Recently, male reproductive health has attracted extensive attention, with the adverse effects of circadian disruption on male fertility gradually gaining recognition. However, the mechanism by which circadian disruption leads to damage to male reproductive system remains unclear. In this review, we first summarized the dual regulatory roles of circadian clock genes on the male reproductive system: (1) circadian regulation of testosterone synthesis via the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axes; (2) non-circadian regulation of spermatogenesis. Next, we further listed the possible mechanisms by which circadian disruption impairs male fertility, including interference with the oscillatory function of the reproductive system, i.e., synchronization of the HPT axis, crosstalk between the HPT axis and the HPA axis, as well as direct damage to germ cells by disturbing the non-oscillatory function of the reproductive system. Future research using spatiotemporal omics, epigenomic assays, and neural circuit mapping in studying the male reproductive system may provide new clues to systematically unravel the mechanisms by which circadian disruption affects male reproductive system through circadian clock genes.
Male ; Humans ; Animals ; Circadian Clocks/physiology* ; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/physiology* ; Circadian Rhythm/genetics* ; Spermatogenesis/physiology* ; Pituitary-Adrenal System/physiology* ; Testis/physiology* ; Testosterone/biosynthesis* ; CLOCK Proteins ; Infertility, Male/physiopathology*

A high-performance liquid chromatography method using pre-column derivatization with 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate was developed to determine the content of 15 amino acids in the medicinal snakes Bungarus Parvus, Agkistrodon, and Zaocys. The results showed that the total amino acid(TAA) content ranged from 277.13 to 515.05 mg·g~(-1), with the top four amino acids in all three species being glutamic acid(Glu), glycine(Gly), aspartic acid(Asp), and lysine(Lys). The essential amino acid(EAA) content ranged from 74.56 to 203.94 mg·g~(-1), with Agkistrodon exhibiting the highest content. The non-essential amino acid(NEAA), semi-essential amino acid(semi-EAA), and medicinal amino acid(MAA) content ranged from 189.06 to 318.23, 12.89 to 33.53, and 179.83 to 342.33 mg·g~(-1), respectively, with Zaocys having the highest content in these categories. Amino acid nutritional value was evaluated using the amino acid ratio(RAA), amino acid ratio coefficient(RCAA), and amino acid ratio coefficient score(SRCAA), and the results indicated that all three medicinal snakes possessed good nutritional value. The amino acid composition was similar across the species, though significant differences in content were observed. Based on these differences, an orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) model was established, which could clearly distinguish between the three medicinal snake species. The key differences in amino acid content included Gly, tyrosine(Tyr), Glu, and serine(Ser), which may be related to the observed clinical application differences among the species. Further research into the mechanisms of these differential amino acids is expected to provide more insights into the clinical application disparities of these three medicinal snake species.
Amino Acids/chemistry* ; Animals ; Nutritive Value ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Snakes/classification* ; Bungarus

Objective:To explore the relationships between physical activity and cognitive impairment in older adults aged ≥65 years in longevity areas in China.Methods:A total of 6 081 older adults aged ≥65 years from the Healthy Ageing and Biomarkers Cohort Study in China in 2021 were included in this study. Information about their demographic characteristics, lifestyles, and chronic disease histories were collected, the intensity of physical activity was evaluated by using Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, and the cognitive function was evaluated by using Mini-Mental State Examination Scale (Chinese version). Multifactorial logistic regression model was used to analyze the associations between different levels and types of physical activity and cognitive impairment in older adults.Results:In the 6 081 older adults, 1 829 (30.1%) had cognitive impairment. After adjusting for confounders, older adults with T2 and T3 levels of physical activity had lower risks for cognitive impairment compared with those with T1 levels of physical activity, with ORs of 0.47 (95% CI: 0.40-0.55) and 0.22 (95% CI: 0.18-0.28). The results of different types of physical activities showed that the ORs in leisure activity T2 and T3 groups were 0.52 (95% CI: 0.44-0.63) and 0.49 (95% CI: 0.41-0.58), and the ORs in housework activity T2 and T3 groups were 0.36 (95% CI: 0.30-0.42) and 0.19 (95% CI: 0.16-0.24). There was no significant association between work-related activity and cognitive impairment. Conclusion:There is a negative association between the intensity level of physical activity and cognitive impairment, and active leisure and household activities might reduce the risk for cognitive impairment.

Objective:To compare the clinical characteristics of monogenic and non-monogenic early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (EO-IBD) in children and to explore the necessity of genetic analysis in EO-IBD research.Methods:A retrospective analysis of clinical data was conducted on 73 children diagnosed with EO-IBD at the Children's Hospital affiliated with Capital Institute of Pediatrics between January 2017 and December 2023. Genetic analysis was performed utilizing next-generation sequencing technology, with patients stratified into monogenic and non-monogenic groups based on the presence or absence of pathogenic mutations. Subsequently, a comparative analysis of clinical characteristics was conducted between these two cohorts of EO-IBD patients.Results:Among the 73 EO-IBD cases, 27 (37%) were diagnosed as monogenic IBD, and 46 (63%) as non-monogenic IBD. Compared to the non-monogenic group, the monogenic group had an earlier age of onset [1 (0.2, 3.0) months vs. 15 (4.1, 51.3) months, P < 0.001], with a higher incidence within the first month of life (70.4% vs. 13.0%, P < 0.001). Monogenic IBD cases were more likely to present with Crohn's disease (CD) phenotypes (88.9% vs. 52.2%, P = 0.003) and colonic involvement (L2) (91.7% vs. 62.5%, P < 0.001), but were less likely to present with non-penetrating, non-stricturing (B1) disease (87.5% vs. 95.8%, P = 0.019). Children in the monogenic group were more prone to severe malnutrition (74.1% vs. 21.3%, P < 0.001), perianal abscesses (40.7% vs. 8.7%, P < 0.001), perianal tags (22.2% vs. 0%, P = 0.004), fever (74.1% vs. 23.9%, P < 0.001), oral ulcers (44.4% vs. 6.5%, P < 0.001), and skin lesions (33.3% vs. 2.2%, P < 0.001). Regarding treatment, the monogenic group had higher usage of thalidomide (88.9% vs. 54.3%, P = 0.002) and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) (37.0% vs. 0, P < 0.001) and a higher mortality rate (22.2% vs. 2.2%, P = 0.017) . Conclusions:For children with IBD presenting at an early age, especially within the first month of life, and showing symptoms like fever, oral ulcers, skin lesions, severe malnutrition, and perianal disease, monogenic IBD should be considered. Genetic testing results can aid in guiding treatment decisions.

