Background Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of persistent organic pollutants that pose potential health risks to humans. Infants and young children have higher requirements for food safety due to the underdeveloped detoxification and immune systems. Therefore, developing a comprehensive method for determination of PFASs and their novel alternatives in infant complementary food is of great significance. Objective To develop an analytical method using liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry technology for determination of 55 PFASs in plant- and animal-derived infant complementary fruit purees. Methods Oasis WAX (200 mg, 6 CC) solid-phase extraction columns were used for sample enrichment and purification. The pH of the acetonitrile extract was adjusted using 0%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% formic acid aqueous solutions to evaluate its impact on the recovery rate of target compounds. Additionally, the impact of a 2 mL methanol wash during the purification process on the recovery of target compounds was assessed to determine the optimal pretreatment conditions. Three types of chromatographic columns—Agilent Poroshell 120 EC-C₁₈, Thermo InfinityLab Poroshell 120 Aq-C₁₈, Acquity Waters BEH-C₁₈, and changes in mobile phase, were compared for their effects on retention time, peak shape, and response of target compounds. The method was validated in terms of selectivity, linear range, detection limit, and precision. The established method was applied to 49 commercial samples of infant complementary fruit purees. Results Adjusting the sample pH using 1.5% formic acid water and incorporating a 2 mL methanol wash during purification achieved satisfactory recovery rates. The target compounds were chromatographically separated using an Agilent Poroshell 120 EC-C₁₈ column with a gradient elution system. The mobile phase consisted of methanol-water (methanol/water: 2/98, v/v) containing 5 mmol·L⁻¹ ammonium formate as mobile phase A, and methanol as mobile phase B. Good separation was achieved within 15 min, resulting in optimal chromatographic peak shapes. The 55 target compounds exhibited good linearity across the standard curve range, with correlation coefficients (R²) greater than 0.99. The method detection limits ranged from 0.02 to 0.05 µg·L⁻¹. In the plant- and animal-based fruit puree samples, the spiked recovery rates ranged from 60% to 112% and 57% to 119%, respectively, with relative standard deviations (RSD) ≤ 30%. A total of 9 traditional PFASs and 5 novel PFASs were positive in 49 samples of infant complementary fruit purees. Conclusion This method enables comprehensive detection of 55 traditional and emerging PFASs, offering wide coverage, high accuracy, and excellent sensitivity. It provides technical support for characterizing contamination by traditional and emerging PFASs in food matrices.

[Objective] To explore quality issues and quality management measures in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) testing, aiming to improve consistency and accuracy of ALT test results by analyzing the outcomes from different pre-donation screening methods and different sample sources. [Methods] Data were collected from 58 blood collection and supply institutions across China. ALT test results from donor samples analyzed by dry chemistry analyzers, semi-automatic biochemical analyzers, and automatic biochemical analyzers were compared, focusing on the influence of venous versus capillary blood samples on testing accuracy. By comparing results from pre-donation screening with laboratory testing, the current state of quality management for different methods and sample types was assessed. Differences in ALT unqualified rates between laboratories were analyzed, and quality improvement strategies were proposed accordingly. [Results] No significant differences were found in laboratory ALT unqualified rates between venous and capillary blood samples during pre-donation screening across different analytical methods (P>0.05). However, laboratory ALT unqualified rates were consistently lower for venous blood compared to capillary blood, regardless of the testing method used (P<0.05). Notable differences in quality control were observed among various blood collection and supply institutions (P<0.05). [Conclusion] Minimal differences were observed between pre-donation ALT screening results obtained by the three analytical methods and laboratory test outcomes; thus, blood stations can select an appropriate testing method according to their specific conditions. Pre-donation screening using venous blood samples demonstrated superior reliability in quality control compared to capillary blood samples. Significant variations in ALT unqualified rates among blood stations suggest that blood collection and supply institutions should emphasize quality management at both the pre-donation screening and laboratory testing stages. Measures such as optimized standardized operating procedures, regular equipment calibration and maintenance, proficiency testing, internal quality control, inter-system comparisons, and enhanced personnel training and evaluation should be implemented to ensure consistent and stable screening results, thereby reducing ALT unqualified rates.

