of rats in the stomach-heat low-dose carvacrol group decreased at the seventh day. The contents (or ratio) of HGlyc, TC, and VIP were increased, Na+ -K+ -ATPase, COX, ND, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, T3, T4, and MTL all decreased, the expression of TRPV1 and UCP1 in gastric tissue decreased, while TRPM8 increased (P<0.05) in rats of the stomach-heat low-dose and high-dose carvacrol groups. Compared with the stomach-cold blank group, the body mass of rats in the stomach-cold model group decreased at the third, fifth, and seventh day, the contents (or ratio) of HGlyc, TC, TG, α-AMS, and VIP all increased, while Na+ -K+ -ATPase, Ca2+ -Mg2+ -ATPase, COX, ND, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, T3, T4, GAS, and MTL all decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the stomach-cold model group, the body mass of rats in the Baked ginger group was increased at the seventh day, and the contents (or ratio) of HGlyc, VIP, and α-AMS all decreased, while Na+ -K+ -ATPase, COX, ND, cAMP/cGMP, T3, T4, GAS, and MTL all increased (P<0.05). The contents of HGlyc, cAMP, α-AMS, and VIP of rats in the stomach-cold low and high-dose carvacrol group all decreased (P<0.05). TG in the stomach-cold low-dose carvacrol group was increased. TC, Ca2+ -Mg2+ -ATPase, and cGMP all increased, while cAMP/cGMP decreased (P<0.05) in the high-dose carvacrol group. Conclusion In this study, the rat model of stomach-cold and stomach-heat were successfully established by using cold and heat factors. The result showed that carvacrol had a certain inhibitory effect on body mass, material energy metabolism, cyclic nucleotide level, thyroid hormone and gastrointestinal function in rats with stomach-heat, indicating that the drug was cold. Carvacrol′s cold medicinal property could be biologically explained by TRPV1 activation, UCP1 induction, and TRPM8 suppression.

Peri-implant diseases are characterized by the resorption of hard tissue and the inflammation of soft tissue. Epigenetics refers to alterations in the expression of genes that are not encoded in the DNA sequence, influencing diverse physiological activities, including immune response, inflammation, and bone metabolism. Epigenetic modifications can lead to tissue-specific gene expression variations among individuals and may initiate or exacerbate inflammation and disease predisposition. However, the impact of these factors on peri-implantitis remains inconclusive. To address this gap, we conducted a comprehensive review to investigate the associations between epigenetic mechanisms and peri-implantitis, specifically focusing on DNA methylation and microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs). We searched for relevant literature on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar with keywords including "epigenetics," "peri-implantitis," "DNA methylation," and "microRNA." DNA methylation and miRNAs present a dynamic epigenetic mechanism operating around implants. Epigenetic modifications of genes related to inflammation and osteogenesis provide a new perspective for understanding how local and environmental factors influence the pathogenesis of peri-implantitis. In addition, we assessed the potential application of DNA methylation and miRNAs in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of peri-implantitis, aiming to provide a foundation for future studies to explore potential therapeutic targets and develop more effective management strategies for this condition. These findings also have broader implications for understanding the pathogenesis of other inflammation-related oral diseases like periodontitis.
Peri-Implantitis/genetics* ; Humans ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; DNA Methylation ; MicroRNAs/genetics*

Tumor lineage plasticity (LP) is an emerging hallmark of cancer progression. Through pharmacologically probing the function of epigenetic regulators in prostate cancer cells and organoids, we identified bromodomain protein BRD4 as a crucial player. Integrated ChIP-seq and RNA-seq analysis of tumors revealed, for the first time, that BRD4 directly activates hundreds of genes in the LP programs which include neurogenesis, axonogenesis, EMT and stem cells and key drivers such as POU3F2 (BRN2), ASCL1/2, NeuroD1, SOX2/9, RUNX1/2 and DLL3. Interestingly, BRD4 genome occupancy is reprogrammed by anti-AR drugs from facilitating AR function in CRPC cells to activating the LP programs and is facilitated by pioneer factor FOXA1. Significantly, we demonstrated that BRD4 inhibitor AZD5153, currently at clinical development, possesses potent activities in complete blockade of tumor growth of both de novo neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) and treatment-induced NEPC PDXs and that suppression of tumor expression of LP programs through reduction of local chromatin accessibility is the primary mechanism of action (MOA) by AZD5153. Together, our study revealed that BRD4 plays a fundamental role in direct activation of tumor LP programs and that its inhibitor AZD5153 is highly promising in effective treatment of the lethal forms of the diseases.

