Objective To construct programmed cell death protein-ligand 1(PD-LI)^hi tolerogenic dendritic cell (tol-DC) derived from bone marrow of DA rats and identify its immunological function. Methods DA rat bone marrow cells were extracted, combined with recombinant mouse granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor and recombinant mouse interleukin (IL)-4, and cultured for 6 days in vitro to induce the differentiation of bone marrow cells into immature dendritic cells (imDC). Lipopolysaccharide was used to stimulate cell maturation and cultured for 2 days to collect mature dendritic cells (mDC). PD-L1 lentiviral vector virus stock solution or equivalent dose lentiviral stock solution was added, and PD-L1^hitol-DC and Lv-imDC were collected after culture for 2 days. The morphology of PD-L1^hitol-DC was observed by inverted phase contrast microscope and transmission electron microscope. Real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and flow cytometry were used to detect the expression level of specific markers on cell surface. CD8⁺T cells derived from Lewis rat spleen were co-cultured with imDC, mDC, Lv-imDC and PD-L1^hitol-DC, respectively. The levels of inflammatory factors in the supernatant of each group were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The apoptosis of T cells and the differentiation of regulatory T cells (Treg) in each group were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results The morphology of PD-L1^hitol-DC modified by PD-L1 gene was consistent with tol-DC characteristics, and the expression levels of CD80, CD86 and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on the surface were low. After mixed culture with CD8⁺ T cells, the levels of IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF) -β1 in the supernatant of PD-L1^hitol-DC group were higher, the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α and IL-17A were lower, and the apoptosis of T cells and Treg differentiation were increased. Conclusions Overexpression of PD-L1 through lentiviral vectors may successfully induce the construction of bone-marrow derived PD-L1^hitol-DC in DA rats, promote the secretion of anti-inflammatory factors and T cell apoptosis, induce the differentiation of Treg, and inhibit the immune response of allogeneic CD8⁺T cells, which provides experimental basis for the next organ transplantation immune tolerance study.

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and changing trends of non suicidal self injury (NSSI) behaviors among middle school students in Jiading District of Shanghai, from 2015 to 2023, so as to provide a basis for the development of NSSI prevention and control measures among students. Methods: Using a stratified cluster random sampling method, a total of five times for Shanghai Adolescent Health Risk Behavior Surveys were conducted for every two years in Jiading District of Shanghai from 2015 to 2023. A total of 5 231 middle school students from junior high schools and senior high schools were selected for questionnaire surveys. Intergroup comparisons were performed using the x 2 test or the χ 2 trend test, and the JointPoint 5.0 software was used to analyze the changing trends, with the annual percent change (APC) used for evaluation. A binary Logistic regression model was employed to analyze the related factors of NSSI behavior among middle school students. Results: In 2023, the reported NSSI rate among middle school students in Jiading District was 14.2%. The rate was significantly higher among junior high school students (17.1%) than that among senior high school students (11.1%), and higher among females (19.2%) than that among males (10.0%) ( χ 2=10.04, 23.21, both P <0.01). From 2015 to 2023, the overall reported NSSI rate showed an increasing trend, rising from 8.6% in 2015 to 14.2% in 2023 ( χ 2 trend =22.25), with an APC of 6.64% ( t =3.49), and the APC for girls was 9.79 % ( t =3.20) (all P <0.05). Among students reporting NSSI, the proportion experiencing ≥6 episodes increased from 10.8% in 2015 to 19.2% in 2023 ( χ 2 trend =6.57, P <0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that girls, junior high school students, those with insomnia, depressive emotion and drinkers had higher risks of NSSI, compared to boys, senior high school students, those without insomnia, non depressive emotion students and non drinkers ( OR =1.71, 1.96, 3.44, 4.76, 1.77, all P < 0.05 ). Conclusions The reported rate of NSSI among middle school students in Jiading District of Shanghai, increased annually from 2015 to 2023, and the proportion of repeated NSSI also showed an upward trend. Early intervention measures targeting middle school students, especially junior high school students and females, should be implemented to prevent and control its occurrence and development.

