OBJECTIVES: To investigate the subcellular localization and biological functions of transmembrane protein 240 (TMEM240). METHODS: NCBI BLAST and TMHMM bioinformatics software were used for protein sequence analysis and prediction of transmembrane domain of TMEM240. Brain tissues from male C57BL/6 mice (18-20 days old) were examined for distribution of TMEM240 using in situ hybridization, and qPCR and Western blotting were used to detect TMEM240 expression in different mouse tissues and in cortical neurons at different time points (n=3). In the in vitro experiment, HepG2 and Neuro-2a cells were transfected with plasmids for overexpression of TMEM240, and subcellular localization of TMEM240 was analyzed using cell imaging. In primary cultures of cortical neurons isolated from C57BL/6 mice, TMEM240 expression and its biological functions were investigated using qPCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: Human and mouse TMEM240 proteins share a 97.69% similarity in the protein sequences, and both are transmembrane proteins with two transmembrane domains. TMEM240 mRNA and protein were highly expressed in mouse brain tissues and cortical neurons. In isolated mouse cortical neurons, TMEM240 expression reached the peak level after primary culture for 9 days and distributed in scattered spots within the cells. In HepG2 cells, TMEM240 was characterized as intracellular membrane structures and showed 80% colocalization with peroxisomes. In Neuro-2a cells, TMEM240 overexpression caused significant enhancement of the expressions of Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor β (ARHGDIB) at both the mRNA and protein levels. CONCLUSIONS TMEM240 is a novel intracellular subcellular structure specifically expressed in neurons with significant potential for targeted cellular function regulation.
Animals ; Humans ; Mice ; Peroxisomes/metabolism* ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Neurons/metabolism* ; Male ; rho-Specific Guanine Nucleotide Dissociation Inhibitors ; Hep G2 Cells ; Brain/metabolism*

ObjectiveTo establish an educational intervention framework of electronic picture books for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) based on Creative Problem Solving (CPS) model, and observe the effect on social function. MethodsElectronic picture books were designed using CPS model, including the program of reading, interactive animation design and associated artistic activities. From March to June, 2023, 24 children with mild to moderate ASD were recruited from Maanshan Institute of Special Education, and randomly assigned into experimental group 1 (CPS-based cognitive picture book interventions, n = 8), experimental group 2 (CPS-based social picture book interventions, n = 8) and control group (Bloom's Taxonomy-based picture book interventions, n = 8), and received the interventions for four weeks, with a total of twelve times. They were assessed with speech, social, perceptual and health behavior using Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) before and after treatment, and the differences were calculated. ResultsThere was a significant difference among the groups in the social and perceptual scores differences (F > 4.344, P < 0.05) and a near-significant difference in the health behaviour score difference (F = 2.921, P = 0.076). Post Hoc test showed that the differences in social scores were higher in both experimental groups than in the control group (P < 0.05); the difference in perceptual scores was significantly higher in experimental group 1 than in experimental group 2 (P < 0.01), but there was no significant difference with the control group (P > 0.05); the difference in health behavior scores was higher in experimental group 2 than in the control (P < 0.05), and the difference in experimental group 1 was slightly higher than in the control group (P = 0.072). ConclusionElectronic picture book interventions based on the CPS model may be more effective in enhancing social, perceptual and health behavior in children with ASD, but there may be differences among models.

Female reproductive aging refers to the process that ovarian function gradually declines with age, leading to the decline of fertility and related physiological dysfunction. In recent years, the research on anti-female reproductive aging active molecules has become a hot spot in the medical field, aiming at delaying ovarian aging and improving reproductive health. In this paper, the main sources of anti-female reproductive aging molecules are reviewed, including natural products, endogenous molecules and synthetic small molecules, with emphasis on resveratrol, curcumin, soybean isoflavones, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide precursors (such as nicotinamide mononucleotide) and mitochondrial targeting molecules. These molecules play an important role in delaying ovarian aging and maintaining ovarian function through various mechanisms such as antioxidant stress, regulating autophagy and apoptosis, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulation, and telomere protection. However, from laboratory research to clinical application, it still faces multiple challenges such as bioavailability, long-term safety and individual differences. Future research needs to further optimize the delivery system, carry out long-term clinical trials, and explore individualized treatment strategies to promote the clinical transformation and application of anti-female reproductive aging molecules.

