ObjectiveQi deficiency and phlegm dampness syndrome is a common type of clinical traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） syndrome. However， there is no standard， scientific， and accurate report on the construction of animal models of Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness syndrome. This study aims to construct a mouse model of Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness syndrome by using a multi-factor composite modeling method and to evaluate the model. MethodsTwenty-one C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups with seven mice in each group， which were the normal group， model group， and Shenling Baizhusan （SLBZ） group. The control group was fed with ordinary diet and kept in a normal environment. The model group and SLBZ group were fed with a high-fat diet in a high-humidity environment. Swimming with heavy weights until exhaustion and gavage with cold water or lard were used to establish the mouse model of Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness syndrome. In order to test the syndrome by prescription， mice in the SLBZ group were treated with SLBZ for 14 days after model construction. The exhaustive swimming time， body weight， serum lipid levels， tongue changes， "Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness" assessment scale score， and cecal index of mice in each group were measured. The feces of each group of mice were sent for metagenomics and metabolome sequencing， and the changes in intestinal flora and metabolites were analyzed. ResultsAfter the modeling of Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness syndrome， the exhaustive swimming time of mice was obviously shortened （P<0.01）. The serum total cholesterol， low density lipoprotein cholesterol， and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol of mice were significantly increased （all P<0.01）. The tongue of mice was significantly different from that of the normal group， and the score of the assessment scale was significantly higher than that of the control group （P<0.01）. Cecal index decreased significantly （P<0.01）. The serum lipid level， tongue image， assessment scale score， and cecal index were reversed in the SLBZ group. Metagenomic and metabolome sequencing results showed that intestinal flora and fecal metabolites were significantly changed in mice with Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness syndrome. Akkermansia_muciniphila， Faecalibaculum_rodentium， Eubacterium_plexicaudatum， Eubacterium sp 14_2， Candida glabrata， Romboutsia_ilealis， Turicibacter sp TS3， and other bacteria had significant changes， and the expressions of intestinal metabolites such as chenodeoxycholic acid， choline， L-phenylalanine betaine， and 2-phenylbutyric acid were significantly changed. Related metabolic pathways such as linoleic acid metabolism， primary bile acid biosynthesis， lysine degradation， arginine biosynthesis， and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism were affected. ConclusionThe Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness model of mice can be constructed by the multi-factor composite modeling method of high-fat diet feeding， high-humidity environment feeding， exhaustive swimming with heavy weight， and intragastric administration with cold water or lard. The blood lipid level， tongue change， score of "Qi deficiency and phlegm dampness assessment scale"， cecal index， and changes in related intestinal flora and metabolites of mice can be used as key indicators for model evaluation.

Objective To explore the epidemiological characteristics of gouty arthritis in Northwest China from 2023 to 2025, and to formulate preventive intervention measures. Methods By retrospectively analyzing the case data of medical institutions in Northwest China from January 2023 to June 2025 (a total of 8 139 cases), the incidence trend and population distribution characteristics of gouty arthritis in this area were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors. Results From 2023 to 2025, the prevalence rate of gouty arthritis in adult residents in Northwest China was 3.74% (304/8 139). Among the sites affected by gouty arthritis, the metatarsophalangeal joint accounted for the highest proportion (P<0.05). From the perspective of age distribution, the prevalence rate was the highest in 40-59 years old group (5.90%), followed by 66-80 years old group (4.21%) and >80 years old group (2.75%). The incidence rate in 40-65 years old group was higher than that in the other age groups (P<0.05). High blood uric acid and creatinine, alcohol drinking, obesity, high purine diet, concurrent chronic kidney disease and metabolic syndrome were risk factors affecting gouty arthritis in Northwest China (P<0.05). Conclusion High blood uric acid level, high creatinine level, alcohol drinking, obesity, high purine diet, concurrent chronic kidney disease and metabolic syndrome are risk factors influencing gouty arthritis in Northwest China. Based on the above factors, this study proposes comprehensive prevention strategies from the individual, community and public health levels to provide a scientific basis for reducing the incidence rate of gouty arthritis.

Objective To explore the effect and mechanism of quercetin on osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs).Methods BMSCs were divided into a blank control group(Control)and quercetin(Quercetin)low-dose group(4.8 mL/kg),medium-dose group(9.6 mL/kg),and high-dose group(19.2 mL/kg)intervened with drug-containing serum,while the positive control group was treated with osteogenic differentiation medium,respectively.The cell cycle was analysed by flow cytometry,cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay,cell activity was determined by Alkaline phosphatase(ALP)assay kit,and calcified nodule formation was observed by alizarin red staining.The expression of β-catenin and the key factors of osteogenic differentiation,runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2)and osteocalcin(OCN),were detected by qPCR and Western blot,respectively.Results Compared with the control group,quercetin-containing serum significantly promoted the proliferation of BMSCs(P=0.000205,P=0.000063)and enhanced the formation of calcium nodules,and increased osteogenic and ALP activity after osteogenic differentiation.The results of qPCR and Western blot showed that the quercetin group significantly up-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of β-catenin(P<0.0001),RUNX2(P<0.0001)and OCN(P<0.0001)during osteogenic differentiation.Conclusion Quercetin can effectively promote the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs,and its mechanism is achieved by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and up-regulating the expression of the osteogenesis-related transcription factor RUNX2.

