This study primarily investigates the effect of Liuwei Dihuang Pills on the activation and proliferation of female germline stem cells(FGSCs) in the ovaries and cortex of mice with premature ovarian failure(POF), and how it improves ovarian function. ICR mice were randomly divided into the control group, model group, Liuwei Dihuang Pills group, Liuwei Dihuang Pills double-dose group, and estradiol valerate group. A mouse model of POF was established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide. After successful modeling, the mice were treated with Liuwei Dihuang Pills or estradiol valerate for 28 days. Vaginal smears were prepared to observe the estrous cycle and body weight. After the last administration, mice were sacrificed and sampled. Serum levels of estradiol(E_2), follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH), luteinizing hormone(LH), and anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe ovarian morphology and to count follicles at all stages to evaluate ovarian function. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of mouse vasa homolog(MVH), a marker of ovarian FGSCs. Immunofluorescence staining, using co-labeling of MVH and proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA), was used to detect the expression and localization of specific markers of FGSCs. Western blot was employed to assess the protein expression of MVH, octamer-binding transcription factor 4(Oct4), and PCNA in the ovaries. The results showed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited disordered estrous cycles, decreased ovarian index, increased atretic follicles, and a reduced number of follicles at all stages. FSH and LH levels were significantly elevated, while AMH and E_2 levels were significantly reduced, indicating the success of the model. After treatment with Liuwei Dihuang Pills or estradiol valerate, hormone levels improved, the number of atretic follicles decreased, and the number of follicles at all stages increased. MVH marker protein and PCNA proliferative protein expression in ovarian tissue also increased. These results suggest that Liuwei Dihuang Pills regulate estrous cycles and hormone disorders in POF mice, promote the proliferation of FGSCs, improve follicular development in POF mice, and enhance ovarian function.
Animals ; Female ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Mice ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Ovary/cytology* ; Primary Ovarian Insufficiency/genetics* ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone/metabolism* ; Humans ; Anti-Mullerian Hormone/blood* ; Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects* ; Luteinizing Hormone/metabolism* ; Cyclophosphamide/adverse effects*

Extensive epigenetic reprogramming involves in memory CD8+ T-cell differentiation. The elaborate epigenetic rewiring underlying the heterogeneous functional states of CD8+ T cells remains hidden. Here, we profile single-cell chromatin accessibility and map enhancer-promoter interactomes to characterize the differentiation trajectory of memory CD8+ T cells. We reveal that under distinct epigenetic regulations, the early activated CD8+ T cells divergently originated for short-lived effector and memory precursor effector cells. We also uncover a defined epigenetic rewiring leading to the conversion from effector memory to central memory cells during memory formation. Additionally, we illustrate chromatin regulatory mechanisms underlying long-lasting versus transient transcription regulation during memory differentiation. Finally, we confirm the essential roles of Sox4 and Nrf2 in developing memory precursor effector and effector memory cells, respectively, and validate cell state-specific enhancers in regulating Il7r using CRISPR-Cas9. Our data pave the way for understanding the mechanism underlying epigenetic memory formation in CD8+ T-cell differentiation.
CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism* ; Cell Differentiation ; Chromatin/immunology* ; Animals ; Mice ; Immunologic Memory ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; SOXC Transcription Factors/immunology* ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/immunology* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Gene Regulatory Networks ; Enhancer Elements, Genetic

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality based on the 10-year population-based multicenter prospective study. METHODS: A general population-based multicenter prospective study was conducted at four sites in rural China between 2013 and 2023. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the association between BMI and mortality. Stratified analyses were performed based on the individual characteristics of the participants. RESULTS: Overall, 19,107 participants with a sum of 163,095 person-years were included and 1,910 participants died. The underweight (< 18.5 kg/m ²) presented an increase in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [ aHR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.66-2.41), while overweight (≥ 24.0 to < 28.0 kg/m ²) and obesity (≥ 28.0 kg/m ²) presented a decrease with an aHR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.52-0.73) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37-0.70), respectively. Overweight ( aHR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.86) and mild obesity ( aHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.87) had a positive impact on mortality in people older than 60 years. All-cause mortality decreased rapidly until reaching a BMI of 25.7 kg/m ² ( aHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) and increased slightly above that value, indicating a U-shaped association. The beneficial impact of being overweight on mortality was robust in most subgroups and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION This study provides additional evidence that overweight and mild obesity may be inversely related to the risk of death in individuals older than 60 years. Therefore, it is essential to consider age differences when formulating health and weight management strategies.
Humans ; Body Mass Index ; China/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Rural Population/statistics & numerical data* ; Aged ; Follow-Up Studies ; Adult ; Mortality ; Cause of Death ; Obesity/mortality* ; Overweight/mortality*

