Testicular radiation injury is a structural and functional abnormality of the testes caused directly or indirectly by radiation, which disrupts spermatogenesis and compromises male fertility. The development of effective preventive and therapeutic interventions is essential because of the high prevalence of this condition in clinical settings and its profound effect on patients′ reproductive health and overall well-being. The concept of "the struggle between vital qi and pathogen" is first seen in the Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases. It denotes the dynamic struggle between vital and pathogenic qi. The occurrence, development, and sequelae of all diseases reflect this ongoing conflict. In this context, this study defines the "vital qi" of the testis as its capacity to generate and preserve the essence of reproduction and to resist damage. The pathogenic qi associated with testicular radiation injury is categorized into two types: ionizing poison and retaining evil. The pathogenesis of testicular radiation damage is delineated into three stages by integrating the characteristics of vital and pathogenic qi: the injury, adhesion, and recovery phases. Based on the theoretical framework advanced by this study, the therapeutic approach for testicular radiation injury should adhere to the fundamental principle of strengthening vital qi and eliminating pathogenic factors. Although the primary focus of treatment should be on strengthening vital qi, it should also be complemented by strategies to eliminate pathogenic influences. This paper aims to provide a novel perspective and strategic approach to the traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of testicular radiation injury. By elucidating the process of testicular radiation injury and its corresponding treatment principles, it seeks to offer valuable insights for clinical practice.

Objective To explore the construction of α-1,3-galactosyltransferase (GGTA1) gene-knockout (GTKO) Diannan miniature pigs and the kidney xenotransplantation from pigs to rhesus macaques, and to assess the effectiveness of GTKO pigs. Methods The GTKO Diannan miniature pigs were constructed using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system and somatic cell cloning technology. The phenotype of GTKO pigs was verified through polymerase chain reaction, Sanger sequencing and immunofluorescence staining. Flow cytometry was used to detect antigen-antibody (IgM) binding and complement-dependent cytotoxicity. Kidney xenotransplantation was performed from GTKO pigs to rhesus macaques. The humoral immunity, cellular immunity, coagulation and physiological indicators of the recipient monkeys were monitored. The function and pathological changes of the transplanted kidneys were analyzed using ultrasonography, hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence staining. Results Single-guide RNA (sgRNA) targeting exon 4 of the GGTA1 gene in Diannan miniature pigs was designed. The pGL3-GGTA1-sgRNA1-GFP vector was transfected into fetal fibroblasts of Diannan miniature pigs. After puromycin selection, two cell clones, C59# and C89#, were identified as GGTA1 gene-knockout clones. These clones were expanded to form cell lines, which were used as donor cells for somatic cell nuclear transfer. The reconstructed embryos were transferred into the oviducts of trihybrid surrogate sows, resulting in 13 fetal pigs. Among them, fetuses F04 and F11 exhibited biallelic mutations in the GGTA1 gene, and F04 had a normal karyotype. Using this GTKO fetal pig for recloning and transferring the reconstructed embryos into the oviducts of trihybrid surrogate sows, seven surviving piglets were obtained, all of which did not express α-Gal epitope. The binding of IgM from the serum of rhesus monkey 20# to GTKO pig PBMC was reduced, and the survival rate of GTKO pig PBMC in the complement-dependent cytotoxicity assay was higher than that of wild-type pig. GTKO pig kidneys were harvested and perfused until completely white. After the left kidney of the recipient monkey was removed, the pig kidney was heterotopically transplanted. Following vascular anastomosis and blood flow restoration, the pig kidney rapidly turned pink without hyperacute rejection (HAR). Urine appeared in the ureter 6 minutes later, indicating successful kidney transplantation. The right kidney of the recipient was then removed. Seven days after transplantation, the transplanted kidney had good blood flow, the recipient monkey's serum creatinine level was stable, and serum potassium and cystatin C levels were effectively controlled, although they increased 10 days after transplantation. Seven days after transplantation, the levels of white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils in the recipient monkey increased, while platelet count and fibrinogen levels decreased. The activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time and prothrombin time remained relatively stable but later showed an upward trend. The recipient monkey survived for 10 days. At autopsy, the transplanted kidney was found to be congested, swollen and necrotic, with a small amount of IgG deposition in the renal tissue, and a large amount of IgM, complement C3c and C4d deposition, as well as CD68⁺ macrophage infiltration. Conclusions The kidneys of GTKO Diannan miniature pigs may maintain normal renal function for a certain period in rhesus macaques and effectively overcome HAR, confirming the effectiveness of GTKO pigs for xenotransplantation.

