Background: Adrenocortical hormones, particularly 11-oxygenated androgens, are pivotal in female reproductive health and fertility. Standardized detection kits and population-specific reference intervals are lacking in China, hindering related clinical applications. Methods: A HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) pipeline was developed, rigorously validated, and applied to simultaneously quantify corticosterone, cortisone, cortisol, 18-OH cortisol, androstenedione (A4), 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11-OH A4), dehydroepiandrosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in serum samples from 455 reproductive-aged women (18–45 yrs) in Guangxi, China. Age-dependent concentration trends were analyzed, and reference intervals stratified by age (2.5th to 97.5th percentiles) were established. Correlations with body-composition metrics, ethnicity, and the menstrual cycle were investigated. Results: The HPLC-MS/MS method demonstrated high precision (intra- and inter-assay CVs < 15%), accuracy, and sensitivity. All eight hormones exhibited significant age-related declines (P < 0.001 for seven hormones; P = 0.001 for 11-OH A4). Notably, 11-OH A4 levels were significantly lower in the 35–45-yr (3.05 nmol/L) and 25–34-yr (3.09 nmol/L) age groups than in the 18–24-yr (3.57 nmol/L) age group, whereas no significant difference was observed between the 35–45-yr and 25–34-yr age groups. Weak negative correlations were observed between the body mass index and corticosterone and cortisone levels, whereas ethnicity and the menstrual cycle showed no significant associations with hormone levels. Conclusions We developed an HPLC-MS/MS-based method for simultaneously quantifying eight adrenocortical hormones, including 11-OH A4, and defined age-specific reference intervals for reproductive-aged Chinese women. These findings advance the clinical utility of adrenocortical hormones in diagnosing and managing reproductive disorders.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Liuwei Dihuangwan on mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR）-mediated synaptic plasticity in the prefrontal cortex-hippocampus circuit in the rat model of valproic acid （VPA）-induced autism spectrum disorder （ASD） and to explore its potential mechanism for reducing behavioral abnormalities in ASD rats. MethodsThirteen SD pregnant rats were randomized into the VPA group （10 rats） and the control group （3 rats）. On gestational day 13， the VPA group was intraperitoneally injected with VPA solution （600 mg·kg^-1）， while the control group was injected with an equal volume of normal saline. Male pups of 21 days old from both groups underwent behavioral tests to screen the ASD model rats （32 rats）. These rats were then randomly assigned to the model （distilled water）， vitamin D （1 480 U·kg^-1）， low-dose （0.75 g·kg^-1） Liuwei Dihuangwan， and high-dose （1.5 g·kg^-1） Liuwei Dihuangwan groups， and normal male pups were selected as the blank group （distilled water）， with 8 rats in each group. Each group was treated with the corresponding drug or an equal volume of distilled water via gavage daily. After drug administration， behavioral tests were conducted again， followed by anesthesia and tissue collection. Nissl staining was carried out to observe the morphological changes of neurons in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe changes in hippocampal synaptic structure. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were employed to determine the expression of mTOR， phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）， and protein kinase B （Akt） in the prefrontal cortex， as well as synaptophysin-1 （SYP-1）， postsynaptic density 95 （PSD95）， and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors （NMDARs） in the hippocampus. ResultsCompared with the control group， the model group exhibited severe growth retardation and developmental deformities， with abnormal behavioral performance and pathological damage to neurons and synapses in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Compared with the model group， all treatment groups showed reduced behavioral abnormalities and pathological damage to neurons and synapses in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus， with the most significant effects in the high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan group. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting results showed that compared with the control group， the model group exhibited significantly increased protein levels and phosphorylation ratios of p-mTOR， p-Akt， and p-PI3K in the prefrontal cortex （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and decreased protein levels of SYP-1 and PSD95 and increased protein level of NMDARs in the hippocampus （P<0.01）. Compared with those in the model group， the protein levels of p-mTOR， p-Akt， and p-PI3K in the prefrontal cortex decreased in the vitamin D and high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan groups （P<0.05）， and the p-mTOR/mTOR， p-Akt/Akt， and p-PI3K/PI3K ratios in the prefrontal cortex declined in the vitamin D group （P<0.05）. The high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan group showed a reduction in p-PI3K/PI3K ratio （P<0.05）. The protein level of SYP-1 and PSD95 in the hippocampus increased in the vitamin D， low-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan， and high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while the protein level of NMDARs decreased in the vitamin D and high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan groups （P<0.01）. ConclusionLiuwei Dihuangwan significantly reduces VPA-induced ASD-like behaviors and enhances the regeneration and repair of neurons in the prefrontal cortex and synaptic structures in the hippocampus by downregulating of PI3K/Akt/mTOR expression in the prefrontal cortex， upregulating SYP-1 and PSD95 expression in the hippocampus， and inhibiting NMDARs expression.

