The chronicity of infectious diseases is an important field in the collaborative research of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. The warm disease theory of pathogen invading nutrient and blood aspects in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） takes the struggle between healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi and cementation of Yin as the core pathogenesis， providing a unique theoretical framework for explaining the common pathology of infectious chronic diseases. This theory originated from Yin-Yang interaction in the Internal Classic and was enriched with WU Youke's theory of intruding pathogen interacting and lingering in blood vessels and YE Tianshi's theory of long-term illness entering collaterals. Combining the theory with modern medical knowledge， our team has condensed the dynamic pathogenesis model of deficiency （nutrient and blood aspects） and excess （pathogen） interacting in the blood collaterals of Yin aspect， the core feature of which is the four-dimensional interactions of cause （pathogen characteristics）， location （three Yin locations of diseases）， nature （deficiency and excess）， and potential （transmission trend）. The common pathology of infectious chronic diseases is reflected in interactions. That is， the interactions between nutrient and blood deficiency （immune exhaustion and metabolic disorder） and pathogen excess （pathogen persistence and fibrous hyperplasia） in the liver collaterals （Jueyin）， kidney collaterals （Shaoyin）， lung collaterals （Taiyin） and other blood collaterals of Yin aspect form the pathological damage characterized by immune inflammatory response-continuous tissue damage with excessive repair. Taking the inheritance and innovative development of classics as the main line， this paper systematically discusses the scientific connotation of the theory of pathogen invading nutrient and blood aspects and the paths of inheritance and innovation and clarifies the original significance of this theory in the chronic development of infectious diseases. Furthermore， taking clinical diseases as an example， this paper reflects the guiding value of this classical theory in the modern diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine and the application potential of this theory in solving complex medical problems through the construction of the innovative paradigm of precise diagnosis and treatment with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine.

Hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）， a malignancy with high mortality， exhibits poor survival rates and prognosis. The profound suppression of the tumor immune microenvironment （TIME） and the abnormal hyperactivity of metabolic reprogramming （MR） are the two primary factors driving HCC progression. Traditional Chinese medicine has demonstrated significant efficacy in HCC treatment. The team proposed that "deficiency of healthy Qi and stasis toxins" was the core pathogenesis of HCC， closely associated with TIME suppression and MR hyperactivity. This paper proposed that a suppressed state of the TIME was the biological manifestation of "deficiency of healthy Qi"， where the functional exhaustion of effector T lymphocytes and natural killer cells reflected the decline of "healthy Qi" in eliminating pathogens. Conversely， the expansion and activation of immunosuppressive cells， such as regulatory T cells （Tregs）， M2-like tumor-associated macrophages （TAM-M2）， and myeloid-derived suppressor cells （MDSCs） ， represent the dysfunction of "healthy Qi" in maintaining homeostasis. MR serves as the material basis of "stasis toxins". Stasis toxins exhibit heat stagnation， manifested by abnormal hyperactivity of glycolysis and lipid synthesis. They demonstrate migratory propensity， as toxic metabolites like lactic acid and prostaglandin E2 promote tumor invasion and metastasis. They display a consumptive nature， reflected in the functional suppression of immune cells. The vicious cycle between TIME and MR is the biopathological reflection of "deficiency of healthy Qi intertwined with stasis toxins". Immunosuppression exacerbates MR， while toxic metabolites further impair immune function， establishing a pathogenic chain of "deficiency leading to stasis， and stasis toxins damaging healthy Qi". The primary therapeutic approach is reinforcing healthy Qi， resolving stasis， and removing toxins， which can reinforce and tonify healthy Qi to regulate pathways， such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B （PI3K/Akt）， C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4/ C-X-C chemokine ligand 12 （CXCR4/CXCL12）， and toll-like receptor 4/ nuclear factor-kappa B/ signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （TLR4/NF-κB/STAT3）， adjust T lymphocyte ratios， inhibit Tregs/TAM-M2 function， and downregulate immune checkpoints， including programmed death ligand 1/programmed death 1（PD-L1/PD-1）， and reshape TIME. It is also involved in resolving stasis and removing toxins to modulate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin （PI3K/Akt/mTOR） and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α） signaling pathways， suppress key enzymes in glycolysis and lipid synthesis， and block toxic metabolite production. Thus， this therapy synergistically regulates the immune and metabolic network， breaks the vicious cycle of "deficiency in healthy Qi and stasis toxins"， and offers a novel strategy for integrating traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine in HCC treatment.

ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the distribution patterns of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes in patients with chronic hepatitis B （CHB） comorbid with metabolically associated fatty liver disease （MAFLD） and analyze their correlation with clinical characteristics and the progression of liver fibrosis. MethodsA cross-sectional study method was employed， and 506 patients with CHB comorbid with MAFLD who attended the Hepatology Outpatient Department of Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu from June 2024 to December 2024 were enrolled. General information， traditional Chinese medicine syndromes information， laboratory indicators， and imaging examination results were collected using case report forms （CRF）. Tongue images of patients were acquired using a tongue diagnosis instrument， and tongue feature parameters were extracted using computer image processing technology. Frequency analysis， factor analysis， and cluster analysis， and other methods were used to explore syndrome categories and distribution patterns. Non-parametric tests were used to compare the differences in clinical characteristics among different syndromes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the correlation between traditional Chinese medicine syndromes and the progression of liver fibrosis. ResultsThe main traditional Chinese medicine syndromes in patients with CHB comorbid with MAFLD were mainly dominated by damp-heat accumulation syndrome， liver stagnation and spleen deficiency syndrome， and phlegm-blood stasis syndrome， with damp-heat accumulation syndrome accounting for the highest proportion （41.89%）. Compared with those without damp-heat accumulation syndrome， patients with damp-heat accumulation syndrome had significantly lower tongue proper H value， tongue coating H value， and tongue coating a^* value （P<0.05）， significantly higher tongue coating b^* value （P<0.05）， significantly increased levels of white blood cell （WBC）， red blood cell （RBC）， hemoglobin （HGB）， and glucose （GLU）， increased CAP values （P<0.05）， a higher proportion of males （P<0.05）， and a younger age （P<0.05）. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses show that age， hepatitis B surface antigen （HBsAg）， diabetes， and damp-heat accumulation syndrome are independent risk factors for liver fibrosis （P<0.05）， and that damp-heat accumulation syndrome is predominantly distributed in liver fibrosis stage F0-F1. ConclusionDamp-heat accumulation syndrome is a typical syndrome in patients with CHB comorbid with MAFLD， which is significantly associated with enhanced inflammatory response， metabolic disorders， and early liver fibrosis， and is a key link in disease progression. Clinical attention and early intervention are needed.

Metastasis is the leading cause of death from cutaneous melanoma. Identifying metastasis-related targets and developing corresponding therapeutic strategies are major areas of focus. While functional genomics strategies provide powerful tools for target discovery, investigations at the protein level can directly decode the bioactive epitopes on functional proteins. Aptamers present a promising avenue as they can explore membrane proteomes and have the potential to interfere with cell function. Herein, we developed a target and epitope discovery platform, termed functional aptamer evolution-enabled target identification (FAETI), by integrating affinity aptamer acquisition with phenotype screening and target protein identification. Utilizing the aptamer XH3C, which was screened for its migration-inhibitory function, we identified the Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4), as a potential target involved in melanoma migration. Further evidence demonstrated that XH3C induces cytoskeletal rearrangement by blocking the interaction between the bioactive epitope of CSPG4 and integrin α4. Taken together, our study demonstrates the robustness of aptamer-based molecular tools for target and epitope discovery. Additionally, XH3C is an affinity and functional molecule that selectively binds to a unique epitope on CSPG4, enabling the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.

Myocardial fibrosis is a serious cause of heart failure and even sudden cardiac death. However, the mechanisms underlying myocardial ischemia-induced cardiac fibrosis remain unclear. Here, we identified that the expression of sterile alpha and TIR motif containing 1 (SARM1), was increased significantly in the ischemic cardiomyopathy patients, dilated cardiomyopathy patients (GSE116250) and fibrotic heart tissues of mice. Additionally, inhibition or knockdown of SARM1 can improve myocardial fibrosis and cardiac function of myocardial infarction (MI) mice. Moreover, SARM1 fibroblasts-specific knock-in mice had increased deposition of extracellular matrix and impaired cardiac function. Mechanically, elevated expression of SARM1 promotes the deposition of extracellular matrix by directly modulating P4HA1. Notably, by using the Click-iT reaction, we identified that the increased expression of ZDHHC17 promotes the palmitoylation levels of SARM1, thereby accelerating the fibrosis process. Based on the fibrosis-promoting effect of SARM1, we screened several drugs with anti-myocardial fibrosis activity. In conclusion, we have unveiled that palmitoylated SARM1 targeting P4HA1 promotes collagen deposition and myocardial fibrosis. Inhibition of SARM1 is a potential strategy for the treatment of myocardial fibrosis. The sites where SARM1 interacts with P4HA1 and the palmitoylation modification sites of SARM1 may be the active targets for anti-fibrosis drugs.

