This paper summarizes Professor LIU Fengbin's clinical experience in treating autoimmune liver disease （AILD） using the method of nourishing yin and removing stasis based on stage differentiation. He believes that the pathogenesis of AILD generally involves both deficiency in essence and excess in manifestation， with essence deficiency often presenting as liver and kidney yin deficiency， which may progress to spleen deficiency and yang deficiency over time. The excess manifestation commonly includes qi stagnation， blood stasis， damp-heat， and phlegm toxicity. Clinically， he advocates for the treatment principle of nourishing yin and removing stasis. On the foundation of nourishing liver and kidney yin， different pathological factors causing stasis are eliminated according to their nature. Treatment is also tailored to different stages of AILD. In the early and asymptomatic stages， liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency are prominent， warranting a therapeutic approach of soothing the liver， regulating qi and strengthening the spleen. The modified Chaishao Qizhi Decoction （柴芍气滞汤） is used. During the symptomatic stage， pathogenic factors become more pronounced， often accompanied by a significant deficiency of vital qi， with damp-heat， water retention， and phlegm toxicity as key pathological features. The treatment should focus on strengthening the spleen and dispelling dampness， using modified Sijunzi Decoction （四君子汤） combined with Yinchen Wuling Powder （茵陈五苓散）. In the liver function decompensation stage， vital qi is severely deficient while pathogenic factors persist， with damp-heat， phlegm toxicity， and blood stasis obstructing the liver collaterals. Treatment should focus on nourishing blood， softening the liver， strengthening the spleen， and resolving stasis， using the modified Ruangan Yangxue Decoction （软肝养血汤）. Throughout the treatment process， emphasis is placed on tonifying the liver and kidneys while protecting yin fluids.

Objective: To analyze the distribution characteristics of immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentration in Nanning Zhuang blood donors by measuring the concentration of plasma IgA. Methods: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure the absorbance of 2 000 plasma samples from Zhuang blood donors. The IgA concentration in samples was calculated using the ELISA Calc regression/fitting technology program. Results: The standard curve demonstrated that ELISA detection of plasma IgA concentration exhibited good precision. The frequency of IgA deficiency was 0/2 000. No statistically significant difference in the distribution of IgA concentration was observed between males and females (P>0.05). The distribution of IgA concentration varied significantly across age groups: younger individuals (18-39 years old) had lower plasma IgA levels (mg/dL) compared to older individuals (40-56 years old): 5-89.99 mg/dL group, 8.80% (176/2 000) vs 17.20% (344/2 000); 90-450 mg/dL group,20.65% (413/2 000) vs 51.20% (1 024/2 000); >450 mg/dL group, 0.45%, (9/2 000) vs 1.70% (34/2 000), P<0.05. No significant difference in IgA concentration was found among different ABO blood types in Zhuang blood donors (P>0.05). Spearman correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between age and IgA concentration (R =0.114, P<0.05). Conclusion: No individuals with IgA deficiency were screened out among the Zhuang blood donors in Nanning area, and plasma IgA levels progressively increase with age.

Objective To retrospectively analyze the blood use of transfusion-dependent thalassemia(TDT)patients in 9 designated transfusion medical institutions from 2018 to 2023 in Nanning,and to evaluate the effect of"three designated"blood transfusion mode(hereby means TDT patients undergoing blood transfusion in designated transfusion medical institu-tions regularly)and"collection-based-supply"blood management mode on blood security of TDT patients.Methods The"three designated"blood transfusion mode was implemented to ensure that TDT patients registered in the local household registration(referred to as the"register")obtain the rights and interests of outpatient transfusion and blood security of des-ignated medical institutions.The"collection-based-supply"blood management mode was implemented to assess the blood needs of"register"TDT patients and meet their needs to the maximum extent according to the blood inventory(collection).Results From 2018 to 2023,the total blood supply of"register"TDT patients was 10.37%of the total red blood supply of all medical institutions(138 509.5 U/1 335 788.0 U),with the highest proportion of type O blood as 46.34%(64 181.0 U/138 509.5 U)and the lowest proportion of type AB blood as 3.85%(5 331.0 U/138 509.5 U).In 2018,9 transfusion medical institutions were designated for TDT patients.There were a total of 766 TDT patients in the register,with the per ca-pita annual blood transfusion volume increased from20.28 U(15 531.0 U/766 patients)in2018 to36.01 U(27 586.0 U/766 patients)in 2023,maintaining a positive growth every year(30.26%,4.94%,11.71%,8.61%,4.94%and 7.10%).Conclusion The"three designated"blood transfusion mode and the"collection-based-supply"blood management mode can effectively guarantee the blood supply of TDT patients.