Cholesterol on the cell membrane plays a crucial role in regulating membrane proteins,influencing cell functions,and the occurrence and development of tumors.The CD44 receptor protein is closely associated with tumor invasion and metastasis.Therefore,developing biosensors capable of in-situ simultaneous monitoring of cholesterol and CD44 receptor protein on the cell membrane is of great significance for disease diagnosis.In this study,a spatially resolved strategy dual-signal multifunctional electrochemiluminescence(ECL)sensor was designed.The positive potential luminescent probe(ALC)was prepared by combining gold nanostars with luminol and cholesterol oxidase(ChOx),and the negative potential luminescent probe(CZA)was prepared by combining carbon quantum dots(CQD)with ZIF-8 and gold nanoparticles(AuNPs).The dual probes were fixed on dual working electrodes respectively to construct a spatial resolution dual signal sensor,and the signals were independently output with K2S2O8 as co-reactant.When the measurement signal of ALC probe was enhanced due to enzymatic catalysis of cholesterol,CZA synchronously output the internal reference signal,realizing ratio ECL detection of cholesterol,with a linear range of 50 nmol/L-1600 μmol/L and a detection limit of 20 nmol/L.Furthermore,after the double probes were respectively modified with folic acid(FA)and hyaluronic acid(HA),a spatially resolved dual-functional cell sensor was constructed by capturing human hepatoma cells HepG2 through ligand-receptor specific recognition.This sensor enabled the simultaneous monitoring of cholesterol-ChOx catalytic reaction and CD44-HA recognition on the cell membrane,as well as the quantitative detection of cancer cells and cholesterol on the cell membrane.The results showed that the linear detection range for HepG2 cell was 100-10000 cell/mL.By reducing cholesterol on the cell membrane using methyl-β-cyclodextrin(MβCD)downregulated CD44 expression,it was found that the cholesterol content was positively correlated with CD44 expression on the cell membrane.The control experiments showed that the analysis method was feasible.The designed ECL sensor could be used to detect cholesterol ratiometrically and provided a new method for the simultaneous analysis of multiple functional molecules in cells.

The global incidence of head and neck cancer (HNC) is rising, with over 60% of patients presenting at a locally advanced stage. Radiotherapy remains a cornerstone of HNC treatment, and advancements in modern techniques and concurrent chemotherapy have improved local control and survival rates of HNC patients. However, these benefits also bring challenges in the management of toxicities. Due to the proximity of salivary glands and tumors, especially the highly radiosensitive parotid and submandibular glands, this condition is among the most common adverse effects of radiotherapy. Radiation damages acinar cells and ducts, causing glandular atrophy, fibrosis, and reduced saliva secretion, thereby leading to xerostomia and related complications. The risk and severity of injury are associated with the radiation dose and volume affecting the glands. Prevention and management strategies emphasize precise radiotherapy planning, target optimization, and supportive care. Emerging multimodal imaging techniques offer potential for non-invasive prediction and early diagnosis and treatment of radiation-induced salivary gland injury. Future research in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and molecular biology aims to elucidate molecular mechanisms, such as signaling pathways and genomics, facilitating personalized strategies to mitigate radiotherapy-induced toxicities and enhance the quality of life of patients.

OBJECTIVE: To reveal the effects and potential mechanisms by which synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) influences the distribution of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the trans-Golgi network (TGN), endolysosomal system, and cell membranes and to reveal the effects of SV2A on APP amyloid degradation. METHODS: Colocalization analysis of APP with specific tagged proteins in the TGN, ensolysosomal system, and cell membrane was performed to explore the effects of SV2A on the intracellular transport of APP. APP, β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) expressions, and APP cleavage products levels were investigated to observe the effects of SV2A on APP amyloidogenic processing. RESULTS: APP localization was reduced in the TGN, early endosomes, late endosomes, and lysosomes, whereas it was increased in the recycling endosomes and cell membrane of SV2A-overexpressed neurons. Moreover, Arl5b (ADP-ribosylation factor 5b), a protein responsible for transporting APP from the TGN to early endosomes, was upregulated by SV2A. SV2A overexpression also decreased APP transport from the cell membrane to early endosomes by downregulating APP endocytosis. In addition, products of APP amyloid degradation, including sAPPβ, Aβ _1-42, and Aβ _1-40, were decreased in SV2A-overexpressed cells. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated that SV2A promotes APP transport from the TGN to early endosomes by upregulating Arl5b and promoting APP transport from early endosomes to recycling endosomes-cell membrane pathway, which slows APP amyloid degradation.
Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor/genetics* ; Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics* ; Animals ; Protein Transport ; Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics* ; Humans ; Mice ; Endosomes/metabolism* ; trans-Golgi Network/metabolism*

With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.