Objective:To explore the relationships between physical activity and cognitive impairment in older adults aged ≥65 years in longevity areas in China.Methods:A total of 6 081 older adults aged ≥65 years from the Healthy Ageing and Biomarkers Cohort Study in China in 2021 were included in this study. Information about their demographic characteristics, lifestyles, and chronic disease histories were collected, the intensity of physical activity was evaluated by using Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, and the cognitive function was evaluated by using Mini-Mental State Examination Scale (Chinese version). Multifactorial logistic regression model was used to analyze the associations between different levels and types of physical activity and cognitive impairment in older adults.Results:In the 6 081 older adults, 1 829 (30.1%) had cognitive impairment. After adjusting for confounders, older adults with T2 and T3 levels of physical activity had lower risks for cognitive impairment compared with those with T1 levels of physical activity, with ORs of 0.47 (95% CI: 0.40-0.55) and 0.22 (95% CI: 0.18-0.28). The results of different types of physical activities showed that the ORs in leisure activity T2 and T3 groups were 0.52 (95% CI: 0.44-0.63) and 0.49 (95% CI: 0.41-0.58), and the ORs in housework activity T2 and T3 groups were 0.36 (95% CI: 0.30-0.42) and 0.19 (95% CI: 0.16-0.24). There was no significant association between work-related activity and cognitive impairment. Conclusion:There is a negative association between the intensity level of physical activity and cognitive impairment, and active leisure and household activities might reduce the risk for cognitive impairment.

Objective:To compare the clinical characteristics of monogenic and non-monogenic early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (EO-IBD) in children and to explore the necessity of genetic analysis in EO-IBD research.Methods:A retrospective analysis of clinical data was conducted on 73 children diagnosed with EO-IBD at the Children's Hospital affiliated with Capital Institute of Pediatrics between January 2017 and December 2023. Genetic analysis was performed utilizing next-generation sequencing technology, with patients stratified into monogenic and non-monogenic groups based on the presence or absence of pathogenic mutations. Subsequently, a comparative analysis of clinical characteristics was conducted between these two cohorts of EO-IBD patients.Results:Among the 73 EO-IBD cases, 27 (37%) were diagnosed as monogenic IBD, and 46 (63%) as non-monogenic IBD. Compared to the non-monogenic group, the monogenic group had an earlier age of onset [1 (0.2, 3.0) months vs. 15 (4.1, 51.3) months, P < 0.001], with a higher incidence within the first month of life (70.4% vs. 13.0%, P < 0.001). Monogenic IBD cases were more likely to present with Crohn's disease (CD) phenotypes (88.9% vs. 52.2%, P = 0.003) and colonic involvement (L2) (91.7% vs. 62.5%, P < 0.001), but were less likely to present with non-penetrating, non-stricturing (B1) disease (87.5% vs. 95.8%, P = 0.019). Children in the monogenic group were more prone to severe malnutrition (74.1% vs. 21.3%, P < 0.001), perianal abscesses (40.7% vs. 8.7%, P < 0.001), perianal tags (22.2% vs. 0%, P = 0.004), fever (74.1% vs. 23.9%, P < 0.001), oral ulcers (44.4% vs. 6.5%, P < 0.001), and skin lesions (33.3% vs. 2.2%, P < 0.001). Regarding treatment, the monogenic group had higher usage of thalidomide (88.9% vs. 54.3%, P = 0.002) and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) (37.0% vs. 0, P < 0.001) and a higher mortality rate (22.2% vs. 2.2%, P = 0.017) . Conclusions:For children with IBD presenting at an early age, especially within the first month of life, and showing symptoms like fever, oral ulcers, skin lesions, severe malnutrition, and perianal disease, monogenic IBD should be considered. Genetic testing results can aid in guiding treatment decisions.

Epilepsy is a chronic disease characterized by recurrent,sudden,and excessive synchronous discharge of neurons in the brain,leading to transient brain dysfunction,and inflammatory responses in specific regions within the central nervous system are common features of epilepsy.In recent years,there has been increasing evidence that endoplasmic reticulum stress is involved in the pathology of epilepsy,which activates the unfolded protein response,then regulate and control nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB),efficiently induces glial cell activation through the release of pro-inflammatory signals,in turn affects epileptogenesis and seizures by triggering neuroinflammation.This review focuses on the close link between endoplasmic reticulum stress and glial cell activation-mediated neuroinflammation in epilepsy pathology,aiming to provide insights for a deeper understanding of epilepsy.

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.
Female ; Humans ; Adolescent ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Smell ; COVID-19/complications* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Incidence ; Olfaction Disorders/etiology* ; Taste Disorders/etiology* ; Prognosis

Humans ; Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic ; Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase ; Soft Tissue Neoplasms