ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy on the long-term prognosis for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy （DCM） of yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 371 DCM patients with yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. The yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy was defined as the exposure factor. Patients were categorized into exposure group （186 cases） and non-exposure group （185 cases） according to whether they received yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy combined with conventional western medicine for 6 months or longer. The follow-up period was set at 48 months， and the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess the cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events （MACE） in both groups. Cox regression analysis was used to explore the impact of yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy on the risk of MACE， and subgroup analysis was performed. Changes in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome score， left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）， left ventricular fractional shortening （LVFS）， left ventricular end-diastolic diameter （LVEDD）， and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire （MLHFQ） score were compared between groups at the time of first combined use of yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy （before treatment） and 1 year after receiving the therapy （after treatment）. ResultsMACE occurred in 31 cases （16.67%） in the exposure group and 47 cases （25.41%） in the non-exposure group. The cumulative incidence of MACE in the exposure group was significantly lower than that in the non-exposure group ［HR=0.559， 95%CI（0.361，0.895）， P=0.014］. Cox regression analysis showed that yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy was an independent factor for reducing the risk of MACE in DCM patients ［HR=0.623， 95%CI（0.396，0.980）， P=0.041］， and consistent results were observed in different subgroups. Compared with pre-treatment， the exposure group showed decreased TCM syndrome score and MLHFQ score， reduced LVEDD， and increased LVEF and LVFS after treatment （P＜0.05）； in the non-exposure group， TCM syndrome score decreased， LVEF and LVFS increased， and LVEDD reduced after treatment （P＜0.05）. After treatment， the exposure group had higher LVEF and LVFS， smaller LVEDD， and lower TCM syndrome score and MLHFQ score compared with the non-exposure group （P＜0.05）. ConclusionCombining yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy with conventional western medicine can reduce the risk of MACE in DCM patients with yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome， meanwhile improving their clinical symptoms， cardiac function， and quality of life.

ObjectiveMigraine is a leading neurological disorder and the fourth most common cause of years lived with disability worldwide, affecting nearly 116 million individuals. Although pharmacological treatments are available, their efficacy is often limited by side effects and variable response rates. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) offers a safe, non-invasive alternative for migraine management. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms, particularly how rTMS modulates local cortical excitability and distributed pain-related circuits, remain poorly understood. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for optimizing treatment protocols and improving clinical outcomes. MethodsThis study employed concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) to investigate neuroplastic and neurocircuitry mechanisms of DLPFC-rTMS in migraine. Study 1 compared 30 migraineurs and 28 healthy controls to identify abnormalities in TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) and significant current density (SCD) within sensory-discriminative regions including the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and posterior insula (pINS), cognitive-affective regions including the anterior insula (aINS) and midcingulate cortex (MCC), and a descending modulatory region, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Study 2 used a single-blind, crossover, sham-controlled design in 34 healthy participants. Each participant received both active (10 Hz, 80% RMT, 1 500 pulses) and sham DLPFC-rTMS in counterbalanced order. TMS-EEG and cold pain tolerance were assessed before and after each session. ResultsIn Study 1, migraineurs showed a significantly less negative N120 amplitude compared to healthy controls (P=0.027, Cohen’s d=0.60), indicating local intracortical disinhibition. No group differences were observed for N40, P60, or P180 components. At the source level, migraineurs exhibited significantly higher SCD in the S1, pINS, aINS, and