The liver regenerative capacity is crucial for patients with end-stage liver disease following partial hepatectomy (PHx). The specific bacteria and mechanisms regulating liver regeneration post-PHx remain unclear. This study demonstrated dynamic changes in the abundance of Parabacteroides distasonis (P. distasonis) post-PHx, correlating with hepatocyte proliferation. Treatment with live P. distasonis significantly promoted hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration after PHx. Targeted metabolomics revealed a significant positive correlation between P. distasonis and β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB), as well as hyodeoxycholic acid and 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid in the gut after PHx. Notably, treatment with BHB, but not hyodeoxycholic acid or 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, significantly promoted hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration in mice after PHx. Moreover, STAT3 inhibitor Stattic attenuated the promotive effects of BHB on cell proliferation and liver regeneration both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, P. distasonis upregulated the expression of fatty acid oxidation-related proteins, and increased BHB levels in the liver, and then BHB activated the STAT3 signaling pathway to promote liver regeneration. This study, for the first time, identifies the involvement of P. distasonis and its associated metabolite BHB in promoting liver regeneration after PHx, providing new insights for considering P. distasonis and BHB as potential strategies for promoting hepatic regeneration.

"Weibing" is a fundamental concept in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), representing a transitional state characterized by diminished self-regulatory abilities without overt physiological or social dysfunction. This perspective delves into the biological foundations and quantifiable markers of Weibing, aiming to establish a research framework for early disease intervention. Here, we propose the "Health Quadrant Classification" system, which divides the state of human body into health, sub-health, disease-susceptible state, and disease. We suggest the disease-susceptible stage emerges as a pivotal point for TCM interventions. To understand the intrinsic dynamics of this state, we propose laboratory and clinical studies utilizing time-series experiments and stress-induced disease susceptibility models. At the molecular level, bio-omics technologies and bioinformatics approaches are highlighted for uncovering intricate changes during disease progression. Furthermore, we discuss the application of mathematical models and artificial intelligence in developing early warning systems to anticipate and avert the transition from health to disease. This approach resonates with TCM's preventive philosophy, emphasizing proactive health maintenance and disease prevention. Ultimately, our perspective underscores the significance of integrating modern scientific methodologies with TCM principles to propel Weibing research and early intervention strategies forward.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) represents a persistent autoimmune condition distinguished by a multifaceted etiology that encompasses both genetic and environmental factors. Recent progress in understanding the mechanisms behind RA pathogenesis has delved into the critical role of epigenetic regulatory processes, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and the regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs). These findings provide new insights into the intricate nature of RA and pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies. This review consolidates the latest developments in the epigenetic regulation of RA, concentrating on how these mechanisms affect the dysregulated signaling pathways associated with the disease. We analyze the roles of specific proteins that function as 'writers', 'erasers', and 'readers' in epigenetic modifications, highlighting their potential as targets for therapeutic intervention. Additionally, in view of the significance of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of RA, we deliberate on their involvement in disease progression and explore miRNA-based treatment strategies. By integrating these diverse epigenetic dimensions, this review offers a comprehensive epigenetic perspective on RA pathogenesis and identifies promising avenues for future research and therapeutic interventions.

OBJECTIVE: Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi, CRP) is one of the most used traditional Chinese medicines with great medicinal, dietary and collection values, among which the Citrus reticulata cv. 'Chachi' (Citrus reticulata cv. Chachiensis) from Guangdong Xinhui is the geoherb of CRP. Xinhui CRP in the market was often counterfeited with other varieties or origins, molecular identification method can effectively distinguish different CRP varieties, but it's still a difficult problem to identify the same CRP variety from different origin. It is necessary to discover a new molecular marker to ensure the safe and effective application of Xinhui CRP. METHODS: We selected one of the most studied transcription factor families in Citrus genus, MYB, to design the specific candidate primers on the conserved region. The primers with good band repeatability and high polymorphism were screened for PCR amplification of the test materials, and the genetic similarity coefficient among different families, genera, species, and origins were calculated. The cluster analysis was performed by unweighted pair group method using arithmetic average (UPGMA). RESULTS: A total of ten MYB primers were screened out to identify Xinhui CRP from plants from different family (Panax ginseng and Morus alba), genus (Clausena lansium and Zanthoxylum schinifolium), and species (Citrus reticulata, C. sinensis and C. maxima). Furthermore, two from the ten primers, M1 and M10, were found to distinguish Xinhui CRP from other origins. There were 169, 113, 133 and 134 polymorphic bands in the identification of different families, genera, species, and origins respectively, and the accordingly polymorphism ration were 79.88%, 76.87%, 79.20% and 82.84%. Moreover, M1 was discovered to be the best primer to identify Xinhui CRP from other seven origins, the cluster analysis results based on the genetic similarity coefficients were consistent with the geographical distribution. CONCLUSION This study established a novel molecular identification method according to MYB transcription factor, which can analyze the potential parental relationship of CRP germplasm, as well as identify the quality and origins of Xinhui CPR.