Objective To investigate the effect of glycine N-methyl transferase (GNMT)on intrauterine adhesion (IUA)fibrosis and its related mechanism.Methods In vivo experiment:A total of 36 healthy female SD rats (SPF grade,6～8 weeks old and weighing from 180～220 g)were subjected in this study.IUA model of SD rats and IUA model of GNMT overexpressed rats were established.RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence assay were applied to detect GNMT expression level in normal uterus and model group.RT-qPCR and Western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein levels of fibrosis-related molecules and the activation of TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway in each group.The number of endometrial glands in each group was observed by HE staining.Masson staining was used to analyze the severity of endometrial fibrosis in each group.In vitro experiment:transformed human endometrial stromal cells (THESCs)fibrotic phenotype model was constructed using TGF-β1,and THESCs stably transfected with GNMT overexpression lentvirus were treated with TGF-β1.RT-qPCR and Western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of fibrosis-related molecules.The expression of TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway was detected by Western blotting.TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway was activated by TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway activator (SRI-011381),and the expression of TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway and key molecular proteins of fibrosis phenotype was measured with Western blotting.Results In vivo experiment,the mRNA and protein expression levels of GNMT were significantly decreased in the IUA rats than the control rats (P<0.05).Overexpression of GNMT decreased the mRNA and protein levels of fibrosis related molecules,Collagen Ⅰ,Collagen Ⅲ and FN in the IUA rats (P<0.05),and decreased the phosphorylation levels of TGF-β1 and its downstream Smad3 protein (P<0.05).HE and Masson staining showed that overexpression of GNMT could increase the number of endometrial glands and reduce the severity of fibrosis in the IUA rats (P<0.05).In vitro experiments:overexpression of GNMT decreased the mRNA and protein levels of Collagen Ⅰ,Collagen Ⅲ and FN associated with fibrotic phenotype of THESCs (P<0.05),and reduced the phosphorylation level of Smad3 protein,downstream of TGF-β1 (P<0.05).After activation of TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway,the protein levels of TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway and downstream fibrosis phenotype molecules,Collagen Ⅲ and FN,were significantly decreased in the LV-GNMT+SRI-011381 group.Conclusion Overexpression of GNMT can inhibit endometrial fibrosis by regulating TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway,thus achieving therapeutic effect on IUA.

Objective To explore the microstructural changes in white matter(WM)fibers of patients with post-stroke depression(PSD)by using automated fiber quantification(AFQ)and the relationship between changes in fibers and the Hamilton depression scale(HAMD).Methods The HAMD and MRI data were collected from stroke patients with a single anterior circulation infarction at 1-month follow-up.AFQ was used to extract the main fibers and calculate the fractional anisotropy(FA)of each node in each fiber.The difference of node FA in each fiber between groups and correlations between altered node FA and HAMD were then evaluated.Results Data were collected from 8 patients with PSD and 18 patients without PSD(non-PSD).Compared with that in non-PSD,the node FA in the callosum,left inferior longitudinal fasciculus,and uncinate fasciculus were significantly decreased in patients with PSD(P<0.05).The altered node FA values in the corpus callosum forceps minor(r=-0.418,P=0.047)and left uncinate fasciculus(r=-0.467,P=0.029)were negatively related to HAMD in patients with PSD.Conclusions AFQ can precisely measure the segmental microstructural damage of nerve fiber bundles in patients with PSD,of which segmental microstructural damage of the corpus callosum forceps and hook tracts is associated with the severity of depression.