Cerebral small vessel disease（CSVD） refers to a series of clinical， imaging， and pathological syndromes caused by various etiologies affecting arterioles，capillaries， and venules in the brain， and the main clinical manifestations of CSVD include cognitive impairment， gait and balance disorders， urinary incontinence， and mental and behavioral disorders such as depression， anxiety， apathy， and personality changes. At present， the pathophysiological mechanism of CSVD remains unclear. As one of the most important trace elements in the human body， zinc ions play an important role in the development of the nervous system， and the change in zinc ion concentration will affect a variety of nervous system diseases；therefore， the research on the association between zinc ion homeostasis and the development and progression of cSVD has gradually become a hot topic. This article reviews the mechanism of the development and progression of CSVD， the role of zinc ions in the nervous system， the association between zinc ions and the development and progression of CSVD， and the latest research advances.

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Zuoguiwan improves the pancreas development in the gestational diabetes mellitus （GDM） model by observing the effects of Zuoguiwan on the expression of key regulatory factors in different stages of pancreas development. MethodsPregnant Wistar rats were randomly assigned into blank， model， insulin detemir （20 U·kg^-1） and Zuoguiwan （1.89 g·kg^-1） groups （n=18）. GDM was induced by peritoneal injection of streptozotocin on day 6.5 （E6.5d） in the embryonic stage， and the blank group was given an equal volume of sodium citrate buffer. The modeling performance was assessed by measuring the blood glucose of pregnant rats. Except the blank group and model group， pregnant rats in other groups were administrated with corresponding drugs from E9.5d to delivery. The random blood glucose of pregnant rats was monitored， and the embryos and offspring rats were measured for the length and weighed on E12.5d， E18.5d and day 21 after birth （B21d）. The Lee's index of rats on B21d was calculated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was employed to measure the fasting insulin （FINS） levels of B22d rats and the Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance （HOMA-IR） was calculated. The serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， total bilirubin （TBIL）， total cholesterol （CHO）， triglyceride （TG）， high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL）， and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL） in E18.5d pregnant rats and B22d offspring were determined. The pathological changes in the pancreas of E12.5d， E18.5d and B22d rats were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Western blot was used to determine the protein levels of pancreatic duodenal homeobox 1 （Pdx1）， pancreas-specific transcription factor 1a （Ptf1a）， and sex-determining region Y-box protein 9 （Sox9） in the pancreas of E12.5d embryos， Pdx1， Nkx2 homeobox 2 （Nkx2.2）， and hairy and enhancer of split-1 （Hes1） in the pancreas of E18.5d embryos， and Pdx1， v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog A （Mafa）， and NK transcription factor-related homeobox gene family 6 locus 1 （Nkx6.1） in the pancreas of B22d rats. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group showed elevated blood glucose levels in pregnant rats on B0d， E9.5d， E12.5d， E15.5d， and E18.5d （P<0.05， P<0.01）， decreased body weight and body length （P<0.01） and increased Lee's index in the offspring. In addition， the B22d offspring showed rising levels of FBG， FINS， HOMA-IR， AST， and TG （P<0.01）， a declined level of HDL （P<0.01）， and pancreatic acinous cells with edema and loose arrangement. The pregnant rats on E18.5d exhibited raised levels of ALT， AST， and TG （P<0.05， P<0.01） in the pancreas and a declined level of HDL （P<0.05）. The E12.5d embryos showed up-regulated protein levels of Pdx1， Sox9， and Ptf1a in the pancreas （P<0.01） and the E18.5d embryos exhibited down-regulated protein levels of Pdx1， Nkx2.2， and Hes1 in the pancreas （P<0.01）. The protein levels of Pdx1， Nkx6.1， and Mafa in the pancreas of B22d offspring were down-regulated （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the insulin group exhibited lowered blood glucose in pregnant rats on B0d， E15.5d， and E18.5d （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The offspring in all treatment groups showcased increased body weight and body length （P<0.01） and decreased Lee's index. The B22d offspring exhibited declined levels of FBG， FINS， and HOMA-IR in the insulin group （P<0.01） and lowered levels of FBG and HOMA-IR in the Zuoguiwan group （P<0.01）. The B22d offspring in all the treatment groups showed reduced levels of ALT， AST， TBIL， CHO， TG， and LDL， a raised level of HDL， and alleviated edema of pancreatic acinous cells. The pregnant rats on E18.5d demonstrated declined levels of TG and ALT （P<0.05， P<0.01） and