The current classification methods for traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） visceral syndrome differentiation suffer from excessive generalization， which hinders their clinical application. Based on the analysis of the pattern of "one syndrome corresponding to multiple formulas"， this paper focused on the principle of syndrome-formula correspondence， and proposed that formula-syndromes are the smallest units for refining visceral syndromes. By establishing the correspondence between formula-syndromes and visceral syndromes， this study aims to further clarify the refined categories of syndromes and their treatment patterns， providing a new perspective for the standardization and objectification of TCM syndromes.

Objective: To explore the relationship between sleep quality and executive function among middle school students, so as to provide theoretical support for the promotion of adolescents physical and mental health development. Methods: From September to December 2023, 5 713 junior and senior high school students aged 13 to 18 were selected by stratified cluster random sampling method from Shanghai, Suzhou, Taiyuan, Wuyuan, Xingyi, and Urumqi. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to conduct sleep quality survey. And conduct executive function was tested on middle school students, including inhibitory function, refresh function and conversion function tests. Spearman correlation and linear regression were used to analyze the relationship between sleep quality and executive function of middle school students. Results: The total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score of boys was [4.0(2.0,6.0)] and that of girls was [5.0(3.0,6.0)], and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-10.90, P < 0.01 ). The total PSQI score of boys was positively correlated with both 2-back reaction time and conversion function of executive function ( r =0.04, 0.04); the total PSQI score of girls was negatively correlated with 2-back reaction time ( r =-0.04) ( P <0.05). After controlling for variables such as mental health, physical activity and nutritional status,linear regression analyses showed that PSQI total score of middle school students was positively correlated with the inhibitory function and the conversion function response time [ B (95% CI )=1.28(0.21-2.34), 7.62(2.34-12.90), P <0.05]; the associations of total PSQI scores among middle school students with both 2-back and 1-back response time were not statistically significant [ B (95% CI )=-5.88(-16.14-4.37), 8.05( -3.39 -19.50), P >0.05]. Conclusion Positive correlations are observed on sleep quality with inhibitory and conversion functions of executive function among middle school students.

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is a critical process by which cells internalize macromolecular substances and initiate vesicle trafficking, serving as the foundation for many cellular activities. Central to this process are clathrin-coated structures (CCSs), which consist of clathrin-coated pits (CCPs) and clathrin plaques. While clathrin-coated pits are well-established in the study of endocytosis, clathrin plaques represent a more recently discovered but equally important component of this system. These plaques are large, flat, and extended clathrin-coated assemblies found on the cytoplasmic membrane. They are distinct from the more typical clathrin-coated pits in terms of their morphology, larger surface area, and longer lifespan. Recent research has revealed that clathrin plaques play roles that go far beyond endocytosis, contributing to diverse cellular processes such as cellular adhesion, mechanosensing, migration, and pathogen invasion. Unlike traditional clathrin-coated pits, which are transient and dynamic structures involved primarily in the internalization of molecules, clathrin plaques are more stable and extensive, often persisting for extended periods. Their extended lifespan suggests that they serve functions beyond the typical endocytic role, making them integral to various cellular processes. For instance, clathrin plaques are involved in the regulation of intercellular adhesion, allowing cells to better adhere to one another or to the extracellular matrix, which is crucial for tissue formation and maintenance. Furthermore, clathrin plaques act as mechanosensitive hubs, enabling the cell to sense and respond to mechanical stress, a feature that is essential for processes like migration, tissue remodeling, and even cancer progression. Recent discoveries have also highlighted the role of clathrin plaques in cellular signaling. These plaques can serve as scaffolds for signaling molecules, orchestrating the activation of various pathways that govern cellular behavior. For example, the recruitment of actin-binding proteins such as F-actin and vinculin to clathrin plaques can influence cytoskeletal dynamics, helping cells adapt to mechanical changes in their environment. This recruitment also plays a pivotal role in regulating cellular migration, which is crucial for developmental processes. Additionally, clathrin plaques influence receptor-mediated signal transduction by acting as platforms for the assembly of signaling complexes, thereby affecting processes such as growth factor signaling and cellular responses to extracellular stimuli. Despite the growing body of evidence that supports the involvement of clathrin plaques in a wide array of cellular functions, much remains unknown about the precise molecular mechanisms that govern their formation, maintenance, and turnover. For example, the factors that regulate the recruitment of clathrin and other coat proteins to form plaques, as well as the signaling molecules that coordinate plaque dynamics, remain areas of active research. Furthermore, the complex interplay between clathrin plaques and other cellular systems, such as the actin cytoskeleton and integrin-based adhesion complexes, needs further exploration. Studies have shown that clathrin plaques can respond to mechanical forces, with recent findings indicating that they act as mechanosensitive structures that help the cell adapt to changing mechanical environments. This ability underscores the multifunctional nature of clathrin plaques, which, in addition to their role in endocytosis, are involved in cellular processes such as mechanotransduction and adhesion signaling. In summary, clathrin plaques represent a dynamic and versatile component of clathrin-mediated endocytosis. They play an integral role not only in the internalization of macromolecular cargo but also in regulating cellular adhesion, migration, and signal transduction. While much has been learned about their structural and functional properties, significant questions remain regarding the molecular mechanisms that regulate their formation and their broader role in cellular physiology. This review highlights the evolving understanding of clathrin plaques, emphasizing their importance in both endocytosis and a wide range of other cellular functions. Future research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms by which clathrin plaques contribute to cellular processes and to better understand their implications for diseases, including cancer and tissue remodeling. Ultimately, clathrin plaques are emerging as crucial hubs that integrate mechanical, biochemical, and signaling inputs, providing new insights into cellular function and the regulation of complex cellular behaviors.

In recent years, the deep integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into medical education has created new opportunities for teaching Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, while also offering innovative solutions to the pedagogical challenges associated with protein structure and function. Focusing on the case of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene mutations in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), this study integrates AI into case-based learning (CBL) to develop an AI-CBL hybrid teaching model. This model features an intelligent case-generation system that dynamically constructs ALK mutation scenarios using real-world clinical data, closely linking molecular biology concepts with clinical applications. It incorporates AI-powered protein structure prediction tools to accurately visualize the three-dimensional structures of both wild-type and mutant ALK proteins, dynamically simulating functional abnormalities resulting from conformational changes. Additionally, a virtual simulation platform replicates the ALK gene detection workflow, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical skills. As a result, a multidimensional teaching system is established—driven by clinical cases and integrating molecular structural analysis with experimental validation. Teaching outcomes indicate that the three-dimensional visualization, dynamic interactivity, and intelligent analytical capabilities provided by AI significantly enhance students’ understanding of molecular mechanisms, classroom engagement, and capacity for innovative research. This model establishes a coherent training pathway linking “fundamental theory-scientific research thinking-clinical practice”, offering an effective approach to addressing teaching challenges and advancing the intelligent transformation of medical education.

OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of superoxide dismutase （SOD） administration on the malignant behavior of PLC/PRF/5 liver cancer cells， and analyze the correlation between SOD and alpha-fetoprotein （AFP） expression， to provide new ideas for targeting AFP with SOD as a drug for hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS Normal human liver cells L-02， AFP- negative human liver cancer cells HLE， and AFP-positive human liver cancer cells PLC/PRF/5 were used as experimental cells. Western blot assay and SOD activity detection kit were used to detect the expression of AFP， SOD and activity of SOD in cells before and after changing AFP expression； the effects of different concentrations of SOD [0 （control）， 0.188， 0.375， 0.75， 1.5， 3 U/mL] administration on the migration and proliferation of PLC/PRF/5 cells were detected using cell scratch assay and CCK-8 assay. The effects of SOD overexpression on the expression of malignant biological behavior-related proteins AFP and sarcoma virus protein （Src） in PLC/PRF/5 cells were detected using Western blot. RESULTS Compared with L-02 group and HLE group， the expression levels of SOD1 and SOD2， and SOD activity in PLC/PRF/5 cells were significantly reduced （P＜0.05）. After down-regulating AFP expression in PLC/PRF/ 5 cells， compared with PLC/PRF/5 group， the expression levels of SOD1 and SOD2， as well as SOD activity， were significantly increased in the PLC/PRF/5-shAFP group （low-expression） （P＜0.05）. After 48 hours of SOD treatment， compared with control group， the scratch healing rates of PLC/PRF/5 cells in the 0.375， 0.75， 1.5 and 3 U/mL SOD groups were significantly reduced （P＜0.05）； after 72 hours of SOD treatment， compared with control group， the scratch healing rates of PLC/PRF/5 cells in the 0.375， 0.75， and 1.5 U/mL SOD groups were significantly reduced （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with control group， proliferation rates of PLC/PRF/5 cells were significantly reduced in the 0.375， 0.75， 1.5 and 3 U/mL SOD groups （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the PLC/PRF/5 group before up-regulating SOD1 and SOD2 expression， the expression levels of AFP and Src in the PLC/PRF/5-oeSOD1 and PLC/PRF/5-oeSOD2 groups （over-expression） after up-regulating SOD1 and SOD2 expression were significantly reduced （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS A certain concentration of SOD can inhibit malignant behavior such as migration and proliferation of PLC/PRF/5 cells， and the expression level and activity of SOD are negatively correlated with AFP.

Background Exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) may impair lung function through various mechanisms; however, it remains uncertain whether BaP induces ferroptosis in lung tissue cells, resulting in lung function impairment. Objective To investigate the ferroptosis of lung tissue cells triggered by subchronic BaP exposure in mice and its correlation with lung injury, and to explore the function of ferroptosis in BaP-induced lung tissue damage. Method Seventy-two healthy 3-weeks-old male C57BL/6J mice were acclimatized for 1 week and then randomly divided into six groups: control group (corn oil 10 mL·kg⁻¹), low-dose BaP group (2.5 mg·kg⁻¹), medium-dose BaP group (5 mg·kg⁻¹), high-dose BaP group (10 mg·kg⁻¹), BaP+ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) group (10 mg·kg⁻¹+1 mg·kg⁻¹), and Fer-1 group (1 mg·kg⁻¹), with 12 mice each group. Corn oil and BaP were administered via gavage every other day, followed by an intraperitoneal injection of Fer-1 the subsequent day, throughout a period of 90 d. Whole-body plethysmography was applied to detect lung function; hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) and Masson staining were used to observe lung tissue injury and fibrosis; microscopy of alveolar epithelial cells was conducted to reveal mitochondrial morphology; biochemical assays were used to measure the content of tissue iron, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH), as well as the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px); Western blotting and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analyses were performed to reveal the protein and mRNA expression of ferroptosis markers. Results Compared to the control group, the high-dose BaP group showed a significant increase in expiration time (Te) (P<0.01), and a significant decrease in ratio rate of achieving peak expiratory flow (Rpef), tidal volume (TVb), peak inspiratory flow (PIF), minute volume (MVb), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) (P<0.05 or 0.01). Based on the results of HE and Masson staining, partial destruction of alveolar structures, thickening of alveolar walls, infiltration of inflammatory cells, significant thickening of tracheal walls and a large deposition of collagen fibers in lung tissue were observed in the medium- and high-dose BaP groups. By microscopy, the alveolar epithelial cells exposed to low-dose BaP showed condensed chromatin, and the mitochondria exposed to medium and high-dose BaP showed wrinkles, increased mitochondrial membrane density, and diminished mitochondrial cristae. Compared to the control group, in the medium- and high-dose BaP groups, the lung tissue iron content and the expression levels of ACSL4 protein and mRNA significantly elevated (P<0.01 or 0.05), while the mRNA expression level of SLC7A11 significantly decreased (P<0.05); in the high-dose BaP group, the MDA content, COX2 protein, and PTGS2 mRNA expression levels significantly increased (P<0.05 or 0.01), GSH content and GSH-Px activity, GPX4 protein and mRNA expression levels, and the expression level of SLC7A11 protein significantly decreased (P<0.01 or 0.05). The ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1 markedly reversed respiratory function, morphology, mitochondrial alterations, and the aforementioned ferroptosis-related biochemical indicators. Conclusion Subchronic exposure to BaP can induce ferroptosis in mice lung tissue cells, resulting in compromised lung function.