Gene regulation relies on the precise binding of transcription factors (TFs) at regulatory elements, but simultaneously detecting hundreds of TFs on chromatin is challenging. We developed cFOOT-seq, a cytosine deaminase-based TF footprinting assay, for high-resolution, quantitative genome-wide assessment of TF binding in both open and closed chromatin regions, even with small cell numbers. By utilizing the dsDNA deaminase SsdAtox, cFOOT-seq converts accessible cytosines to uracil while preserving genomic integrity, making it compatible with techniques like ATAC-seq for sensitive and cost-effective detection of TF occupancy at the single-molecule and single-cell level. Our approach enables the delineation of TF footprints, quantification of occupancy, and examination of chromatin influences on TF binding. Notably, cFOOT-seq, combined with FootTrack analysis, enables de novo prediction of TF binding sites and tracking of TF occupancy dynamics. We demonstrate its application in capturing cell type-specific TFs, analyzing TF dynamics during reprogramming, and revealing TF dependencies on chromatin remodelers. Overall, cFOOT-seq represents a robust approach for investigating the genome-wide dynamics of TF occupancy and elucidating the cis-regulatory architecture underlying gene regulation.
Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Humans ; Chromatin/genetics* ; Animals ; Binding Sites ; Mice ; DNA Footprinting/methods*

Based on the trinity life view of ''physique， Qi， and spirit''， Chaihu Jia Longgu Mulitang treats the patient's physical symptoms， disorders of Qi movement， and disorders of consciousness， covering the overall treatment and comprehensive nursing of physique， Qi， and spirit. It is widely applied and recognized for its efficacy in modern clinical practice. This paper explored the treatment effect of Chaihu Jia Longgu Mulitang from the trinity life view of ''physique， Qi， and spirit''. This formula mainly targeted patients with Qi deficiency caused by cold， leading to a syndrome of Qi stagnation and water retention in the Triple Energizer Meridian of Hand Lesser Yang （TE）， as well as fire-heat syndrome in the Large Intestine Meridian of Hand Yang Brightness （LI） and Stomach Meridian of Foot Yang Brightness （ST）， accompanied by disorder of nutrient-blood and subsequent spirit and soul unrest. Accurately judging the imbalance of the patient's physique， Qi， and spirit and using an appropriate combination of medicinals can achieve balance among the three to achieve the best effect. The treatment strategy of Chaihu Jia Longgu Mulitang is as follows： For disorders of Qi movement， such as Qi deficiency， Qi stagnation， and gastrointestinal fire-heat， Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Bupleuri Radix-Scutellariae Radix， and Rhei Radix et Rhizoma are used in combination. For physical symptoms such as water retention and disorder of nutrient-blood， Poria-Pinelliae Rhizoma-Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens， as well as Cinnamomi Ramulus-Jujubae Fructus are used in combination. Finally， Os Draconis-Ostreae Concha-Plumbum Rubrum is used to calm the spirit and soothe the soul. According to existing research， Chaihu Jia Longgu Mulitang has shown good efficacy in treating a variety of complex clinical diseases. This article provides a comprehensive interpretation of Chaihu Jia Longgu Mulitang from the perspective of the trinity life view of ''physique， Qi， and spirit''， offering new insights for clinical syndrome differentiation， treatment， and prescription.