MCC (allQ<0.05), but not in the ventroposterior thalamus (vpTHAL), mediodorsal thalamus (mdTHAL), or PAG. In Study 2, active rTMS significantly reduced SCD from pre- to post-stimulation in the S1, aINS, and MCC (all Q<0.05). Sham stimulation also reduced SCD in the S1 (Q<0.05) but not in the aINS or MCC. Although no significant group-level analgesic effect was observed between active and sham conditions (P=0.107), correlation analyses revealed that greater SCD reductions in the S1 and MCC were significantly associated with higher post-rTMS pain tolerance (R=-0.487 and -0.495, both Q<0.01) and larger improvements in pain tolerance(R=-0.487 and -0.451, both Q<0.05). No such correlations were found following sham stimulation, suggesting that the behavioural relevance of neural changes is specific to active rTMS. ConclusionThis study provides novel evidence that migraineurs exhibit both local neuroplastic abnormalities (reduced N120 amplitude) and hyperactivity in key pain-processing regions (S1, pINS, aINS, MCC). A single session of DLPFC-rTMS reduced hyperactivity in the aINS, MCC, and S1. Notably, greater reductions in the S1 and MCC were associated with improved pain tolerance. These findings identify distinct cortical circuitries, particularly within the cognitive-affective pain network, that may serve as potential biomarkers for optimizing rTMS treatment in migraine and other chronic pain conditions. Future studies should validate these results in patient populations experiencing spontaneous migraine attacks and explore multi-session or accelerated rTMS protocols.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of video-based educational intervention combined with maternal presence on perioperative adverse outcomes in preschool children undergoing general anesthesia， including cooperation in anesthesia induction， perioperative anxiety， pain and agitation during recovery. MethodsA total of 300 preschool children scheduled for general anesthesia in our hospital from June to December 2023 were randomly assigned to control group （n=150） and intervention group （n=150）. The control group received routine recovery care. For the intervention group， in addition to routine recovery care， a preoperative visit was scheduled one day before surgery. During this visit， mothers were guided to watch anesthesia videos with their children. During the waiting period in the operating room and 30 minutes after awakening， the mothers were guided to accompany the children for more than 30 minutes. Recovery conditions were recorded using the surgical anesthesia information system， and the children’s anesthetic induction compliance， perioperative anxiety， pain， and agitation were evaluated and recorded using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale （m-YPAS）， the Induction Compliance Scale （ICC）， the Children’s Pain Behavior Scale （FLACC）， and the Pediatric Agitation and Emergence Delirium Scale （PAED）. ResultsOn the preoperative visit day， there were no statistically significant differences in baseline data between the two groups （P > 0.05）. For perioperative anxiety， the m-YPAS scores of the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the control group， both when entering the operating room waiting area （35.27±6.48 vs. 41.79±6.68， P < 0.05） and 30 minutes after postoperative recovery （20.13±7.05 vs. 35.75±9.51， P < 0.05）. In terms of anesthesia induction cooperation， the ICC scores of the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the control group （1.84±0.95 vs. 3.17±0.62， P < 0.05）， and the proportion of good induction cooperation was significantly higher than that of the control group （24.00% vs. 12.67%， P < 0.05）. There was no significant difference in awakening duration between the two groups， but the intervention group had a significantly shorter length of stay in the post-anesthesia care unit than the control group （0.90±0.29 hours vs. 1.29±0.42 hours， P < 0.001）. For perioperative agitation， the PAED scores of the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the control group （entering in the operating room waiting area： 8.5 vs. 9.2， P < 0.05； 30 minutes after postoperative recovery： 4.2 vs. 7.8， P < 0.05）. In terms of pain scores， the FLACC scores of the intervention group were also significantly lower than those of the control group， both when entering the operating room waiting area （ 5.3 vs. 6.7， P < 0.05； 30 minutes after postoperative recovery： 2.1 vs. 4.9， P < 0.05）. ConclusionsVideo-based educational intervention combined with maternal presence reduces the perioperative anxiety， pain and agitation of preschool children undergoing general anesthesia， and improved the compliance of anesthesia induction. It is recommended to promote this intervention measure in clinical practice.