Background/Aims: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become an increasingly important health challenge, with a substantial rise linked to changing lifestyles and global obesity. Ursolic acid, a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid, has been explored for its potential therapeutic effects. Given its multifunctional bioactive properties, this research further revealed the pharmacological mechanisms of ursolic acid on MASLD. Methods: Drug target chips and bioinformatics analysis were combined in this study to explore the potential therapeutic effects of ursolic acid on MASLD. Molecular docking simulations, surface plasmon resonance analyses, pull-down experiments, and co-immunoprecipitation assays were used to verify the direct interactions. Gene knockdown mice were generated, and high-fat diets were used to validate drug efficacy. Furthermore, initial CD4+ T cells were isolated and stimulated to demonstrate our findings. Results: In this study, the multifunctional extracellular matrix phosphorylated glycoprotein secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) was investigated, highlighting its capability to induce Th17 cell differentiation, amplifying inflammatory cascades, and subsequently promoting the evolution of MASLD. In addition, this study revealed that in addition to the canonical TGF-β/IL-6 cytokine pathway, SPP1 can directly interact with ITGB1 and CD44, orchestrating Th17 cell differentiation via their joint downstream ERK signaling pathway. Remarkably, ursolic acid intervention notably suppressed the protein activity of SPP1, suggesting a promising avenue for ameliorating the immunoinflammatory trajectory in MASLD progression. Conclusions Ursolic acid could improve immune inflammation in MASLD by modulating SPP1-mediated Th17 cell differentiation via the ERK signaling pathway, which is orchestrated jointly by ITGB1 and CD44, emerging as a linchpin in this molecular cascade.

Objective:To investigate the effects of mixed probiotics on food allergy and the underlying mechanism.Methods:BALB/c mice on the 15 th day of pregnancy were randomly (random number table method) classified into the control group, food allergy model group and mixed probiotics group.Mice in the food allergy model and mixed pro-biotics group were subjected to ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization after birth, and those in the mixed probiotics group were then given probiotic solution by gavage from day 21 to day 35.Mice in control group were similarly given 9 g/L saline.Twenty-four hours after the last OVA sensitization, intestinal histopathological sections were prepared to observe intestinal pathological changes.Blood smears were prepared to detect eosinophil count.In addition, serum samples were collected to measure cytokine levels and OVA specific antibodies.The number of dendritic cells (DCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in mouse mesenteric lymph nodes was calculated.Differences among 3 groups were compared by the One- Way ANOVA or Kruskal- Wallis H test. Results:Compared with those of food allergy model group, diarrhea score, the ratio of eosinophils and serum levels of interleukin(IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, mast cell protease 1 (MCPT-1), and OVA specific antibodies IgE and IgG were significantly lower in mixed probiotics group[(2.00±0.71) points vs.(3.22±0.97) points, (2.28±1.61)% vs.(10.99±2.26)%, (413.68±22.81) ng/L vs.(708.78±27.66) ng/L, (36.64±3.74) ng/L vs.(46.05±4.95) ng/L, (201.37±65.61) ng/L vs.(495.22±96.66) ng/L, (31 924.15±1 177.77) ng/L vs.(36 175.77±618.29) ng/L, (9.10±8.08) ng/L vs.(19.69±0.84) ng/L, (30.50±8.81) ng/L vs.(190.32±6.40) ng/L], while IL-10 level was significantly higher[(164.12±3.88) ng/L vs.(123.90±7.31) ng/L] ( t=3.37, 8.72, 16.07, 3.90, 7.40, 7.95, 3.91, 44.00 and 7.76, respectively, all P<0.01). Compared with those of food allergy model group, programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) level on the surface of CD 103+ DCs and CD 103+ CD 80-CD 40-DCs, the proportion of Tregs in CD4 + T cells, and the level of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) on the surface of Tregs were significantly higher in mixed probiotics group[(75.59±0.45)% vs.(45.60±4.73)%, (67.56±1.87)% vs.(37.12±6.07)%, (8.24±0.69)% vs.(6.20±0.66)%, (11.25±3.12)% vs.(4.08±2.33)%]( t=7.88, 4.48, 3.63 and 3.71, all P<0.01). Conclusions:Mixed probiotics can alleviate the symptoms of food allergy and inflammatory response of young rats through mediating Tregs via the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway.

