From the perspective of transfusion medicine and based on the vision and framework of patient blood management, this article combines the advances in basic science, blood transfusion, laboratory, and clinical medicine. It aims to systematically review the key elements and characteristics of patient fibrinogen management by maintaining and optimizing patients' hemostatic function while reducing blood transfusions. This review enriches the connotation of transfusion medicine, especially patient blood management, and provides valuable insights for clinical practice.

Mammalian male germline development depends on a specialized gonadal somatic microenvironment. However, itsin vitro reconstruction remains challenging. Major barriers include the generation of appropriate supporting-cell lineages, organized tissue architecture, and culture conditions that sustain germ-cell maturation. Yoshino et al. established a mouse pluripotent stem cell-derived testicular organoid model. This model reconstitutes the sex-determining region Y (Sry)-SRY-box transcription factor 9 (Sox9)‑mediated sex-determination program and generates testicular somatic cell-like cells (TesLCs). When assembled with primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs), TesLCs formed seminiferous tubule-like structures and supported male germline progression toward prospermatogonia and germline stem cell-like cells (GSCLCs). After transplantation into infertile recipient testes, organoid-derived GSCLCs produced fertilization-competent sperm and generated fertile offspring. The major significance of this work extends beyond sperm production. It integrates sex determination, germ-cell fate transition, and testicular niche self-organization into an experimentally tractable organoid system. This commentary discusses the technical strategy, sex-determination mechanism, value of testicular niche reconstruction, and translational limitations of this study. It also highlights its implications for in vitro gametogenesis, male infertility modeling, and reproductive medicine.

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate alterations in white matter microstructure and spontaneous neural activity in male college smokers, and to further explore their associations with nicotine dependence. Given that adolescence and early adulthood represent critical periods for brain maturation, particularly for white matter development, understanding the neural correlates of smoking behavior during this stage is of substantial importance for both neuroscience and public health. MethodsA total of 115 male undergraduate students were initially recruited for this study. After quality control and exclusion procedures, 52 male college smokers and 42 demographically matched healthy non-smokers were included in the final analysis. All participants underwent multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). White matter fiber tracts were reconstructed using the automated fiber quantification (AFQ) method, which enables precise identification and quantification of major fiber bundles. Eighteen major white matter tracts were segmented for each participant. Along the core trajectory of each tract, 100 equidistant nodes were sampled. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was calculated at each node to assess white matter microstructural integrity, while amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) was computed to evaluate spontaneous neural activity within white matter tracts. Between-group differences in FA and ALFF were assessed using two-sample t-tests, with appropriate corrections applied for multiple comparisons. Furthermore, Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between imaging-derived metrics (FA and ALFF values in regions showing significant group differences) and nicotine dependence severity, as measured by the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND). ResultsCompared with healthy non-smokers, male college smokers exhibited significantly increased FA values in several white matter tracts, including the left thalamic radiation, right corticospinal tract, forceps major of the corpus callosum, left uncinate fasciculus, and right arcuate fasciculus. These findings suggest altered microstructural organization or increased directional coherence within these pathways. In addition, smokers demonstrated significantly elevated ALFF values in the forceps major, right uncinate fasciculus, and left arcuate fasciculus, indicating enhanced spontaneous neural activity in these white matter regions. Correlation analyses revealed that FA values in the left thalamic radiation and right corticospinal tract were negatively correlated with FTND scores, suggesting that higher levels of nicotine dependence were associated with reduced microstructural integrity or altered fiber organization in these regions. In contrast, ALFF values in the forceps major and right uncinate fasciculus were positively correlated with FTND scores, indicating that greater nicotine dependence was associated with increased spontaneous neural activity in specific white matter pathways. ConclusionThe present study provides evidence that male college smokers exhibit distinct alterations in both white matter microstructure and functional activity. These abnormalities are not uniformly distributed but rather localized to specific fiber tracts implicated in sensorimotor processing, interhemispheric communication, and higher-order cognitive and emotional regulation. Importantly, the observed associations between imaging metrics and nicotine dependence severity suggest that these structural and functional alterations may reflect neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction. The combination of AFQ-based tract profiling and multimodal MRI offers a sensitive approach for detecting subtle changes along white matter pathways, highlighting its potential utility in identifying neuroimaging biomarkers of nicotine dependence. Overall, these findings indicate that smoking during early adulthood may disrupt ongoing white matter maturation, potentially leading to long-term consequences for brain function. This study provides novel insights into the neural basis of nicotine dependence and underscores the importance of early intervention and prevention strategies targeting young smokers.

