This paper explores the therapeutic approach for glaucoma based on the concept of "jueyin （厥阴） as the closing phase" from the perspectives of time and space. In traditional Chinese medicine， jueyin governs inward， converging aspect of qi， representing the crucial turning point between the end of yin and the emergence of yang， as well as the transformation between yin and yang. When the closing and descending function of jueyin operates smoothly， it promotes the inward convergence and smooth descent of qi， enabling the internal retention of blood， spirit， and emotions， which nourishes the internal organs and moistens the meridian-sinews. Conversely， dysfunction of this "closing" mechanism results in a disturbance of yin and yang， a mixture of cold and heat， and disharmony of qi and blood. It is proposed that "failure of jueyin to properly close and descend" is a core pathomechanism of glaucoma. From the perspective of spatiotemporal theory， clinical treatment should focus on "regulating the closing function of jueyin and harmonizing yin and yang". The modified Wumei Pill （乌梅丸） is recommended to adjust the ascending-descending and entering-exiting dynamics of jueyin qi transformation， thereby restoring its free flow， achieving yin and yang balance， and ensuring nourishment to the ocular system.

Renal fibrosis （RF） is the primary pathological feature of chronic kidney disease （CKD） progression to end-stage renal disease （ESRD）， with glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis as core pathological manifestations. It involves abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix （ECM） components such as collagen and fibronectin， ultimately leading to structural destruction and functional losses of the kidneys. Sirtuins （SIRTs）， a class of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide （NAD+）-dependent deacetylases， play crucial roles in cellular metabolism， oxidative stress responses， inflammation regulation， and cell survival. In mammals， there are seven distinct SIRT members （SIRT1 to SIRT7）， which collectively ameliorate RF progression through multiple pathways. These include regulating the transforming growth factor （TGF）-β/Smad signaling pathway， suppressing inflammatory responses， reducing oxidative stress， modulating mitochondrial and autophagy functions， and promoting fatty acid oxidation. In recent years， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） and its active components have demonstrated significant potential in activating or modulating the SIRT protease family and its regulatory networks to ameliorate RF in a multi-target and holistic manner. However， systematic reviews in this area remain lacking. This article elucidates the mechanisms by which the SIRT protease family regulates RF and reviews the latest research advances in TCM modulation of SIRTs for the prevention and treatment of RF， aiming to provide new insights and approaches for the TCM treatment of RF.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on improving motor function and regulating microglial activation based on Notch receptor 1 (Notch1)/Hes family bHLH transcription factor 1 (Hes1) pathway in mice with Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: Thirty-six male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group and an EA group, 12 mice in each group. PD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) for 7 consecutive days in the model group and the EA group. From the 1st day of modeling, EA was applied at "Baihui" (GV20) and bilateral "Shenshu" (BL23) in the EA group, with continuous wave, in frequency of 2 Hz and current of 2 mA, 15 min a time, once a day for 14 days continuously. The behavioral performance was evaluated by gait test, pole climbing test and hanging test, the number of positive cells of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and the co-expression positive cells of Notch1/ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1) in the substantia nigra of midbrain was assessed by immunofluorescence, the protein expression of TH, α-synuclein (α-syn), Notch1, Hes1, Iba-1, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Arginase-1 (ARG1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 was detected by Western blot, the mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1 was detected by real-time PCR. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, in the model group, the stride frequency was accelerated (P<0.001) and the stride length was shortened (P<0.001) for the four limbs, the pole climbing test time was prolonged (P<0.01) and the grip level was reduced (P<0.01); in the substantia nigra of midbrain, the number of positive cells of TH was decreased (P<0.001), the number of co-expression positive cells of Notch1/Iba-1 was increased (P<0.001), the protein expression of α-syn, Notch1, Hes1, Iba-1, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1βand IL-6 was increased (P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.001), the protein expression of TH, ARG1 and IL-10 was decreased (P<0.01, P<0.001), the mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1 was increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, in the EA group, the stride frequency was decelerated (P<0.001) and the stride length was increased (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001) for the four limbs, the pole climbing test time was shortened (P<0.05) and the grip level was increased (P<0.05); in the substantia nigra of midbrain, the number of positive cells of TH was increased (P<0.01), the number of co-expression positive cells of Notch1/Iba-1 was decreased (P<0.001), the protein expression of α-syn, Notch1, Hes1, Iba-1, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), the protein expression of TH, ARG1 and IL-10 was increased (P<0.05, P<0.001, P<0.01), the mRNA expression of Notch1 and Hes1 was decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION EA can improve the behavioral performance and protect the dopaminergic neurons in PD mice, its mechanism may relate to the inhibition of Notch1/Hes1-mediated neuroinflammation, thus inhibiting the microglial activation.
Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; Microglia/metabolism* ; Male ; Receptor, Notch1/metabolism* ; Parkinson Disease/physiopathology* ; Transcription Factor HES-1/metabolism* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Humans ; Signal Transduction

