Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting a substantial proportion of women of reproductive age. It is frequently associated with ovulatory dysfunction, infertility, and an increased risk of chronic metabolic diseases. A hallmark pathological feature of PCOS is the arrest of follicular development, closely linked to impaired intercellular communication between the oocyte and surrounding granulosa cells. Transzonal projections (TZPs) are specialized cytoplasmic extensions derived from granulosa cells that penetrate the zona pellucida to establish direct contact with the oocyte. These structures serve as essential conduits for the transfer of metabolites, signaling molecules (e.g., cAMP, cGMP), and regulatory factors (e.g., microRNAs, growth differentiation factors), thereby maintaining meiotic arrest, facilitating metabolic cooperation, and supporting gene expression regulation in the oocyte. The proper formation and maintenance of TZPs depend on the cytoskeletal integrity of granulosa cells and the regulated expression of key connexins, particularly CX37 and CX43. Recent studies have revealed that in PCOS, TZPs exhibit significant structural and functional abnormalities. Contributing factors—such as hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and dysregulation of critical signaling pathways (including PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β‑catenin, and MAPK/ERK)—collectively impair TZP integrity and reduce their formation. This disruption in granulosa-oocyte communication compromises oocyte quality and contributes to follicular arrest and anovulation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of TZP biology, including their formation mechanisms, molecular composition, and stage-specific dynamics during folliculogenesis. We highlight the pathological alterations in TZPs observed in PCOS and elucidate how endocrine and metabolic disturbances—particularly androgen excess and hyperinsulinemia—downregulate CX43 expression and impair gap junction function, thereby exacerbating ovarian microenvironmental dysfunction. Furthermore, we explore emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving or restoring TZP integrity. Anti-androgen therapies (e.g., spironolactone, flutamide), insulin sensitizers (e.g., metformin), and GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., liraglutide) have shown potential in modulating connexin expression and enhancing granulosa-oocyte communication. In addition, agents such as melatonin, AMPK activators, and GDF9/BMP15 analogs may promote TZP formation and improve oocyte competence. Advanced technologies, including ovarian organoid models and CRISPR-based gene editing, offer promising platforms for studying TZP regulation and developing targeted interventions. In summary, TZPs are indispensable for maintaining follicular homeostasis, and their disruption plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of PCOS-related folliculogenesis failure. Targeting TZP integrity represents a promising therapeutic avenue in PCOS management and warrants further mechanistic and translational investigation.

Objective: To analyze the mediating effects of loneliness and depressive symptoms on family functioning and life satisfaction among rural elderly patients with chronic diseases, so as to provide the basis for improving the life satisfaction of this population. Methods: Rural elderly patients with chronic diseases aged ≥60 years in Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province were selected using a multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling method from June to September 2022. Basic information such as gender, age, and chronic diseases were collected. Family function, life satisfaction, loneliness and depressive symptoms were evaluated using Family Care Index Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the b-item Revised VCLA Loneliness Sale and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale, respectively. The structural equation model was constructed using Amos software to analyze the mediating effects of loneliness and depressive symptoms on the relationship between family function and life satisfaction. The Bootstrap method was employed to test the mediating effects. Results: A total of 1 145 rural elderly patients with chronic diseases were recruited, including 517 males (45.15%) and 628 females (54.85%). Among the participants, 657 individuals (57.38%) were aged 60-<71 years, and 540 individuals (47.16%) had three or more chronic diseases. The scores for family function, life satisfaction, loneliness, and depressive symptoms were (3.90±1.18), (18.88±5.25), (12.88±2.99), and (6.65±2.26), respectively. Mediating effect analysis showed that family function had a direct positive effect on life satisfaction (β=0.179, 95%CI: 0.126-0.231). It also indirectly positively influenced the life satisfaction of rural elderly patients with chronic diseases through the independent mediating effect of depressive symptoms (β=0.035, 95%CI: 0.021-0.054) and the chained mediating effect of loneliness and depressive symptoms (β=0.021, 95%CI: 0.013-0.030). The mediating effect of depressive symptoms accounted for 14.89% of the total effect, while the chained mediating effect of loneliness and depressive symptoms accounted for 8.94% of the total effect. Conclusion Good family function can directly enhance the life satisfaction of rural elderly patients with chronic diseases and can also indirectly improve their life satisfaction by reducing loneliness and depressive symptoms.