Objective To analyze the caregiver presence needs and their influencing factors among hospitalized elderly non-surgical patients and provide a basis for formulating relevant policies.Methods A descriptive qualitative study method was adopted.Through purposive sampling,semi-structured interviews were conducted on elderly non-surgical patients and their families and medical staff in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from September to October 2023.MAXQDA 2020 and the 7-step phenomenological analysis method of Colaizzi were used to classify and code the interview contents and identify themes.Results The categories of caregiver presence needs of elderly non-surgical patients included basic living assistance needs,disease monitoring needs,psychological support needs,as well as the needs for family members to provide economic support and participate in treatment decision-making.The influencing factors included advanced age,frailty,the lack of self-care ability in patients with comorbidities,the susceptibility of patients to sudden situations during the disease exacerbation period,the increased risk of unexpected events in patients with psychological distress,and patients' concerns about social support and medical decision-making.Conclusion The caregiver presence needs of elderly non-surgical patients during hospitalization are high and influenced by multiple factors.
Humans ; Caregivers/psychology* ; Aged ; Hospitalization ; Social Support ; Male ; Qualitative Research ; Female

Objective To evaluate the application of shear wave elastography(SWE)in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in patients with diabetes.Methods Totally 85 patients with type 2 diabetes(T2DM)were selected from the Chengdu Office Hospital of People's Government of Tibetan Autonomous Region,including 46 patients with peripheral neuropathy(DPN)and 39 patients without peripheral neuropathy(NDPN).Compared for clinical data(gender,age,disease duration),cross-sectional area of the median nerve measured by high-frequency ultra-sound(CSA)and shear wave elastography(SWE)parameters(mean Young's modulus value,Emean)and shear wave velocity(SWV)between two groups of patients.Multifactor Logistic regression analysis was carried out on the indicators between the above groups to screen independent predictors in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in diabetes patients,and a combined model was constructed.The area under the operating characteristic curve(AUC),sensitivity and specificity of the subjects were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the single model and com?bined model of the quantitative parameters(CSA,Emean,SWV)measured by clinical data,high?frequency ultra?sound and SWE in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in diabetes patients.Results Age,course of disease,Emean,SWV and CSA were statistically significant in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy in diabetes patients(all P<0.05).AUC was 0.658,0.754,0.839,0.822 and 0.736,respectively.The combination model based on disease course,CSA and SWV showed the highest diagnostic efficiency,with AUC,sensitivity,and specificity of 0.887(0.800-0.946),80.43％,and 84.62％,respectively.Conclusions The combined model based on the course of disease,CSA and SWV have a high diagnostic efficiency in peripheral neuropathy of diabetes patients,and has good clinical application value.

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of hypoxia inducible factor-1 α/aquaporin-4(HIF-1α/AQP4)pathway in high altitude cerebral edema(HACE)after blood-brain barrier injury in rats.Methods Adult male SD rats(n=40)were randomly divided into two groups:control group(Ctrl,n=20)and high altitude cerebral edema group(HACE,n=20).The rats in the control group were reared in Xining(altitude 2261 m)for 4 days,and the rats in HACE group were reared in low-pressure simulation chamber(altitude 5000 m)for 4 days.Brain water content was measured by the method of dry and wet weight.The intracranial structure,morphology and signal changes of small animals were observed through T2 weighted image of 7.0 T MRI.The morphological changes of neurons and the apoptosis of nerve cells in the CA1 region of hippocampal tissue were observed by the staining of Nissl and TUNEL.Immunohistochemical staining was performed to observe the extravasation of immunoglobulin G(IgG).The expressions of HIF-1α,AQP4,matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9),claudin-5,occludin and zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)in the tissue of hippocampal were detected by the method of Western blotting and immunofluorescent staining.Results The brain water content increased significantly in the HACE group(P＜0.05).The neurons in CA1 region of hippocampal tissue were atrophic and deformed,the arrangement of neurons was disordered in the HACE group.The number of neurons decreased significantly,the apoptosis of nerve cells increased significantly,and the IgG exudates obviously in the CA1 region of hippocampal tissue in the HACE group.The expressions of HIF-1α,AQP4 and MMP-9 proteins increased significantly,while claudin-5,occludin and ZO-1 proteins decreased significantly in the CA1 region of hippocampal tissue,which detected by the method of Western blotting and immunofluorescent staining(P＜0.05).Conclusion Acute high-altitude hypoxia can induce to blood-brain barrier disruption through the HIF-1α/AQP4 pathway,resulting in high-altitude cerebral edema.

Objective To study the change of lipidomics in chronic cadmium-exposed mice,thereby screening out lipid subclasses,lipid molecules and enriched metabolic pathways with significant differences.Methods Twelve SPF male C57BL/6J mice(8 weeks old)were randomly divided into the control group(normal water feeding)and the experimental group[cadmium water(0.6 mg/L of CdCl2)feeding],with 6 mice in each group.Mice were sacrificed after 6 months of cadmium exposure,and fresh liver tissues were collected immediately.Lipid oil red O staining and lipidomics analysis were performed on liver tissue.Results Compared with the control group,the liver tissue of mice in the experimental group did not appear red after lipid oil red O staining.Seventeen lipid subclasses with significant differences and 144 lipid molecules with significant differences were screened out by lipidomics.These lipid molecules with significant differences were enriched in glycerophospholipid metabolism,linoleic acid metabolism,alpha-linolenic acid metabolism,glycosylphosphati-dylinositol biosynthesis,glycerolipid metabolism and arachidonic acid metabolism by KEGG.Conclusion This study reveals that chronic cadmium exposure can induce the disorder of lipid subclasses and lipid metabolites in the liver of mice,which provides a basis for understanding the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease caused by chronic cadmium exposure.