Background and Objectives: There is no dedicated occlusive device for closing coronary artery fistulas (CAFs), and specific efficacy and safety data of various off-label occlusive devices for CAFs closure are scarce. Methods: Patients undergoing transcatheter closure of CAFs from January 2011 to December 2022 were included in the single-center retrospective study. The study population was divided into 2 groups: coils group (n=35) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occluders group (n=66). Results: No significant intergroup differences were observed in demographic characteristics except age. The presence of multiple CAF origins (54.3% vs. 4.5%, p<0.001) and multiple draining sites (51.4% vs. 3.0%, p<0.001) were more common in the coils group. In contrast, the presence of aneurysm (72.7% vs. 14.3%, p<0.001), and large fistula (75.8% vs. 37.1%, p<0.001) were more prevalent in the PDA occluders group. The acute procedural success rate of the PDA occluders group was higher compared to that of the coils group (87.9% vs.62.9%, adjusted odds ratio [OR], 7.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.59–32.64; p=0.01).In addition, no significant intergroup differences were noted in both the recanalization rate (7.8% vs. 20%, p=0.107) and the reintervention rate (3.1% vs. 8.6%, p=0.342). Conclusions Transcatheter closure of CAFs using PDA occluders was associated with significantly higher acute procedural success rates compared to coil embolization with comparable late outcomes.

Background and Objectives: There is no dedicated occlusive device for closing coronary artery fistulas (CAFs), and specific efficacy and safety data of various off-label occlusive devices for CAFs closure are scarce. Methods: Patients undergoing transcatheter closure of CAFs from January 2011 to December 2022 were included in the single-center retrospective study. The study population was divided into 2 groups: coils group (n=35) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occluders group (n=66). Results: No significant intergroup differences were observed in demographic characteristics except age. The presence of multiple CAF origins (54.3% vs. 4.5%, p<0.001) and multiple draining sites (51.4% vs. 3.0%, p<0.001) were more common in the coils group. In contrast, the presence of aneurysm (72.7% vs. 14.3%, p<0.001), and large fistula (75.8% vs. 37.1%, p<0.001) were more prevalent in the PDA occluders group. The acute procedural success rate of the PDA occluders group was higher compared to that of the coils group (87.9% vs.62.9%, adjusted odds ratio [OR], 7.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.59–32.64; p=0.01).In addition, no significant intergroup differences were noted in both the recanalization rate (7.8% vs. 20%, p=0.107) and the reintervention rate (3.1% vs. 8.6%, p=0.342). Conclusions Transcatheter closure of CAFs using PDA occluders was associated with significantly higher acute procedural success rates compared to coil embolization with comparable late outcomes.

Objective:To understand the burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its risk factors in Fujian Province during 1990-2019.Methods:Based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, the incidence rate, mortality rate and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of CKD in Fujian from 1990 to 2019 were calculated. An age-period-cohort model was used to estimate the effects of age, period, and cohort on age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) of CKD. Comparative risk assessment theory was used to calculate the potential attributable DALYs due to risk factors.Results:In 2019, the ASIR of CKD in Fujian exceeded the national average. The ASIR of CKD showed an increasing trend from 1990 to 2019, but the ASMR and ASDR of CKD exhibited decreasing trends during the same period. In 2019, the ASIR of CKD was higher in women than in men, while the ASMR and ASDR were higher in men than in women. Age-period-cohort analysis indicated that ASIR, ASMR, and ASDR of CKD increased with age. The period effect for ASIR decreased first before increase, while the period effect for ASMR and ASDR displayed fluctuating trends. The cohort effect showed an upward trajectory for ASIR, but a stable status before downward trajectories for ASMR and ASDR. Compared with 1990, except the increase in the ASDR of CKD attributed to high BMI and high temperatures, the ASDR of CKD attributed to other risk factors all showed decreases in 2019. However, the ASDR attributed to high sodium intake remained higher compared with the global average.Conclusion:The burden of CKD remains heavy in Fujian, and it is necessary to reduce the attributable risk factors, such as high sodium intake and high BMI, to address this problem.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of the Chikungunya fever outbreak in Shunde District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province in July 2025 and the risk factors associated with delayed viral RNA clearance.Methods:A total of 562 patients with Chikungunya fever admitted to three designated hospitals in Shunde District from July 10 to 30, 2025 were enrolled. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, and laboratory findings were collected. Patients were categorized into four age groups including minors (<18 years), young adults (18 to 39 years), middle-aged adults (40 to 64 years) and elderly adults (≥65 years). The differences of clinical characteristics among these age groups were analyzed. Intergroup comparisons were performed using chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance, or Kruskal-Wallis H test. Pairwise comparisons between groups were conducted using the Bonferroni or Games-Howell or Dunn method. Binary logistic regression was employed to analyze risk factors associated with delayed viral RNA clearance (>7 days). Results:The mean age of the 562 enrolled Chikungunya fever patients was (44.8±21.3) years. Fever, arthralgia and rash were the three core symptoms, with incidence rates of 87.5% (492/562), 88.4%(497/562) and 69.6%(391/562), respectively. At discharge, only 54.1%(304/562) of patients achieved complete symptom resolution, while 26.5%(149/562) still had arthralgia and 36.1%(203/562) had residual rash. Significant differences were observed among age groups in the incidence of fever ( χ2=9.43, P=0.024), peak body temperature ( F=6.54, P<0.001), incidence of arthralgia ( χ2=26.89, P<0.001), duration of arthralgia ( F=12.68, P=0.001), incidence of rash ( χ2=68.99, P<0.001), rate of residual rash at discharge ( χ2=32.37, P<0.001), lymphocyte count ( F=12.94, P<0.001), platelet count ( F=14.95, P<0.001), and C-reactive protein levels (CRP) ( H=94.18, P<0.001). Further pairwise comparisons revealed that compared to the middle-aged and elderly groups, the minor group had a higher incidence of fever and a lower incidence of arthralgia, and the duration of arthralgia was shorter than the elderly group (all P<0.008 3). Compared with the other three groups, the elderly group had lower incidence and residual rate of rash, and lower platelet counts (all P<0.008 3), and higher levels of CRP (all P<0.05). The elderly group had lower lymphocyte counts compared to the minor and young adult groups (both P<0.05). Significant differences were found among age groups in the time to viral RNA clearance ( F=5.77, P=0.003) and length of hospital stay ( F=11.64, P<0.001), with the elderly group having significantly longer duration for both compared to the other three groups (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that advanced age (odds ratio ( OR)=1.049, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.015 to 1.083), longer duration of fever ( OR=1.529, 95% CI 1.086 to 2.155) and longer duration of arthralgia ( OR=1.927, 95% CI 1.318 to 2.817) were independent risk factors for delayed viral RNA clearance (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Patients with Chikungunya fever in Shunde District primarily present with fever, arthralgia and rash. The incidence and characteristics of these three core symptoms show age-related variations. Elderly patients and those with longer durations of fever or arthralgia are more likely to experience delayed viral clearance.

