ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m⁶A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m⁶A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m⁶A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.

ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m⁶A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m⁶A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m⁶A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.

Nano/microplastics(NMPs),due to their environmental persistence and resistance to degradation,have emerged as a major contributor to global pollution.NMPs are capable of adsorbing various hazardous chemicals and heavy metals,thereby posing threats to aquatic ecosystem health,which may ultimately cause potential risks to human health.Conventional analytical methods suffered from limited resolution,insufficient chemical information,or destruction of sample,invalidating these assays for on-site detection of NMPs.Surface-enhanced Raman scattering(SERS)offers distinct advantages such as high sensitivity,superior specificity,rich fingerprint information,and non-destructive analysis,thus facilitating the on-site analysis of NMPs in complex matrices.This review summarized recent advances in SERS substrates for detection of NMPs,discussed the construction and applications of SERS-based multimodal detection strategies,and introduced the research progress of SERS detection of NMPs in food safety,environmental pollution,and bioanalysis.Moreover,the main challenges and future directions of SERS-based NMP detection were outlined.

Aim To explore the effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A(HSYA)on lipocalin 2(LCN2)-induced fer-roptosis in HT22 cells and the related mechanism.Methods Thirty male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were used to establish the middle cerebral artery occlu-sion/reperfusion(MCAO/R)model by the suture method.The rats were randomly divided into the Sham group,the MCAO/R group,and the MCAO/R+HSYA group.The infarct area was measured by TTC staining,and the degree of neurological deficit was evaluated by the Z-Longa scoring method.The expressions of LCN2 and 24P3R in brain tissues were detected by Western blot.LCN2 protein was added to HT-22 cells,and the cells were divided into the normal group,the LCN2 group,and the LCN2+HSYA group.The optimal con-centration of LCN2-induced neuronal ferroptosis was screened by LDH assay and Western blot,and the ex-pression levels of ferritin,FPN1,GPX4,SLC7A11,COX2,and 24P3R were detected.LCN2 was knocked down by siRNA transfection,and the expressions of GPX4 and ferritin were detected.The contents of glu-tathione(GSH),malondialdehyde(MDA),GPX4,and Fe2+were determined by colorimetry,and the expres-sion of GPX4 was detected by immunofluorescence.The binding force between HSYA and LCN2 was ana-lyzed by molecular docking technology.Results Ani-mal experiments showed that HSYA could reduce the cerebral infarction area and decrease the neurological function score of MCAO/R rats.Compared with the sham group,the levels of LCN2 and 24P3R increased in the MCAO/R group,while HSYA inhibited their ex-pressions.Cell experiments showed that the optimal concentration of LCN2 to induce ferroptosis in HT22 cells was 2 μmol·L-1.After knocking down LCN2 by siRNA transfection,compared with the LCN2 group,the expression levels of GPX4 and ferritin in the siLCN2 group increased significantly.Compared with the nor-mal group,the expressions of SLC7A11,GPX4,FPN1,ferritin,and GSH in the LCN2 group decreased signifi-cantly,while the concentration of Fe2+,and the expres-sions of MDA,COX2,and 24P3R increased.HSYA could increase the expressions of SLC7A11,GPX4,FPN1,ferritin,and GSH,reduce the contents of Fe2+and MDA,and inhibit the expressions of COX2 and 24P3R.Molecular docking showed that the binding en-ergy between HSYA and LCN2 was-8.0 kJ·mol-1.Conclusion HSYA can inhibit LCN2-induced ferrop-tosis in HT22 cells through the SLC7A11/GPX4 signa-ling pathway.

Objective:To systematically evaluate the current status and methodological quality of guideline and consensus in ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF), and to provide reference for the development of future guidelines and research. Methods:A systematic search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, Sinomed and relevant guideline websites from inceptions to October 2024. Data were extracted from the literature that met the inclusion criteria, and methodological quality was assessed using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation Ⅱ (AGREE Ⅱ) tool. Descriptive analysis was performed with results presented in visual data charts.Results:A total of 23 studies were included, with 8 guidelines and 15 consensus. Totally 21 (91.3%) studies focused on the selection of ovarian stimulation protocols, with the majority concentrating on protocols for patients undergoing IVF treatment for the first cycle, and 12 (52.2%) studies focused on the selection of gonadotropin starting dosage. In terms of methodology, the average standardized scores in the 6 assessment domains of the AGREE Ⅱ tool were as follows: scope and purpose (85.1%), stakeholder involvement (66.6%), rigour of development (36.5%), clarity of presentation (70.1%), applicability (36.4%), and editorial independence (46.2%).Conclusion:Current recommendations in ovarian stimulation for IVF exhibit inconsistencies, and the methodological quality varies, which partially hinders the translation of evidence into clinical practice. Future research should further focus on the selection of ovarian stimulation protocols and gonadotropin starting dosage, promoting the update and refinement of guidelines and consensus to guide the precise treatment of ovarian stimulation.

