LIU Wansu， as the foremost of the four great masters of the Jin-Yuan period， established the "theory of fire-heat'' and extended the fire-heat pathogenesis framework to the field of stroke， thereby forming the theory of ''fire-heat inducing stroke''. This achieved a paradigmatic shift in stroke etiology from ''exogenous wind inducing stroke'' to ''fire-heat inducing stroke''. This paper systematically reviews the developmental trajectory of LIU Wansu's ''fire-heat inducing stroke'' theory and explores the social background， academic origins， and core connotations of its theoretical construction. The study found that， based on the ''Nineteen Pathomechanisms'' in the Huangdi's Internal Classic （Huang Di Nei Jing） and combined with clinical practice， LIU Wansu proposed that fire-heat is the fundamental cause of stroke， and that the Six Climatic Factors and the Five Zhi-Emotions can all transform into fire. He further constructed a stratified syndrome differentiation and therapeutic system centered on clearing heat and purging fire， emphasizing differentiated treatment of exterior and interior syndromes， Six Meridians syndrome differentiation， and seasonally adjusted medication. This theory not only resolved the diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas of febrile epidemic diseases during the Jin-Yuan period， but also exerted a profound influence on later physicians such as ZHANG Zihe and ZHU Danxi， thereby promoting the pluralistic development of stroke theory in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. Modern pharmacological research provides solid scientific evidence， confirming that the ''fire-heat'' pathological state is highly associated with key mechanisms such as excessive inflammatory responses， oxidative stress， and excitatory amino acid toxicity following cerebral ischemia. Heat-clearing and fire-purging prescriptions and agents， such as Huanglian Jiedu Tang and baicalin， can exert multi-target neuroprotective effects by regulating inflammatory signaling， enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity， and balancing neurotransmitters. This not only verifies the scientific basis of the ''fire-heat inducing stroke'' theory from a modern biological perspective but also provides conclusive evidence for the clinical application of heat-clearing and fire-purging therapy. LIU Wansu's ''fire-heat inducing stroke'' theory represents a major milestone in the historical understanding of stroke pathogenesis， and its academically transitional insights continue to hold core guiding value for the pattern identification and treatment of ischemic stroke today.

LIU Wansu， as the foremost of the four great masters of the Jin-Yuan period， established the "theory of fire-heat'' and extended the fire-heat pathogenesis framework to the field of stroke， thereby forming the theory of ''fire-heat inducing stroke''. This achieved a paradigmatic shift in stroke etiology from ''exogenous wind inducing stroke'' to ''fire-heat inducing stroke''. This paper systematically reviews the developmental trajectory of LIU Wansu's ''fire-heat inducing stroke'' theory and explores the social background， academic origins， and core connotations of its theoretical construction. The study found that， based on the ''Nineteen Pathomechanisms'' in the Huangdi's Internal Classic （Huang Di Nei Jing） and combined with clinical practice， LIU Wansu proposed that fire-heat is the fundamental cause of stroke， and that the Six Climatic Factors and the Five Zhi-Emotions can all transform into fire. He further constructed a stratified syndrome differentiation and therapeutic system centered on clearing heat and purging fire， emphasizing differentiated treatment of exterior and interior syndromes， Six Meridians syndrome differentiation， and seasonally adjusted medication. This theory not only resolved the diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas of febrile epidemic diseases during the Jin-Yuan period， but also exerted a profound influence on later physicians such as ZHANG Zihe and ZHU Danxi， thereby promoting the pluralistic development of stroke theory in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. Modern pharmacological research provides solid scientific evidence， confirming that the ''fire-heat'' pathological state is highly associated with key mechanisms such as excessive inflammatory responses， oxidative stress， and excitatory amino acid toxicity following cerebral ischemia. Heat-clearing and fire-purging prescriptions and agents， such as Huanglian Jiedu Tang and baicalin， can exert multi-target neuroprotective effects by regulating inflammatory signaling， enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity， and balancing neurotransmitters. This not only verifies the scientific basis of the ''fire-heat inducing stroke'' theory from a modern biological perspective but also provides conclusive evidence for the clinical application of heat-clearing and fire-purging therapy. LIU Wansu's ''fire-heat inducing stroke'' theory represents a major milestone in the historical understanding of stroke pathogenesis， and its academically transitional insights continue to hold core guiding value for the pattern identification and treatment of ischemic stroke today.

