bjective To analyze the growth trends of height and weight among primary and secondary school students, and explore the developmental characteristics and gender differences at different age groups, and to provide a scientific basis for adolescent health policy formulation. Methods Based on 675 175 health examination records of 227 978 students aged 6-17 years in Shiyan City from 2015 to 2024, a logistic growth model was employed to fit the curves of height and weight changes with age. Results From 2015 to 2024, height and weight showed steady increases across all age groups, exhibiting typical sigmoidal growth patterns. The growth rates varied across age groups: the younger age group (6-9 years) showed a moderate growth (annual height increase of 0.5-1.0 cm, weight increase of 0.03-0.06 kg/year), while the older age group (10-17 years) demonstrated a significant growth (annual height increase of 1.5-2.0 cm, weight increase of 0.22-0.38 kg/year). The growth rate curves displayed a unimodal distribution. The growth inflection points of male students occurred later than that of female students (height inflection point: 9.87 years for males vs. 8.98 years for females; weight inflection point: 10.70 years for males vs. 9.99 years for females). Female students experienced a more concentrated but shorter period of growth and development. The peak height growth rate was 7.40 cm/year at age 9 for females and 7.09 cm/year at age 10 for males, while the peak weight growth rate was 5.04 kg/year at age 10 for females and 5.27 kg/year at age 11 for males. Conclusion The physical development of primary and secondary school students in Shiyan City follows a logistic growth pattern, with significant gender differences and characteristics of adolescent growth spurts. Female students exhibit an earlier and more concentrated growth process.

Background: High-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) is a chromatin-binding protein involved in arthritis, ischemia, sepsis, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, meningitis, and cancer. HMGB1 exhibits dual roles in cancer, acting as either a tumor suppressor or oncoprotein depending on context. Objective: This research aimed to elucidate HMGB1’s functional significance in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Methods: We overexpressed HMGB1 in cSCC cell lines using recombinant adenovirus and examined its effects on cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell migration. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed elevated HMGB1 expression levels in cSCC tissue relative to normal epidermis. To assess the influence of HMGB1, we employed recombinant adenoviruses expressing HMGB1 to transduce SCC cell lines (SCC12 and SCC13). Enhanced HMGB1 expression significantly promoted cellular proliferation and colony formation capacity.Notably, HMGB1 overexpression elevated the levels of proliferation regulators, including P63, SOX2, CDK4 and CDK6. Furthermore, HMGB1 overexpression substantially enhanced tumor invasiveness, accompanied by upregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers. Mechanistically, overexpression of HMGB1 enhanced transforming growth factor-β signaling by increasing phosphorylation of SMAD2/3, the key mediators of EMT. Conclusion These data imply that HMGB1 acts as a tumor-promoting factor in cSCC.

Objectives: . This study aimed to explore the role of the Pcdh15 gene in hearing maintenance and to examine the effects of its deficiency on cochlear structure, cochlear function, and hearing loss in mice. Methods: . CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to generate Pcdh15 knockout (KO) mice. Auditory function was evaluated using hearing tests, while histological approaches were employed to assess morphological changes in cochlear hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on cochlear tissue from postnatal day 18 (P18) wild-type (WT) and Pcdh15 KO mice to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). These DEGs were subjected to functional annotation and pathway analysis, with particular emphasis on oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were quantified using flow cytometry and DCFH-DA assays. Results: . Pcdh15 KO mice exhibited progressive sensorineural hearing loss, which worsened to profound deafness by P18. Notably, cochlear hair cells and SGNs showed substantial loss and pronounced morphological abnormalities, particularly within the basal high-frequency region. RNA-seq analysis identified 1,359 DEGs, including 1,024 downregulated and 335 upregulated genes. Pathway analysis indicated that Pcdh15 deficiency was associated with inhibition of the OXPHOS pathway, potentially disrupting mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I, III, IV, and V and thereby impairing energy production and ATP metabolism. In addition, early-stage cochleae from KO mice demonstrated elevated ROS levels and increased oxidative stress, suggesting that redox imbalance may contribute to hearing damage. Conclusion . Pcdh15 plays a critical role in hearing maintenance. Its deficiency is associated with severe hearing loss and marked cochlear abnormalities, which are linked to inhibition of OXPHOS, disruption of energy metabolism, and exacerbation of oxidative stress. Together, these findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying hearing loss and suggest potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