Objective: To investigate the characteristics and HIV confirmed positive status among individuals attending HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) clinics in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, so as to provide the basis for enhancing interventions targeting high-risk populations for AIDS. Methods: Demographic information, reasons for consultation, consulting institutions, and HIV antibody testing data of individuals attending VCT clinics in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2019 to 2023 were collected through the VCT database of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The characteristics of individuals attending VCT were described. Factors affecting HIV confirmed positive among VCT clinic attendees were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: A total of 249 919 individuals attended VCT clinics in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2019 to 2023, including 128 069 males (51.24%) and 121 850 females (48.76%). The majority of attendees were aged 25-<35 years, accounting for 92 445 cases (36.99%). Among them, 785 cases were confirmed as HIV positive, with a positivity rate of 0.31%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that males (OR=4.787, 95%CI: 3.562-6.434), 45-<65 years of age (45-<55 years, OR=7.723, 95%CI: 1.786-33.406; 55-<65 years, OR=7.689, 95%CI: 1.757-33.653), being unmarried (OR=2.143, 95%CI: 1.580-2.906), junior high school education or below (OR=1.147, 95%CI: 1.042-2.430), having the history of high-risk behaviors or exposure risks (commercial heterosexual behaviors, OR=2.717, 95%CI: 1.707-4.324; non-commercial non-fixed heterosexual behaviors, OR=5.421, 95%CI: 3.763-7.809; homosexual behaviors, OR=70.774, 95%CI: 48.409-103.473; having an HIV-positive spouse/fixed partner/mother, OR=100.024, 95%CI: 62.490-160.100; drug injection, OR=5.366, 95%CI: 2.213-13.014), and seeking general hospitals or traditional Chinese medicine hospitals (OR=1.973, 95%CI: 1.650-2.360) were associated with a higher risk of HIV confirmed positive. Conclusions HIV confirmed positive among individuals attending VCT clinics in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is associated with gender, age, marital status, educational level, reasons for consultation, and consulting institutions. It is recommended to strengthen health education and targeted interventions for high-risk populations to reduce the risk of HIV infection.

Objective: To evaluate the structural communication advantages of peers with medical background in social networks and their intervention effects on college students knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) levels in the prevention and control of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), so as to provide theoretical support and practical pathways for structured health communication. Methods: From April to June in 2025, 367 undergraduates were selected by stratified cluster random sampling in Nankai University. A multimodal strategy was employed to construct students social networks. Fifty peer nodes were selected through a four step screening process:betweenness centrality ≥0.3, eigenvector centrality ≥ P 90 , serving as student leader for at least one year,being mentioned ≥2 times in classroom interactions and information exchanges, with a total of five rounds, each lasting five days. Peer leaders daily pushed five Micromessage (knowledge points, interactive topics, or videos) through WeChat/QQ groups. KAP scale scores for AIDS prevention and treatment were measured before and after the intervention, and intervention effectiveness and predictive factors were analyzed using paired t-tests and Logistic regression analysis. Results: After the intervention, the total KAP score for AIDS prevention and treatment increased from (65.86±6.58) to (71.27±4.90) ( t=-12.84, P <0.01). The intermediary centrality (0.51±0.09) in the medical group was significantly higher than the non medical group (0.34±0.12) ( t=3.18, P < 0.01 ), with an average daily peak transmission rate of 8.71 people, and the network modularity increased from 0.39 to 0.47 (Δ Q=0.09, P < 0.01). The interaction between structural advantages and medical background significantly predicted KAP improvement ( OR= 4.21 , 95%CI=1.89-9.38, P <0.05). Conclusions Professional peers have significant structural communication advantages in HIV prevention and treatment interventions in colleges and universities. It is recommended to optimize sub node screening strategies by combining network structure and professional background.

Objective: To understand current state of physical health levels of first year students in different body mass index (BMI) categories in Ningxia universities, and to explore the correlation between BMI and physical fitness index (PFI), so as to provide a reference for enhancing physical health levels of university students. Methods: In November 2024, physical fitness test data from 16 631 first year students across four universities in Yinchuan City, Ningxia from 2019 to 2023 were collected by adopting convenience and stratified cluster random sampling methods. The PFI was calculated using the Z score of the physical fitness test results, and a nonlinear quadratic model was established via least squares regression to examine the relationship between BMI and PFI among university students. Results: The BMI for males was (21.69±3.53)kg/m 2, while for females was (20.78±2.94)kg/m 2. The composite score for males physical fitness (69.86±9.25) was lower than that for females (72.24± 8.15 ), with a statistically significant difference ( t =-17.54, P <0.01). Moreover, the failure rates of various physical fitness indicators (vital capacity, sit and reach, standing long jump, pull ups/1 minute sit ups, 1 000 m/800 m run) were higher among males than females ( χ 2=103.48, 72.45, 14.38, 5 134.85, 188.89, all P <0.01). Comparisons across BMI categories revealed that among males, the normal weight group outperformed other groups in the 50 m sprint, standing long jump, 1 000 m sprint, composite score, and PFI ( F =89.17, 113.90, 179.02, 573.35, 593.08); among female students, the normal weight group outperformed other groups in the 50 m sprint, sit and reach, 800 m run, composite score, and PFI ( F =10.67, 19.58 , 96.45, 294.05, 183.45) (all P <0.01). The relationship between BMI and PFI among first year students exhibited a parabolic change trend, students with a moderate BMI demonstrated higher PFI, and as BMI increased, PFI decreased (all P <0.01). Conclusions The physical health level of male students in Ningxia universities is lower than that of female students. There is a correlation between BMI classification and PFI. Tailored intervention measures should be implemented according to the physical characteristics of students across different genders and BMI classifications to enhance university students physical health.