Objective:To systematically evaluate the experience of home-based hospice care from two different perspectives of professional caregivers and family caregivers, and summarize the barriers faced by caregivers.Methods:This study was Meta-synthesis. Qualitative studies on the barriers of home-based hospice care among professional caregivers or family caregivers were electronically searched on China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, VIP, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL and Medline. The search period was from database establishment to October 3, 2023. The quality evaluation of literature was conducted using the quality evaluation criteria for qualitative research of the Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence-Based Health Care Center. The aggregation Meta-synthesis method was used to integrate the included article.Results:A total of ten articles were included, all had a quality evaluation level of B. Thirty-five results were extracted and summarized into eight new categories. Two integrated results were formed, including barriers to implementation of home-based hospice care by patients' family members (three categories) and barriers to implementation of home-based hospice care by professional caregivers (five categories) .Conclusions:Due to various factors such as external policies, organizations, and personnel, there are still many challenges in the practical development of home-based hospice care. Government and medical institutions can formulate or improve policies and service processes to address the obstacles to implementing home hospice care for different caregivers, and promote the development of home-based hospice care.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of separated R-CHOP in older patients with newly diagnosed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL).Methods:A total of 137 patients aged 65-80 years newly diagnosed with DLBCL between April 2013 and September 2022 at The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were enrolled.The patients were assigned into separated R-CHOP,full-dose R-CHOP,and reduced R-CHOP-like groups based on their different chemotherapy regimens.All individuals were treated in 21-day cycles for 4-8 cycles.The short-term and long-term efficacies and adverse reactions of the treatments were compared among the three groups,and factors influencing progression-free survival(PFS)and overall survival(OS)were analyzed.Results:The overall response rates(ORR)of patients in the separated R-CHOP,full-dose R-CHOP,and reduced R-CHOP-like groups were 89.7%,90.3%,and 86.1%,respectively,with no significant differences among them.The complete respond rate(CRR)of the separated R-CHOP group(64.1%)was significantly higher than that of the reduced R-CHOP-like group(33.3%)(P=0.008)but not significantly different from that of the full-dose R-CHOP group(66.1%).Survival curve analysis revealed no significant differences in PFS and OS between the separated and full-dose R-CHOP groups.Although the separated R-CHOP group showed improved PFS compared with the reduced R-CHOP-like group(P=0.036),there was no statistical difference in OS between these two groups.Multivariate analysis revealed that the international prognostic index(IPI)and separated R-CHOP had significant effects on PFS in patients with DLBCL(all P<0.05),whereas only IPI had a significant effect on OS(P<0.001).The incidence of leukopenia and grade 3-4 leukopenia in the separated R-CHOP group was significantly lower than that in the full-dose R-CHOP group(P=0.007,P=0.012),but there was no significant difference with the reduced R-CHOP-like group in this regard.Conclusions:In older patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL,separated R-CHOP showed good efficacy both in the short and long terms and had acceptable safety and tolerability profiles.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of mild hypothermia for patients with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI).Methods:PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China Biology Medicine Disc, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, and VIP Database were searched for prospective randomized controlled researches on mild hypothermia and normothermia for patients with sTBI. The search time was from the establishment of the databases to February 2023. RevMan 5.3 software was used for Meta-analysis. The evaluation indicators included literature search results, basic characteristics and quality of the literature, poor prognosis rate and mortality at 6 and 12 months after treatment, incidence of pulmonary infection, arrhythmia, thrombocytopenia, intracranial infection, renal insufficiency, gastrointestinal ulcer/bleeding and electrolyte disorder during the treatment, and publication bias.Results:A total of 16 papers involving 2 640 patients were included, comprising 1 381 patients in the mild hypothermia group and 1 259 patients in the normothermia group. The poor prognosis rate in the mild hypothermia group was significantly lower than that in the normothermia group at 6 and 12 months after treatment ( RR=0.81, 95% CI 0.69, 0.95, P<0.01; RR=0.65, 95% CI 0.51, 0.84, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the mortality between the two groups at 6 and 12 months after treatment ( RR=0.81, 95% CI 0.61, 1.08, P>0.05; RR=0.69, 95% CI 0.47, 1.03, P>0.05). In contrast with the the normothermia group, in the mild hypothermia group the incidence of pulmonary infection was significantly different ( RR=1.18, 95% CI 1.04, 1.34, P<0.01); the incidence of arrhythmia was not significantly different ( RR=1.35, 95% CI 0.73, 2.49, P>0.05); the incidence of thrombocytopenia was significantly different ( RR=1.78, 95% CI 1.34, 2.37, P<0.01); the incidence of intracranial infection was not significantly different ( RR=1.32, 95% CI 0.54, 3.23, P>0.05); the incidence of renal insufficiency was not significantly different ( RR=1.22, 95% CI 0.71, 2.09, P>0.05); the incidence of gastrointestinal ulcer/bleeding was not significantly different ( RR=0.98, 95% CI 0.73, 1.31, P>0.05); the incidence of electrolyte disorders was not significantly different ( RR=1.39, 95% CI 1.00, 1.94, P>0.05). The funnel plot was approximately symmetrical and the scattered points were concentrated in the narrow area in the upper part of the funnel plot, suggesting no publication bias. Conclusions:In comparison with normothermia for sTBI, mild hypothermia can not reduce the mortality at 6 and 12 months after treatment, but it can reduce the incidence of poor prognosis at 6 and 12 months after treatment. Moreover, mild hypothermia has no obvious effect on the incidence of arrhythmia, intracranial infection, renal insufficiency, gastrointestinal ulcer/bleeding, and electrolyte disorder, but it can increase the incidence of pulmonary infection and thrombocytopenia.