ObjectiveTaking classical herbal pair compatibility research as the entry point， this study aimed to deeply investigate the material basis and compatibility rules underlying the antidepressant effects of the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） formula Zhizi Houpotang， and to elucidate its antidepressant mechanism， with a particular focus on its regulation of neuroinflammatory responses mediated by the NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）/gasdermin D （GSDMD） signaling pathway and the consequent improvement of neuronal synaptic plasticity. MethodsC57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a blank control group， a chronic unpredictable mild stress （CUMS） depression model group， a Zhizi Houpotang full-formula group （6 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， a Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex （MOC）-Aurantii Fructus Immaturus （AFI） herbal pair group （4.2 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， a Gardeniae Fructus （GF）-MOC herbal pair group （4.2 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， a GF-AFI herbal pair group （3.6 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， and a positive drug group （fluoxetine， 12 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）. Depressive-like behaviors in mice were evaluated using behavioral tests. Immunofluorescence staining was used to label and quantify the expression of the microglial marker ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 （Ibal） and the purinergic receptor P2X ligand-gated ion channel 7 （P2RX7） in the prefrontal cortex （PFC）. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was applied to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and interleukin-18 （IL-18） in serum and PFC tissues. Western blot was employed to determine the expression of pannexin 1 （Panx1）， P2RX7， NLRP3， apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD （ASC）， Caspase-1， GSDMD， postsynaptic density protein 95 （PSD95）， and the presynaptic protein Synapsin 1 in PFC tissues. Golgi staining was used to assess dendritic spine density of neurons in the PFC. ResultsCompared with the blank control group， the depression model group exhibited significant depressive-like behaviors. In addition， the immunofluorescence areas of Ibal and P2RX7 in the PFC were significantly increased （P<0.01）， the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in serum and the PFC were significantly elevated （P<0.01）， and the protein expression levels of Panx1， P2RX7， NLRP3， ASC， Caspase-1， and GSDMD in the PFC were significantly upregulated （P<0.01）. In contrast， the protein expression levels of PSD95 and Synapsin 1 were significantly downregulated （P<0.01）， and neuronal dendritic spine density was significantly reduced （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the Zhizi Houpotang full-formula group and the GF-MOC herbal pair group showed significant improvement in all the above indicators （P<0.01）. The GF-AFI herbal pair group improved all the above indicators except P2RX7， Caspase-1， GSDMD， and PSD95 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. In contrast， the MOC-AFI herbal pair group showed no statistically significant improvement in any of the above indicators compared with the model group. ConclusionZhizi Houpotang and its key herbal pair， GF-MOC， can effectively ameliorate CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviors in mice. Its core antidepressant mechanism may involve inhibition of P2RX7/Panx1 signaling， thereby blocking the NLRP3/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis pathway and significantly reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Simultaneously， it upregulates the expression of synapse-related proteins PSD95 and Synapsin 1 and increases dendritic spine density， promoting the recovery of synaptic plasticity. These results suggest that GF plays a key role in the antidepressant effects of this formula， and that the compatibility of GF with MOC may represent the principal herbal pair combination responsible for its core therapeutic action.

The Huangdi Neijing proposes the " using bitter herbs to nourish or purge" theory to guide clinical prescription and formulation of herbal remedies based on the physiological characteristics and functions of the five zang viscera, along with the properties and flavors of medicinal herbs. This study explored diabetic kidney disease pathogenesis and treatment based on the " using bitter herbs to nourish or purge" theory. Kidney dryness is a key pathological factor in diabetic kidney disease, and the disharmony of kidney dryness is an essential aspect of its pathogenesis. Strengthening is the primary therapeutic principle, and kidney dryness is a persistent factor throughout the occurrence and progression of diabetic kidney disease. In the early stage, the pathogenesis involves heat-consuming qi and injuring yin, leading to kidney dryness. In the middle stage, the pathogenesis manifests as qi deficiency and blood stasis in the collaterals, resulting in turbidity owing to kidney dryness. In the late stage, the pathogenesis involves yin and yang deficiency, with kidney dryness and disharmony. This study proposes the staging-based treatment based on the " need for firmness" characteristic of the kidney. The aim is to provide new insights for clinical diagnosis and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine by rationally using pungent, bitter, and salty medicinal herbs to nourish and moisturize the kidney. This approach seeks to promote precise syndrome differentiation and personalized treatment for different stages of diabetic kidney disease, thereby enhancing clinical efficacy.