The expert consensus on the clinical treatment of herpes zoster with fire needling was developed, and the commonly used fire needling treatment scheme verified by clinical research was selected to form a standardized diagnosis and treatment scheme for acute herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), so as to answer the core problems in clinical application. The consensus focuses on patients with herpes zoster, and forms recommendations for 9 key clinical issues, covering simple fire needling and TCM comprehensive therapy based on fire needling, including fire needling combined with cupping, fire needling combined with Chinese herb, fire needling combined with cupping and Chinese herb, fire needling combined with filiform needling, fire needling combined with moxibustion, and provides specific recommendations and operational guidelines for various therapies.
Humans ; Herpes Zoster/therapy* ; Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation* ; Consensus ; Clinical Protocols

Obesity is a worldwide health problem. An imbalance in energy metabolism is an important cause of obesity and related metabolic diseases. Our previous studies showed that inhibition of miR-429 increased the protein level of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in beige adipocytes; however, whether local inhibition of miR-429 in subcutaneous adipose tissue affects diet-induced obesity and related metabolic disorders remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of local overexpression of miR-429 sponge in subcutaneous adipose tissue on obesity and related metabolic disorders. The control adeno-associated virus (AAV) or AAV expressing the miR-429 sponge was injected into mouse inguinal white adipose tissue. Seven days later, the mice were fed a high-fat diet for 10 weeks to induce obesity. The effects of the miR-429 sponge on body weight, adipose tissue weight, plasma glucose and lipid levels, and hepatic lipid content were explored. The results showed that the overexpression of miR-429 sponge in subcutaneous white adipose tissue reduced body weight and fat mass, decreased fasting blood glucose and plasma cholesterol levels, improved glucose tolerance, and alleviated hepatic lipid deposition in mice. Mechanistic investigation showed that the inhibition of miR-429 significantly upregulated the expression of UCP1 in adipocytes and adipose tissue. These results suggest that local inhibition of miR-429 in subcutaneous white adipose tissue ameliorates obesity and related metabolic disorders potentially by upregulating UCP1, and miR-429 is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Animals ; MicroRNAs/physiology* ; Obesity/metabolism* ; Mice ; Adipose Tissue, White/metabolism* ; Metabolic Diseases ; Subcutaneous Fat/metabolism* ; Male ; Uncoupling Protein 1/metabolism* ; Diet, High-Fat ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

The study was conducted to investigate the mechanism of Xinyang Tablets( XYP) in modulating the fat mass and obesity-associated protein(FTO)/N6-methyladenosine(m6A) signaling pathway to ameliorate ventricular remodeling in heart failure(HF). A mouse model of HF was established by transverse aortic constriction(TAC). Mice were randomized into sham, model, XYP(low, medium, and high doses), and positive control( perindopril) groups(n= 10). From day 3 post-surgery, mice were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage for 6 consecutive weeks. Following the treatment, echocardiography was employed to evaluate the cardiac function, and RT-qPCR was employed to determine the relative m RNA levels of key markers, including atrial natriuretic peptide( ANP), B-type natriuretic peptide( BNP), β-myosin heavy chain(β-MHC), collagen type I alpha chain(Col1α), collagen type Ⅲ alpha chain(Col3α), alpha smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), and FTO. The cardiac tissue was stained with Masson's trichrome and wheat germ agglutinin(WGA) to reveal the pathological changes. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression levels of Col1α, Col3α, α-SMA, and FTO in the myocardial tissue. The m6A modification level in the myocardial tissue was measured by the m6A assay kit. An H9c2 cell model of cardiomyocyte injury was induced by angiotensin Ⅱ(AngⅡ), and small interfering RNA(siRNA) was employed to knock down FTO expression. RT-qPCR was conducted to assess the relative m RNA levels of FTO and other genes associated with cardiac remodeling. The m6A modification level was measured by the m6A assay kit, and Western blot was employed to determine the phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(p-PI3K)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K) and phosphorylated serine/threonine kinase(p-Akt)/serine/threonine kinase(Akt) ratios in cardiomyocytes. The results of animal experiments showed that the XYP treatment significantly improved the cardiac function, reduced fibrosis, up-regulated the m RNA and protein levels of FTO, and lowered the m6A modification level compared with the model group. The results of cell experiments showed that the XYP-containing serum markedly up-regulated the m RNA level of FTO while decreasing the m6A modification level and the p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt ratios in cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, FTO knockdown reversed the protective effects of XYP-containing serum on Ang Ⅱ-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. In conclusion, XYP may ameliorate ventricular remodeling by regulating the FTO/m6A axis, thereby inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Animals ; Ventricular Remodeling/drug effects* ; Heart Failure/physiopathology* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Mice ; Male ; Alpha-Ketoglutarate-Dependent Dioxygenase FTO/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Humans ; Adenosine/analogs & derivatives* ; Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal

Cardiac fibrosis(CF) is a cardiac pathological process characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix(ECM). When the heart is damaged by adverse stimuli, cardiac fibroblasts are activated and secrete a large amount of ECM, leading to changes in cardiac fibrosis, myocardial stiffness, and cardiac function declines and accelerating the development of heart failure. There is a close relationship between heart yin deficiency and cardiac fibrosis, which have similar pathogenic mechanisms. Heart Yin deficiency, characterized by insufficient Yin fluids, causes the heart to lose its nourishing function, which acts as the initiating factor for myocardial dystrophy. The deficiency of body fluids leads to stagnation of blood flow, resulting in blood stasis and water retention. Blood stasis and water retention accumulate in the heart, which aligns with the pathological manifestation of excessive deposition of ECM, as a tangible pathogenic factor. This is an inevitable stage of the disease process. The lingering of blood stasis combined with water retention eventually leads to the generation of heat and toxins, triggering inflammatory responses similar to heat toxins, which continuously stimulate the heart and cause the ultimate outcome of CF. Considering the syndrome of heart Yin deficiency, traditional Chinese medicine capable of nourishing Yin, activating blood, and promoting urination can reduce myocardial cell apoptosis, inhibit fibroblast activation, and lower the inflammation level, showing significant advantages in combating CF.
Humans ; Fibrosis/drug therapy* ; Animals ; Yin Deficiency/metabolism* ; Myocardium/metabolism* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*

This study investigates the effect and underlying mechanism of Guizhi Tongluo Tablets(GZTL) in treating atherosclerosis(AS) in a mouse model. Apolipoprotein E-knockout(ApoE~(-/-)) mice were randomly assigned to the following groups: model, high-, medium-, and low-dose GZTL, and atorvastatin(ATV), and age-matched C57BL/6J mice were selected as the control group. ApoE~(-/-) mice in other groups except the control group were fed with a high-fat diet for the modeling of AS and administrated with corresponding drugs via gavage for 8 weeks. General conditions, signs of blood stasis, and body mass of mice were monitored. Aortic plaques and their stability were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin, Masson, and oil red O staining. Serum levels of total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides(TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) were measured by biochemical assays, and those of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and interleukin-6(IL-6) were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL). Single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq) was employed to analyze the differential expression of CD72hi macrophages(CD72hi-Mφ) in the aortas of AS patients and mice. The immunofluorescence assay was employed to visualize CD72hi-Mφ expression in mouse aortic plaques, and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was utilized to determine the mRNA levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the aorta. The results demonstrated that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited significant increases in body mass, aortic plaque area proportion, necrotic core area proportion, and lipid deposition, a notable decrease in collagen fiber content, and an increase in apoptosis. Additionally, the model group showcased elevated serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6, alongside marked upregulations in the mRNA levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the aorta. In comparison with the model group, the GZTL groups and the ATV group showed a reduction in body mass, and the medium-and high-dose GZTL groups and the ATV group demonstrated reductions in aortic plaque area proportion, necrotic core area proportion, and lipid deposition, an increase in collagen fiber content, and a decrease in apoptosis. Furthermore, the treatment goups showcased lowered serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6. The data of scRNA-seq revealed significantly elevated CD72hi-Mφ signaling in carotid plaques of AS patients compared with that in the normal arterial tissue. Animal experiments confirmed that CD72hi-Mφ expression, along with several pro-inflammatory cytokines, was significantly upregulated in the aortas of AS mice, which were downregulated by GZTL treatment. In conclusion, GZTL may alleviate AS by inhibiting CD72hi-Mφ activity.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Atherosclerosis/immunology* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Macrophages/immunology* ; Male ; Humans ; Apolipoproteins E/genetics* ; Tablets ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Interleukin-1beta/genetics* ; Interleukin-6/genetics* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Mice, Knockout