Objective To explore the application of plasma 7 microRNA (miR7) testing in the differential diagnosis of very early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods This study is a multicenter real-world study. Patients with single hepatic lesion (maximum diameter≤2 cm) who underwent plasma miR7 testing at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Anhui Provincial Hospital, and Peking University People’s Hospital between January 2019 and December 2024 were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into very early-stage HCC group and non-HCC group, and the clinical pathological characteristics of the two groups were compared. The value of plasma miR7 levels, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) in the differential diagnosis of very early-stage HCC was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC). In patients with both negative AFP and DCP (AFP＜20 ng/mL, DCP＜40 mAU/mL), the diagnostic value of plasma miR7 for very early-stage HCC was analyzed. Results A total of 64 528 patients from 4 hospitals underwent miR7 testing, and 1 682 were finally included, of which 1 073 were diagnosed with very early-stage HCC and 609 were diagnosed with non-HCC. The positive rate of miR7 in HCC patients was significantly higher than that in non-HCC patients (67.9% vs 24.3%, P＜0.001). ROC curves showed that the AUCs for miR7, AFP, and DCP in distinguishing HCC patients from the non-HCC individuals were 0.718, 0.682, and 0.642, respectively. The sensitivities were 67.85%, 43.71%, and 44.45%, and the specificities were 75.70%, 92.78%, and 83.91%, respectively. The pairwise comparison of AUCs showed that the diagnostic efficacy of plasma miR7 detection was significantly better than that of AFP or DCP (P＜0.05). Although its specificity was slightly lower than AFP and DCP, the sensitivity was significantly higher. Among patients negative for both AFP and DCP, miR7 maintained an AUC of 0.728 for diagnosing very early-stage HCC, with 67.82% sensitivity and 77.73% specificity. Conclusions Plasma miR7 testing is a potential molecular marker with high sensitivity and specificity for the differential diagnosis of small hepatic nodules. In patients with very early-stage HCC lacking effective molecular markers (negative for both AFP and DCP), miR7 can serve as a novel and effective molecular marker to assist diagnosis.

AIM: To compare the efficacy of simple autologous blood coverage with ILM flap tamponade combined with autologous blood coverage after pars plana vitrectomy(PPV)with internal limiting membrane(ILM)peeling in treating macular hole retinal detachment(MHRD)of high myopia patients with moderately long axial length.METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 45 patients(45 eyes)with high myopia and MHRD, and axial lengths of 26-29 mm treated at our institution between January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2024. Patients were divided into two groups based on surgical technique: group A(24 eyes)underwent PPV with ILM peeling, ILM flap tamponade, autologous blood coverage, and silicone oil injection; group B(21 eyes)received PPV with ILM peeling followed by autologous blood coverage and silicone oil injection. Intraocular pressure, best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), retinal reattachment and macular hole closure status were compared at 1 wk, 1, 3, and 6 mo postoperatively. Silicone oil removal was performed at 6 mo postoperatively, with additional 2-month follow-up.RESULTS:At 8-month postoperative follow-up, both groups achieved complete retinal reattachment. Macular hole closure rates showed no significant intergroup difference(88% vs 86%, P=0.860). Significant improvement in BCVA was observed in both groups compared to preoperative values, with the group B demonstrating better visual outcomes than the group A(P<0.001). Transient parafoveal subretinal fluid persistence was noted in 2 eyes of the group A(resolved spontaneously at 5 and 8 mo post-PPV, respectively), and 1 eye of the group B(resolved by 4 mo post-PPV). Serial optical coherence tomography(OCT)monitoring revealed no macular hole reopening, with complete subretinal fluid resolution confirmed in all cases at final follow-up.CONCLUSION:For high myopic MHRD patients with moderately long axial length, both surgical approaches effectively promote macular hole closure and retinal reattachment. However, the autologous blood coverage technique demonstrates better BCVA than the combined ILM tamponade.