Objective To explore the effect of the horticultural therapy in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment in elderly care institutions.Methods A convenient cluster sampling method was used.The study was conducted among the elderly with mild cognitive impairment in 2 nursing homes with 5A-level in Guangzhou,from March to September 2024.Using a lottery method,subjects from 2 nursing areas across 2 elderly care institutions were allocated to an experimental group,with the other 2 nursing areas serving as a control group,each group comprising 55 cases.The experimental group participated in horticultural therapy on the basis of control group interventions,while the control group was given routine care and daily leisure activities.The cognitive function,basic psychological needs and quality of life were compared between the 2 groups after the intervention.Results Eventually,37 cases in the experimental group and 38 cases in the control group completed the study.After the intervention,the cognitive function,basic psychological needs and quality of life in the experimental group were all better than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion The horticultural therapy program can delay the progression of cognitive decline in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment in nursing homes,meet their basic psychological needs and improve their quality of life.

BACKGROUND:Carnosic acid,a bioactive compound found in rosemary,has been shown to reduce inflammation and reactive oxygen species(ROS).However,its mechanism of action in osteoclast differentiation remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of carnosic acid on osteoclast activation,ROS production,and mitochondrial function. METHODS:Primary bone marrow-derived macrophages from mice were extracted and cultured in vitro.Different concentrations of carnosic acid(0,10,15,20,25 and 30 μmol/L)were tested for their effects on bone marrow-derived macrophage proliferation and toxicity using the cell counting kit-8 cell viability assay to determine a safe concentration.Bone marrow-derived macrophages were cultured in graded concentrations and induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand for osteoclast differentiation for 5-7 days.The effects of carnosic acid on osteoclast differentiation and function were then observed through tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining,F-actin staining,H2DCFDA probe and mitochondrial ROS,and Mito-Tracker fluorescence detection.Western blot and RT-PCR assays were subsequently conducted to examine the effects of carnosic acid on the upstream and downstream proteins of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand-induced MAPK signaling pathway. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and F-actin staining showed that carnosic acid dose-dependently inhibited in vitro osteoclast differentiation and actin ring formation in the cell cytoskeleton,with the highest inhibitory effect observed in the high concentration group(30 μmol/L).Carnosic acid exhibited the most significant inhibitory effect during the early stages(days 1-3)of osteoclast differentiation compared to other intervention periods.Fluorescence imaging using the H2DCFDA probe,mitochondrial ROS,and Mito-Tracker demonstrated that carnosic acid inhibited cellular and mitochondrial ROS production while reducing mitochondrial membrane potential,thereby influencing mitochondrial function.The results of western blot and RT-PCR revealed that carnosic acid could suppress the expression of NFATc1,CTSK,MMP9,and C-fos proteins associated with osteoclast differentiation,and downregulate the expression of NFATc1,Atp6vod2,ACP5,CTSK,and C-fos genes related to osteoclast differentiation.Furthermore,carnosic acid enhanced the expression of antioxidant enzyme proteins and reduced the generation of ROS during the process of osteoclast differentiation.Overall,carnosic acid exerts its inhibitory effects on osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting the phosphorylation modification of the P38/ERK/JNK protein and activating the MAPK signaling pathway in bone marrow-derived macrophages.