Background: and Purpose Vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysms (VBFAs) carry substantial morbidity and mortality, but optimal management for unruptured VBFAs remains unclear. We compared the safety and efficacy of conservative management (CM), stent-assisted coiling (SAC), and flow diverters (FDs) in patients with unruptured VBFAs, focusing on long-term prognosis. Methods: This study included data from a nationwide Chinese cohort of patients with vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) balanced confounders across groups. The primary outcome was poor prognosis (modified Rankin Scale score >2). Secondary outcomes included aneurysm rupture, ischemic stroke, compression symptoms, and VBFA-related deaths. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. Results: Among 1,115 patients with unruptured VBFAs, 838 (median age, 54 years; 655 men) were included. After IPTW, baseline characteristics were balanced. Median follow-up was 54 months. FD was associated with a lower risk of poor prognosis than CM (OR, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.30 to 0.77]; p=0.002), with no difference between CM and SAC. FD also reduced aneurysm rupture (OR, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.07 to 0.60]; p=0.004) and compression symptoms (OR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.13 to 0.68]; p=0.004) versus CM. Time-to-event analyses further revealed significant differences in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, whereas no significant differences were observed in basilar or vertebrobasilar junction lesions or in Type III–IV VBFAs. Conclusions Compared with CM, FD was associated with improved long-term outcomes in unruptured VBFAs, particularly in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, although residual confounding cannot be excluded.

Background/Aims: Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues. Results: We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts. Conclusion Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.

Objective To investigate the effects of Xuetong capsule on blood lipids and liver lesion in hyperlipidemic model animals. Methods Sixty ICR mice were randomly divided into six groups. The normal control group was fed with normal diet, the other groups were fed with high-fat diet to induce hyperlipidemia. After four weeks feeding, the three groups were given low, middle, and high doses of Xuetong capsules （0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg） by gavage, and the positive drug control group was given atorvastatin calcium （1.5 mg/kg） by gavage. The model group was given solvent （0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium）. After treatment for 8 weeks, the body weight, organ index, blood lipids, blood glucose and liver function index were measured. The liver oil red staining was used to determine the lipid droplet content, and quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Results The body weight, the weight of liver and spleen were significantly increased by high-fat diet. High-fat diet increased the organ indexes of the liver and spleen, the degree of liver oil red staining, and also significantly increased the levels of glucose, triglyceride （TG）, cholesterol （CHOL）, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C） in serum. Compared with the model group, the level of TG has no significant change in low, middle and high doses groups. The level of CHOL in serum was reduced by Xuetong capsule with a dose dependent manner. There were significant difference between the model group and middle, high doses groups. The results of LDL-C were similar, the level of LDL-C was significantly reduced by middle and high doses groups [middle dose (0.55±0.21) mmol/L, high dose (0.52±0.22) mmol/L vs (0.81±0.29) mmol/L in model group, P<0.05]. Compared with the normal control, there was no significant difference in HDL-C levels between the high-fat model and each drug-treated group. Liver function showed that Xuetong capsules significantly reduced the degree of liver oil red staining and decreased the level of alanine aminotransferase （ALT） induced by high-fat diet. The body weight, the weight and organ indexes of liver and spleen were significantly reduced by positive drug control group. The levels of CHOL, LDL-C, and TG, and the degree of liver oil red staining were also significantly reduced in positive drug control group. Further studies have shown that high dose of Xuetong capsules significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 induced by high-fat diet （P<0.05）, while the reduction of IL-1β was not so significant （P>0.05）. Conclusion Xuetong capsules significantly reduced the body weight of animals with high fat, liver size, fat deposition, inflammatory damage and also significantly reduced blood lipid CHOL and LDL-C levels and transaminase elevation. The above effects may be related to Xuetong capsules reducing the expression of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α and IL-6 in the liver.

Objective To investigate the effects of Xuetong capsule on blood lipids and liver lesion in hyperlipidemic model animals. Methods Sixty ICR mice were randomly divided into six groups. The normal control group was fed with normal diet, the other groups were fed with high-fat diet to induce hyperlipidemia. After four weeks feeding, the three groups were given low, middle, and high doses of Xuetong capsules （0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg） by gavage, and the positive drug control group was given atorvastatin calcium （1.5 mg/kg） by gavage. The model group was given solvent （0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium）. After treatment for 8 weeks, the body weight, organ index, blood lipids, blood glucose and liver function index were measured. The liver oil red staining was used to determine the lipid droplet content, and quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Results The body weight, the weight of liver and spleen were significantly increased by high-fat diet. High-fat diet increased the organ indexes of the liver and spleen, the degree of liver oil red staining, and also significantly increased the levels of glucose, triglyceride （TG）, cholesterol （CHOL）, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C） in serum. Compared with the model group, the level of TG has no significant change in low, middle and high doses groups. The level of CHOL in serum was reduced by Xuetong capsule with a dose dependent manner. There were significant difference between the model group and middle, high doses groups. The results of LDL-C were similar, the level of LDL-C was significantly reduced by middle and high doses groups [middle dose (0.55±0.21) mmol/L, high dose (0.52±0.22) mmol/L vs (0.81±0.29) mmol/L in model group, P<0.05]. Compared with the normal control, there was no significant difference in HDL-C levels between the high-fat model and each drug-treated group. Liver function showed that Xuetong capsules significantly reduced the degree of liver oil red staining and decreased the level of alanine aminotransferase （ALT） induced by high-fat diet. The body weight, the weight and organ indexes of liver and spleen were significantly reduced by positive drug control group. The levels of CHOL, LDL-C, and TG, and the degree of liver oil red staining were also significantly reduced in positive drug control group. Further studies have shown that high dose of Xuetong capsules significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 induced by high-fat diet （P<0.05）, while the reduction of IL-1β was not so significant （P>0.05）. Conclusion Xuetong capsules significantly reduced the body weight of animals with high fat, liver size, fat deposition, inflammatory damage and also significantly reduced blood lipid CHOL and LDL-C levels and transaminase elevation. The above effects may be related to Xuetong capsules reducing the expression of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α and IL-6 in the liver.