In 1961, the first documented case of a Caucasian male with 47,XYY karyotype was reported in the United States. During the 1960s, British geneticists postulated a potential association between XYY syndrome and criminal behavior, leading the media to label this karyotype the "criminal chromosome." Consequently, individuals with XYY syndrome faced stigmatization as "born criminals," a notion robustly refuted by contemporary research. With advancements in non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), screening for XYY syndrome now presents emerging ethical dilemmas. While NIPT enables screening, societal perceptions of sex chromosome abnormalities influence screening acceptance and may lead to selective termination. The intersection of technological progress and ethical challenges necessitates a cautious approach from the scientific community and demands societal efforts to establish the balance between reproductive autonomy, rights protection, and stigma elimination.

Objective This study aims to explore the efficacy and complication rates of the transcranial approach(TCA)and extended endoscopic endonasal approach(EEEA)for the treatment of craniopharyngiomas based on the QST classification,providing a scientific reference for clinical decision-making on surgical approach.Methods A total of 151 patients who underwent craniopharyngioma surgery at our center from January 2018 to December 2023 were enrolled.The patients were categorized into Q-CP(suprasellar type),S-CP(infundibular type),and T-CP(tuberal type)according to the QST classification.Systematic collection and analysis were performed on the outcomes of TCA and EEEA treatments,respectively.The differences in effectiveness between the two approaches were evaluated based on the QST classification.Results The improvement rate of visual symptoms was overall higher in the EEEA group than in the TCA group(59.1%vs.36.5%,P=0.006),and the visual deterioration rate was lower(3.0%vs.14.1%,P=0.006).However,the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage was higher in the EEEA group(15.2%vs.3.5%,χ2=4.986,P=0.026).The incidence of postoperative seizures(8.2%vs.0,P=0.019),brain contusions(10.6%vs.0,P=0.005),and subdural hematoma(9.4%vs.0%,P=0.01)was higher in the TCA group.For patients with Q-CP type,the EEEA group had a higher rate of total tumor resection(92.9%vs.65.2%,P=0.025)and a lower recurrence rate(3.6%vs.21.7%,P=0.047),with shorter hospital stays and lower postoperative costs.The TCA group had higher intraoperative blood loss in this type(300 mL vs.200 mL,Z=-2.261,P=0.024).For S-CP type patients,the EEEA group showed a higher rate of total tumor resection(91.3%vs.74.2%)and a lower recurrence rate(0 vs.12.9%,P=0.031),with lower postoperative hospital costs.In T-CP type,due to the deeper location,EEEA showed limitations in protecting hypothalamic function and the TCA group had a better postoperative hypothalamic function score(P=0.035).Conclusion Based on QST classification,EEEA has advantages in Q-CP and S-CP types and is recommended as the preferred surgical procedure;In the T-CP type,TCA surgery is more helpful in protecting hypothalamic function.

This article explores the historical development of measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission (MCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as the challenges faced at each stage. Since the mid-1980s, MCT of HIV drew public attention. In 1991, the United States and France launched the first clinical trial focused on pediatric acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-PACTG 076, marking the beginning of clinical research on preventing MCT. The HIVNET 012 trial conducted in Uganda in 1997 further investigated the efficacy of single-dose nevirapine and zidovudine, which has a profound impact on the development of global strategies for preventing MCT of HIV. Without intervention, the MCT rate of HIV ranges from 15% to 45%. However, with the promotion of international intervention standards such as HIV screening during pregnancy and highly active antiretroviral therapy, the MCT rate in China has decreased to 3%, while in the United States and parts of Europe, the rate has fallen to below 1%. These advancements represent a significant achievement in the field of public health.