ObjectiveTo investigate whether Huanglian Jiedutang （HLJD） and its major active constituents （geniposide， baicalin， and berberine） can inhibit the inflammatory response of BV2 cells under lipopolysaccharide （LPS） stimulation via the high-mobility group protein B1 （HMGB1）/Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）/nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway， and to explore differences in therapeutic efficacy among the three monomers， their combined formula， and HLJD under equal content ratios. MethodsBV2 microglial cells were used as the primary experimental model. Cell viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8） method to examine the effects of different concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide （DMSO， 0.8%， 0.4%， 0.2%， 0.1%， and 0.05%） on cell viability. IncuCyte was employed to monitor the growth of cells under different concentrations of HLJD （200， 100， 50， 25， 12.5， 6.25 mg·L^-1）. Nitric oxide （NO） assay was used to screen the optimal HLJD concentration. High-performance liquid chromatography （HPLC） determined the content of geniposide， baicalin， and berberine in HLJD， and experimental groups were subsequently established according to the relative proportions of these constituents. CCK-8 assay evaluated cell viability under different treatments. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） measured levels of inflammatory factors （TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， IL-10） in the supernatant. Flow cytometry assessed the effects of treatments on M1-type polarization of BV2 cells. Western blot determined the expression levels of HMGB1， TLR4， and NF-κB-related proteins. ResultsCompared with the blank group， DMSO at concentrations ≤0.2% did not affect cell viability within 48 h. BV2 cell growth plateaued at 24 h after treatment with 200 mg·L^-1 HLJD. Under stimulation with 2 mg·L^-1 LPS， this concentration of HLJD effectively reduced NO release， and 6 h pre-treatment had a stronger inhibitory effect on NO than direct administration. HPLC results showed that 1 mg of HLJD freeze-dried powder contained approximately 24 μg of geniposide， 15 μg of baicalin， and 30 μg of berberine. Based on these ratios， experimental groups were blank， LPS （2 mg·L^-1）， HLJD （200 mg·L^-1）， monomer combination， geniposide （4.8 mg·L^-1）， baicalin （3 mg·L^-1）， and berberine （6 mg·L^-1）. The monomer combination group consisted of all three active constituents dissolved together. LPS and HLJD or its active constituents did not affect cell viability compared with the blank group. LPS significantly increased TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， and IL-10 in the supernatant （P<0.01）. HLJD and its active constituents significantly reduced pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-6 （P<0.05， P<0.01） while upregulating anti-inflammatory IL-10 （P<0.01）， with the monomer combination showing the strongest effect （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， LPS significantly increased the proportion of CD80⁺CD86⁺ （M1-type） BV2 cells （P<0.01）. HLJD and its constituents partially inhibited M1 polarization （P<0.05， P<0.01）， with the monomer combination exhibiting the most pronounced effect （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， LPS upregulated HMGB1， TLR4， and NF-κB-related proteins （P<0.01）， whereas HLJD and its active constituents significantly reduced their expression （P<0.05， P<0.01）， with the monomer combination having the strongest regulatory effect （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionHLJD and its major active constituents （geniposide， baicalin， berberine） can inhibit LPS-induced inflammatory responses in BV2 cells. The combination of the three active constituents demonstrates the most potent anti-inflammatory effect， significantly attenuating M1-type polarization of BV2 cells via the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