Objective　To investigate the role and molecular mechanism of long intergenic non-coding RNA 1116 (LINC01116) in hippocampal astrocytes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS).Methods　The expressions of LINC01116 and miR-203 in serum of 131 AIS patients before and after thrombolysis were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.The regulatory effect of LINC01116 on miR-203 was detected by dual-luciferase reporter gene and RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation assay.Human hippocampal astrocytes (hHA) were applied to establish an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model and were treated with LINC01116 interference and LINC01116 combined with miR-203 interference.The changes of cell proliferation,cell apoptosis,production of reactive oxygen species (ROS),activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH),and inflammatory factors were detected by CCK-8,TUNEL and Western blotting,ROS assay,LDH assay,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,respectively.Results　The expressions of LINC01116 and miR-203 in serum after thrombolysis were higher and lower than those before thrombolysis,respectively,and the expressions of LINC01116 and miR-203 were negatively correlated (P<0.05).LINC01116 inhibited miR-203 expression by sponge of miR-203 (P<0.05).LINC01116 interference alleviated the OGD/R-induced injury of hHA cells,which manifested as elevated cell proliferation ability,decreased cell apoptosis rate,decreased protein expressions of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax but raised protein expression of Bcl-2,reduced ROS production,decreased LDH activity,and downregulated TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 concentrations but upregulated IL-4,IL-10 and IL-13 concentrations (P<0.05).miR-203 interference reversed the protective effect of LINC01116 interference on the OGD/R-induced injury of hHA cells (P<0.05).Conclusions　LINC01116 promotes the OGD/R-induced injury of hHA cells by targeting miR-203,suggesting that the LINC01116/miR-203 pathway might be a potential therapeutic target for AIS.

Objective:To summarize the clinical manifestations and gene mutation features of patients with nucleotide excision repair (NER) disorders.Methods:A retrospective analysis was made on clinical data of patients with NER disorders who were admitted to the Chinese People′s Liberation Army General Hospital from October 2008 to February 2022 and diagnosed in the Outpatient Department of Beijing Children′s Hospital, Capital Medical University from October 2015 to February 2022.Literature on previously reported Chinese patients with NER disorders was reviewed.Results:(1)A total of 16 patients with NER disorders were enrolled, including 6 males and 10 females.The onset age was 7.5 (4.0, 12.0) months and the age at diagnosis was 42.0 (21.5, 77.0) months.There were 3 types of NER disorders: Cockayne syndrome (CS) in 13 cases, Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP) in 2 cases and Cerebro-Oculo-Facio-Skeletal syndrome (COFS) in 1 case.Four disease-causing genes were detected: CSA gene in 11 cases, CSB gene in 3 cases, XPG gene in 1 case, and XPD gene in 1 case.The first symptoms of the 16 patients were photosensitivity and developmental delay, and neurological symptoms were observed in all the 3 NER disorder types.XP and CS patients had skin symptoms.CS patients presented typical facial features, visual and auditory impairment, microcephaly and changes in neuroimaging features.COFS patients showed intrauterine growth retardation.(2)Results of literature review: a total of 96 Chinese patients reported were retrieved, involving 6 disease types, including CS in 45 cases, XP in 44 cases, trichothiodystrophy in 4 cases, COFS in 1 case, XP-CS in 1 case, and ultraviolet sensitive syndrome in 1 case.Nine mutated genes were identified: CSA in 33 cases, XPA in 15 cases, CSB in 13 cases, XPV in 10 cases, XPC in 9 cases, XPG in 7 cases, XPD in 7 cases, XPF in 1 case, and MPLKIP in 1 case.The common symptoms were growth failure (62 cases), skin photosensitivity (61 cases), typical facial features (52 cases), mental retardation (49 cases) and microcephaly (48 cases). Among 36 cases had imaging data 33 cases(91.7%)had calcification of basal nucleus or globus pallidus.Three cases had intrauterine growth retardation and microcephaly during pregnancy. Conclusions:Patients with such prenatal manifestations as intrauterine growth retardation and microcephaly or with typical symptoms like skin photosensitivity, typical facial features, growth failure, mental retardation, hypertonia, and calcifications of basal ganglia should be suspected of NER disorders.Early genetic testing is recommended to confirm the diagnosis.