Objective To explore the regulatory mechanism of NFE2L2/KEAP1 in alveolar bone repair induced by periodontitis.Methods A rat periodontitis model was established and divided into four groups:Control group(n=6);Periodontitis model group(n=6);Periodontitis+lentivirus empty vector group(n=6);Periodontitis+NFE2L2 overexpression plasmid group(n=6).Histopathological changes in each group were observed using HE staining.TRAP staining was used to detect osteoclast positivity,while ELISA was employed to measure inflammatory cytokine levels in tissues.Immunofluorescence and qPCR were used to detect NFE2L2 expression,and western blot was used to assess the expression of osteogenic proteins ALPL2,RUNX2,and COL1.Primary periodontal ligament cells(hPDLCs)were cultured,and cells were transfected to overexpress NFE2L2 and KEAP1.The cells were divided into six groups:Normal group;Model group;pcDNA-NC group;pcDNA-NFE2L2 group;pc-NFE2L2+pcDNA-NC group;pc-NFE2L2+pcDNA-KEAP1 group.A cellular model was established,and the morphology of primary hPDLCs was observed under a microscope.Cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8.Osteogenic mineralization was observed using alizarin red staining,and western blot was used to detect osteogenic proteins and autophagy markers.Cell migration was observed using a scratch assay.Results(1)After model induction,redness,swelling of the gums,extensive inflammatory infiltration,and alveolar bone resorption were observed,confirming successful model establishment.Partial tissue recovery occurred after NFE2L2 overexpression via lentivirus.(2)After model induction,osteoclast positivity increased,confirming successful model establishment.Overexpression of NFE2L2 reduced osteoclast positivity(P<0.001).(3)After model induction,levels of IL-1β,IL-10,and TNF-α were significantly higher than in the normal group(P<0.05),confirming successful model establishment.Transfection with NFE2L2 lentivirus reduced inflammatory cytokine levels(P<0.0001).After model induction,osteogenic protein expression decreased compared to the normal group,but overexpression of NFE2L2 increased osteogenic protein expression(P<0.05).(5)LPS treatment significantly reduced cell viability,while NFE2L2 overexpression enhanced it(P<0.0001).(6)LPS treatment reduced calcified nodules,while NFE2L2 overexpression increased them.Addition of pcDNA-KEAP1 reduced mineralized nodules.(7)LPS treatment decreased osteogenic protein expression,while NFE2L2 overexpression increased it.However,addition of pcDNA-KEAP1 reduced osteogenic protein expression(P<0.05).(8)LPS treatment reduced cell migration,whereas NFE2L2 overexpression enhanced it(P<0.0001).(9)Expression of autophagy markers decreased after LPS treatment,but increased after transfection with NFE2L2 plasmid.However,addition of pcDNA-KEAP1 reduced the expression of autophagy markers(P<0.05).Conclusion This study identified the regulatory role of NFE2L2/KEAP1 in periodontitis,providing a scientific basis for the treatment of periodontitis.