Female reproductive aging refers to the process that ovarian function gradually declines with age, leading to the decline of fertility and related physiological dysfunction. In recent years, the research on anti-female reproductive aging active molecules has become a hot spot in the medical field, aiming at delaying ovarian aging and improving reproductive health. In this paper, the main sources of anti-female reproductive aging molecules are reviewed, including natural products, endogenous molecules and synthetic small molecules, with emphasis on resveratrol, curcumin, soybean isoflavones, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide precursors (such as nicotinamide mononucleotide) and mitochondrial targeting molecules. These molecules play an important role in delaying ovarian aging and maintaining ovarian function through various mechanisms such as antioxidant stress, regulating autophagy and apoptosis, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulation, and telomere protection. However, from laboratory research to clinical application, it still faces multiple challenges such as bioavailability, long-term safety and individual differences. Future research needs to further optimize the delivery system, carry out long-term clinical trials, and explore individualized treatment strategies to promote the clinical transformation and application of anti-female reproductive aging molecules.

This article explores the historical development of measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission (MCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as the challenges faced at each stage. Since the mid-1980s, MCT of HIV drew public attention. In 1991, the United States and France launched the first clinical trial focused on pediatric acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-PACTG 076, marking the beginning of clinical research on preventing MCT. The HIVNET 012 trial conducted in Uganda in 1997 further investigated the efficacy of single-dose nevirapine and zidovudine, which has a profound impact on the development of global strategies for preventing MCT of HIV. Without intervention, the MCT rate of HIV ranges from 15% to 45%. However, with the promotion of international intervention standards such as HIV screening during pregnancy and highly active antiretroviral therapy, the MCT rate in China has decreased to 3%, while in the United States and parts of Europe, the rate has fallen to below 1%. These advancements represent a significant achievement in the field of public health.

Objective This study aims to explore the efficacy and complication rates of the transcranial approach(TCA)and extended endoscopic endonasal approach(EEEA)for the treatment of craniopharyngiomas based on the QST classification,providing a scientific reference for clinical decision-making on surgical approach.Methods A total of 151 patients who underwent craniopharyngioma surgery at our center from January 2018 to December 2023 were enrolled.The patients were categorized into Q-CP(suprasellar type),S-CP(infundibular type),and T-CP(tuberal type)according to the QST classification.Systematic collection and analysis were performed on the outcomes of TCA and EEEA treatments,respectively.The differences in effectiveness between the two approaches were evaluated based on the QST classification.Results The improvement rate of visual symptoms was overall higher in the EEEA group than in the TCA group(59.1%vs.36.5%,P=0.006),and the visual deterioration rate was lower(3.0%vs.14.1%,P=0.006).However,the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage was higher in the EEEA group(15.2%vs.3.5%,χ2=4.986,P=0.026).The incidence of postoperative seizures(8.2%vs.0,P=0.019),brain contusions(10.6%vs.0,P=0.005),and subdural hematoma(9.4%vs.0%,P=0.01)was higher in the TCA group.For patients with Q-CP type,the EEEA group had a higher rate of total tumor resection(92.9%vs.65.2%,P=0.025)and a lower recurrence rate(3.6%vs.21.7%,P=0.047),with shorter hospital stays and lower postoperative costs.The TCA group had higher intraoperative blood loss in this type(300 mL vs.200 mL,Z=-2.261,P=0.024).For S-CP type patients,the EEEA group showed a higher rate of total tumor resection(91.3%vs.74.2%)and a lower recurrence rate(0 vs.12.9%,P=0.031),with lower postoperative hospital costs.In T-CP type,due to the deeper location,EEEA showed limitations in protecting hypothalamic function and the TCA group had a better postoperative hypothalamic function score(P=0.035).Conclusion Based on QST classification,EEEA has advantages in Q-CP and S-CP types and is recommended as the preferred surgical procedure;In the T-CP type,TCA surgery is more helpful in protecting hypothalamic function.

In 1961, the first documented case of a Caucasian male with 47,XYY karyotype was reported in the United States. During the 1960s, British geneticists postulated a potential association between XYY syndrome and criminal behavior, leading the media to label this karyotype the "criminal chromosome." Consequently, individuals with XYY syndrome faced stigmatization as "born criminals," a notion robustly refuted by contemporary research. With advancements in non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), screening for XYY syndrome now presents emerging ethical dilemmas. While NIPT enables screening, societal perceptions of sex chromosome abnormalities influence screening acceptance and may lead to selective termination. The intersection of technological progress and ethical challenges necessitates a cautious approach from the scientific community and demands societal efforts to establish the balance between reproductive autonomy, rights protection, and stigma elimination.