an elevated level of HDL （P<0.05）. The pancreas of E12.5d embryos presented down-regulated protein levels of Pdx1 and Sox9 and an up-regulated protein level of Ptf1a in the insulin group （P<0.05）. The pancreas of E12.5d embryos in the Zuoguiwan group presented down-regulated protein levels of Pdx1， Sox9， and Ptf1a （P<0.01）. All the treatment groups showed up-regulated protein levels of Pdx1， Nkx2.2， and Hes1 in the pancreas of E18.5d embryos （P<0.01） and Pdx1， Nkx6.1， and Mafa in the pancreas of B22d embryos （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionZuoguiwan can promote the growth and development and ameliorate the pathological changes in the pancreas of the offspring of GDM model by regulating the expression of Pdx1 pathway-related regulatory factors in different stages of pancreas development.

Vascular aging (VA) is a common etiology of various chronic diseases and represents a major public health concern. Intermittent hypoxia (IH) associated with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a primary pathological and physiological driver of OSAHS-induced systemic complications. A substantial proportion of OSAHS patients, estimated to be between 40% and 80%, have comorbidities such as hypertension, heart failure, coronary artery disease, pulmonary hypertension, atrial fibrillation, aneurysm, and stroke, all of which are closely associated with VA. This review examines the molecular and cellular features common to both OSAHS and VA, highlighting decreased melatonin secretion, impaired autophagy, increased apoptosis, increased inflammation and pyroptosis, increased oxidative stress, accelerated telomere shortening, accelerated stem cell depletion, metabolic disorders, imbalanced protein homeostasis, epigenetic alterations, and dysregulated neurohormonal signaling. The accumulation and combination of these features may underlie the pathophysiological link between OSAHS and VA, but the exact mechanisms by which OSAHS affects VA may require further investigation. Taken together, these findings suggest that OSAHS may serve as a novel risk factor for VA and related vascular disorders, and that targeting these features may offer therapeutic potential to mitigate the vascular risks associated with OSAHS.
Humans ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/pathology* ; Aging/physiology* ; Oxidative Stress/physiology* ; Animals

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of acupuncture on the neurotransmitter levels and gut microbiota in a mouse model of Tourette syndrome (TS). METHODS: Thirty-six male C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into 4 groups using a random number table method: 3,3'-iminodipropionitrile (IDPN) group, control group, acupuncture group, and tiapride group, with 9 mice in each group. In the IDPN group, acupuncture group, and tiapride group, mice received daily intraperitoneal injections of IDPN (300 mg/kg body weight) for 7 consecutive days to induce stereotyped behaviors. Subsequently, in the acupuncture intervention group, standardized acupuncture treatment was administered for 14 consecutive days to IDPN-induced TS model mice. The selected acupoints included Baihui (DU 20), Yintang (DU 29), Waiguan (SJ 5), and Zulinqi (GB 41). In the tiapride group, mice were administered tiapride (50 mg/kg body weight) via oral gavage daily for 14 consecutive days. The control group, IDPN group, and acupuncture group received the same volume of saline orally for 14 consecutive days. Stereotypic behaviors were quantified through behavioral assessments. Neurotransmitter levels, including dopamine (DA), glutamate (Glu), and aspartate (ASP) in striatal tissue were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Dopamine transporter (DAT) expression levels were additionally quantified through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Gut microbial composition was analyzed through 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing, while metabolic profiling was conducted using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). RESULTS: Acupuncture administration significantly attenuated stereotypic behaviors, concurrently reducing striatal levels of DA, Glu and ASP concentrations while upregulating DAT expression compared with untreated TS controls (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Comparative analysis identified significant differences in Muribaculaceae (P=0.001), Oscillospiraceae (P=0.049), Desulfovibrionaceae (P=0.001), and Marinifilaceae (P=0.014) following acupuncture intervention. Metabolomic profiling revealed alterations in 7 metabolites and 18 metabolic pathways when compared to the TS mice, which involved various amino acid metabolisms associated with DA, Glu, and ASP. CONCLUSIONS Acupuncture demonstrates significant modulatory effects on both central neurotransmitter systems and gut microbial ecology, thereby highlighting its dual therapeutic potential for TS management through gut-brain axis regulation.