Objective To optimize the extraction process of Xuetong capsules and establish its quality control method. Methods The extraction process was optimized by orthogonal experiment using ethanol reflux method to investigate the effects of different factors on diphenylstilbene, aloin and extraction yield. The content of 5 anthraquinone compounds in Xuetong capsule was determined by HPLC. Results The optimal extraction process was to add 10 times ethanol, with an ethanol concentration of 70%, and extract 3 times, each time for 1 h; 5 components had a good linear relationship with peak area within a certain concentration range, r>0.999 7; The range of sample recovery rate was 93.66%-96.85%, RSD range of 1.48%-1.66%. The content determination results of the 5 components in three batches of Xuetong capsules were （0.632-0.641）, （0.660-0.681）, （1.968-1.991）, （2.547-2.580）, and （1.076-1.101） mg/g. Conclusion The method was accurate, reproducible, and highly feasible, which could be references for producing and improving the quality control standards of Xuetong capsules.

Objective To investigate the effects of estrogen signaling on T-cell recruitment and polarization in acutely injured skeletal muscle.Methods One hundred C57BL/6 male mice,one hundred and eighty C57BL/6 female mice were selected.Twenty-five female mice were ovariectomized(OVX)and 10 male mice were taken as the sham-operated(sham).Then,cardiotoxin(CTX)induced tibialis anterior(TA)injury for preparing mice myoinjury model.Subcutaneous injection of 17β-estradiol(E2)or estrogen receptor antagonist 4-hydroxytamoxifen(4-OHT)was performed.A total of 140 mice(70 males and 70 females)were divided into four group including:PBS-male,CTX-male,PBS-female,and CTX-female.Serum estradiol(E2)levels were measured by ELISA,and muscle injury models were validated via HE staining.Subsequently,20 male and 20 female mice were selected for immunofluorescence(IF)and Real-time PCR to assess estrogen receptors(ER)expression in injured muscle tissue.Further,10 male and 40 female mice were allocated into five experimental groups,including CTX,CTX+E2,CTX+4-OHT,CTX+OVX,CTX+sham.HE staining and IF were performed to evaluate inflammatory infiltration in the injured muscle.Additionally,50 female mice were divided into CTX and CTX+OVX groups,and IF combined with flow cytometry were used to analyze T-cell phenotypes and muscle fiber regeneration in the injured muscle.Results In vivo,serum E2 and myofiber ERβ increased post-injury in mice of both sexes,significantly higher in females.Compared to the control group,E2 alleviated inflammation,OVX exacerbated inflammation,increased CD4+T-cell infiltration,elevated T helper 1 cell(Th1)response,decreased regulatory T cells(Tregs),impaired regeneration.In vitro,IFN-γ/LPS significantly upregulated ERβ in myotubes.Conclusion Estrogen signaling critically regulates muscle inflammation.Estrogen deficiency(OVX)delays repair of skeletal muscle by promoting Th1 response and suppressing Tregs function.

Objective To discuss the effect of interleukin-17A(IL-17A)and transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)on the benign tracheal stenosis after tracheal injury in experimental dogs.Methods The trachea stenosis model of healthy Beagle dogs was established by burning the middle part of trachea with electric snare under bronchoscopy guidance.A total of 21 dogs were divided into normal group(n=3,receiving normal feeding),molding group(n=12,after airway modeling every 3 dogs were sacrificed each week for 4 weeks),IL-17A suppression group(n=3,receiving Secukinumab after airway modeling),and IL-17A inhibitor+TGF-β1 inhibitor group(n=3,receiving Secukinumab and SB43154 after airway modeling).Bronchoscopy and CT scan were performed once a week,and the stenosis degree was calculated.RT-qPCR,immunohistochemistry,and HE staining of the obtained tracheal tissues were performed.Results Within 1-4 weeks after molding,in module-making dogs the degree of stenosis of the injured trachea gradually increased,and the expressions of ECM-related proteins,TGF-β1 and IL-17A were up-regulated.After treatment with IL-17A inhibitors,the inflammatory infiltration and granulation tissue hyperplasia were reduced and the early tracheal stenosis was improved(P＜0.05).The combination use of IL-17A inhibitor and TGF-β1 inhibitor had a better remission effect(P＜0.05).Conclusion IL-17A and TGF-β1 may synergistically affect the formation of tracheal stenosis.