The chemical constituents were systematically separated from the roots of Berberis polyantha by various chromatographic methods, including silica gel column chromatography, HP20 column chromatography, polyamide column chromatography, reversed-phase C_(18) column chromatography, and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. The structures of the compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectroscopic techniques(1D NMR, 2D NMR, UV, MS, and CD). Four phenylpropanoids were isolated from the methanol extract of the roots of B. polyantha, and they were identified as(2R)-1-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-propanone-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(1), methyl 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzoate(2),(+)-syringaresinol(3), and syringaresinol-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(4). Compound 1 was a new compound, and other compounds were isolated from this plant for the first time. The anti-inflammatory activity of these compounds was evaluated based on the release of nitric oxide(NO) in the culture of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. At a concentration of 10 μmol·L~(-1), all the four compounds inhibited the LPS-induced release of NO in RAW264.7 cells, demonstrating potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Plant Roots/chemistry* ; Animals ; Mice ; Berberis/chemistry* ; RAW 264.7 Cells ; Macrophages/immunology* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification* ; Nitric Oxide/metabolism* ; Molecular Structure ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/isolation & purification*

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate preterm white matter injury (PWMI) in neonatal rats using multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) combined with histological assessments and to explore its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Healthy 3-day-old Sprague-Dawley neonatal rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group and a PWMI group (n=12 in each group). A PWMI model was established in neonatal rats through hypoxia-ischemia. Laser speckle imaging was used to observe changes in cerebral oxygen saturation and blood flow at different time points post-modeling. Multimodal MRI was employed to assess the condition of white matter injury, while hematoxylin-eosin staining was utilized to observe morphological changes in the striatal area on the injured side. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells. RESULTS: At 0, 6, 12, 24, and 72 hours post-modeling, the relative blood flow and relative oxygen saturation on the injured side in the PWMI group were significantly lower than those in the sham operation group (P<0.05). At 24 hours post-modeling, T2-weighted imaging showed high signals in the white matter of the injured side in the PWMI group, with relative apparent diffusion coefficient values and Lorenz differential values being lower than those in the sham operation group (P<0.001); additionally, the arrangement of nerve cells in the PWMI group was disordered, and the number of EdU⁺PDGFR-α⁺ cells was higher than that in the sham operation group (P<0.001). At 28 days post-modeling, the relative fractional anisotropy values, the number of EdU⁺Olig2⁺ cells, and the fluorescence intensity of myelin basic protein and neurofilament protein 200 in the white matter region of the PWMI group were all lower than those in the sham operation group (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Multimodal MRI can evaluate early and long-term changes in PWMI in neonatal rat models in vivo, providing both imaging and pathological evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of PWMI in neonates. Hypoxia-ischemia inhibits the proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells in neonatal rats, leading to PWMI.
Animals ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods* ; Rats ; White Matter/injuries* ; Animals, Newborn ; Female ; Multimodal Imaging ; Male ; Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain/pathology*

