Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a group of diseases caused by abnormal development of the brain and nervous system, mainly including global developmental disabilities/intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and others; at present, certain progress has been made in the research on common NDDs, and some effective therapeutic approaches have been developed, but for rare NDDs such as fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, and Dravet syndrome, the elucidation of their pathogenesis and the development of therapeutic strategies still face major challenges due to insufficient clinical samples, the complexity of the brain structure, and the limitations of existing research models. In recent years, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) technology has achieved breakthrough progress, where the directed differentiation of patient-derived iPSCs into neurons, glial cells, and cerebral organoids, combined with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR associated protein 9 (Cas9) gene-editing technology, provides a novel research model for exploring the pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of rare NDDs, and this paper reviews the research advances and challenges of iPSCs technology in the study of rare NDDs.

Objective: To analyze changes in tuberculosis infection among junior high school students before and after tuberculosis exposure, so as to provide a reference for improving school tuberculosis prevention and control measures and policy formulation. Methods: Retrospectively collect data on a tuberculosis outbreak that occurred in a grade of a junior high school in Chongqing in 2025, including tuberculosis screening records of students in this grade upon their enrollment in 2022 (1 156 students) and after two tuberculosis outbreaks in 2023 (206 students) and 2025 (171 students). The Wilcoxon signed rank test for paired design was used to compare the induration diameters of the subjects, and the Chi square test was adopted to analyze the rate of tuberculosis infection among students. Results: In the tuberculosis outbreak in 2023, the rate of tuberculosis infection among close contacts ( 11.84 %) and the rate of tuberculosis infection among freshrman at school enrollment (12.89%) showed no statistically significant difference ( χ 2=0.25, P >0.05). The rate of tuberculosis infection of close contacts in the 2025 tuberculosis outbreak (55.56%) was higher than that in the 2023 outbreak (11.84%) ( χ 2=30.42, P <0.01). Among the 106 students included in the cohort analysis, the median induration diameter was 3.50 (1.50, 7.50) mm in 2023 and 8.75 (4.25, 11.50) mm in 2025, with a statistically significant difference ( Z=-5.76, P <0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between the infection rate in 2022 (16.98%) and that in 2023 (10.38%) ( χ 2=1.96, P =0.16). The infection rate in 2025 (43.40%) was higher than those in 2022 and 2023 ( χ 2=17.55, 29.39, both P <0.017). The seroconversion rate of students in the same class in 2025 ( 58.00 %) was higher than that of students in different classes (16.07%), with a statistically significant difference ( χ 2=20.19, P <0.01). All 72 individuals with latent tuberculosis infections identified during the pandemic in 2023 and 2025 refused to undergo prophylactic treatment. Conclusions The lack of preventive treatment may be the underlying cause of the successive outbreaks during the epidemic. Early detection of infection sources and standardized outbreak management are crucial to controlling the spread of the epidemic.

Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is an irreversible sensorineural hearing loss that severely endangers workers’ health, making early screening crucial. This article reviewed the research progress on early screening methods for occupational NIHL, introduced the testing mechanisms of three core screening methods—tympanometry, otoacoustic emissions, and extended high-frequency audiometry —and summarized their clinical application advantages and limitations. It is proposed that multimodal combined detection (e.g., the combination of tympanometry, otoacoustic emissions, and extended high-frequency audiometry) can significantly improve the accuracy and comprehensiveness of early screening. Meanwhile, future studies with prospective cohort design are encouraged to verify the long-term monitoring value of each method and to strengthen the joint development of screening technologies with cutting-edge approaches such as machine learning, in order to further improve screening efficiency and provide stronger protection for workers’ hearing health.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of jujuboside A （JuA） on the learning and memory abilities and histopathological changes in the rat model of vascular cognitive impairment （VCI） and explore the potential mechanisms by which JuA treats VCI. MethodsA total of 50 male SPF-grade SD rats were randomized into a sham operation group （n=10）， a blank control group （n=10）， and a modeling group （n=30）. The rats in the modeling group underwent bilateral carotid artery ligation （2-VO） for the modeling of VCI. After stabilization， the VCI rats were randomized into model， JuA （20 mg·kg^-¹）， and donepezil （0.45 mg·kg^-¹） groups. After 4 weeks of gavage， the novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests were conducted to evaluate the learning and memory abilities of rats. Nissl staining was employed to evaluate the morphology and number of hippocampal neurons. Real-time PCR was employed to measure the mRNA levels of glycogen synthase kinase-3β （GSK-3β）， cAMP response element-binding protein （CREB）， B cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）， and protein kinase B （Akt） in the hippocampal tissue. Western blot was employed to quantify the protein levels of GSK-3β， p-GSK-3β， p-CREB， Bcl-2， PI3K， p-PI3K， Akt， and p-Akt in the hippocampal tissue. ResultCompared with the sham operation group， the model group exhibited declines in the learning and memory abilities （P<0.01）， neuronal damage and decreased neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region （P<0.01）， up-regulation in the mRNA level of GSK-3β （P<0.01）， and down-regulation in the mRNA levels of PI3K， Akt， CREB， and Bcl-2， as well as the protein levels of p-PI3K， p-Akt， p-GSK-3β， p-CREB， and Bcl-2 （P<0.01）. In comparison to the model group， both the JuA and donepezil groups demonstrated improvements in the learning and memory abilities （P<0.05， P<0.01）， with reduced neuronal damage and increased neurons （P<0.05， P<0.01）. In addition， the two groups showed down-regulation in the mRNA level of GSK-3β （P<0.01） and up-regulation in the mRNA levels of PI3K， Akt， CREB， and Bcl-2 and the protein levels of p-PI3K， p-Akt， p-GSK-3β， p-CREB， and Bcl-2 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. There were no statistically significant differences between the blank control and sham operation groups in terms of the learning and memory abilities， neuron count， and mRNA and protein levels of PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway-related factors. ConclusionJuA can ameliorate the cognitive impairment in the rat model of VCI by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway， reducing the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons， and alleviating the hippocampal neuronal damage.

Background: Psoralea corylifolia L. (Buguzhi, BGZ), known for its efficacy in supporting pregnancy and preventing miscarriage, has been used in China for over 1000 years. Recently, BGZ has been identified as a potential cause of drug-induced liver injury. However, its safety during pregnancy remains unclear, which significantly hinders its routine clinical application. Objective: To investigate the effects of BGZ administration during pregnancy on the liver of mouse mothers and their weaned 21-day-old offspring. Methods: Mice were orally administered BGZ at doses of 2.5 and 10 g/kg during pregnancy, with BGZ withdrawal during the lactation period. Liver histopathology (hematoxylin-eosin staining), biochemical analysis, and evaluation of liver bile acid metabolism were performed after the lactation period. Results: BGZ administration at doses of 2.5 and 10 g/kg during pregnancy, followed by withdrawal during the lactation period, caused mild liver damage in both mothers and their 21-day-old offspring. Serum total bile acid (TBA) levels were elevated compared with those in the control group. Additionally, changes were observed in the levels and proportions of various bile acids (BAs) in the liver, suggesting mild effects on BA metabolism. Conclusion: BGZ administration during pregnancy caused mild liver damage and increased serum TBA levels in both mouse mothers and their 21-day-old offspring. This phenomenon may be associated with imbalanced BA metabolism in the liver. Based on the present study and the limited toxicological research on BGZ, pregnant women should avoid prolonged use of BGZ. If BGZ is administered during pregnancy, serum TBA levels should be monitored, and if elevated, BGZ should be discontinued.

Background: Aristolochic acid II (AAII), a major nephrotoxic and carcinogenic component of aristolochic acids (AAs), has been less studied compared with its well-characterized analog, aristolochic acid I (AAI). Although AAs are known to induce carcinogenesis via DNA adduct formation, the toxicity mechanisms, environmental prevalence, and long-term health impacts of AAII remain poorly understood. Objective: This study aimed to systematically evaluate AAII’s acute and chronic toxicity, carcinogenic mechanisms, and environmental exposure patterns using integrated murine models and phytochemical analyses to clarify its toxicological profile and associated health risks. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were used in the following experiments: (1) determination of AAII content in 3 commonly used Aristolochia medicinal materials via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry; (2) acute toxicity testing with single doses of 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg; and (3) chronic exposure with 1 or 10 mg/kg administered every other day for 24 weeks, followed by 21 to 40 weeks of postexposure monitoring. Histopathological examination, whole-exome sequencing, biochemical assays, and micronucleus tests were performed to assess multi-organ damage, tumorigenesis, genomic mutation signatures, and direct clastogenicity. Phytochemical analyses were used to evaluate environmental distribution. Results: (1) A single 40 mg/kg dose of AAII induced dose-dependent renal tubular degeneration without hepatotoxicity; (2) the 10 mg/kg group showed significant mortality (20%), tumor incidence (33.3%, primarily forestomach and bladder transitional cell carcinomas), persistent renal interstitial fibrosis, and subclinical hepatic injury. Chronic exposure to 1 mg/kg still induced 13.3% mortality and 15.5% tumor incidence over a 64-week period; (3) whole-exome sequencing revealed a predominance of C>T mutations and pathway enrichment in chemical carcinogenesis and cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism, indicating reactive metabolite-driven mechanisms distinct from classical AA-DNA adducts; and (4) no histopathological changes were observed in nontarget organs (brain, heart, and testes), and micronucleus assays confirmed the absence of direct clastogenicity. Conclusion: This study highlights the delayed carcinogenic risks of low-dose chronic AAII exposure and emphasizes the need to update regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe use of aristolochiaceae-containing herbal products.