Animals ; Tourette Syndrome/metabolism* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Neurotransmitter Agents/metabolism* ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Male ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) represents a predominant cause of blindness among older adults, with limited therapeutic options currently available. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and retinal pigment epithelium injury are recognized as key contributors to the pathogenesis of AMD. Regulated cell death plays a pivotal role in mediating cellular responses to stress, maintaining tissue homeostasis, and contributing to disease progression. Recent research has elucidated several regulated cell death pathways-such as apoptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy-that may contribute to the progression of AMD owing to cell death in the retinal pigment epithelium. These discoveries open new avenues for therapeutic interventions in patients with AMD. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary and analysis of the latest advancements regarding the relationship between regulated cell death and AMD. Moreover, we examined the therapeutic potential of targeting regulated cell death pathways for the treatment and prevention of AMD, highlighting their roles as promising targets for future therapeutic strategies.

The lingnan liver-soothing and spirit-regulating acupuncture and moxibustion technique,developed by Professor FU Wen-Bin,a renowned traditional Chinese medicine expert in Guangdong Province,represents an innovative achievement in acupuncture therapy for depression-related disorders.Drawing upon the rich legacy of master scholars,meticulous study of medical literature,and over three decades of continuous research and innovation,Professor FU has formulated this technique with profound influence and widespread application.By tracing the developmental trajectory of the Lingnan liver-soothing and spirit-regulating technique,this paper sheds light on its significant guiding principles and reference value for the development of other distinctive acupuncture techniques.Furthermore,it offers insights and inspiration for advancement in various fields of traditional Chinese medicine.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of the modified vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap in repairing the skin and soft tissue defect after abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer.Methods:This study was a retrospective observational study. From June 2019 to July 2022, five male patients with low rectal cancer who were conformed to the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Department of Basic Surgery of Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, with ages ranging from 65 to 70 years and the sizes of the perianal skin ulcers ranging from 5 cm×4 cm to 11 cm×9 cm, and all of them underwent abdominoperineal resection. The secondary skin and soft tissue defects in the perineum with an area of 8 cm×6 cm-14 cm×12 cm (with the depth of pelvic floor dead space being 10-15 cm) were repaired intraoperatively with transplantation of modified vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps with the skin area being 9 cm×7 cm-16 cm×12 cm, the volume of the muscle being 18 cm×10 cm×5 cm-20 cm×12 cm×5 cm, and the vessel pedicle being 18-20 cm in length. During the operation, most of the anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle was retained, the flap was transferred to the recipient area through the abdominal cavity, the remaining anterior sheaths of the rectus abdominis muscle on both sides of the donor area were repeatedly folded and sutured, the free edge of the transverse fascia of the abdomen was sutured with the anterior sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle, and the donor area skin was directly sutured. After the operation, the survival of the transplanted myocutaneous flap was observed. The occurrence of complications in the perineal recipient area was recorded within 2 weeks after the operation. The recovery of the perineal recipient area and the abdominal donor area was observed during follow-up, and the occurrence of complications in the donor area of the abdomen as well as the recurrence of tumors and metastasis were recorded.Results:All transplanted myocutaneous flaps in 5 patients survived after surgery. One patient had dehiscence of the incision in the perineal recipient area 2 days after surgery, which healed after 7 d with intermittent dressing changes and routine vacuum sealing drainage treatment. In the other 4 patients, no complications such as incisional rupture, incisional infection, or fat liquefaction occurred in the perineal recipient area within 2 weeks after surgery. Follow-up for 6-12 months after discharge showed that the skin of the perineal recipient area had good color, texture, and elasticity, and was not bloated in appearance; linear scars were left in the perineal recipient area and the abdominal donor area without obvious scar hyperplasia or hyperpigmentation; no complications such as incisional rupture, incisional infection, intestinal adhesion, intestinal obstruction, or weakening of the abdominal wall strength occurred in the abdominal donor area, and the abdominal appearance was good with no localized bulge or formation of abdominal hernia; there was no local recurrence of tumor or metastasis in any patient.Conclusions:The surgical approach of using the modified vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap to repair the skin and soft tissue defects after abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer is relatively simple in operation, can achieve good postoperative appearances of the donor and recipient areas with few complications, and is worthy of clinical promotion.