Objective:To analyze the clinicopathological features of giant ovarian masses(mean diameter≥10 cm)and analyze the clinical characteristics of patients in different age groups.Methods:The clinicopathological characteristics of 311 patients diagnosed with giant ovarian masses by surgery at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital,Affiliated Hospital of Medical School,Nanjing University from January 2014 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.Patients were further stratified by age and mass size to compare the differences of clinical and patho-logical features among different age groups and different mass diameter groups.Results:①The median age of thepatients were 44(24,60)years old.The first symptoms were as follows:ovarian mass discovered during physi-cal examination,abdominal pain,bloating,conscious abdominal distension,and symptoms of compression.②The surgical methods were as follows:unilateral oophorectomy(30.5％,95/311),ovarian cystectomy(28.9％,90/311),tumor staging or cytoreductive surgery(28.0％,87/311),total hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy(12.5％,39/311).③The pathological types were benign(49.5％,154/311),malignant(31.8％,99/311)and borderline(18.7％,58/311).④ Patients complained abdominal distension in＜20 years old group were signifi-cantly higher than the other two groups(P＜0.05).The ovarian resection rate in the＞50-year-old group was higher than that of the other two groups(P＜0.05),and the rate of unilateral ovarian resection in the＜20-year-old group was still as high as 30.1％(15/49).⑤ The size of the mass correlated with the duration of the disease.When the disease course was between 1 to 6 months,the mass diameter line＞30 cm was the most common(P＜0.05).The incidence of borderline tumors in the＞30 cm group was significantly higher than that in the other two groups,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusions:Ovarian mucinous and mucinous borderline tumors are the most common types of giant adnexal masses.The size of the mass tends to increase with the prolongation of the disease course.The incidence of borderline tumors increases with the in-crease of mass.Health education for young people should be strengthened.When abdominal pain,abdominal bloating,especially lower abdominal distension occurs,they should seek medical treatment in time to avoid adnex-ectomy due to borderline tumors.

Objective To investigate the effect of Bazhen Huaji Decoction(a modified prescription of Bazhen Decoction plus Huaji Pills)on the quality of life of patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer of qi deficiency and blood stasis type.Methods Sixty-five patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer of qi deficiency and blood stasis type were randomly divided into an observation group(33 cases)and a control group(32 cases).The control group was treated with XELOX chemotherapy regimen(Oxaliplatin combined with Capecitabine),and the observation group was treated with Bazhen Huaji Decoction on the basis of treatment for the control group.The course of treatment covered 3 weeks,including 2 weeks of treatment and one week of follow-up.The changes of tumor marker carbohydrate antigen 199(CA199)and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire(EORTC-QLQ-C30)scores in the two groups were observed before and after treatment.Moreover,the efficacy for improving Karnofsky score and the incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results(1)After the completion of treatment,the rate for the increase of Karnofsky score in the observation group was 36.36%(12/33),which was higher than that in the control group(25.00%,8/32);the rate for the decrease of Karnofsky score in the observation group was 9.09%(12/33),which was lower than that in the control group(15.63%,5/32).The difference of rate for improving Karnofsky score between the two groups was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(2)After 2 weeks of treatment and during the follow-up period,the total score of overall health status and functional domain scores of EORTC-QLQ-C30 in the two groups were increased(P＜0.05)and the symptom domain scores were decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the increase of the total score of overall health status in the observation group during the follow-up period was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05).Subgroup analysis showed that the overall health status scores and functional domain scores of gastric cancer patients and colorectal cancer patients in the two groups after treatment and follow-up period were higher(P＜0.05)and the symptom domain scores were lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05).Moreover,the total health status scores and functional domain score of gastric cancer patients in the two groups before and after treatment and during the follow-up period were lower and the symptom scores were higher than those of the patients with colorectal cancer,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).(3)After treatment,there were no significant changes in the serum CA199 level between the two groups in comparison with that before treatment,and there was no significant difference between the two groups after treatment(P＞0.05).(4)The incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was 48.48%(16/33),which was significantly lower than that in the control group(68.75%,22/32).The difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion On the basis of conventional chemotherapy,the application of Bazhen Huaji Decoction exerts certain effect in the treatment of patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer of qi deficiency and blood stasis type.The combined therapy can effectively reduce the incidence of adverse reactions caused by chemotherapy and improve the quality of life of patients.