BACKGROUND:As a degradable scaffold material for bone tissue engineering,lactic acid is widely used in tissue regeneration and repair research,and plays an important role in promoting tissue healing,new bone formation and angiogenesis. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of lactic acid degradation products on osteoclasts and to investigate the effects of lactic-interfered osteoclast conditioned medium on the proliferation,migration and tube-forming capacity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. METHODS:(1)The mouse monocyte macrophage cell line RAW264.7 at logarithmic growth period was selected,and adherent cells were cultured in the osteoclast induction medium(DMEM medium with nuclear factor-κB receptor-activating factor ligand and 10%fetal bovine serum)containing different concentrations of lactic acid(0,5,10,20 mmol/L).After 5 days of culture,tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and cytoskeletal fibrillar actin staining were conducted.After 24 hours of culture,RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5.(2)RAW264.7 cells at logarithmic growth period were selected and adherent cells were divided into two groups.Control group was cultured in the osteoclast induction medium,while experimental group was cultured in the osteoclast induction medium containing 10 mmol/L lactic acid.After 5 days of culture,the medium in each group was removed and the cells in the two groups were cultured in the serum-free DMEM medium for another 24 hours.Cell supernatant was then collected and used as the conditioned medium after mixed with an equal volume of DMEM medium containing 10%fetal bovine serum.Human umbilical vein endothelial cells at the logarithmic growth phase were taken and separately co-cultured with the conditioned medium of the control and experimental groups.The proliferation,migration and tube-forming ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells were observed by cell counting kit-8 assay,migration assay,scratch assay and tube-forming assay.The mRNA and protein expression of angiogenesis-related genes and proteins were observed by RT-PCR and western blot. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and cytoskeletal fibrillar actin staining showed that 5 and 10 mmol/L lactic acid promoted osteoclastic differentiation of RAW264.7 cells and the promoting effect of 10 mmol/L lactate was more significant.RT-PCR results showed that the expression of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5 mRNA of osteoclast-related genes was the highest when the lactic acid concentration was 5,10,and 20 mmol/L(P<0.05),especially 10 mmol/L.Compared with the control group,the proliferation,migration and tube-forming abilities of human umbilical vein endothelial cells were significantly increased in the experimental group(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and angiogenin 1 mRNA and protein were increased in the experimental group(P<0.05).To conclude,lactate-induced osteoclast conditioned medium could promote the angiogenesis of endothelial cells,and the mechanism may be related to the promotion of the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and angiogenin 1.

Osteoporosis is a prevalent skeletal condition characterized by reduced bone mass and strength, leading to increased fragility. Buqi-Tongluo (BQTL) decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, has yet to be fully evaluated for its potential in treating bone diseases such as osteoporosis. To investigate the mechanism by which BQTL decoction inhibits osteoclast differentiation in vitro and validate these findings through in vivo experiments. We employed MTS assays to assess the potential proliferative or toxic effects of BQTL on bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) at various concentrations. TRAcP experiments were conducted to examine BQTL's impact on osteoclast differentiation. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses were utilized to evaluate the relative expression levels of osteoclast-specific genes and proteins under BQTL stimulation. Finally, in vivo experiments were performed using an osteoporosis model to further validate the in vitro findings. This study revealed that BQTL suppressed receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast resorption activity in vitro in a dose-dependent manner without observable cytotoxicity. The inhibitory effects of BQTL on osteoclast formation and function were attributed to the downregulation of NFATc1 and c-fos activity, primarily through attenuation of the MAPK, NF-κB, and Calcineurin signaling pathways. BQTL's inhibitory capacity was further examined in vivo using an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model, demonstrating a strong protective effect against bone loss. BQTL may serve as an effective therapeutic TCM for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and the alleviation of bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency and related conditions.
Animals ; NFATC Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Ovariectomy ; Osteoclasts/metabolism* ; Female ; Osteogenesis/drug effects* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; NF-kappa B/genetics* ; Osteoporosis/genetics* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Bone Resorption/genetics* ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Humans ; RANK Ligand/metabolism* ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics* ; Transcription Factors

The incidence rate of kidney diseases in China has always remained high.At present,the clinical treat-ment mainly focuses on symptomatic treatment to delay the progression of the disease,and there is a lack of eco-nomical and effective treatment methods.MicroRNA plays an important regulatory role in the occurrence and devel-opment of diseases.This study aims to explore the role and regulatory mechanism of miR-142a-3p in adriamycin(ADR)-induced renal tubular epithelial cell(TCMK-1)injury,with a focus on its potential as a therapeutic target for ADR nephropathy.First,cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 kit,and a mouse renal tubular epithelial cell model induced by ADR was established.Subsequently,alterations in miR-142a-3p and its target gene ATG16L1 mRNA levels were quantified using RT-qPCR.Western blotting was used to detect the protein levels of autophagy marker proteins and pyroptosis marker proteins.Monodansylcadaverin(MDC)staining was performed and the autophagy of cells was detected by flow cytometry.The results showed that the relative expression of miR-142a-3p in TCMK-1 cells induced by ADR was increased and the relative expression of its target gene ATG16L1 was decreased(P＜0.0001).Western blotting results showed that the levels of p62(P＜0.001)and pyroptosis-related proteins(P＜0.001)were increased,while the protein levels of autophagy-related proteins were decreased(P＜0.05).The flow cytometry results showed that there was no difference in the mean fluorescence intensity of autoph-agosomes between the ADR group and the autophagosome inhibitor group(3-MA group)(P＞0.05),indicating that after ADR induction,cell autophagy was inhibited and pyroptosis was enhanced.When the expression of miR-142a-3p was inhibited by transfecting miR-142a-3p inhibitor,the relative expression level of the target gene ATG16L1 was restored(P＜0.001).Western blotting showed that the protein level of p62(P＜0.01)and pyropto-sis-related proteins(P＜0.01)were decreased,and the protein level of autophagy-related proteins was restored(P＜0.001).Flow cytometry results further indicated that cell autophagy was restored(P＜0.0001).In conclusion,ADR targets A TG1 6L1 through miR-142a-3p to reduce the autophagy level of TCMK-1,and simultaneously activates GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis.