Objective To investigate the efficacy of the ultraviolet A-riboflavin cross-linking corneal stromal lenticule punctal plug for the treatment of dry eyes in rabbits.Methods Thirty-two New Zealand white rabbits(64 eyes)were se-lected and randomly divided into a normal group,a model group,a conventional plug group and a cross-linking plug group,with 8 rabbits(16 eyes)in each group.Rabbits in the normal group were not treated.In the model group,moderate-to-se-vere dry eye rabbit models were constructed but no treatment was given.Rabbits in the conventional and cross-linking plug groups were implanted with conventional and cross-linking plugs after model construction,respectively.The tear film func-tions of the experimental rabbits,including tear secretion volume(SIT),corneal fluorescein sodium staining,tear film break-up time(BUT),and tear meniscus height(TMH),were detected before the intervention,1 day,1 week,2 weeks,and 4 weeks after the intervention.In addition,the corneas of each group were collected for hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining to observe the changes of the corneal epithelium 4 weeks after the intervention.Finally,the non-cross-linking and cross-linking corneal stromal lenticules were placed separately in 1 g·L-1 of type Ⅰ collagenase to observe the change of the lenticule diameter over time.Results In the cross-linking plug group,the SIT,BUT and TMH values 2 and 4 weeks after the intervention were significantly higher than those before the intervention(all P＜0.01).In the conventional plug group,the SIT,BUT and TMH values 4 weeks after intervention were significantly higher than those before the intervention(all P＜0.01).After 4 weeks of intervention,the corneal staining of rabbits in the cross-linking plug group was better than that in the conventional plug group and model group.The HE staining results showed that in the cross-linking plug group,the corneal epithelial thickness of rabbits was basically normal,epithelial cells were basically arranged in order,and a single layer of columnar epithelial cells was observed on the basal layer.The dissolution time of the corneal stromal lenticule after cross-linking was significantly increased,compared with that of the non-cross-linking one.Conclusion The ultraviolet A-riboflavin cross-linking corneal stromal lenticule punctal plug has a more stable therapeutic effect on the rabbit dry-eye model than the conventional one,so it is expected to provide a novel approach for the clinical treatment of dry eyes.

The global incidence of head and neck cancer (HNC) is rising, with over 60% of patients presenting at a locally advanced stage. Radiotherapy remains a cornerstone of HNC treatment, and advancements in modern techniques and concurrent chemotherapy have improved local control and survival rates of HNC patients. However, these benefits also bring challenges in the management of toxicities. Due to the proximity of salivary glands and tumors, especially the highly radiosensitive parotid and submandibular glands, this condition is among the most common adverse effects of radiotherapy. Radiation damages acinar cells and ducts, causing glandular atrophy, fibrosis, and reduced saliva secretion, thereby leading to xerostomia and related complications. The risk and severity of injury are associated with the radiation dose and volume affecting the glands. Prevention and management strategies emphasize precise radiotherapy planning, target optimization, and supportive care. Emerging multimodal imaging techniques offer potential for non-invasive prediction and early diagnosis and treatment of radiation-induced salivary gland injury. Future research in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and molecular biology aims to elucidate molecular mechanisms, such as signaling pathways and genomics, facilitating personalized strategies to mitigate radiotherapy-induced toxicities and enhance the quality of life of patients.