Transcranial temporal interference stimulation (tTIS) is a novel non-invasive neuromodulation technique with the potential to precisely target deep brain structures. This study explores the neural and behavioral effects of tTIS on the superior colliculus (SC), a region involved in eye movement control, in mice. Computational modeling revealed that tTIS delivers more focused stimulation to the SC than traditional transcranial alternating current stimulation. In vivo experiments, including Ca²⁺ signal recordings and eye movement tracking, showed that tTIS effectively modulates SC neural activity and induces eye movements. A significant correlation was found between stimulation frequency and saccade frequency, suggesting direct tTIS-induced modulation of SC activity. These results demonstrate the precision of tTIS in targeting deep brain regions and regulating eye movements, highlighting its potential for neuroscientific research and therapeutic applications.
Animals ; Superior Colliculi/physiology* ; Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation/methods* ; Eye Movements/physiology* ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic potential of osthole for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), focusing on its ability to alleviate chronic pruritus (CP) and the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of osthole in both a 2,4-dichloronitrobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD mouse model and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) stimulated huma immortalized epidermal (HaCaT) cells. The anti-itch effect of osthole was specifically assessed in the AD mouse model. Using methods such as hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blot (WB), quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: Osthole improved skin damage and clinical dermatitis scores, reduced scratching bouts, and decreased epidermal thickness AD-like mice. It also reduced the levels of interleukin (IL)-31 and IL-31 receptor A (IL-31 RA) in both skin tissues and HaCaT cells. Furthermore, Osthole suppressed the protein expression levels of phosphor-p65 (p-p65) and phosphor-inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-Bα (p-IκBα). Meanwhile, it increased the protein expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) and PPARγ in HaCaT cells. CONCLUSION These findings indicated that osthole effectively inhibited CP in AD by activating PPARα, PPARγ, repressing the NF-κB signaling pathway, as well as the expression of IL-31 and IL-31 RA.

Abstract In recent years, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents has risen rapidly, posing a serious threat to their physical and mental health. To provide scientific, systematic, and standardized weight management guidance for overweight and obese children and adolescents, the study focuses on the core concept of healthy lifestyle intervention, integrates multidisciplinary expert opinions and research findings,and proposes a comprehensive multidisciplinary intervention framework covering scientific exercise intervention, precise nutrition and diet, optimized sleep management, and standardized psychological support. It calls for the establishment of a multi agent collaborative management mechanism led by the government, implemented by families, fostered by schools, initiated by individuals, optimized by communities, reinforced by healthcare, and coordinated by multiple stakeholders. Emphasizing a child and adolescent centered approach, the consensus advocates for comprehensive, multi level, and personalized guidance strategies to promote the internalization and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. It serves as a reference and provides recommendations for the effective prevention and control of overweight and obesity, and enhancing the health level of children and adolescents.

Objective To summarize the clinical characteristics of children with drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome(DIHS)complicated with herpesvirus reactivation,and to promote the early and accurate identification,diagnosis,and treatment of DIHS in children.Methods The medication history,clinical manifestations,treatment,and prognosis of 12 children confirmed DIHS complicated with herpesvirus reactivation in Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center between January 2018 and March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.The changes in hematological parameters,inflammatory indexes,and hepatic and renal function within 5 d before the eruption,5 d,and 6-10 d after eruption were compared.Results Of the 12 patients,the male-to-female ratio was 5∶1,with a median age of 27(interquartile range 20.50-34.75)months.Two or more antibiotics were used at least two to six weeks before onset,with a combination of 3 or more antibiotics in 7 children,and a combined or sequential application of 2 antibiotics in 5 children.The antibiotics included cephalosporins(n=12),semisynthetic penicillins(n=5),vancomycin(n=4)and azithromycins(n=7).All 12 patients presented fever,rashes,and multiple organ involvement.The rashes were red maculopapules in the early stage and then gradually developed into massive fusion exceeding 50%of the whole body.Among them,seven children were accompanied by facial edema,and two had purplish-red facial rashes.11 children suffered from exfoliative dermatitis in the later stage.12 children presented obviously enlarged lymph nodes.Liver involvement was the most common(100%,simple increase of transaminase in four children,cholestasis in six children,and hepatic failure in two children),and lung involvement was found in nine children.Laboratory examination showed no significant increase in leukocytes or eosinophils within 5 d before the eruption,but low levels of atypical lymphocytes.After the eruption,leukocytes,eosinophils,and atypical lymphocytes increased progressively.Inflammatory indexes of hypersensitive C-reactive protein(CRP),procalcitonin(PCT)increased dramatically before and after the eruption.All the children received intravenous immunoglobulin(IVIG)and methylprednisolone,two children were given antiviral therapy,and nine children were treated with multiple plasma exchanges.After treatment,nine children were cured,one developed immune reconstitution syndrome,and two died of hepatic failure.Conclusions Antibiotics are common allergenic drugs for DIHS in children.Its clinical manifestations include fever and rashes,accompanied by multiple organ involvement,such as the liver and lung.When leukocytes,eosinophils,and atypical lymphocytes are progressively elevated after the eruption,DIHS should be highly suspected,herpesvirus activation should be monitored,medication history should be traced,and early active immunotherapy and antiviral therapy should be conducted if necessary.