In cases where a tracheal injury exceeds half the length of the adult trachea or one-third of the length of the child trachea, it becomes difficult to perform end-to-end anastomosis after tracheal resection due to excessive tension at the anastomosis site. In such cases, tracheal replacement therapy is required. Advances in tissue engineering technology have led to the development of tissue engineering tracheal substitutes, which have promising applications. Hydrogels, which are highly hydrated and possess a good three-dimensional network structure, biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, biodegradability, and modifiability, have had wide applications in the field of tissue engineering. This article provides a review of the characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and effects of various hydrogels commonly used in tissue engineering trachea in recent years. Additionally, the article discusses and offers prospects for the future application of hydrogels in the field of tissue engineering trachea.

Objective: To explore the association between mental health and muscle strength among Chinese adolescents aged 13- 18, providing a theoretical foundation and intervention strategies for mental health promotion. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2019 Chinese National Survey on Students Constitution and Health, including 98 631 Chinese adolescents aged 13- 18. Psychological distress was assessed by using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and mental well being was measured with the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well being Scale (WEMWBS). Based on the gender and age specific Z scores of various test items [grip strength, standing long jump, pull ups (for males), and sit ups (for females)], muscle strength index (MSI) was constructed to evaluate the comprehensive level of muscle strength in adolescents. According to the Dual factor Model (DFM) of mental health, participants were categorized into four groups:troubled, symptomatic but content, vulnerable, and complete mental health. Gender differences were analyzed by using Chi-square tests, trends were tested with Cochran-Armitage tests, and multinomial Logistic regression models were applied to assess associations between muscle strength and mental health among adolescents. Results: In 2019, 37.4% of Chinese adolescents aged 13-18 were reported of high mental distress, and 59.9% were reported of low mental well being. Boys had significantly lower rates of high mental distress (35.3%) and low mental well being (55.6%) compared to girls (39.4%, 64.3%), and the differences were of statistical significance ( χ 2=176.13, 780.42, both P <0.05). In 2019, the rate of complete mental health among adolescents showed a downward trend with increasing age ( χ 2 trend = 258.47) and a gradual upward trend with increasing muscle strength levels ( χ 2 trend =123.14)，and both boys and girls exhibited similar trends ( χ 2 trend =103.83, 168.46; 57.00 , 67.34) (all P <0.05). The results of the unordered multiclass Logistic regression model showed that after controlling for confounding factors such as age and gender, when the completely pathological group as a reference, for every 1 unit increase in MSI in adolescents, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 29% ( OR = 1.29); for every unit increase in the Z-score for pull ups, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 6% ( OR =1.06) among boys; for every 1 unit increase in sit up Z score, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 19% ( OR =1.19) among girls (all P <0.05). Conclusions The mental health status of Chinese adolescents is not good enough. Muscle strength is positively associated with mental health.