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a cerebrovascular disease characterized by high morbidity, disability, and mortality, posing a significant threat to human health. Endovascular treatment has now been established as a key method for AIS management, in which stent retrievers that can mechanically remove blood clots play a key role in this technique. In recent years, stent retrievers have evolved in complexity and functionality to improve the ability of clot removing and surgical safety. However, the present instruments still have limitations on treatment efficiency, vascular adaptability, and operational precision, posing an urgent need for innovation in the design of stent retrievers. This paper systematically reviewed the structural features and working principles of AIS stent retrievers from the perspective of efficacy evaluation metrics, historical development, recent advancements in stent retrieval technology, and future prospects.
Humans ; Ischemic Stroke/surgery* ; Stents ; Endovascular Procedures/methods* ; Thrombectomy/methods* ; Device Removal/methods*

Objective:To explore the role of conducting a"thematic morning report"based on post-competency in the standardized residents training in hospital in the Intensive Care Unit(ICU).Methods:A total of 60 resident training physicians who participated in the standardized residents training in hospital in the ICU of this hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 were included,and randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,with 30 in each group.The observation group adopted an interactive teaching method of themed morning report based on post-competency,while the control group adopted the traditional teaching method.The assessment results of clinical theoretical knowledge and operational skills of the two groups of resident training physicians under different teaching methods were compared.The 360°assessment method was used to record the multi-directional evaluation of patients or their families,nurses,colleagues,and teaching teachers on the post-competence of resident training physicians(self-learning ability,team collaboration ability,effective communication ability,and learning interest).Results:The assessment scores of clinical theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the observation group after teaching were higher than those in the control group,with statistically significant differences(theoretical assessment:t=2.101,P＜0.05;practical assessment:t=9.647,P＜0.05).The post-competence scores of nurses,colleagues,and teaching teachers on resident training physicians in the observation group were higher than those in the control group after one-month regular training,and the differences were statistically significant(nurses'evaluation of self-learning ability:t=3.182,P=0.002,team collaboration ability:t=3.978,P＜0.05,effective communication ability:t=2.180,P=0.0335,learning interest:t=3.884,P＜0.05;colleagues'evaluation of self-learning ability:t=2.888,P=0.005,team cooperation ability:t=6.816,P＜0.05,effective communication ability:t=3.833,P＜0.05,learning interest:t=4.086,P＜ 0.05;teaching teacher's evaluation of self-learning ability:t=3.429,P=0.001,team cooperation ability:t=3.086,P=0.003,effective communication ability:t=3.493,P=0.001,learning interest:t=3.126,P=0.003).There was a statistically significant difference in the satisfaction scores of patients or their familymembers towards the two groups of resident training physicians(t=3.126,P=0.003).Conclusion:The use of the interactive teaching method of thematic morning report based on post-competency in the standardized residents training in hospital in the ICU can not only improve the theoretical practice and case analysis test scores of resident training physicians,but also improve the post-competence and the satisfaction of patients and their families.