Objective:To explore the influence of Stat1 on Foxp3 expression and production of Treg.Methods:C57BL/6 mice were used and separated into normal control group and Stat1 specific inhibitor Fludarabine(Flud)treatment group.Ratio of CD4+Foxp3+Treg and expression of Foxp3 in spleen,lymph nodes and peripheral blood of mice in each group were detected by flow cy-tometry.Human Stat1 overexpression plasmid was constructed and transfected into human breast cancer MCF-7 cells,and expression changes of Foxp3 was detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot.Results:Compared with mice in normal control group,proportion of Treg and expression of Foxp3 in lymph nodes and peripheral blood of mice in Flud treatment group were increased,while Stat1 overex-pression resulted in decreased Foxp3 mRNA and protein expression in MCF-7 cells.Conclusion:Stat1 inhibits expression of Foxp3 and production of Tregs.

Objective:To investigate the influencing factors and perinatal outcomes associated with monozygotic twins (MZT) following elective single embryo transfer (eSET) via in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET). Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 12 079 patients who achieved pregnancy after undergoing IVF/ICSI-eSET at Reproductive Health Hospital of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2015 and September 2023. Patients were stratified into two groups based on ultrasound findings 30 d post-transfer: singleton pregnancy group and MZT pregnancy group. Finally, 300 MZT and 1 500 single pregnancies, which were randomly matched according to 1∶5 were included by study period. General patients' characteristics, embryo-related factors, and perinatal outcomes were compared between the two groups. A multivariate logistic regression model was employed to identify risk factors for MZT after single embryo transfer, adjusting for potential confounding variables.Results:The incidence of twin pregnancy following single embryo transfer was 2.48% (300/12 079), which was higher than that of naturally conceived monozygotic twin pregnancy. No significant difference was found in baseline characteristics between the two groups (all P>0.05). The blastocyst transfer rate was higher in the MZT pregnancy group [93.3% (280/300)] than in the singleton pregnancy group [88.8% (1 332/1 500), P=0.022]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis also showed that blastocyst transfer was associated with an increased risk of MZT ( OR=0.552, P=0.016, 95% CI: 0.341-0.894). Analysis of blastocyst cycles showed that the risk of MZT was higher when transferring high-quality blastocysts [79.6% (223/280) vs. 67.8% (903/1 332), P<0.001], where as a trophectoderm (TE) grading of C [20.4% (57/280) vs. 32.2% (429/1 332), P<0.001] had a lower risk of MZT. After adjusting for confounding factors, the risk of MZT was found to increase with the transfer of blastocysts with a B-grade inner cell mass (ICM) ( OR=0.601, P=0.001, 95% CI: 0.442-0.819) and A/B grade TE (grade A: OR=2.951, P<0.001, 95% CI: 1.980-4.399; grade B: OR=1.840, P<0.001, 95% CI: 1.315-2.576). The risk of complications during pregnancy [47.7% (143/300) vs. 19.3% (289/1 500), P<0.001], preterm labor [55.1% (140/254) vs. 7.4% (101/1 368), P<0.001], and the risk of stillbirth [3.7% (11/300) vs. 1.5% (22/1 500), P=0.016] were significantly higher in the MZT pregnancy group than in the singleton pregnancy group. Conclusion:Assisted reproductive technology may contribute to the risk of MZT. Transfer of blastocysts, particularly those with loose ICM arrangement and dense TE arrangement, appears to increase the risk of MZT in patients undergoing eSET.