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Feixin decoction treats hypoxic pulmonary hypertension （HPH） by regulating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma （PPARγ）/nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB）/NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 （NLRP3） signaling pathway. MethodsForty-eight male SD rats were randomly allocated into normal， hypoxia， and low-， medium- and high-dose （5.85， 11.7， 23.4 g·kg^-1， respectively） Feixin decoction groups， with 8 rats in each group. Except the normal group， the remaining five groups were placed in a hypoxia chamber with an oxygen concentration of （10.0±0.5）% for 8 h per day， 28 days， and administrated with corresponding drugs during the modeling process. After 4 weeks of treatment， echocardiographic parameters ［pulmonary artery acceleration time （PAT）， pulmonary artery ejection time （PET）， right ventricular anterior wall thickness （RVAWd）， and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion （TAPSE）］ were measured for each group. The right ventricular systolic pressure （RVSP） was measured by the right heart catheterization method， and the right ventricular hypertrophy index （RVHI） was calculated by weighing the heart. The pathological changes in pulmonary arterioles were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The co-localization of α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） with NLRP3， N-terminal gasdermin D （N-GSDMD）， and cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 （Caspase-1） in pulmonary arteries was detected by immunofluorescence. The protein levels of PPARγ， NF-κB， NLRP3， apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD （ASC）， N-GSDMD， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-18（IL-18）， and cleaved Caspase-1 in the lung tissue was determined by Western blot. The ultrastructural changes in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells （PASMCs） were observed by transmission electron microscopy. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the hypoxia group showed increased RVSP and RVHI （P<0.01）， decreased right heart function （P<0.01）， increased pulmonary vascular remodeling （P<0.01）， increased co-localization of α-SMA with NLRP3， N-GSDMD， and Caspase-1 in pulmonary arterioles （P<0.01）， up-regulated protein levels of NF-κB， NLRP3， ASC， N-GSDMD， IL-1β， IL-18， and cleaved Caspase-1 in the lung tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）， a down-regulated protein level of PPARγ （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and pyroptosis in PASMCs. Compared with the hypoxia group， Feixin decoction reduced RVSP and RVHI， improved the right heart function and ameliorated pulmonary vascular remodeling （P<0.05， P<0.01）， decreased the co-localization of α-SMA with NLRP3， N-GSDMD， and Caspase-1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， down-regulated the protein levels of NF-κB， NLRP3， ASC， N-GSDMD， IL-1β， IL-18， and cleaved Caspase-1 in the lung tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）， up-regulated the protein level of PPARγ （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and alleviated pyroptosis in PASMCs. ConclusionFeixin decoction can ameliorate pulmonary vascular remodeling and right heart dysfunction in chronically induced HPH rats by regulating pyroptosis in PASMCs through the PPARγ/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.

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 investigate the neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of abscisic acid(ABA)in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)-induced Parkinson's disease(PD)mouse models.Methods Eight-week-old C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into three groups,control group(Ctrl),MPTP group,and MPTP+ABA group,12 mice in each group.Except for the control group,mice in the other groups were intraperitoneally injected with MPTP 25 mg/kg daily for 8 consecutive days to establish a subacute PD model.The MPTP+ABA group received intraperitoneal injections of ABA 25 mg/kg daily for 11 consecutive days,starting 3 days prior to MPTP administration.Behavioral tests were performed 24 hours after the last administration.On day 3,the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)and glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)in the substantia nigra pars compacta(SNc)and striatum(STR)was analyzed by Western blotting,and mRNA levels of inflammatory factors were measured by Real-time PCR.Immunofluorescent staining was used to detect the expression of TH,GFAP,and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(Iba1).Results Compared with the control group,MPTP-treated mice exhibited impaired motor function,a reduced number of TH-positive dopaminergic neurons in the SNc,down-regulated TH protein expression in both the SNc and striatum,up-regulated GFAP protein expression,increased numbers of GFAP-and Iba1-positive cells,and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory factors.In contrast,the MPTP+ABA group showed improved motor function,increased TH-positive neurons in the SNc,up-regulated TH protein expression,down-regulated GFAP protein expression,reduced numbers of GFAP-and Iba1-positive cells,and decreased pro-inflammatory factor levels compared to the MPTP group.Conclusion ABA ameliorates motor dysfunction in MPTP-induced PD model mice,reduces degeneration and death of dopaminergic neurons in the SNc,suppresses the proliferation and activation of astrocytes and microglia in the SNc and striatum,and alleviates neuroinflammation.These results suggest that ABA exerts neuroprotective effects in MPTP-induced PD model mice.

Objective To identify the core constitutions and prodromal symptoms of relapse in schizophrenia patients using network analysis,and to analyze their relationships as well as gender differences.Methods Schizophrenia patients hospitalized in the psychiatry department of Hunan Brain Hospital in Hunan Province between October 2022 and December 2023 were selected as survey participants.A general information questionnaire,a Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution Scale,and a Schizophrenia Prodromal Symptoms of Relapse Scale were used for investigation.Network anal-ysis was conducted using R language.Results The core constitutions of schizophrenia patients were qi deficiency constitution[Expected Influence(EI)=1.08]and dampness-heat constitution(EI=1.00),and the core prodromal symptoms of relapse were depression/withdrawal(EI=0.84)and ini-tial psychotic manifestations(EI=0.81).There were statistically significant differences in constitutions of traditional Chinese medicine and prodromal symptoms of relapse between patients of different genders(P＜0.05).Females mainly exhibited qi deficiency constitution(EI=1.20)with anxiety as the core prodromal symptom(EI=0.98),while males mainly exhibited yin deficiency constitution(EI=1.05)with depression/withdrawal as the core prodromal symptom(EI=1.00).Conclusion Healthcare professionals can early identify core prodromal symptoms of relapse by core imbalanced constitutions of schizophrenia patients,and develop precise intervention strategies,thereby promoting changes in their network structure,preventing disease relapse,and improving patients'quality of life.

Objective:To explore the potential advantages and application prospects of cardiopulmonary resuscitation ventilation mode (CPRV) for ventilation during CPR, through comparing of the resuscitation effect of CPRV, intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) and impedance threshold device (ITD) during advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS).Methods:30 miniature landrace pigs [weighing (31.7±4.5) kg] were randomly divided into three groups: CPRV group, IPPV group and ITD group (10 pigs in each group). Each animal received 5 min of chest compressions only CPR after 3 min of untreated ventricular fibrillation. Then in the ACLS stage, chest compressions and mechanical ventilation (tidal volume of 7 mL/kg, respiratory rate 10 times/min) were performed according to the divided groups. Defibrillation was delivered after 16 min of ACLS, and intravenous epinephrine was administered for the pigs without return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). A second defibrillation was delivered after 2 more minutes of CPR. Blood gases, respiratory parameters, and hemodynamic parameters were collected at baseline, ACLS 8 min and ACLS 16 min. ROSC after defibrillation was also recorded.Results:At ACLS 8 min and 16 min, intrathoracic high pressure and intrathoracic pressure variability of CPRV group were significantly higher than those of IPPV and ITD group, while the absolute value of intrathoracic negative pressure in CPRV group was higher than that in IPPV group (all P <0.01), but no difference was found between CPRV group and ITD group. The levels of arterial pH, PaO 2 and venous oxygen saturation in CPRV group were significantly higher than those in IPPV group and ITD group during ACLS, while PaCO 2 was significantly lower in CPRV group than in IPPV group and ITD group (all P <0.05). Aortic blood pressure, coronary perfusion pressure and carotid blood flow during ACLS in CPRV group were significantly higher than those in IPPV group, and right atrial pressure of CPRV group was significantly lower than that of IPPV group (all P <0.05). Coronary perfusion pressure of CPRV group was significantly higher than that of ITD group at ACLS 16 min but not ACLS 8 min, and there were no differences of aortic blood pressure and carotid blood flow between CPRV group and ITD group. The total ROSC rate in the CPRV group (90%) was significantly higher than that in the IPPV group (30%) and the ITD group (40%) (P <0.05). Conclusion:Ventilation with CPRV during ACLS showed better ventilation, oxygenation, hemodynamic effects and higher ROSC than IPPV and ITD, and the use of CPRV during CPR shows a certain application prospect.

Objective To explore the risk signals of niraparib and provide references for rational and safe clinical medication.Methods Niraparib-related adverse drug events(ADEs)reports from Q1 2017 to Q2 2023 were extracted from the US FDA Adverse Event Reporting System(FAERS)database.Risk signals were identified using the reporting odds ratio(ROR),proportional reporting ratio(PRR),Bayesian confidence propagation neural network(BCPNN),and multi-item gamma Poisson shrinker(MGPS)methods.The Risk signals were described and classified by preferred system organ classes(SOCs)and preferred terms(PTs)from the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities(MedDRA)version 26.1,and the occurrence of niraparib-related ADEs was also analyzed.Results A total of 16,961 ADE reports with niraparib as the primary suspected drug were extracted.Through screening and analysis,32 PTs were identified involving 11 SOCs,which were largely consistent with the information in the drug label.However,suspicious signals not mentioned in the label,including neuropathy peripheral,decreased red blood cell count,reduced hematocrit,dehydration,and hot flashes,require further attention.The median occurrence time was 22 days(IQR 2-98 days),and the Weibull distribution test indicated an early failure-type curve.Conclusion When using niraparib,particularly in early stages of treatment,it is essential to monitor not only the ADEs mentioned in the drug instructions,such as decreased platelet count,nausea and fatigue,but also to pay close attention to the ADEs not included in the instructions,such as peripheral neuropathy and decreased red blood cell count,which exhibit strong signal values,to ensure patient medication safety.

Objective:To elucidate the regulatory role of matrix metallopeptidase 14 (MMP14) in the migration of chondrogenic precursor cells, thereby providing data support for investigating the pathogenesis of microtia.Methods:An in vitro differentiation model was established using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) sequentially induced into neural crest cells (iNCCs) and subsequently into chondrogenic precursor cells (iCPCs), combined with lentivirus-mediated knockdown of MMP14, to investigate the effects of MMP14 on the biological characteristics of iCPCs, including proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Collective cell migration was assessed using scratch wound healing and Transwell migration assays; directional migration was characterized via high-content live-cell imaging; single-cell adhesion force was measured using a micromanipulation system. Collagen degradation was evaluated through hydroxyproline digestion assays. Cell proliferation was analyzed using the CCK-8 assay, and the expression of osteogenic/chondrogenic-related genes (SOX5/6/9, COL1A1, COL2A1, RUNX2, TWIST1) were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR. Immunofluorescence staining was used to assess the expression of F-actin and CD44 proteins. Additionally, transcriptomic sequencing was performed on iCPCs before and after MMP14 knockdown. Results:iPSC→iNCC→iCPC differentiation model was established in vitro. The resulting iCPCs expressed osteo/chondrogenic marker genes, including SOX5, SOX6, SOX9, COL1A1, COL2A1, RUNX2, and TWIST1, and exhibited positive expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers CD90, CD105, and CD73. Upon further induction, functional cartilage spheroids were formed. Compared with normal auricular chondrocytes, auricular chondrocytes from microtia patients showed reduced expression of MMP14 at both mRNA and protein levels. Lentivirus-mediated shRNA knockdown of MMP14 in iCPCs resulted in a marked decrease in its mRNA and protein expression. MMP14 knockdown significantly impaired collective migration of iCPCs, as evidenced by reduced wound closure rates in scratch assays and decreased numbers of migrated cells in Transwell assays. High-content live-cell imaging revealed that MMP14-deficient iCPCs displayed more erratic migration trajectories and a lower straight-line migration ratio. Single-cell adhesion assays showed extracellular matrix (ECM)-dependent alterations: cell adhesion was enhanced on matrigel-coated surfaces but weakened under uncoated conditions. MMP14 knockdown also led to reduced proliferation, decreased collagen degradation, diminished F-actin expression, fewer peripheral adhesion sites, and downregulation of CD44 protein expression, without significantly affecting the expression of chondrogenic genes such as SOX6, SOX9, COL1A1, COL2A1, RUNX2, and TWIST1. Transcriptomic analysis further revealed that MMP14 knockdown significantly downregulated genes involved in extracellular matrix organization, cell adhesion, migration, and tissue development, with enrichment in pathways including ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and MAPK signaling. Conclusion:MMP14 plays a critical role in the directional migration of chondrogenic precursor cells by regulating ECM remodeling, adhesion signaling, and cytoskeletal proteins.