The "integrated time-space" perspective of life in traditional Chinese medicine holds that structure and function respectively belong to the realms of space and time. The orderly integration of time and space not only supports the existence and development of life， but also serves as the foundation for biological evolution. Based on this standpoint， this paper proposes the spatiotemporal structural theory of visceral manifestation， characterized by the fusion of time and space， the integration of internal and external dimensions， and the absence of primary or secondary distinctions. Using the individual human body as the boundary， it delineates the man and nature spatiotemporal structure， based on the theory of the "correspondence between man and nature"， and the internal spatiotemporal structure of the living body. The man and nature spatiotemporal structure， with yin-yang and the five phases as its core， reveals the correspondence and connectivity between the external environment and the internal zang-fu organs within the spatiotemporal dimension. The internal temporal structure of the body refers to the collective physiological rhythms related to the zang-fu organs， while the spatial structure refers to the tangible forms， spatial positions， and connective structures of the zang-fu organs. The proposal of the spatiotemporal structural theory of visceral manifestation represents a rational reconstruction and practical exploration of the essential connotations of visceral manifestation， aiming to provide new perspectives for subsequent theoretical research and clinical applications.

Objective To explore the effect of phloretin on the proliferation,apoptosis,and tumorigenicity of ovarian cancer cells by regu-lating the Rac1/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway.Methods The ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 and the human normal ovarian epithelial cell line IOSE-80 were divided into the following groups:control,low-dose phloretin,medium-dose phloretin,high-dose phloretin,PM A,and high-dose phloretin+PMA.Morphological changes were observed under a microscope.Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed using the CCK-8 assay,colony formation assay,and flow cytometry.Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of proteins related to the Rac1/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway.Tumor-bearing nude mice were established,tumor weights were measured,and the expres-sion levels of Rae1 and Akt in tumor tissues were analyzed.Results Compared with the control group,SKOV3 cells treated with low-,medium-,and high-dose phloretin showed reduced survival rate,colony formation,and expression of p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65,p-Akt/Akt,and Rac 1 in a dose-dependent manner.However,PM A reversed the inhibitory effects of high-dose phloretin on the malignant progression of ovarian cancer.In vivo experiments demonstrated that phloretin significantly inhibited tumor growth and reduced Akt and Rae1 expres-sion in tumor tissues(P＜0.05).Conclusion Phloretin suppresses the malignant progression of ovarian cancer by inhibiting the Rae1/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Objective To explore the effect of psychological flexibility based psychotherapy model on cancer-related fatigue in lung cancer patients.Methods A total of 60 lung cancer patients admitted to Zhejiang Cancer Hospital from March 2022 to December 2023 were selected as research subjects.They were divided into control group(n=30)and study group(n=30)by using a random number table method.Control group received routine psychological intervention,while study group was treated with a psychological flexibility-based therapy model in addition to the routine intervention.The scores of anxiety self-rating scales,depression self-rating scales,perceived burden,coping strategies,and cancer-related fatigue were compared between two groups.Results After intervention,the self-assessment scale scores of anxiety and depression,self-perceived burden and cancer-related fatigue in both groups decreased,and the reduction was more significant in study group(P＜0.05).The coping style scores of both groups improved,and the improvement was more significant in study group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Intervention with a psychological flexibility-based psychotherapy model in lung cancer patients can reduce negative emotions,self-perception burden and cancer-related fatigue,and improve patients' coping style.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms of rs700519 and rs4646 loci of cytochrome P450 19A1 (CYP19A1) gene with risk of Breast cancer. METHODS: Two hundred patients with breast cancer treated at Xinxiang Central Hospital between January 2019 and January 2024 and 100 healthy individuals were enrolled as the study group and control group, respectively. The genotypes of the CYP19A1 gene at the rs700519 and rs4646 loci were determined by direct sequencing. The general data, distribution of CYP19A1 genotypes and alleles were compared between the two groups. This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Xinxiang Central Hospital (Ethics No. 2021-182). RESULTS: No significant difference was found in age, body mass index, times of conception and proportion of menopause between the two groups (P > 0.05). The frequencies of AA genotype and A allele at the rs700519 locus, and the CC genotype and C allele at the rs4646 locus in the study group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The frequencies of AA genotype at the rs700519 locus and CC genotype at the rs4646 locus in patients with breast cancer at stages III-IV were significantly higher than those at stage I-II (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Polymorphisms of CYP19A1 gene at the rs700519 and rs4646 loci are associated with susceptibility of breast cancer. The AA and CC genotypes at the two loci may increase the risk for breast cancer.
Humans ; Female ; Breast Neoplasms/genetics* ; Aromatase/genetics* ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide/genetics* ; Middle Aged ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Adult ; Genotype ; Case-Control Studies ; Alleles ; Gene Frequency ; Risk Factors ; Aged