Objective The high post-surgery recurrence rate of endometriosis(EMs)has emerged as a challenge in the long-term manaagement of the condition.This study is aimed at investigating the mechanisms of Neiyiting(NYT)decoction in preventing postoperative recurrence of EMs.Methods An animal model of EMs postoperative recurrence and a model of endometrial stromal cells(hEM15A)cocultured with macrophages(RAW 264.7 cell line)were established for both in vivo and in vitro experiments.An autotransplantation method was used to establish a rat model of EMs.The rats were divided into 4 groups(6 rats per group)and received the corresponding treatments:a Model group receiving distilled water,a Gestrinone group receiving gestrinone at 0.325 mg/kg,a low-dose NYT(NYT-L)group receiving NYT decoction at 5.04 g/(kg-d),and a high-dose NYT(NYT-H)group receiving NYT decoction at 10.08 g/(kg-d).The treatment was administered for 3 weeks via intragastric gavage.In addition,6 SD rats were randomly selected for the control group(Control group),and were given distilled water for 3 weeks via intragastric gavage.The sizes and pathological changes of recurrent lesions in EMs rats were observed.Immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR were performed to assess the expression of M1 macrophage marker CD86 protein and mRNA in vivo.Additionally,immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR were used to assess the expression of indicator proteins related to the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1(TREM1)/Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathway and mRNA.The proliferation of hEM15A cells in the coculture experiment was observed.Flow cytometry was performed to determine the polarization of RAW264.7 macrophages,and qRT-PCR was used to determine the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)and interleukin 1β(IL-1β)mRNA.Western blot was performed to determine the expression of signaling pathway-related indicator proteins in vitro.ELISA was performed to determine the levels of inflammatory factors in vitro.Results Compared with the Model group,the volume of recurrent lesions in the NYT-H group was reduced(P＜0.01).Findings from the macrophage M1 polarization assessment showed that the expression levels of CD86 protein and mRNA in the recurrent lesions of the Model group were higher than those in the control group(P＜0.01).The expression levels of CD86 protein and mRNA in the recurrent lesions of the NYT-H group were lower than those of the Model group(P＜0.01).In addition,the RAW 264.7 cell experiment further verified that NYT decoction could reduce the number of CD86-positive macrophages induced by plasmids overexpressing TREM1 and reduce the expression of IL-1β and iNOS mRNA(P＜0.01).The results of the hEM15A cell proliferation assay showed that NYT decoction down-regulated KI-67 protein expression in hEM15A cells induced by macrophage M1 polarization(P＜0.01).The results of TREM1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway showed that the protein and mRNA expression levels of TREM1,TLR4,and NF-κB in the recurrent lesions of the Model group were higher than those of the control group(P＜0.01).Compared with those in the Model group,the protein and mRNA expression levels of TREM1,TLR4,and NF-κB in the recurrent lesions of the NYT-H group were lower(P＜0.01).In addition,the coculture experiment of RAW264.7 and hEM15A cells further confirmed that NYT decoction reduced the expression of TREM1,TLR4,and P-P65 proteins(P＜0.01).Conclusion NYT decoction can inhibit macrophage M1 polarization through the TREM1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway,improve the inflammation level,and inhibit the formation of ectopic endometrial lesions,thereby preventing postoperative recurrence of EMs.

Diabetic kidney disease(DKD)is one of the serious complications of diabetes.Ferroptosis causes pathological damage and is involved in the progression of DKD.How to inhibit ferroptosis and delay DKD is a new academic hotspot.The author's team further enriched and proposed the core pathogenesis theory of"internal heat induced disease"on the basis of the traditional DKD"yin deficiency and dryness-heat"theory,and explained the general development law of DKD.In this article,"internal heat"and"Zhengjia"in the theory of DKD"internal heat induced diseases"are used as the starting point to explore the relationship of the main pathological damage of ferroptosis such as activating inflammatory response,enhancing oxidative stress,promoting fibrosis and so on with the internal mechanism of the theory of"internal heat induced diseases",further explained the scientific connotation of DKD"internal heat induced diseases",in order to provide ideas and theoretical basis for the TCM prevention and treatment of DKD.

Objective:To investigate the effect of nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group F member 2(NR2F2)on the biological behaviors of human ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells,and to clarify its molecular mechauism and provide the new idea for treatment of ovarian cancer.Methods:Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis(GEPIA)Database analyse the expression level of NR2F2 gene in ovarian tissue,and analyse its correlation with clinical prognosis of ovarian cancer patients.The human ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells were divided into control group and NR2F2 over-expression(NR2F2 OE)group,which were transfected with mCherry control virus and NR2F2 OE over-expression virus,respectively,when the cell deusity reached 70％,and the stable transfection SKOV3 cell lines were screened with puromycin(puro)48h lafter.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)and Western blotting methods were used to detect the transfection efficiencies of the cells;RT-qPCR method was used to detect the expression levels of NR2F2 and sex-determining region Y-box 2(SOX2)mRNA in the cells in two groups;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of NR2F2,ATP-binding cassette superfamily G member 2(ABCG2),and programmed cell death 1-ligand 1(PD-L1)protcins in the cells in two groups.CCK-8 assay was used to detect the proliferation activities of the cells in two groups;Wound assay was used to detect the migration rates of the cells in two groups;Transwell chamber assay was used to detect the number of transmembrane cells;Spheroidization assay was used to detect the numbers of spheroids in the cells;peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)-mediated tumor cell killing assay was used to detect the relative densities of surviving tumor cells;CCK-8 assay was used to detect the half maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)of paclitaxel(PTX)and carboplatin(CBP).Results:Compared with normal ovarian tissue,the expression level of NR2F2 gene in ovarian tumor tissue was decreased(P＜0.05),and decreased with the improvement of clinical pathological grading of ovarian tumor.The patients with higher expression level of NR2F2 gene had better clincal prognosis.The SKOV3 cells with NR2F2 over-expresson were successfully constructed,and the expression levels of NR2F2 mRNA and protein in the cells in NR2F2 OE group were increased compared with control group(P＜0.001).The CCK-8 assay results showed that compared with control group,the proliferation activities of the cells in NR2F2 OE group were decreased at different time points(1,2,3,and 4 d)(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).The cell wound assay results showed that compared with control group,the migration rate of the cells in NR2F2 OE group was decreased(P＜0.001).The Transwell assay results showed that compared with control group,the number of transmembrane cells in NR2F2 OE group was decreased(P＜0.01).Compared with control group,the number of the spheroids in NR2F2 OE group was decreased(P＜0.05),and the expression levels of SOX2 mRNA(P＜0.01)and protein(P＜0.001)were increased.Compared with control group,the relative density of surviving tumor cells in NR2F2 OE group was decreased,but the difference was not significant(P＜0.05),and the expression level of PD-L1 protein was decreased(P＜0.05).Compared with control group,the proliferation activities of cells in NR2F2 OE group were decreased(P＜0.05),and the drug sensitivities of the cells to PTX and CBP were enhanced(P＜0.05);the IC50 of PTX was significantly reduced,while the IC50of CBP could not be calculated due to excessively high drug concentration;the expression level of ABCG2 protein was decreased(P＜0.05).Conclusion:The over-expression of NR2F2 may inhibit the proliferation,migration,and invasion of the human ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells,decrease the expression levels of SOX2,PD-L1 and ABCG2 proteins,suppress the stemness and immune evasion ability of the SKOV3 cells,and enhance the sensitivities of the SKOV3 cells to PTX and CBP.

Objective To compare the therapeutic effects of modified Shenqi Maiwei Dihuang Decoction combined with Buzhong Yiqi Pill and Buzhong Yiqi pill alone in the patients with cold and heat mixed type di-abetic foot.Methods A total of 123 patients with cold and heat mixed type diabetic foot receiving the treat-ment in this hospital from April 2022 to December 2023 were selected and divided into the modified Shenqi Mai-Dihuang Decoction and Buzhong Yiqi Pill group(combined group,60 cases)and Buzhong Yiqi Pill group(monotherapy group,63 cases).The wound healing,mean blood flow amount of foot dorsal artery,blood glu-cose and changes in vascular diameter,inflammatory factors and vascular endothelial growth factor after 2 courses of treatment were compared betweeb the 2 groups.Results The ulcer reduction rate in the combina-tion group was significantly higher than that in the monotherapy group(P=0.001).The fasting blood glu-cose and 2 h postprandial blood glucose after treatment in the combination group all were lower than those in the monotherapy group(P=0.001).The average blood flow of foot dorsal artery after treatment in combina-tion group was higher than that in the monotherapy group,and the difference was statistically significant(P=0.013).There were 34 cases of Wagner grade 3 in the combined group and 33 cases of Wagner grade 3 in the monotherapy subgroup respectively.There was statistically significant difference in the CRP level between the two subgroups(P=0.045).Conclusion Shenqi Maiwei Dihuang Decoction combined with Buzhong Yiqi Pill in treating diabetic foot ulcer is more effective than Buzhong Yiqi Pill alone,moreover the safety is high.

Objective:To develop rat models of oral mucosa ulcer using distinct experimental methodologies,fulfilling research requirements and adhering to the ethical standards for animal care.Methods:96 SD rats were randomly allocated into groups.The rats in control group(n=8)were regularly fed without other treatment.Those in chemical cauterization groups were treated by 20％,40％,60％of glacial acetic acid(GAA)on oral mucosa(n=8);in mechanical damage groups by 30 000 r/min high speed drill induced trauma of 10,20 and 30 mm2 respectively(n=8);in ionizing radiation groups were treated with 10,12,15,20 and 30 Gy on the mucosa respectively(n=8).After the ulcer was appeared,the morphology of the mucosa were observed,the mucosal tissue lesions were examined by HE,Masson and immunofluorescence staining,the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β were detected by qPCR and ELISA respectively,and the body conditions such as diet and body weight of the rats were observed,the pain,dis-tress and discomfor of the rats were evaluated by MORTON&Griffits Guidelines.Results:40％and 60％GAA,20 mm2 and 30 mm2 friction damage and ionizing radiation of 12 Gy or greater may induce oral mucosa ulcer with a diseas coruse of 6-7 d in SD rats.TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA expression in the damaged tissue,the related protein expression in blood serum of the rats were in-creased.MORTON&Griffits Guidelines analysis showed 40％GAA,20 mm2 friction damage and 12 Gy ionizing radiation induced the lowest scores of pain,distress and discomfort of the rats with compatible oral mocosa ulcere induced by the relevat treatment.Conclusion:40％GAA,20 mm2 of friction damage and 12 Gy of ionizing radiation can reliably establish oral mucosa ulcer models and minimize adverse effects on SD rats,and accord with ethical standards of 3R for laboratory animal.

BACKGROUND:Sonodynamic therapy represents an innovative antitumor treatment modality characterized by its non-invasiveness and precise spatiotemporal controllability.This approach offers broad prospects for the non-invasive treatment of medullary thyroid carcinoma.OBJECTIVE:To prepare lipid nanoparticles coated with a biomimetic cancer cell membrane capable of dual-modality imaging,and to detect the physicochemical properties,targeting ability,imaging efficacy,cytotoxicity,and anti-migration capabilities of the nanoparticles.METHODS:Dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine,dipalmitoyl phosphatidylglycerol,distearoyl phosphatidylethanolamine-PEG2000,cholesterol,hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether,and perflexane were used as raw materials.Nanoparticles HP@LNP were synthesized using a thin-film hydration-ultrasonication technique,encapsulating hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether within the hydrophobic layer and perflexane within the hydrophilic core of lipid nanostructures.Subsequently,the surface of these nanoparticles HP@LNP was coated with medullary thyroid carcinoma cell membrane,resulting in the creation of biomimetic lipid nanoparticles(MHP@LNP)with active targeting capabilities towards medullary thyroid carcinoma cells.The physicochemical properties,targeting ability,immune evasion capacity,imaging effect,cytotoxicity,and anti-migration properties of MHP@LNP nanoparticles were characterized.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The synthesized MHP@LNP nanoparticles demonstrated a typical core-shell structure,with a diameter of 131.06 nm and an average zeta potential of-30.59 mV.Gel electrophoresis confirmed that the protein profile of the MHP@LNP nanoparticles closely matched that of the cancer cell membrane.Fluorescent colocalization studies indicated a significant overlap between the fluorescence signals of the nanoparticles and the cancer cell membrane.The encapsulation rate and drug loading rate of hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether in MHP@LNP nanoparticles were 87.8%and 14.6%respectively.Upon stimulation with low-intensity focused ultrasound,the MHP@LNP nanoparticles underwent a phase transition,forming microbubbles with ultrasound signal intensity peaking at 4 minutes.Under laser irradiation,the photoacoustic signal intensity was found to be linearly correlated with the mass concentration of the nanoparticles.The MHP@LNP nanoparticles exhibited homologous cell targeting and immune evasion capabilities.Prior to exposure to low-intensity focused ultrasound,the MHP@LNP nanoparticles showed good biocompatibility.However,following ultrasound irradiation,they produced cytotoxic reactive oxygen species,had lethal effect on medullary thyroid carcinoma cells,and inhibited the migration of medullary thyroid carcinoma cells.(2)These findings indicate that MHP@LNP nanoparticles can achieve sonodynamic therapy for the treatment of thyroid medullary carcinoma under ultrasound and photoacoustic dual-modality imaging guidance.

Objective:To investigate the attention level of oral medicine residents in standardized training (referred to as residency training) to oral aesthetic information and its influencing factors.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study, which included 262 residents undergoing standardized training at Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University in January 2020. Among them, there were 73 males and 189 females, with an age range of 23-33 (26±2) years. A questionnaire survey method was used, and the questionnaire included the basic characteristics of the subjects (gender, grade, major, identity, and having training experience in prosthodontic base or not) as well as their attention to oral aesthetic information (facial proportions, facial midline, smile line, facial contour, E-line, nasolabial angle, tooth shape and contour, and tooth proportions). Differences in the attention to oral aesthetic information among residents with different basic characteristics were compared, and a multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the influencing factors.Results:Among the 262 oral medicine residents, 256 (97.7%) believed that it was necessary to pay attention to oral aesthetic information. The differences in attention to facial proportions between residents of different genders and between those with and without training experience in the prosthodontic base were statistically significant (both P<0.05). The results of the multivariate logistic regression showed that male residents were less likely to pay attention to facial proportions compared with female residents ( OR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.23-0.88). Compared with residents specializing in orthodontics, non-orthodontic residents were less likely to pay attention to the E-line ( OR=0.14-0.27, 95% CI: 0.04-0.68) and nasolabial angle ( OR=0.14-0.31, 95% CI: 0.04-0.81). Residents who were graduate students with integrated four certificates were more likely to pay attention to the E-line compared with industry-based personnel ( OR=1.88, 95% CI: 1.01-3.49). Residents without training experience in the prosthodontic base were less likely to pay attention to the facial proportion ( OR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.20-0.97) and tooth shape and contour ( OR=0.33, 95% CI: 0.11-0.98) compared with those with such training experience in prosthodontic base. Conclusions:Oral medicine residents have a high level of attention to oral aesthetic information. Gender, major, identity, and having training experience in the prosthodontic base or not are factors that influence their attention to oral aesthetic information.

Objective To investigate the effect of the use of glycopyrrolate before anesthesia on the perioperative circulation of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC).Methods 88 patients undergoing LC from March to June in 2024 were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups:the glycopyrrolate group(group G)and the control group(group C),with 44 patients in each.Three patients from group G and four from group C were excluded,leaving 41 patients in group G and 40 patients in group C.Ten minutes before anesthesia induction,group G received an intravenous dose of 4 μg/kg glycopyrrolate diluted to 5 mL with normal saline.The control group received an equal volume of normal saline.Both groups then received an intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine at 1 μg/kg over 10 minutes.Heart rate(HR)and mean arterial pressure(MAP)were monitored immediately before infusion of glycopyrrolate/saline(T0),5 min after infusion(T1),10 min after infusion(T2),1 min after tracheal intubation(T3),immediately at skin incision(T4),2 min after pneumoperitoneum(T5),dissociating the cholecyst(T6),and 1 min after tracheal tube drawing(T7).Intraoperative amounts of propofol,rocuronium bromide,sufentanil,remifentanil,oral secretion score,PACU stay time,first postoperative flatus time and the occurrence of perioperative adverse reactions were observed.Results HR at T2,T3,T4,T5,and T6 time points was significantly higher in group G than in group C,while MAP at T1,T2,T3,T4,T5 time points was also significantly higher in group G(P<0.05).HR at T2 time points in Group G was significantly lower than that at T0,while T7 was significantly higher than that at T0 time points.In Group C,HR at T1,T2,T4,T5,and T6 time points was significantly lower than that at T0 time points,while T7 time points was significantly higher than that at T0 time points,with the differences being statistically significant(P<0.05).In Group G,MAP at T1 and T2 time pointswas significantly higher than that at T0,and MAP at T6 was significantly lower than that at T0 time points,and in Group C,MAP at T4,T5 and T6 time points was significantly lower than that at T0 time points,and the differences were all statistically significant(P<0.05);Oral secretion was lower in group G compared to group C,with a significant difference(P<0.05).The incidence of bradycardia was significantly lower in group G compared to group C(P<0.05).The incidence of oral dryness within 24 h postoperatively was higher in group G compared to group C(P<0.05).There were no significant differences of HR at T0,T1,and T7 time points,MAP at T0,T6,and T7 time points between the two groups(P>0.05);There were no significant differences of operation time,propofol usage,sufentanil usage,remifentanil usage,rocuronium bromide usage during operation,rate of atropine use,incidence of intraoperative hypotension,PACU stay time,first postoperative flatus,and nausea vomiting rate between the two groups(P>0.05);No delirium occurred in either group of patients 24 h after the operation.Conclusion Use of glycopyrrolate before anesthesia can be effectively applied to patients undergoing LC,is beneficial in reducing the incidence of bradycardia,maintaining the stability of intraoperative circulation,and has no significant effect on the incidence of postoperative delirium and nausea and vomiting.It is a worthy clinical application.