Heart failure (HF) is a common end-stage clinical manifestation of cardiovascular diseases, imposing substantial health-related burdens worldwide. With its high mortality rates and poor long-term prognosis, there is a pressing need for novel therapies. SIRT1, a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺)-dependent deacetylase, has anti-cardiovascular aging properties and other cardioprotective effects, attracting much research attention in recent years. In addition, SIRT1 plays an important role in HF pathophysiology. This review summarized the roles of SIRT1 and its activators in HF, the changes of SIRT1 gene expression in cardiac tissues from animal models and HF patients, and the current status of clinical trials investigating SIRT1 activators as potential therapies for HF. This will provide new ideas for further exploration of pathological mechanisms and the development of clinical prevention strategies for HF.
Heart Failure/metabolism* ; Sirtuin 1/genetics* ; Humans ; Animals

OBJECTIVE: Objective To investigate the relationship between cervical disc herniation and C₀-C₂ Cobb angle. METHODS: The clinical data of 301 patients with cervical disc herniation from 2020 to 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. The median value of C₀-C₂ Cobb angle measurements from 301 patients was used as the boundary, cervical disc herniation patients were divided into two groups, C₀-C₂ Cobb angle <28.50 group and 151 patients with C₀-C₂ Cobb angle≥28.50 group. Among them, 150 patients in C₀-C₂ Cobb angle <28.50 group included 53 males and 97 females, aged 23 to 76 (57.32±12.55) years, with a disease duration of 7 to 19 (13.81±5.32) months;the othor 151 patients with C₀-C₂ Cobb angle≥28.50 group including 61 males and 90 females, aged 25 to 74 (56.86±12.51) years, with a disease duration of 8 to 18 (14.13±5.56) months. The cervical lordosis angle (C₀-C₂ Cobb angle and C₂-C₇ Cobb angle), T₁ inclination slope (T₁S) and cervical sagittal axial distance (C₂-C₇ SVA) were measured on the lateral cervical radiographs. The correlation between C₀-C₂ Cobb angle and cervical disc herniation range, protrusion position, average protrusion size and other parameters was analyzed. RESULTS: When the C₀-C₂ Cobb angle<28.50°, the average protrusion size was (2.21±0.56) mm, the C₂-C₇ Cobb angle was (19.92±12.06)° and the C₂-C₇ SVA was (1.10±1.20) mm. When the C₀-C₂ Cobb angle≥28.50°, the average protrusion size was (2.38±0.60) mm, the C₂-C₇ Cobb angle was (12.01±13.09 )°, the C₂-C₇ SVA was (1.53±1.36) mm, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Between the two groups of patients with C₀-C₂ Cobb angle < 28.50° and C₀-C₂ Cobb angle≥28.50°, there were significant differences in the size of C_3,4, C_4,5, C_5,6, C_6,7, C₇, T₁ disc herniation in single segment (P<0.05 ). C₀-C₂ Cobb angle was correlated with age(r=-0.135, P<0.05 ), C₂-C₇ Cobb angle (r=-0.382, P<0.01 ), C₂-C₇ SVA (r=0.293, P<0.01), average protrusion size (r=0.139, P<0.05), and the size of C_3,4 (r=0.215, P<0.01 ), C_4,5 (r=0.176, P<0.01 ), C_5,6 (r=0.144, P<0.05 ), C_6,7 (r=0.158, P<0.05 ), C₇T₁ (r=0.535, P<0.05) disc herniation. CONCLUSION There is a positive correlation between C₀-C₂ Cobb angle and the size of cervical disc herniation. C₀-C₂ Cobb angle can reflect the degree of cervical disc herniation. Previous studies have shown that the biomechanical changes between C₀-C₂ Cobb angle, C₂-C₇ Cobb angle, C₂-C₇ SVA and cervical extensor muscle group may be risk factors for accelerating cervical disc herniation and this may be one of the mechanisms that C₀-C₂ Cobb angle is positively correlated with the size of cervical disc herniation.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement/physiopathology* ; Adult ; Cervical Vertebrae/diagnostic imaging* ; Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult