Spermatogenesis is a highly ordered and spatiotemporally regulated developmental process in the male reproductive system, during which spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), supported by the seminiferous tubule microenvironment, sequentially undergo mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis to ultimately generate structurally intact spermatozoa. This complex process is accompanied by extensive transcriptional reprogramming, chromatin remodeling, and finely tuned post-transcriptional regulation. Precise control of RNA fate is therefore essential for maintaining the continuity and fidelity of spermatogenesis, and its disruption represents a major molecular basis of male infertility. N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A), the most abundant internal RNA modification in eukaryotes, has emerged as a critical regulator of post-transcriptional gene expression. m⁶A methyltransferases (“writers”) catalyze the addition of a methyl group to the N⁶ position of adenosine, m⁶A demethylases (“erasers”) remove the modification, and m⁶A-binding proteins (“readers”) recognize m⁶A-modified transcripts. Through the coordinated actions of these factors, m⁶A regulates transcript fate at multiple levels, including RNA splicing, nuclear export, stability, translation, and decay. Emerging evidence indicates that m⁶A-mediated regulation is essential across multiple stages of spermatogenesis, including SSC self-renewal and differentiation, meiotic progression, maintenance of chromosomal stability, and sperm morphogenesis. Beyond its intrinsic functions in germ cells, m⁶A also contributes to the regulation of the testicular microenvironment. In sertoli cells, m⁶A is involved in maintaining blood-testis barrier integrity, RNA processing, and paracrine signaling, thereby providing structural and metabolic support for germ cell development. In Leydig cells, m⁶A regulates steroidogenesis, particularly testosterone synthesis, and participates in cellular stress responses and metabolic homeostasis. Through these mechanisms, m⁶A indirectly influences spermatogenesis by modulating the functional state of testicular somatic cells, highlighting an integrated regulatory mode that combines cell-intrinsic and microenvironment-mediated effects. Notably, distinct classes of m⁶A regulators exhibit pronounced stage-specific functions and coordinated division of labor, collectively forming a multilayered and dynamic regulatory network. Writers often display dosage- and temporal window-dependent effects; erasers contribute to stage-specific demethylation and functional compensation; while readers function through a “switch-buffer” dual-layer architecture, and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) participate in substrate selection and post-transcriptional regulation. Importantly, emerging evidence suggests that some m⁶A-related proteins can function through noncanonical mechanisms independent of m⁶A recognition, such as intrinsic RNA-binding activity, helicase function, or ribonucleoprotein complex assembly, thereby expanding the functional landscape of the m⁶A regulatory system. Dysregulation of m⁶A machinery can lead to multiple spermatogenic defects, including impaired SSC self-renewal, meiotic arrest, abnormal chromatin remodeling, and defective sperm formation, ultimately resulting in male infertility. Despite substantial advances, several critical questions remain unresolved, including the distinction between m⁶A-dependent and -independent mechanisms, the spatiotemporal dynamics of m⁶A modifications at single-cell resolution, and the coordination and antagonism among different regulatory factors. In this review, we systematically summarize the dual regulation of spermatogenesis by germ cell-intrinsic mechanisms and the testicular microenvironment, and delineate the molecular mechanisms and stage-specific functions of the dynamic m⁶A regulatory network. We further discuss the current limitations in the field and propose feasible experimental strategies for future investigation. Collectively, this work aims to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the epitranscriptomic regulation of spermatogenesis and to offer theoretical insights into the pathogenesis and clinical management of male infertility.

Spermatogenesis is a highly ordered and spatiotemporally regulated developmental process in the male reproductive system, during which spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), supported by the seminiferous tubule microenvironment, sequentially undergo mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis to ultimately generate structurally intact spermatozoa. This complex process is accompanied by extensive transcriptional reprogramming, chromatin remodeling, and finely tuned post-transcriptional regulation. Precise control of RNA fate is therefore essential for maintaining the continuity and fidelity of spermatogenesis, and its disruption represents a major molecular basis of male infertility. N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A), the most abundant internal RNA modification in eukaryotes, has emerged as a critical regulator of post-transcriptional gene expression. m⁶A methyltransferases (“writers”) catalyze the addition of a methyl group to the N⁶ position of adenosine, m⁶A demethylases (“erasers”) remove the modification, and m⁶A-binding proteins (“readers”) recognize m⁶A-modified transcripts. Through the coordinated actions of these factors, m⁶A regulates transcript fate at multiple levels, including RNA splicing, nuclear export, stability, translation, and decay. Emerging evidence indicates that m⁶A-mediated regulation is essential across multiple stages of spermatogenesis, including SSC self-renewal and differentiation, meiotic progression, maintenance of chromosomal stability, and sperm morphogenesis. Beyond its intrinsic functions in germ cells, m⁶A also contributes to the regulation of the testicular microenvironment. In sertoli cells, m⁶A is involved in maintaining blood-testis barrier integrity, RNA processing, and paracrine signaling, thereby providing structural and metabolic support for germ cell development. In Leydig cells, m⁶A regulates steroidogenesis, particularly testosterone synthesis, and participates in cellular stress responses and metabolic homeostasis. Through these mechanisms, m⁶A indirectly influences spermatogenesis by modulating the functional state of testicular somatic cells, highlighting an integrated regulatory mode that combines cell-intrinsic and microenvironment-mediated effects. Notably, distinct classes of m⁶A regulators exhibit pronounced stage-specific functions and coordinated division of labor, collectively forming a multilayered and dynamic regulatory network. Writers often display dosage- and temporal window-dependent effects; erasers contribute to stage-specific demethylation and functional compensation; while readers function through a “switch-buffer” dual-layer architecture, and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) participate in substrate selection and post-transcriptional regulation. Importantly, emerging evidence suggests that some m⁶A-related proteins can function through noncanonical mechanisms independent of m⁶A recognition, such as intrinsic RNA-binding activity, helicase function, or ribonucleoprotein complex assembly, thereby expanding the functional landscape of the m⁶A regulatory system. Dysregulation of m⁶A machinery can lead to multiple spermatogenic defects, including impaired SSC self-renewal, meiotic arrest, abnormal chromatin remodeling, and defective sperm formation, ultimately resulting in male infertility. Despite substantial advances, several critical questions remain unresolved, including the distinction between m⁶A-dependent and -independent mechanisms, the spatiotemporal dynamics of m⁶A modifications at single-cell resolution, and the coordination and antagonism among different regulatory factors. In this review, we systematically summarize the dual regulation of spermatogenesis by germ cell-intrinsic mechanisms and the testicular microenvironment, and delineate the molecular mechanisms and stage-specific functions of the dynamic m⁶A regulatory network. We further discuss the current limitations in the field and propose feasible experimental strategies for future investigation. Collectively, this work aims to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the epitranscriptomic regulation of spermatogenesis and to offer theoretical insights into the pathogenesis and clinical management of male infertility.

Objective To observe the value of middle urethral motion and sphincter elasticity for diagnosing female stress urinary incontinence(SUI).Methods Totally 97 female patients,including 52 with SUI(SUI group)and 45 without SUI(control group)were prospectively enrolled.Pelvic floor ultrasound was performed under resting state and the maximum Valsalva maneuver,respectively,and bladder neck mobility(BND),upper-lower mobility of middle urethra(UMupper-lower),anterior-posterior mobility of middle urethra(UM anterior-posterior),elasticity parameter of the anterior wall of middle urethral sphincter(ΔEanterior wall),as well as elasticity parameter of the posterior wall of middle urethral sphincter(ΔEposterior wall)were measured.Patients'general data and the above ultrasound parameters were compared between groups,and the efficacy of them for diagnosing SUI was analyzed.Results Significant differences of BND,UM upper-lower,ΔEanterior wall and ΔEposterior wall,of also the proportion of lateral episiotomy history were found between groups(all P＜0.05).Among them,UMupper-lower,ΔEanterior wall and ΔEposterior wall were all correlated with female SUI(rs=0.231,-0.533,-0.428,all P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of UMupper-lower,ΔEanterior wall,ΔEposterior wall and their combination for diagnosing SUI was 0.634,0.820,0.748 and 0.867,respectively.The AUC of the combination was significantly higher than that of each parameter alone(all P＜0.001).Conclusion The combination of middle urethral motion and sphincter elasticity was helpful for diagnosing female SUI.

Objectives:Comparative analysis of the beagles acute-phase electrocardiographic,hemodynamic,left ventricular flow field status,and energy consumption characteristics of pacing at different sites of conduction system may help to elucidate the scientific mechanism of left bundle branch pacing(LBBP)as a option of physiological pacing therapy.Methods:Eight healthy adult beagles were used in this study.Initially,an active fixation lead was implanted in the right atrial appendage,followed by implantation of another active fixation lead at the right ventricular apex,distal His bundle,and left bundle septal branch,respectively.After connecting a dual-chamber pacemaker,electrocardiographic and acute phase hemodynamic parameters under sinus rhythm,right ventricular apex pacing(RVAP),distal His bundle pacing(DHBP),and LBBP states were collected and analyzed.Three complete cardiac cycles of standard apical three-chamber color Doppler dynamic images were acquired under vector flow mapping(VFM)mode.Offline analysis was performed on obtained parameters including isovolumic contraction period,rapid ejection period,isovolumic relaxation period,rapid filling period,atrial contraction period,and left ventricular intracavitary energy consumption.These parameters were compared under pacing at different sites and the linear correlations of major parameters were analyzed.Results:The QRS duration of baseline intrinsic sinus rhythm,RVAP,DHBP and LBBP were(45.0±4.0)ms,(98.4±6.2)ms,(50.0±4.5)ms and(62.0±4.7)ms,respectively.The LBBP-QRS duration was significantly wider than intrinsic sinus rhythm and DHBP,but significantly narrower than RVAP(all P<0.01).Compared with baseline AOO mode(the pacing rate was performed at 10 beats/min above the intrinsic heart rate),the change of acute phase maximum left ventricular pressure rise rate(LVdP/dtmax)in RVAP,DHBP and LBBP was([-7.89±5.67]% ),([0.74±2.05]% )and([-0.14±3.59]% ),respectively.There was no significant difference in LVdP/dtmax changes between DHBP and LBBP(P=0.667),but both pacing modalities were significantly better than RVAP(all P<0.01).The average energy consumption of the left ventricle under RVAP was significantly higher than that of intrinsic sinus rhythm,DHBP,and LBBP in isovolumic contraction period,rapid ejection period,isovolumic relaxation period,rapid filling period,and atrial contraction period(all P<0.01).However,there was no statistically significant difference in energy consumption among intrinsic sinus rhythm,DHBP,and LBBP during the above five phases(all P>0.05).DHBP and LBBP did not show a significant increase in the number of left ventricular vortices,vortex area,and circulation intensity compared to intrinsic sinus rhythm,and LBBP did not show a significant increase in vortex area and circulation intensity compared to DHBP.Conclusions:Although LBBP canines significantly prolonged the paced QRS duration,it showed no significant differences in acute phase left ventricular hemodynamics,left ventricular flow field status,and energy consumption compared to intrinsic sinus rhythm and DHBP.Performance of LBBP was superior to RVAP.This study may contribute to revealing the theoretical basis of LBBP as a feasible physiological pacing therapy.

Objectives: Hypoparathyroidism (HP) is a rare endocrine disorder caused by parathyroid hormone (PTH) defi ciency. The PTH is a candidate gene for familial isolated hypoparathyroidism (FIH). This study aimed to investigate the pathogenicity of two novel rare variants (RVs) ofPTH through in vitro functional study. Methods: Targeted next-generation sequencing was used to identify candidate gene mutations. Clinical data were retrospectively collected. Wild-type (WT) PTH was used as a template for site-directed mutagenesis to create mutant eukaryotic expression plasmids, which were transfected into cells. Treated with or without 4-phenylbu tyric acid (4-PBA), the levels of intact PTH (iPTH) and PTH (1-84) were measured by chemiluminescence, and protein expression was assessed using Western blotting. Results: Two patients carrying PTH mutations (c.154G > A: p.Val52Ile, c.270G > T: p.Leu90Phe) were identified.Patient 1, a 45-year-old male, presented with carpal and pedal numbness, muscle cramps, and low serum calcium (1.29 mmol/L). Patient 2, a 12-year-old female, had muscle twitches, convulsions, low calcium (1.50 mmol/L), and iPTH of 4 pg/mL. The iPTH or PTH (1-84) levels in the medium transfected with mutant Val52Ile and Leu90Phe PTH decreased by 31%–38%, and 51%–96% compared to WT (allP < 0.05), which were not rescued by 4-PBA. No significant changes in intracellular PTH expression were observed. Conclusions In this study, two novel RVs of PTH(Val52Ile and Leu90Phe) were identified that may impair hormone synthesis and secretion. Our study has broadened the mutation spectrum of the PTH and shed light on potential mechanisms underlying FIH.

Objective:To investigate the effect of Omaha system interventional management on therapeutic effect and incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)during follow-up in patients with heart failure(HF).Methods:This randomized controlled study enrolled 110 HF patients treated in Second Affiliated Hospital of Chi-nese PLA Air Force Military Medical University between January 2021 and January 2023.They were divided into control group(n=55,routine nursing)and intervention group(n=55,interventional management based on Omaha system).Both groups received intervention for 1 month and were followed up for 6 months.The heart function,negative emotion,self-care capacity,quality of life,and cumulative incidence of MACE during the 6-month fol-low-up were compared between two groups.Results:Compared with patients in the control group,those in the in-tervention group had significant higher left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)[(60.32±4.79)％vs.(50.11±4.58)％],scores of exercise of self-care agency(ESCA)[(142.33±6.58)points vs.(89.26±7.19)points]and General Quality of Life Inventory 74(GQOLI-74)[(88.61±4.15)points vs.(70.59±7.85)points](P＜0.001 all),and significant lower left atrial diameter(LAD)[(36.18±2.98)mm vs.(40.25±3.05)mm],left ventricu-lar end-systolic diameter(LVESd)[(42.11±3.46)mm vs.(48.49±3.78)mm],scores of hospital anxiety and depression scale[HADS(A)][(10.05±2.11)points vs.(14.33±2.05)points]and HADS(D)[(9.15±1.31)points vs.(13.37±2.18)points](P＜0.001 all).The incidence rate of MACE in intervention group(9.09％vs.29.09％)was significantly lower than that of control group(P=0.004).Conclusion:Omaha system interventional management could significantly improve cardiac function and negative emotions,improve self-care capacity and quality of life,and reduce the incidence of MACE during follow-up in patients with heart failure.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality based on the 10-year population-based multicenter prospective study. METHODS: A general population-based multicenter prospective study was conducted at four sites in rural China between 2013 and 2023. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the association between BMI and mortality. Stratified analyses were performed based on the individual characteristics of the participants. RESULTS: Overall, 19,107 participants with a sum of 163,095 person-years were included and 1,910 participants died. The underweight (< 18.5 kg/m ²) presented an increase in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [ aHR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.66-2.41), while overweight (≥ 24.0 to < 28.0 kg/m ²) and obesity (≥ 28.0 kg/m ²) presented a decrease with an aHR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.52-0.73) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37-0.70), respectively. Overweight ( aHR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.86) and mild obesity ( aHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.87) had a positive impact on mortality in people older than 60 years. All-cause mortality decreased rapidly until reaching a BMI of 25.7 kg/m ² ( aHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) and increased slightly above that value, indicating a U-shaped association. The beneficial impact of being overweight on mortality was robust in most subgroups and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION This study provides additional evidence that overweight and mild obesity may be inversely related to the risk of death in individuals older than 60 years. Therefore, it is essential to consider age differences when formulating health and weight management strategies.
Humans ; Body Mass Index ; China/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Rural Population/statistics & numerical data* ; Aged ; Follow-Up Studies ; Adult ; Mortality ; Cause of Death ; Obesity/mortality* ; Overweight/mortality*

Objective To observe the value of traditional pelvic floor ultrasound parameters combined with middle urethral sphincter elasticity parameters for diagnosing female stress urinary incontinence(SUI).Methods Fifty two female SUI patients(SUI group)and 45 healthy women(control group)were prospectively enrolled.Traditional pelvic floor ultrasound parameters and middle urethral sphincter elasticity parameters were compared between groups,and logistic regression analysis was performed,the efficacy of each parameter alone and their combination for diagnosing SUI was analyzed.Results Significant differences of bladder neck descent(BND),urethral rotation angle(URA),posterior urethrovesical angle(PUA),shear modulus of the middle urethral anterior wall sphincter at rest state(Q1),shear modulus of the middle urethral anterior wall sphincter under maximum Valsalva maneuver(Q2),and shear modulus of the middle urethral posterior wall sphincter at resting-state(H1)were found between groups(all P＜0.05).BND,PUA,Q1 and Q2 were all influencing factors of female SUI(all P＜0.05),with the area under the curve(AUC)for diagnosing SUI of 0.721,0.718,0.659 and 0.288,respectively.Then traditional ultrasound model,elasticity ultrasound model and combined model were constructed based on traditional pelvic floor ultrasound parameters(BND,PUA),middle urethral sphincter elasticity parameters(Q1,Q2)and their combination,respectively,with AUC for diagnosing SUI of 0.837,0.754 and 0.908,respectively.The AUC of combined model was higher than that of traditional ultrasound model,elasticity ultrasound model and each ultrasound parameter alone(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Traditional pelvic floor ultrasound parameters combined with middle urethral sphincter elasticity parameters had high value for diagnosing female SUI.

Objective To observe the value of middle urethral motion and sphincter elasticity for diagnosing female stress urinary incontinence(SUI).Methods Totally 97 female patients,including 52 with SUI(SUI group)and 45 without SUI(control group)were prospectively enrolled.Pelvic floor ultrasound was performed under resting state and the maximum Valsalva maneuver,respectively,and bladder neck mobility(BND),upper-lower mobility of middle urethra(UMupper-lower),anterior-posterior mobility of middle urethra(UM anterior-posterior),elasticity parameter of the anterior wall of middle urethral sphincter(ΔEanterior wall),as well as elasticity parameter of the posterior wall of middle urethral sphincter(ΔEposterior wall)were measured.Patients'general data and the above ultrasound parameters were compared between groups,and the efficacy of them for diagnosing SUI was analyzed.Results Significant differences of BND,UM upper-lower,ΔEanterior wall and ΔEposterior wall,of also the proportion of lateral episiotomy history were found between groups(all P＜0.05).Among them,UMupper-lower,ΔEanterior wall and ΔEposterior wall were all correlated with female SUI(rs=0.231,-0.533,-0.428,all P＜0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of UMupper-lower,ΔEanterior wall,ΔEposterior wall and their combination for diagnosing SUI was 0.634,0.820,0.748 and 0.867,respectively.The AUC of the combination was significantly higher than that of each parameter alone(all P＜0.001).Conclusion The combination of middle urethral motion and sphincter elasticity was helpful for diagnosing female SUI.

In recent years,the global prevalence of myopia has remained high,seriously endangering the eye health of adolescents.A large number of studies have confirmed that orthokeratology lens can control or delay the progression of my-opia and reduce the incidence of fundus lesions in high myopia.Although the efficacy of myopia control with orthokeratolo-gy has been widely recognized,its exact mechanism of action is still unclear,and there are many hypotheses.This paper re-views the role of factors such as accommodation,defocus,choroidal thickness,high-order aberrations and biomechanics in myopia control with orthokeratology,and explores how these factors jointly affect the development of myopia.