This article reports a successful case of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) in a patient with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease type 2 (PKD2) combined with Robertsonian translocation. The patient carried a heterozygous frameshift mutation ( PKD2 c.428del, p.Gly143Alafs*90) and a Robertsonian translocation between chromosomes 14 and 15. Through combined PGT for monogenic disorders, structural rearrangements and aneuploidy screening, one euploid blastocyst free of the PKD2 mutation was selected from six embryos for transfer, resulting in the successful delivery of a healthy female infant. Follow-up until June 2025 confirmed normal developmental milestones. This case demonstrates that PGT can effectively mitigate dual genetic risks (monogenic disease and chromosomal abnormality), providing critical clinical insights for optimizing reproductive outcomes in patients with complex genetic backgrounds.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between dynamic alterations in serum albumin (ALB) concentrations and clinical outcomes in hospitalized surgical patients, thus providing a basis for optimizing clinical management strategies.Methods:This study utilized data from a prospective observational cohort study on nutritional status among 7 122 elderly hospitalized patients across 34 tertiary hospitals in 18 Chinese cities. A total of 1 714 surgical patients hospitalized for 7-30 days with complete data were included. Standardized protocols were used to collect demographic data, clinical outcomes, and a range of laboratory results, including nutritional and hematological parameters. Heterogeneous effects of ALB on clinical outcomes were explored. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine cutoff values for infection-related complications. Correlation analyses and multiple linear regression models were used to identify independent predictors of the absolute change in ALB (?ALB).Results:Among the surgical patients, 69.7% (1 195/1 714) experienced a decline in ALB levels during their hospital stay, which was significantly associated with the occurrence of both infection- and non-infection-related complications. Simultaneously, a marked decrease in ALB was also significantly correlated with changes in nutritional and inflammatory status during hospitalization, worsening of gastrointestinal symptoms at discharge, and functional activity abnormalities (all P<0.05). ?ALB exhibited a close association with outcome variables such as infection-related complications. Based on the incidence of infection-related complications, a cutoff value for ALB was calculated, dividing patients into a high-risk group ( n=179) and a low-risk group ( n=1 535), and a statistically significant difference in the incidence of infection-related complications was found between these two groups ( P<0.05). Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression modeling revealed that female gender, a higher baseline ALB level, a poorer baseline inflammatory status, an exacerbation of inflammatory status, larger alterations in platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and the presence of infection-related complications were predictive factors for a decline in ALB levels among surgical patients during their hospital stay. Conclusions:?ALB serves as a critical indicator of the inflammatory-nutritional interplay, with its magnitude of decline effectively predicting clinical outcomes and nutritional status changes and guiding multidisciplinary interventions in surgical patients.

Atherosclerosis(AS)is the major pathologic basis of cardiovascular disease,and its complications,such as myocardial infarction and stroke,are primarily triggered by rupture of atherosclerotic vulnerable plaques(VASPs).Conventional imaging techniques rely on anatomical changes,making it difficult to assess plaque vulnerability at an early stage.In recent years,molecular imaging combined with nanoprobe technology has enabled precise visualization at the cellular and molecular levels by targeting pathological features of plaques(e.g.,lipid core,inflammation,thin fibrous cap,etc.).This article reviews the pathological features of VASPs,the limitations of existing imaging techniques,and the design principles and application progress of molecular imaging probes and discusses the challenges and future directions for their clinical translation.