Objective:To investigate the influence and mechanism of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) overexpressing growth arrest specific 6, i.e. GAS6/BMSCs on full-thickness skin defect wounds in diabetic mice.Methods:This study was an experimental study. Twelve 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were divided into a control wound group with only full-thickness skin defects and a diabetic wound group with diabetic full-thickness skin defects according to the random number table method, with 6 mice in each group. The wound healing rates were calculated at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after injury. At 21 days after injury, wound tissue specimens were collected for hematoxylin-eosin staining to observe the histopathological conditions; Masson staining was performed to detect collagen deposition; immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells and CD31-positive cells, representing cell proliferation and capillary density, respectively; immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the number of F4/80 and myeloperoxidase (MPO) double-positive cells, indicating efferocytosis. Two 4-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were used to extract BMSCs, and GAS6/BMSCs were constructed through adenovirus transfection and successfully identified. Eighteen 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were used to create diabetic full-thickness skin defect wound models and divided into phosphate buffered solution (PBS) group, BMSC group, and GAS6/BMSC group (with 6 mice in each group) according to the random number table method. Immediately after injury, PBS, BMSC single-cell suspension, and GAS6/BMSC single-cell suspension were injected locally into the wounds of the three groups of mice, respectively. The wound healing rates were calculated, and the cell proliferation, capillary density, and efferocytosis were detected at the same time points as the previous experiments.Results:At 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after injury, the wound healing rates of mice in diabetic wound group were significantly lower than those in control wound group (with t values of 7.99, 8.62, 9.80, and 5.85, respectively, P<0.05). Compared with those in control wound group, the wound tissue of mice in diabetic wound group showed the infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells and reduced collagen deposition at 21 days after injury. At 21 days after injury, the number of PCNA-positive cells and CD31-positive cells in the wound tissue of mice in diabetic wound group were significantly less than that in control wound group (with t values of 6.61 and 5.38, respectively, P<0.05). At 21 days after injury, the number of F4/80 and MPO double-positive cells in the wound tissue of mice in diabetic wound group was 3.3±0.8, which was significantly less than 12.7±1.8 in control wound group ( t=11.00, P<0.05). At 14 and 21 days after injury, the wound healing rates of mice in BMSC group were significantly higher than those in PBS group ( P<0.05); at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after injury, the wound healing rates of mice in GAS6/BMSC group were significantly higher than those in BMSC group ( P<0.05). At 21 days after injury, the number of PCNA-positive cells in the wound tissue of mice in BMSC group was significantly higher than that in PBS group ( P<0.05), and the number of PCNA-positive cells and CD31-positive cells in the wound tissue of mice in GAS6/BMSC group were significantly higher than that in BMSC group ( P<0.05). At 21 days after injury, the number of F4/80 and MPO double-positive cells in the wound tissue of mice in BMSC group was 4.2±1.2, which was similar to 3.5±1.1 in PBS group ( P>0.05); the number of F4/80 and MPO double-positive cells in the wound tissue of mice in GAS6/BMSC group was 8.2±1.2, which was significantly more than that in BMSC group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Dysfunctional efferocytosis of macrophage exists in the full-thickness skin defect wounds of diabetic mice, while GAS6/BMSC can promote wound healing by restoring the efferocytosis of macrophages.

Objective:To establish venetoclax-resistant acute myeloid leukemia(AML)cell lines,assess the sensitivity of venetoclax-resistant cell lines to the BCL-2 protein family,and investigate their resistance mechanisms.Methods:CCK-8 method was used to screen AML cell lines(MV4-11,MOLM13,OCI-AML2)that were relatively sensitive to venetoclax.Low concentrations of venetoclax continuously induced drug-resistance development in the cell lines.Changes in cell viability and apoptosis rate before and after resistance development were measured using the CCK-8 method and flow cytometry.BH3 profiling assay was performed to anayze the transform of mitochondrion-dependent apoptosis pathway as well as the sensitivity of resistant cell lines to BCL-2 family proteins and small molecule inhibitors.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)was utilized to examine changes in the expression levels of BCL-2 protein family members in both venetoclax-resistant cell lines and multidrug-resistant patients.Results:Venetoclax-resistant cell lines of MV4-11,MOLM13,and OCI-AML2 were successfully established,with IC50 values exceeding 10-fold.Under the same concentration of venetoclax,the apoptosis rate of resistant cells decreased significantly(P＜0.05).BH3 profiling assay revealed that the drug-resistant cell lines showed increased sensitivity to many pro-apoptotic proteins(such as BIM,BID and NOXA).RT-qPCR showed significantly upregulated MCL1 and downregulated NOXA1 were detected in drug-resistant cell lines.Expression changes in MCL1 and NOXA1 in venetoclax-resistant patients were consistent with our established drug-resistant cell line results.Conclusion:The venetoclax-resistant AML cell lines were successfully established through continuous induction with low concentrations of venetoclax.The venetoclax resistance resulted in alterations in the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway of the cells and an increased sensitivity of cells to pro-apoptotic proteins BIM,BID,and NOXA,which may be associated with the upregulation of MCL1 expression and downregulation of NOXA1 expression in the drug-resistant cells.