Objective:To analyze the serological and molecular characteristics of rare A el and B el subtypes in the ABO blood group system, and to explore their genotype-phenotype correlation and the potential clinical significance. Methods:From January 1st, 2021, to January 1st, 2025, 289, 815 samples subjected to ABO blood grouping in Henan Provincial People′s Hospital were selected. Samples demonstrating discrepancies between forward and reverse typing, or consistent typing but with abnormal agglutination degree were included. Those affected by underlying diseases, transplantation, age-related and other interferences were excluded. A total of 169 suspected ABO subgroup samples were identified. Sanger sequencing of exons 1-7 and relevant regulatory regions of the ABO gene was performed. Protein structure modeling and mutation effect analysis for two'el′ subtype glycosyltransferases (GTs) were conducted using SWISS-MODEL and PyMOL.Results:A total of 12 Ael, 6 B el, and 2 AB el subtypes were identified. Serological analysis revealed that all 18 A el/B el samples exhibited O phenotype in forward typing. Among them, A el subtypes showed weaker agglutination in reverse typing with A 1c than with Bc (>2+), while the opposite pattern was observed in B el subtypes. The two AB el samples were typed as A in forward typing, with agglutination ranging from 0-1+with Bc in reverse typing. Genetic analysis indicated that AEL.02 (c.646T>A, p.Phe216Ile) was the predominant allele in A el samples accounting for 7 cases. Also, we found an AEL.02-like variant (lacking c.681G>A), AEL.10 (c.963insC), and carrying a compound variant of c.322C>T (p.Gln108Ter) and c.296C>T (p.Thr99Ile). Among B el samples, BEL.03 (c.502C>T, p.Arg168Trp) accounted for 4 cases, one of which lacked the c.297A>G mutation, and novel mutations such as c.145_146dupCG were detected. Structural simulation demonstrated that AEL.02 and BEL.03 disrupted the hydrogen-bonding network within the active centers of GTA and GTB, respectively, and these mutations probably significantly impaired the structural stability of the corresponding GTs. Additionally, the c.296C>T mutation also markedly affected GTA structural stability. Conclusion:A el/B el subtypes are prone to mis-identify routine blood types. Their molecular mechanisms involved a variety of functional variantions, and integrating molecular detection is crucial for achieving accurate sub-typing and transfusion safety.

Objective The purpose of this study was to provide a more effective method for researching the prevention and treatment of Graves'disease by comparing the effects of two plasmid vectors expressing the human thyrotropin receptor(TSHR)A subunit gene in inducing an animal model of Graves'disease via electroporation.Methods Plasmids pcDNA3.1-THSR A,and pTriEx1.1-THSR A expressing the TSHR A subunit were constructed and used to induce Graves'disease by intramuscular injection with immediate electroporation once every 3 weeks for a total of 4 times.Mice in the control group were injected with PBS.One week after the second electroporation,blood was collected to measure serum thyrotropin receptor antibody(TRAb).Three weeks following the last electroporation,echocardiography was performed on the mice.Mice were sacrificed 4 weeks after the last electroporation;blood,thyroid,and orbital tissues were collected;serum total thyroxine(TT4)was measured;and histological examination was performed.Results The average concentrations of serum TRAb in the pcDNA3.1-TSHR A group(n=15)and the pTriEx1.1-TSHR A group(n=13)were(6.9±2.0)U/L and(7.5±2.2)U/L,respectively.The latter was significantly higher than that in the control group(4.9±0.5)U/L(P=0.033).The average concentrations of serum TT4 in the pcDNA3.1-TSHR A group and pTriEx1.1-TSHR A group were(41.4±23.8)ng/mL and(63.2±53.7)ng/mL,respectively,both higher than that in the control group:(20.2±4.0)ng/mL(P＜0.01).Thyroid pathology showed thyroid follicular epithelial hyperplasia with T-cell infiltration in the model group.Echocardiography showed that the left ventricle mass in the pTriEx1.1-TSHR A group was higher than those in the control group(P=0.007)and pcDNA3.1-TSHR A group(P=0.012).Orbital pathology showed fibrotic changes in the extraocular muscles of mice in the model groups.Conclusions Both pcDNA3.1 and pTriEx1.1 expressing the TSHR A subunit were able to induce Graves'disease in mice by electroporation,and the efficiency of the two plasmids in inducing hyperthyroidism and Graves'ophthalmopathy was similar.The efficiency of pTriEx 1.1-TSHR A in inducing thyrotoxic heart disease was better than that of pcDNA3.1-TSHR A.