The production of high-quality oocytes requires precisely orchestrated intercellular communication. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived nanoparticles that play a vital role in the transfer of bioactive molecules, which has gained much attention in the field of diagnosis and treatment. Over the past ten years, the participation of EVs in the reproductive processes of oocytes has been broadly studied and has shown great potential for elucidating the intricacies of female reproductive health. This review provides an extensive discussion of the influence of EVs on oocytes, emphasizing their involvement in normal physiology and altered cargo under pathological conditions. In addition, the positive impact of therapeutic EVs on oocyte quality and their role in alleviating ovarian pathological conditions are summarized.
Humans ; Extracellular Vesicles/physiology* ; Oocytes/cytology* ; Female ; Animals ; Cell Communication/physiology*

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the subcellular localization and biological functions of transmembrane protein 240 (TMEM240). METHODS: NCBI BLAST and TMHMM bioinformatics software were used for protein sequence analysis and prediction of transmembrane domain of TMEM240. Brain tissues from male C57BL/6 mice (18-20 days old) were examined for distribution of TMEM240 using in situ hybridization, and qPCR and Western blotting were used to detect TMEM240 expression in different mouse tissues and in cortical neurons at different time points (n=3). In the in vitro experiment, HepG2 and Neuro-2a cells were transfected with plasmids for overexpression of TMEM240, and subcellular localization of TMEM240 was analyzed using cell imaging. In primary cultures of cortical neurons isolated from C57BL/6 mice, TMEM240 expression and its biological functions were investigated using qPCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: Human and mouse TMEM240 proteins share a 97.69% similarity in the protein sequences, and both are transmembrane proteins with two transmembrane domains. TMEM240 mRNA and protein were highly expressed in mouse brain tissues and cortical neurons. In isolated mouse cortical neurons, TMEM240 expression reached the peak level after primary culture for 9 days and distributed in scattered spots within the cells. In HepG2 cells, TMEM240 was characterized as intracellular membrane structures and showed 80% colocalization with peroxisomes. In Neuro-2a cells, TMEM240 overexpression caused significant enhancement of the expressions of Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor β (ARHGDIB) at both the mRNA and protein levels. CONCLUSIONS TMEM240 is a novel intracellular subcellular structure specifically expressed in neurons with significant potential for targeted cellular function regulation.
Animals ; Humans ; Mice ; Peroxisomes/metabolism* ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Neurons/metabolism* ; Male ; rho-Specific Guanine Nucleotide Dissociation Inhibitors ; Hep G2 Cells ; Brain/metabolism*

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), especially generative AI (GenAI), has already brought, and will continue to bring, revolutionary changes to our daily production and life, as well as create new opportunities and challenges for diagnostic and therapeutic practices in the medical field. Haihe Hospital of Tianjin University collaborates with the National Supercomputer Center in Tianjin, Tianjin University, and other institutions to carry out research in areas such as smart healthcare, smart services, and smart management. We have conducted research and development of a full-process disease diagnosis and treatment assistance system based on GenAI in the field of smart healthcare. The development of this project is of great significance. The first goal is to upgrade and transform the hospital's information center, organically integrate it with existing information systems, and provide the necessary computing power storage support for intelligent services within the hospital. We have implemented the localized deployment of three models: Tianhe "Tianyuan", WiNGPT, and DeepSeek. The second is to create a digital avatar of the chief physician/chief physician's voice and image by integrating multimodal intelligent interaction technology. With generative intelligence as the core, this solution provides patients with a visual medical interaction solution. The third is to achieve deep adaptation between generative intelligence and the entire process of patient medical treatment. In this project, we have developed assistant tools such as intelligent inquiry, intelligent diagnosis and recognition, intelligent treatment plan generation, and intelligent assisted medical record generation to improve the safety, quality, and efficiency of the diagnosis and treatment process. This study introduces the content of a full-process disease diagnosis and treatment assistance system, aiming to provide references and insights for the digital transformation of the healthcare industry.
Artificial Intelligence ; Humans ; Delivery of Health Care ; Generative Artificial Intelligence