ObjectiveTo systematically identify the chemical constituents of Xuefu Zhuyutang（XFZY） and quantitatively determine its main components， aiming to elucidate its pharmacodynamic material basis and provide a scientific foundation for improving its quality control standards. MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry（UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS） was employed for qualitative analysis of XFZY， and the identification of compounds was accomplished by comparing their retention times， secondary MS fragment ion information， 52 reference standards and relevant databases， followed by attribution of their herbal sources. A total of 22 representative compounds were screened out， and UPLC-quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometry（UPLC-Q-TRAP-MS/MS） was applied for quantitative analysis of the compounds in the formula. ResultsA total of 77 compounds were identified in XFZY， including 31 flavonoids mainly derived from Aurantii Fructus， Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma， Persicae Semen， Carthami Flos， Bupleuri Radix， Paeoniae Radix Rubra and Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix， 24 terpenoids mainly derived from Platycodonis Radix， Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma， Paeoniae Radix Rubra and Rehmanniae Radix， 9 phenylpropanoids and their derivatives mainly derived from Chuanxiong Rhizoma， Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Rehmanniae Radix， 4 phenolic acids mainly derived from Chuanxiong Rhizoma， Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Paeoniae Radix Rubra， 3 saccharides mainly derived from Rehmanniae Radix and Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix， and 6 other compounds mainly derived from Persicae Semen， Rehmanniae Radix and Angelicae Sinensis Radix. The results of quantitative analysis showed that the contents of protocatechuic acid， hydroxypaeoniflorin， amygdalin， vanillic acid， paeoniflorin， liquiritin apioside， liquiritin， isoquercitrin， naringin， cosmosiin， hesperidin， neohesperidin， isoliquiritin， liquiritigenin， naringenin， benzoylpaeoniflorin， hesperetin， isoliquiritigenin， formononetin， glycyrrhizic acid， nobiletin and ligustilide in XFZY were determined to be 0.12， 1.57， 54.53， 0.29， 36.17， 4.29， 4.84， 0.09， 46.67， 0.04， 3.44， 31.95， 0.82， 0.10， 0.11， 0.43， 0.07， 0.03， 0.01， 8.24， 0.13， 1.81 mg·g^-1. ConclusionThe qualitative method established in this study enables rapid and sensitive analysis of the chemical constituents in XFZY. Among the identified compounds， 52 are confirmed by reference standards， ensuring the accuracy of identification. The quantitative analysis of 22 key components provides a reliable experimental basis for the pharmacodynamic material basis research and quality control standard improvement of XFZY.

Background/Aims: Natural killer (NK) cell function is generally considered dampened in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection; however, the NK cell pool exhibits phenotypic and functional heterogeneity, and the antibody--mediated effect of NK cells remains less characterized. This study evaluated the dynamic changes in antibody-mediated NK cell responses and the involvement of distinct NK subsets across disease stages and during antiviral treatment. Methods: A T-cell receptor-like antibody specific for the HBV core 18–27 peptide (cTCRL-Ab) was used to determine the antibody-mediated effect of NK cells, and an array of NK cell surface markers were analyzed in cross-sectional and longitudinal cohorts of patients with chronic HBV infection. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed to identify the heterogeneity of NK subsets. Results: The cTCRL-Ab enabled the detection of NK cell cytolytic activity and IFNγ production. Notably, cTCRL-Ab-mediated NK cell responses were compromised in chronically HBV-infected patients, particularly in those receiving pegylated interferon-α (Peg-IFNα), which was associated with the downregulation of CD16 expression. Correspondingly, Peg-IFNα inhibited cTCRL-Ab-mediated NK cell function by reducing CD16 expression in vitro. scRNA-seq revealed that CD16 downregulation occurred mainly within a dysfunctional CD16hi NK subset exhibiting exhaustion properties. In contrast, an activated CD16hiNK subpopulation (CX3CR1⁺KLRC2–CD16hi) with high cytotoxicity was enriched in patients who experienced favorable treatment responses. Furthermore, the intrahepatic CX3CR1+KLRC2–CD16hi subset tended to exhibit functional restoration in HBsAg-loss individuals. Conclusions Our data contribute to the understanding of antibody-mediated responses of NK cells in chronic HBV infection, and highlight a previously unappreciated functional CX3CR1+KLRC2–CD16hiNK subset as a potential therapeutic target.

Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound in treating pulmonary nodules, providing evidence-based medical evidence for TCM intervention in pulmonary nodules. Methods Computer search of PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and SinoMed was conducted to select randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TCM compound intervention in pulmonary nodules, with the retrieval time from the inception to November 29, 2023. The Cochrane bias risk assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies, and Review Manager 5.4 was used for Meta-analysis. Results A total of 18 RCTs were included, covering 8 provinces across the country, with a total sample size of 1301 patients. The TCM compounds used in the included studies all incorporated the method of dissolving phlegm and dissipating nodules. There was a high risk of bias uncertainty in the included studies. Meta-analysis results suggested that TCM compound could significantly reduce the diameter of pulmonary nodules [MD=−1.41, 95%CI (−1.70, −1.13), P<0.001], decrease the number of nodules [MD=−0.37, 95%CI (−0.73, −0.01), P=0.05], alleviate clinical symptoms [MD=−4.84, 95%CI (−6.04, −3.64), P<0.001], and improve lung function [forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), MD=0.55, 95%CI (0.09, 1.01), P=0.02; FEV1/forced vital capacity, MD=6.12, 95%CI (4.47, 7.78), P<0.001]. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the probability of malignancy between the experimental group and the control group [MD=−0.01, 95%CI (−0.01, 0.00), P=0.09]. Conclusion TCM compound can significantly reduce the diameter of pulmonary nodules, decrease the number of nodules, alleviate clinical symptoms, and improve lung function, but future multicenter, large-sample, high-quality RCTs are still needed to further explore and verify this conclusion.