Objective To analyze the incidence and mortality of pancreatic cancer in 2022 globally and in China based on the Global Cancer Statistics 2022 published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer,considering characteristics such as gender,age,and human development index(HDI).Methods Pancreatic cancer data from 185 countries and regions were sourced from the GLOBOCAN 2022 database,and HDI data were compiled based on the Human Development Report 2022 published by the United Nations Development Programme.Cancer data were stratified by age,gender,and HDI to describe the prevalence of pancreatic cancer globally and in China.Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation of standardized incidence rate(SIR),standardized mortality rate(SMR),and mortality-to-incidence ratio(M/I)with HDI.Results In 2022,the number of pancreatic cancer incident cases worldwide was 510 992,ranking 12th among all cancer incidents,with an SIR of 4.7 per 100 000(ranking 15th).The number of pancreatic cancer deaths globally was 467 409,ranking 6th among all cancer deaths,with an SMR of 4.2 per 100 000(ranking 9th).In China,the number of pancreatic cancer incident cases was 118 672(ranking 10th among all cancer incidents),accounting for 23.22%of the global pancreatic cancer incidents,with an SIR of 4.4 per 100 000(ranking 13rd).The number of pancreatic cancer deaths in China was 106 295(ranking 6th among all cancer deaths),accounting for 22.74%of the global pancreatic cancer deaths,with an SMR of 3.9 per 100 000(ranking 8th).The incidence,mortality,SIR,and SMR in males were higher than those in females both globally and in China.SIR and SMR were positively correlated with HDI(r=0.77 and 0.77,both P＜0.001),while M/I was negatively correlated with HDI(r=-0.43,P＜0.001).The incidence,mortality,SIR and SMR of pancreatic cancer showed an increasing trend with age,and rapidly increased from 45-49 years old.Conclusion The disease burden of pancreatic cancer is serious globally and in China.The incidence and mortality of pancreatic cancer show an upward trend with age,and they are higher in males than in females.HDI is positively correlated with SIR and SMR of pancreatic cancer,while negatively correlated with M/I.

Objective To investigate the correlation between salivary cystatin D level and salivary gland injury in patients with primary Sj?gren syndrome(pSS).Methods A total of 51 pSS patients admitted in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from September 1,2022 to June 30,2023,and 51 age-and gender-matched healthy individuals who took physical examination in the hospital during same period were enrolled in the study.The level of salivary cystatin D was detected,and the difference in the level between the 2 groups was compared using an independent-samples t test.Pearson correlation analysis was applied to analyze the correlation between salivary cystatin D and clinical parameters in the patients.Results The pSS patients had significantly lower cystatin D level than the healthy controls(206.55±108.11 vs 374.32±172.24 pg/mL,P＜0.01).The cystatin D level in the pSS patients was positively correlated with both static(r=0.433,P=0.002)and dynamic salivary flow rates(r=0.363,P=0.009).The patients with higher score of salivary gland ultrasonography(SGUS)had obviously lower cystatin D than those with lower SGUS score(parotid gland:160.75±85.56 vs 290.53±95.17 pg/mL,P＜0.01;submandibular gland:157.76±87.59 vs 276.25±97.06 pg/mL,P＜0.01).The cystatin D level was also negatively correlated with peripheral blood IL-6 level(r=-0.453,P=0.001)and CD4+T cell count(r=-0.396,P=0.005)in the pSS patients.Conclusion Salivary cystatin D level can be used as an indicator of salivary gland damage for pSS patients.