ObjectiveTo investigate the diagnostic accuracy and grading capability of ultrasound-derived fat fraction （UDFF）， controlled attenuation parameter （CAP）， and hepatic/renal ratio （HRR） in assessing hepatic steatosis in metabolic associated fatty liver disease （MAFLD） with magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction （MRI-PDFF） as the gold standard. MethodsA total of 150 patients with MAFLD who attended The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2023 to December 2024 were enrolled， and 148 healthy volunteers were recruited. All subjects underwent MRI-PDFF， UDFF， CAP， and HRR examinations. Hepatic steatosis was graded based on MRI-PDFF （S0：148 cases； S1：92 cases； S2：21 cases； S3：37 cases）， and the MAFLD patients with different grades of hepatic steatosis were compared in terms of UDFF， CAP， HRR， and clinical features. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups and the Tukey HSD test was used for further comparision between two groups； the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups， and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for further comparison between two groups； the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between UDFF， CAP， HRR， and MRI-PDFF in different grades of MAFLD； the receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve was used to investigate the efficacy of UDFF， CAP， and HRR in the diagnosis of different degrees of hepatic steatosis in MAFLD； the Bland-Altman difference plot was used to analyze the consistency between UDFF and MRI-PDFF in different degrees of hepatic steatosis in MAFLD. ResultsUDFF measurement gradually increased with the increase in the grade of fatty liver （H=201.52，P0.001）. The Spearman correlation analysis showed that there was a strong correlation between any two indicators of UDFF， CAP， HRR， and MRI-PDFF in S1， S2， and S3 MAFLD （all P0.001）， with the strongest correlation between UDFF and MRI-PDFF （r_s1=0.884，r_s2=0.962，r_s3=0.929， all P0.001）. The ROC curve analysis showed that UDFF had a larger area under the ROC curve （AUC） than CAP and HRR in the graded diagnosis of S1 and S3 （all P0.05）， while in the diagnosis of S2 MAFLD， UDFF had a significantly larger AUC than HRR （P0.05） and a similar AUC to CAP （P0.05）. The Bland-Altman difference plot showed good consistency between UDFF and MRI-PDFF in different degrees of hepatic steatosis in MAFLD. ConclusionCompared with CAP and HRR， UDFF can accurately measure liver fat content and has good efficacy in identifying varying degrees of hepatic steatosis in MAFLD.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting a substantial proportion of women of reproductive age. It is frequently associated with ovulatory dysfunction, infertility, and an increased risk of chronic metabolic diseases. A hallmark pathological feature of PCOS is the arrest of follicular development, closely linked to impaired intercellular communication between the oocyte and surrounding granulosa cells. Transzonal projections (TZPs) are specialized cytoplasmic extensions derived from granulosa cells that penetrate the zona pellucida to establish direct contact with the oocyte. These structures serve as essential conduits for the transfer of metabolites, signaling molecules (e.g., cAMP, cGMP), and regulatory factors (e.g., microRNAs, growth differentiation factors), thereby maintaining meiotic arrest, facilitating metabolic cooperation, and supporting gene expression regulation in the oocyte. The proper formation and maintenance of TZPs depend on the cytoskeletal integrity of granulosa cells and the regulated expression of key connexins, particularly CX37 and CX43. Recent studies have revealed that in PCOS, TZPs exhibit significant structural and functional abnormalities. Contributing factors—such as hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and dysregulation of critical signaling pathways (including PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β‑catenin, and MAPK/ERK)—collectively impair TZP integrity and reduce their formation. This disruption in granulosa-oocyte communication compromises oocyte quality and contributes to follicular arrest and anovulation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of TZP biology, including their formation mechanisms, molecular composition, and stage-specific dynamics during folliculogenesis. We highlight the pathological alterations in TZPs observed in PCOS and elucidate how endocrine and metabolic disturbances—particularly androgen excess and hyperinsulinemia—downregulate CX43 expression and impair gap junction function, thereby exacerbating ovarian microenvironmental dysfunction. Furthermore, we explore emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving or restoring TZP integrity. Anti-androgen therapies (e.g., spironolactone, flutamide), insulin sensitizers (e.g., metformin), and GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., liraglutide) have shown potential in modulating connexin expression and enhancing granulosa-oocyte communication. In addition, agents such as melatonin, AMPK activators, and GDF9/BMP15 analogs may promote TZP formation and improve oocyte competence. Advanced technologies, including ovarian organoid models and CRISPR-based gene editing, offer promising platforms for studying TZP regulation and developing targeted interventions. In summary, TZPs are indispensable for maintaining follicular homeostasis, and their disruption plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of PCOS-related folliculogenesis failure. Targeting TZP integrity represents a promising therapeutic avenue in PCOS management and warrants further mechanistic and translational investigation.