Objective:To investigate the current status of the implementation of home-based phototherapy (HBPT) in patients with vitiligo, and to analyze management needs among patients receiving HBPT.Methods:A questionnaire survey was conducted on the application of HBPT among patients with vitiligo who visited the outpatient clinic of the Hospital for Skin Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from December 2021 to November 2022. Additionally, the popularization and usage of HBPT as well as needs of patient management were investigated and analyzed in these vitiligo patients.Results:A total of 496 valid questionnaires were collected from 496 patients with vitiligo (241 males [48.5%] and 255 females [51.5%]) . Their ages at visit ranged from 2 to 67 (30.87 ± 12.36) years. The most commonly affected sites were the head and face (52.2%) , followed by hair (32.1%) , hands and feet (31.4%) , trunk (30.2%) , limbs (24.3%) , neck (19.5%) , and perineum (9.9%) . Among the participants, 320 (64.5%) were currently using or had used HBPT, and 352 (70.8%) expressed a willingness to learn more about HBPT usage guidelines and health education. Regarding the repigmentation outcomes after HBPT: among 312 patients, 54 (17.3%) reported complete recovery, 64 (20.5%) were markedly improved, 142 (45.5%) experienced improvement, and 52 (16.7%) showed no response. Adverse reactions occurred in 223 patients (71.5%) , of whom 28 (9.0%) experienced severe adverse reactions. The most desired guiding information was the adjustment method for phototherapy dosage and treatment duration (184/352, 52.3%) ; the most effective way to receive health education information was through verbal education by medical staff (177/352, 50.3%) .Conclusion:For vitiligo patients who were willing to accept and use HBPT, the most desired guiding information was the adjustment method for phototherapy dosage and treatment duration, and verbal health education by medical staff appeared to be the main way to obtain health education information.

Objective:To explore the predictive value of preoperative CT angiography (CTA) for incomplete endothelialization of the occluder after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) in patients with atrial fibrillation.Methods:The clinical data of 92 atrial fibrillation patients underwent LAAC in the Tangdu Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University from January 2022 to June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. CTA examinations were performed both before operation and 3 months after operation. Before operation, the long diameter of left atrial appendage opening, short diameter of left atrial appendage opening, area of left atrial appendage opening, diameter of anchoring area and effective depth were measured. After operation, the condition of occluder endothelialization was evaluated, and the patients were divided into the completely endothelialization group and the incomplete endothelialization group. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the independent risk factors of occluder incomplete endothelialization after LAAC in patients with atrial fibrillation. The predictive value of independent risk factors was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results:Among the 92 patients, CTA 3 months after the operation showed that 58 cases had complete occluder endothelialization (complete endothelialization group), and 34 cases had occluder incomplete endothelialization (incomplete endothelialization group). Before operation, the long diameter of left atrial appendage opening, short diameter of left atrial appendage opening, area of left atrial appendage opening and diameter of anchoring area in incomplete endothelialization group were significantly larger than those in complete endothelialization group: (28.35 ± 1.77) mm vs. (26.21 ± 2.21) mm, (22.09 ± 2.01) mm vs. (20.86 ± 1.75) mm, (512.76 ± 63.35) mm 2 vs. (453.83 ± 75.39) mm 2 and (24.71 ± 2.50) mm vs. (23.12 ± 2.40) mm, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01); there was no statistical difference in effective depth between the two groups ( P>0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis result showed that the long diameter of left atrial appendage opening before operation was an independent risk factor for occluder incomplete endothelialization after LAAC in patients with atrial fibrillation ( OR = 2.141, 95% CI 1.217 to 3.768, P<0.01). ROC curve analysis result showed that the area under the curve of the long diameter of left atrial appendage opening before operation for predicting occluder incomplete endothelialization after LAAC in patients with atrial fibrillation was 0.768 (95% CI 0.674 to 0.862, P<0.01), the optimal cut-off value was 26.5 mm, the sensitivity was 88.2%, and the specificity was 55.2%. Conclusions:A larger long diameter of left atrial appendage opening before operation can lead to occluder incomplete endothelialization after LAAC in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Objective:To systematically evaluate the current status and methodological quality of guideline and consensus in ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF), and to provide reference for the development of future guidelines and research. Methods:A systematic search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, Sinomed and relevant guideline websites from inceptions to October 2024. Data were extracted from the literature that met the inclusion criteria, and methodological quality was assessed using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation Ⅱ (AGREE Ⅱ) tool. Descriptive analysis was performed with results presented in visual data charts.Results:A total of 23 studies were included, with 8 guidelines and 15 consensus. Totally 21 (91.3%) studies focused on the selection of ovarian stimulation protocols, with the majority concentrating on protocols for patients undergoing IVF treatment for the first cycle, and 12 (52.2%) studies focused on the selection of gonadotropin starting dosage. In terms of methodology, the average standardized scores in the 6 assessment domains of the AGREE Ⅱ tool were as follows: scope and purpose (85.1%), stakeholder involvement (66.6%), rigour of development (36.5%), clarity of presentation (70.1%), applicability (36.4%), and editorial independence (46.2%).Conclusion:Current recommendations in ovarian stimulation for IVF exhibit inconsistencies, and the methodological quality varies, which partially hinders the translation of evidence into clinical practice. Future research should further focus on the selection of ovarian stimulation protocols and gonadotropin starting dosage, promoting the update and refinement of guidelines and consensus to guide the precise treatment of ovarian stimulation.