Objective To observe the effects of tuina on P2Y12/RhoA/ROCK2 pathway and c-Fos protein expression of microglia in spinal dorsal horn of sciatic nerve chronic compressive injury(CCI)rats;To explore the mechanism of tuina in treating lumbar disc herniation.Methods A CCI model of right sciatic nerve was used to simulate neuropathic pain in lumbar disc herniation.24 male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group and tuina group,with 8 rats in each group.After 4 days of modeling,massage intervention was used to in the tuina group for 14 days.The paw withdrawal threshold(PWT)and paw withdrawal latency(PWL)of rats before and on the 4th,10th,and 17th day after modeling were observed,immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of Iba1 and P2Y12 protein in right spinal dorsal horn,Western blot was used to detect the expressions of RhoA and ROCK2 protein in right spinal dorsal horn,immunohistochemistry staining was used to detect the number of c-Fos positive cells in right spinal dorsal horn.Results Compared with the blank group,the PWT and PWL of the model group were significantly reduced on the 4th,10th,and 17th day after modeling(P<0.001),while the expressions of Iba1,P2Y12,RhoA and ROCK2 protein in right spinal dorsal horn significantly increased(P<0.001,P<0.05),the number of c-Fos positive cells significantly increased(P<0.001).Compared with the model group,the PWT and PWL of the tuina group significantly increased on the 10th and 17th day after modeling(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001),and the expressions of Iba1,P2Y12,RhoA and ROCK2 protein in right spinal dorsal horn significantly decreased(P<0.001,P<0.01,P<0.05),and the number of c-Fos positive cells significantly reduced(P<0.001).Conclusion Tuina may inhibit the activation of microglia by regulating P2Y12/RhoA/ROCK2 pathway and c-Fos protein expression in spinal dorsal horn,reduce neuronal excitability,and exert analgesic effects on lumbar disc herniation.

Objective To statistically analyze the allergen-specific IgE test results for allergic patients and observe the distribution of allergens and their prevalence trends.Methods Allergen-specific IgE test results were collected from 12 486 patients with suspected allergic diseases who attended the outpatient clinic of the Department of Dermatology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from January 2018 to December 2023,and the distribution of the positivity rate of various allergens and their differences among different age,gender and seasonal subgroups were statistically analyzed.Results Allergen-specific IgE positive results were found in 5 109 cases out of 12 486 patients with suspected allergic diseases,with a positive rate of 40.92%.Between different gender groups,the allergen positivity rate were 45.41%(2 371/5 221)in males and 37.69%(2 738/7 265)in females,respectively,and the difference in positivity rate between males and females was statistically significant(x2=74.99,P<0.001).The allergen positivity rate among different age groups was highest in the 3～<6 years group(60.00%),followed by the 6～<18 years group(54.92%),and lowest in the≥60 years group(29.18%),with statistically significant differences in allergen positivity rates among different age groups(x2=344.97,P<0.001).The top three overall allergen positivity rates were milk(11.73%),dwarf ragweed/artemisia/rudolfia/quinoa(11.43%)and house dust mite(10.82%),and the positivity rates of milk and house dust mite had a tendency to increase year by year.The highest allergen positivity rate among groups in different seasons was in summer(42.28%),followed by fall(41.32%)and lowest in winter(38.31%),and the difference in allergen positivity rates among the four seasons was statistically significant(x2=9.09,P=0.028).Dwarf ragweed/artemisia/rutabaga/quinoa had the highest positivity rate in the fall(15.75%),while milk(14.59%)and egg white(2.58%)had the highest positivity rates in the summer,and the differences in the positivity rates of dwarf ragweed/artemisia/rutabaga/quinoa,milk and egg white between the four seasons were statistically significant(x2=92.50,70.45,8.10,all P<0.05).Multiple positives were present for allergen-specific IgE,with 22.18%single positives and 18.92%double and more than double positives.Positive test results for ingestion were mainly distributed in the lower levels,while positive test results for inhalation were more distributed in the higher levels,especially for dwarf ragweed/artemisia/rutabaga/quinoa,which were most distributed in level 6.Conclusion Different types of allergens have different distribution characteristics among different genders,ages and seasons,the distribution levels of positive results are different,and there are multiple positive results.Based on the distribution characteristics of allergens in the region,rational arrangement of the dietary and living shoule be mode to avoid the risks and to reduce the probability of the occurrence of allergic diseases.