Tuberculosis (TB) is still a major public health issue today. A novel TB vaccine is a key approach to reaching the targets of WHO's End-TB Strategy. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the research and development of TB vaccines both in China and abroad. A breakthrough has been made in both application scenarios and technological routes, and several vaccine candidates have entered phase Ⅲ clinical trials. This review summarizes information from clinical trials involving key TB vaccine candidates under development in China and abroad. It highlights six candidates that are most promising for marketing or inspiring future research and development, analyzes the current difficulties in the research and development of novel TB vaccines, and provides an outlook for the future.

Objective To explore the application selection and clinical effects of different vascular recanalization techniques in acute ischemic stroke with large artery occlusion(AIS-LVO)induced by anterior circulation intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis(ICAS).Methods Retrospectively,156 AIS-LVO patients caused by anterior circulation ICAS,who were admitted to Xuzhou Central Hospital from January 2022 to September 2024,were included.The patients were divided into three groups according to the surgical methods.The baseline data,endovascular treatment related data,postoperative efficacy and safety indicators of patients were analyzed statistically.The influencing factors of prognosis were analyzed usinga multi-factor Logistic regression model.Results The final enrollment result was 70 patients in thrombectomy-only group,48 patients in thrombectomy combined with balloon dilation group,and 38 patients in thrombectomy combined with stenting group.There was a statistically significant difference in the proportion of hyperlipidemia among the three groups before treatment(P＜0.05).However,further analysis revealed that there was no difference between any two groups.The time from puncture to recanalization in the thrombectomy-only group was significantly lower than that in the other two groups(all P＜0.05).After treatment,the restenosis rate in the thrombectomy combined with stenting group was significantly lower than the other two groups,while the intracerebral hemorrhage rate was significantly higher(all P＜0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the NIHSS score at admission was an independent risk factor for prognosis(OR=2.780,95％CI:1.212-6.374,P=0.016).Conclusion For AIS-LVO induced by anterior circulation ICAS,salvage balloon dilation or stenting after thrombectomy alone is safe and effective,resulting in a good prognosis for most patients and a reduced rate of restenosis.

The medulla oblongata,situated at the caudal portion of the brainstem,serves as a critical regulatory center responsible for maintaining fundamental vital functions including respiratory and cardiovascular homeostasis.As a pivotal hub within the autonomic nervous system,it orchestrates the coordinated control of afferent and efferent neural pathways.Dysfunction of this region may precipitate life-threatening cardiorespiratory arrest,associated with substantial mortality rates.This case report presents a patient who developed acute extensive anterior myocardial infarction during treatment with dual antiplatelet therapy and moderate-intensity statins following acute medullary infarction.It is hypothesized that the pathogenesis may involve the acceleration of plaque erosion by the stroke-heart syndrome.This clinical case provides valuable insights into the complex neurocardiac interplay,particularly highlighting the imperative for enhanced recognition of brain-heart axis interactions in cerebrovascular pathology.

Aim To explore the possible regulatory effect of leptin on acyl-CoA synthetase long chain fami-ly member ACSL5 and their effect on migration and in-vasion of breast cancer cell,and to explore the underly-ing mechanism.Methods The expression of leptin receptor was detected by immunofluorescence assay.The migration and invasion ability of MCF-7 cells were detected by wound healing assay and Transwell assay respectively.The downstream target gene of leptin was analyzed by PCR microarray data.The expression of ACSL5 in breast cancer and its correlation with the staging and prognosis of breast cancer patients were as-sessed uing bioinformatics methods.The expression of ACSL5 in MCF-7 cells treated with different concentra-tions of leptin was detected using real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).Overexpressing ACSL5 was constructed by lentiviral transfection;the expressions of EMT related proteins,AMPK-α and p-AMPK-α were detected by Western blot.Results Leptin promoted breast cancer cell mi-gration and invasion and EMT.ACSL5 was significant-ly low expressed in breast cancer and related to progno-sis.Leptin downregulated the expression of ACSL5 through OBR.Leptin activated AMPK pathway to downregulate ACSL5 and promote migration,invasion and EMT of breast cancer cells.Conclusions Leptin may promote the migration,invasion and EMT of breast cancer by downregulating ACSL5 through activating AMPK pathway.