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the filling effects of three biomaterial root canal sealers [iRoot SP, C-Root SP, and GuttaFlow Bioseal (GFB)] by using Micro-CT. METHODS: Sixty single-canal detached premolars were selected. After crown amputation, their uniform working length was set at 12 mm and prepared to a 06 taper 30# with M3 nickel-titanium file. The samples were randomly divided into six groups with different sealers and obturation techniques: iRoot SP+single-cone technique (SC), C-Root SP+SC, GFB+SC, iRoot SP+single cone-mediated ultrasonic technique (SU), C-Root SP+SU, and GFB+SU. Samples were scanned by Micro-CT, and the total and segmented filling rates were calculated with Mimics 22.0 software after 3D reconstruction. RESULTS: The overall filling rate of the three biomaterial root canal sealers was higher than 90%. The overall and coronal third and middle third segment filling rate of groups iRoot SP+SC, C-Root SP+SC was higher than that of group GFB+SC (P<0.01), with no significant difference between groups iRoot SP+SC and C-Root SP+SC (P>0.05). On the apical third, no significant difference was found among each group (P>0.05). The overall and segment filling rate of groups iRoot SP+SU and C-Root SP+SU was higher than that of GFB+SU (P<0.01), with no significant difference between groups iRoot SP+SU and C-Root SP+SU (P>0.05). The filling rate of the apical 1/3 of group C-Root+SC was lower than that of group C-Root+SU (P<0.01), and the filling rate of the coronal 1/3 of group GFB+SC was higher than that in the GFB+SU (P<0.01). Nevertheless, no significant difference was found in other filling rate of two obturation techniques (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The overall filling rate of the three biomaterial root canal sealers using SC and SU are satisfactory. iRoot SP and C-Root SP have similar filling rates, which are significantly higher than that of GFB. C-Root SP combined with SU technique can improve the filling quality of the root apical.
Root Canal Filling Materials ; X-Ray Microtomography ; Humans ; Root Canal Obturation/methods* ; Gutta-Percha ; Dimethylpolysiloxanes ; Drug Combinations ; Dental Pulp Cavity/diagnostic imaging* ; Bicuspid

Objective:To investigate the protective effects and mechanism of Shenyan 1 Prescription on renal fibrosis of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rats through TGF- β 1/Smad homologous 3 (Smad3) pathway regulating ferroptosis.Methods:Totally 48 male SD rats were divided into four groups: sham-operation group, UUO model group, and Shenyan 1 Prescription low-(10 drug/kg) , and high-dosage (20 crude drug/kg) groups according to random number table method, with 12 rats in each group. The UUO model was induced by the method of unilateral ureteral obstruction except for those sham-operation group. After modeling, rats received corresponding drugs or normal saline by gavage for 4 weeks, once per day. After 4 weeks, the body mass and the left kidney weight were measured. The 24 h urine protein and the levels of serum albumin (ALB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were detected by biochemical analysis method; the ROS level in renal tissue was measured using a chemical fluorescence assay kit, and the SOD and MDA levels in left renal tissue of rats were measured using ELISA method; the morphology of renal tissue and the specific blue staining of hemosiderin were observed using HE and Prussian blue staining methods, respectively; the expressions of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), Smad3, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and solute carrier family 1 member 5 (SLC1A5) were detected by Western blot.Results:Compared with the model group, the 24 h urinary protein excretion in Shenyan 1 Prescription high-dosage group decreased ( P<0.05), the serum ALB level increased ( P<0.05), the ALT level decreased ( P<0.05), and the expression of SLC1A5 in renal tissue decreased ( P<0.05); the left kidney weight/body decreased in Shenyan 1 Prescription low- and high-dosage groups ( P<0.05); the levels of serum ROS and MDA decreased ( P<0.05), and the activity of SOD significantly increased ( P<0.05); the expressions of TGF-β1 and Smad3 in renal tissue decreased ( P<0.05), and the expression of GPX4 increased ( P<0.05), and the renal pathological injury and ion deposition were improved. Conclusion:Shenyan 1 Prescription has a protective effect on the structure and function of renal tissues in UUO rats through regulating ferroptosis via inhibition of the TGF-β1/ Smad3 pathway to inhibit renal fibrosis of UUO rats.

AIM: To investigate the diagnostic value of the axial length/corneal radius of curvature(AL/CR)for myopia in children and adolescents.METHODS: PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, CBM, WanFang Data and VIP databases were searched to collect clinical research on the value of AL/CR in diagnosing myopia in children and adolescents, and the retrieval time was from establishment to September 30, 2023. The QUADAS-2 tool was used to evaluate the quality of the extracted literature. A random-effects model was used to pool diagnostic test data, Meta-regression and subgroup analysis were performed to explore sources of heterogeneity.RESULTS: A total of 10 articles involving 19 872 study participants were included, and Meta-analysis showed that the pooled sensitivity of the AL/CR for the diagnosis of myopia in children and adolescents was 0.91[95%CI(0.90-0.91)], the pooled specificity was 0.84 [95%CI(0.84-0.85)], and area under the SROC curve of 0.95 [95%CI(0.93-0.96)].CONCLUSION: The AL/CR is a good indicator of myopia in children and adolescents.