Objective:To explore the methods and clinical effects of reconstructing facial and cervical scars with expanded flaps based on the "MLT" principle.Methods:The study was a retrospective observational study. From January 2019 to May 2022, 74 patients with facial and cervical scars after burn or trauma injuries who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, including 38 males and 36 females, aged from 5 to 58 years, including 24 patients with simple facial involvement, 24 patients with simple cervical involvement, and 26 patients with both facial and cervical involvement, with scar area ranging from 12 to 145 cm2. By following the "MLT" principle (color and texture similar to the face; flap area large enough to reconstruct the entire defect; skin tissue thin enough to transmit the expression, so as to facilitate the shape of the face and five features); in the stage Ⅰ surgery, the skin and soft tissue expanders (hereinafter referred to as the expanders) were implanted, and in the stage Ⅱ surgery, the expander removal+scar resection+flap transplantation to repair the secondary wound was performed, and the wound in the donor area of flap was directly sutured. After operation, silicone gel preparation and laser therapy were used to prevent scar hyperplasia. The expansion ratio and time period of expanders, the occurrence of complications of skin and soft tissue expansion surgery, the type of flap used, and the survival of flap after the stage Ⅱ surgery were observed and recorded. The long-term effect of facial and cervical reconstruction and the recovery of donor area and recipient area of flap were evaluated during the postoperative follow-up after surgery.Results:The expansion ratio of 135 expanders ranged from 1.36 to 3.00 times, and the expansion time period ranged from 6 to 14 months. During skin and soft tissue expansion surgery, 8 patients had poor healing of incisions after expander placement, 7 patients had expander rupture, 5 patients had infection in incisions after expander placement, 3 patients had expander exposure, 2 patients had difficult filling the injection pot, and 1 patient had water leakage from the injection pot. Dorsal shoulder expanded flaps with double blood supply of transverse cervical artery and circumflex scapular artery were used in 8 patients, the expanded flaps of anterior transverse carotid artery perforator were used in 11 patients, the expanded flaps of internal thoracic artery perforator were used in 12 patients, tandem expanded flaps of upper chest and neck were used in 16 patients, dorsal thoracic artery perforator expanded flaps were used in 5 patients, and adjacent rotary propulsive expanded flaps were used in 22 patients. After the stage Ⅱ surgery, the flaps of 71 patients were completely survived. One patient had blood circulation disorder in the flap, and the flap survived after hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Necrosis occurred at the end of the flaps in 2 patients, which healed after dressing change. After the surgery, 42 patients were followed up for 3 to 24 months. The color, texture, and thickness of flaps were good and similar to the surrounding normal skin tissue in the recipient area, the appearance and function of the face and neck were significantly improved, and the wound location in the donor and recipient areas of flaps was concealed with slight scar formation.Conclusions:In the reconstruction of facial and neck scars, by following the "MLT" principle, the expanded flap was carefully designed before surgery, the local aesthetic features within the subunit are reconstructed during the stage Ⅱ surgery, and standard anti-scar treatment measures are actively adopted after surgery. After reconstruction, the color, texture, and thickness of flaps were close to the normal skin in face and neck, and the appearance and function of face and neck are significantly improved, with less linear scars left. It is beneficial to improve the therapeutic effect.