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics of women with abnormal uterine bleeding(AUB)in sub-plateau regions and analyze the factors affecting their treatment methods.Methods AUB patients who were hospitalized from Jan 1,2018 to Dec 31,2022,in a sub-plateau region(Yongping County People's Hospital of Yunnan Province)with an average altitude of 1 620 meters were selected.The general clinical characteristics of the patients were summarized,and patients were classified into two categories(with or without uterine structural lesion)and nine subtypes(PALM-COEIN)according to the FIGO recommended etiological classification guidelines.Then the patients were divided into groups based on the presence or absence of uterine structural lesions,ethnic group(Han and minority),conservative drug treatment and surgical treatment groups,blood transfusion and non-blood transfusion groups.Binary Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors affecting treatment methods.Results A total of 481 AUB patients enrolled,and the delayed consultation rate was as high as 80.46%,and the proportion of overweight and obese patients was 49.90%,which was higher than the average level among Chinese women.The main cause was AUB-O(AUB-ovulatory dysfunction),accounting for 78.59%of cases,the proportion of patients with delayed medical treatment was higher than those without delayed medical treatment(82.17%vs.74.47%).Patients who received blood transfusion were significantly younger,had lower hemoglobin(HGB)levels,fewer pregnancies,and lower BMI compared to those in the non-blood transfusion group(P<0.05).Univariate analysis showed that the surgical treatment group had older age,longer onset time,higher HGB levels,more pregnancies and deliveries,higher BMI,a higher proportion of Han ethnicity patients,lower rates of non-blood transfusion,higher rates of hypertension,and more uterine structural lesions compared to the conservative drug treatment group.Multivariate regression analysis revealed that blood transfusion treatment reduced the probability of surgical treatment.Age and uterine structural lesions were risk factors for requiring surgical treatment,for each additional year of age,the risk of undergoing surgical treatment increased by 10%.The risk of requiring surgical treatment for patients with uterine structural lesions was 2.987 times higher than for those without.Conclusion AUB patients in this sub-plateau regions have a high rate of delayed consultation and a high proportion of overweight and obesity,with AUB-O being the primary cause.Older age and the presence of uterine structural lesions were risk factors for requiring surgical treatment.

Objective:It has been reported that the mRNA expression of serine protease 23(PRSS23)was increased in skin fibroblasts from systemic sclerosis patients(SSc).The purpose of this study is to explore the pathogenetic effect and mechanism of PRSS23 in skin fibrosis of SSc.Methods:The expres-sion of PRSS23 in skin tissues from the SSc patients and healthy controls was detected by immunohisto-chemistry.Fibroblasts isolated from fresh skin tissue were used to detect the expression of PRSS23 by real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)and Western blot.Overexprssion of PRSS23 in BJ,the fibro-blasts cell line of skin,was constructed by lentivirus.After stimulation with 400 μmol/L hydrogen peroxide for 12 h,Annexin V/7-A AD staining was used to detect apoptosis of fibroblasts;flow cytometry and Western blot were used to detect the expression of apoptosis-related protein cleaved Caspase-3.The expression of interleukin 6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)in fibroblasts was detected by RT-qPCR and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results:Compared with the healthy controls,the expression of PRSS23 in skin tissues of the SSc patients was significantly increased[4.952(3.806-5.439)vs.0.806(0.395-1.173),P＜0.001],and fibroblast was the main cell that ex-pressed PRSS23.The mRNA[27.59(25.02-30.00)vs.1.00,P＜0.001]and protein[0.675(0.587-0.837)vs.0.451(0.342-0.502),P=0.029]of PRSS23 in skin fibroblasts isolated from the SSc patients were significantly up-regulated.Compared with the control group,the anti-apoptotic ability of skin fibroblasts overexpressing PRSS23 was enhanced,and the proportion of apoptotic cells was significantly reduced after hydrogen peroxide induction[(5.043±1.097)％vs.(17.480±3.212)％,P=0.022],the expression of apoptosis-related protein cleaved Caspase-3 was also markedly reduced[(0.718±0.022)vs.(1.422±0.105),P=0.003].In addition,the mRNA[(99.780±1.796)vs.(1.000±0.004),P＜0.001]and protein[(211.600±2.431)ng/L vs.(65.930±1.768)ng/L,P＜0.001]of IL-6 in the fibroblasts overexpressing PRSS23 were significantly up-regulated;the mRNA[(3.555±0.555)vs.(1.000±0.004),P＜0.001]and protein levels[(41.190±0.949)ng/L vs.(31.150±0.360)ng/L,P＜0.001]of TNF-α in the fibroblasts overexpressing PRSS23 were also significantly up-regulated.Conclusion:The expression of PRSS23 is increased in skin fibroblasts of SSc patients.PRSS23 can inhibit cell apoptosis,promote the secretion of inflammatory factors such as IL-6 and TNF-α,and regulate the process that skin fibroblasts transform into pro-inflammatory type.So,PRSS23 is associated with the development of skin fibrosis.