Objective:To explore the effects of Levothyroxine Sodium (L-T4) treatment on coagulation function and adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with hypothyroidism during pregnancy in early and mid-to-late pregnancy.Methods:A total of 120 patients with hypothyroidism during pregnancy who were treated by L-T4 in Linyi Central Hospital from Mar. 2021 to Mar. 2024 were included, and their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. According to the gestational age of the patients at the time of treatment, 64 cases with a gestational age of <12 weeks were included in the early pregnancy group, and 56 cases with a gestational age of ≥12 weeks were included in the mid-to-late pregnancy group. The serum thyroid hormone indexes, coagulation function indexes, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and neuropsychological development of the offspring were compared between the two groups. Statistical analyses were conducted using independent/paired t-tests and chi-square tests.Results:After treatment, there were no significant differences in the thyroid hormone indexes and coagulation function indexes between the early pregnancy group and the middle and late pregnancy group ( P>0.05). The incidence of fetal growth restriction and gestational hypertension in the early pregnancy group was 10.94% (7/64) and 17.19% (11/64), and that in the middle and late pregnancy group was 26.79% (15/56) and 33.93% (19/56), respectively. The incidence in the early pregnancy group was significantly lower than that in the middle and late pregnancy group ( χ2=5.010, 4.464, P<0.05). The developmental quotient (DQ) of the offspring in the early pregnancy group at 6 months of age in various areas of neuropsychological development (social behavior, language, adaptability, fine motor skills and gross motor skills) was significantly higher than that in the middle and late pregnancy group. The DQ of the first trimester group was (97.82±7.25) points, (94.59±6.85) points, (95.87±8.02) points, (96.08±7.25) points, and (98.34±8.07) points. The DQ of the second trimester group was (92.54±7.06) points, (90.45±6.14) points, (91.01±7.51) points, (91.24±7.08) points, and (92.74±7.38) points. The DQ of the first trimester group was significantly higher than that of the second trimester group ( t=4.029, 3.466, 3.411, 3.688, 3.946, P<0.05) . Conclusion:L-T4 treatment in early or mid- to late-pregnancy patients with gestational hypothyroidism can effectively improve their thyroid hormone levels and coagulation function, but treatment in early pregnancy is beneficial to reduce the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as fetal growth restriction and alleviate the impact of the disease on the neuropsychological development of offspring.

Objective To analyze the correlations of multimodal ultrasound parameters with Ki-67 and cytokeratin 5/6(CK5/6)in triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC).Methods A retrospec-tive analysis was conducted on 212 breast cancer patients in Jurong Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu Uni-versity and Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital from January 2017 to December 2023.The patients were divided into TNBC group(n=95)and non-TNBC group(n=117).Immunohistochemical stai-ning was used to detect the expression of Ki-67 and CK5/6 in both groups,and the correlations of ul-trasound parameters with Ki-67 and CK5/6 were analyzed.Results In the TNBC group,the positive rates of CK5/6 and Ki-67 were 69.47％(66/95)and 75.79％(72/95)respectively,while in the non-TNBC group,the positive rates were 23.93％(28/117)and 14.53％(17/117)respectively,with significant between-group differences(P＜0.05).In the TNBC group,patients with high and low level of CK5/6 showed significant differences in maximum lesion diameter,morphology,margin,aspect ratio,presence of calcifications,posterior acoustic pattern,lymph node metastasis,and distant metastasis(P＜0.05);similarly,patients with high and low level of CK5/6 demonstrated significant differences in distribution,enhancement pattern,and perfusion defects(P＜0.05);patients with high and low level of Ki-67 also exhibited significant differences in maximum lesion diameter,mor-phology,margin,aspect ratio,presence of calcifications,posterior acoustic pattern,lymph node me-tastasis,and distant metastasis(P＜0.05);additionally,patients with high and low level of Ki-67 showed significant differences in the enhanced range,distribution,and enhancement pattern(P＜0.05).Multivariate analysis revealed that clear margin,calcifications,and enhanced range were in-dependent influencing factors for CK5/6 positivity(P＜0.05),while enhancement pattern and en-hanced range were independent influencing factors for Ki-67 positivity(P＜0.05).Conclusion Ki-67 and CK5/6 have higher positive expression rates in TNBC patients,and multimodal ultrasound pa-rameters are correlated with Ki-67 and CK5/6.