Objective To analyze the effects of irbesartan(IBN)regulating the stromal cell-derived factor-1(SDF-1)/CXC chemokine receptor 4(CXCR4)pathway on proliferation,migration,and radiosensitivity of lung cancer cells.Methods Human lung cancer A549 cells were randomly divided into the A549 group(without treatment),radiation group(4 Gy X-ray radiation),IBN group(1 μmol/L IBN treatment for 24 hours),IBN+radiation group(1 μmol/L IBN treatment for 24 hours+4 Gy X-ray radiation),pcDNA3.1 group(transfected with pcDNA3.1+1 μmol/L IBN treatment for 24 hours+4 Gy X-ray radiation),and SDF-1 group(transfected with pcDNA3.1 SDF-1+1 μmol/L IBN treatment for 24 hours+4 Gy X-ray radiation).The cell viability,colony formation,apoptosis,and migration of each group were observed.The leakage rate of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)and Ang Ⅱ levels in cells were detected.Immunofluorescence method was applied to analyze the number of γH2AX focal points of cells in each group.Western blot was applied to detect the expression of proliferation and apoptosis related proteins and SDF-1/CXCR4 pathway related proteins.Results Both radiation and IBN treatment inhibited the proliferation and migration of A549 cells,promoted cell apoptosis,upregulated the number of γH2AX focal points and LDH leakage rate,upregulated the expression of Caspase-3,Bax,and Caspase-7,and downregulated the level of Ang Ⅱand expression of SDF-1,CXCR4,Bcl-2 and PCNA(P<0.05).The combined treatment of radiation and IBN further enhanced the changes of the above indicators(P<0.05).And SDF-1 treat-ment effectively reversed the effects of radiation and IBN treatment on the changes of the above indicators(P<0.05).Conclusion IBN can limit proliferation and migration of lung cancer cells,and increase radiosensitivity by inhibiting the SDF-1/CXCR4 pathway.

The ventral anterior (VA) nucleus of the thalamus is a major target of the basal ganglia and is closely associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Notably, the VA receives direct innervation from the hypothalamic histaminergic system. However, its role in PD remains unknown. Here, we assessed the contribution of histamine to VA neuronal activity and PD motor deficits. Functional magnetic resonance imaging showed reduced VA activity in PD patients. Optogenetic activation of VA neurons or histaminergic afferents significantly alleviated motor deficits in 6-OHDA-induced PD rats. Furthermore, histamine excited VA neurons via H1 and H2 receptors and their coupled hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels, inward-rectifier K⁺ channels, or Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels. These results demonstrate that histaminergic afferents actively compensate for Parkinsonian motor deficits by biasing VA activity. These findings suggest that targeting VA histamine receptors and downstream ion channels may be a potential therapeutic strategy for PD motor dysfunction.
Animals ; Histamine/metabolism* ; Male ; Oxidopamine/toxicity* ; Rats ; Ventral Thalamic Nuclei/physiopathology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Disease Models, Animal ; Parkinson Disease/metabolism* ; Neurons/physiology* ; Humans ; Optogenetics

Cemental tear is a rare and indetectable condition unless obvious clinical signs present with the involvement of surrounding periodontal and periapical tissues. Due to its clinical manifestations similar to common dental issues, such as vertical root fracture, primary endodontic diseases, and periodontal diseases, as well as the low awareness of cemental tear for clinicians, misdiagnosis often occurs. The critical principle for cemental tear treatment is to remove torn fragments, and overlooking fragments leads to futile therapy, which could deteriorate the conditions of the affected teeth. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate interventions are vital for managing cemental tear. Novel diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), microscopes, and enamel matrix derivatives, have improved early detection and management, enhancing tooth retention. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, combined with improved clinical awareness among dental professionals, serves to mitigate risks of diagnostic errors and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. This expert consensus reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cemental tear, aiming to provide a clinical guideline and facilitate clinicians to have a better understanding of cemental tear.
Humans ; Dental Cementum/injuries* ; Consensus ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Tooth Fractures/therapy*

OBJECTIVE: The results of limited studies on the relationship between environmental pollution and dementia have been contradictory. We analyzed the combined effects of PM _2.5 and smoking on the prevalence of dementia and cognitive impairment in an elderly community-dwelling Chinese population. METHODS: We assessed 24,117 individuals along with the annual average PM _2.5 concentrations from 2012 to 2016. Dementia was confirmed in the baseline survey at a qualified clinical facility, and newly suspected dementia was assessed in 2017, after excluding cases of suspected dementia in 2015. National census data were used to weight the sample data to reflect the entire population in China, with multiple logistic regression performed to analyze the combined effects of PM _2.5 and smoking frequency on dementia and cognitive impairment. RESULTS: Individuals exposed to the highest PM _2.5 concentration and smoked daily were at higher risk of dementia than those in the lowest PM _2.5 concentration group ( OR, 1.603; 95% CI [1.626-1.635], P < 0.0001) and in the nonsmoking group ( OR, 1.248; 95% CI [1.244-1.252]; P < 0.0001). Moderate PM _2.5 exposure and occasional smoking together increased the short-term risk of cognitive impairment. High-level PM _2.5 exposure and smoking were associated with an increased risk of dementia, so more efforts are needed to reduce this risk through environmental protection and antismoking campaigns. CONCLUSION High-level PM _2.5 exposure and smoking were associated with an increased risk of dementia. Lowering the ambient PM _2.5, and smoking cessation are recommended to promote health.
Humans ; Dementia/etiology* ; Male ; Aged ; Female ; Cognitive Dysfunction/etiology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Particulate Matter/analysis* ; Smoking/epidemiology* ; Air Pollutants/analysis* ; Aged, 80 and over ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects* ; Prevalence ; Middle Aged