ObjectiveTo evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the novel magnolol ester derivative YW and to investigate its effects on chondrocyte senescence and preliminary mechanisms. MethodsMagnolol and p-methylbenzoic acid were used as raw materials to synthesize the magnolol ester derivative YW （Molecular Formula： C₂₆H₂₄O₃， Molecular Weight： 384.17， HPLC Purity >96%） via DCC/DMAP-catalyzed esterification. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the CCK-8 assay. A lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-induced RAW264.7 macrophage activation model and an interleukin-1β （IL-1β）-induced rat primary chondrocyte model were established. The release and mRNA expression of inflammatory factors including nitric oxide （NO）， IL-1β， tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-α）， and IL-6 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， Griess reagent method， and quantitative real-time PCR （RT-qPCR）. The expression of senescence markers such as inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS）， pro-interleukin-1β （pro-IL-1β）， lysine acetyltransferase 7 （KAT7）， cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A （p21）， and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A （p16）， as well as proteins related to chondrocyte extracellular matrix synthesis and catabolism， were analyzed by Western blot （WB）. Molecular docking was performed using Discovery Studio 2019 to validate target binding. ResultsYW exhibited no significant cytotoxicity at concentrations ≤20 μmol/L. YW concentration-dependently inhibited LPS-induced macrophage inflammatory cytokine release， significantly downregulated iNOS， Pro-IL-1β protein， and inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression （P<0.01）. YW stably bound to KAT7 protein （binding energy： -94.2 kcal/mol）； YW downregulated KAT7 and aging marker protein expression in naturally aged and IL-1β-induced chondrocyte models （P<0.01）； YW regulated chondrocyte matrix synthesis and catabolic protein expression in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes （P<0.01）. ConclusionYW inhibits macrophage activation and inflammatory cytokine release while downregulating KAT7 and senescence marker protein expression in chondrocytes， thereby blocking chondrocyte senescence.

ObjectiveAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties with communication and social interaction, restricted and repetitive behaviors. Previous studies have indicated that individuals with ASD exhibit early and lifelong attention deficits, which are closely related to the core symptoms of ASD. Basic visual attention processes may provide a critical foundation for their social communication and interaction abilities. Therefore, this study explores the behavior of children with ASD in capturing attention to changes in topological properties. MethodsOur study recruited twenty-seven ASD children diagnosed by professional clinicians according to DSM-5 and twenty-eight typically developing (TD) age-matched controls. In an attention capture task, we recorded the saccadic behaviors of children with ASD and TD in response to topological change (TC) and non-topological change (nTC) stimuli. Saccadic reaction time (SRT), visual search time (VS), and first fixation dwell time (FFDT) were used as indicators of attentional bias. Pearson correlation tests between the clinical assessment scales and attentional bias were conducted. ResultsThis study found that TD children had significantly faster SRT (P<0.05) and VS (P<0.05) for the TC stimuli compared to the nTC stimuli, while the children with ASD did not exhibit significant differences in either measure (P>0.05). Additionally, ASD children demonstrated significantly less attention towards the TC targets (measured by FFDT), in comparison to TD children (P<0.05). Furthermore, ASD children exhibited a significant negative linear correlation between their attentional bias (measured by VS) and their scores on the compulsive subscale (P<0.05). ConclusionThe results suggest that children with ASD have difficulty shifting their attention to objects with topological changes during change detection. This atypical attention may affect the child’s cognitive and behavioral development, thereby impacting their social communication and interaction. In sum, our findings indicate that difficulties in attentional capture by TC may be a key feature of ASD.

Circadian rhythms are core regulatory mechanisms that evolved to align biological functions with the Earth's rotation. These rhythms are conserved across organisms from unicellular life to multicellular species and play essential roles in metabolism, immune responses, and sleep-wake cycle. Circadian disruptions are strongly associated with various diseases. Over the past decades, genetic studies in Drosophila and mice have identified key conserved clock genes and uncovered transcription-translation feedback loops governing circadian regulation. Additionally, rhythmic neurons in the brain integrate complex neural circuits to precisely regulate physiological and behavioral rhythms. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the neuronal circuit mechanisms of rhythmic neurons in the Drosophila brain and discusses future directions for translating circadian rhythm research into chronomedicine and precision therapies.
Animals ; Circadian Rhythm/genetics* ; Neurons/physiology* ; Drosophila/physiology* ; Brain/physiology* ; Nerve Net/physiology*

This study aims to explore the synergistic effects of the main components in salvianolic acids for Injection(SAFI) on key pathological events in cerebral ischemia, elucidating the pharmacological characteristics of SAFI in neuroprotection. Two major pathological gene modules related to endothelial injury and neuroinflammation in cerebral ischemia were mined from single-cell data. According to the topological distance calculated in network medicine, potential synergistic component combinations of SAFI were screened out. The results showed that the combination of caffeic acid and salvianolic acid B scored the highest in addressing both endothelial injury and neuroinflammation, demonstrating potential synergistic effects. The cell experiments confirmed that the combination of these two components at a ratio of 1∶1 significantly protected brain microvascular endothelial cells(bEnd.3) from oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R)-induced reperfusion injury and effectively suppressed lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced neuroinflammatory responses in microglial cells(BV-2). This study provides a new method for uncovering synergistic effects among active components in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and offers novel insights into the multi-component, multi-target acting mechanisms of TCM.
Brain Ischemia/metabolism* ; Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology* ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Benzofurans/pharmacology* ; Mice ; Drug Synergism ; Caffeic Acids/pharmacology* ; Polyphenols/pharmacology* ; Humans ; Alkenes/pharmacology* ; Endothelial Cells/drug effects* ; Depsides

This study aims to integrate data mining techniques of single cell transcriptomics and spatial transcriptomics, along with animal experiment validation, so as to systematically characterize the protective effects of Jianpi Tongluo Formula(JTF) on the cartilage in knee osteoarthritis(KOA) and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Single cell transcriptomics and spatial transcriptomics datasets(GSE254844 and GSE255460) of the cartilage tissue obtained from KOA patients were analyzed to map the single cell-spatial heterogeneity and identify key pathogenic factors. After that, a KOA rat model was established via knee joint injection of papain. The intervention effects of JTF on the expression features of these key factors were assessed through real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemical staining. As a result, the integrated single cell and spatial transcriptomics data identified distinct cell subsets with different pathological changes in different regions of the inflamed cartilage tissue in KOA, and their differentiation trajectories were closely related to the inflammatory fibrosis-like pathological changes of chondrocytes. Accordingly, the expression levels of the two key effect targets, namely nuclear receptor coactivator 4(NCOA4) and high mobility group box 1(HMGB1) were significantly reduced in the articular surface and superficial zone of the inflamed joints when JTF effectively alleviated various pathological changes in KOA rats, thus reversing the abnormal chondrocyte autophagy level, relieving the inflammatory responses and fibrosis-like pathological changes, and promoting the repair of chondrocyte function. Collectively, this study revealed the heterogeneous characteristics and dynamic changes of inflamed cartilage tissue in different regions and different cell subsets in KOA patients. It is worth noting that NCOA4 and HMGB1 were crucial in regulating chondrocyte autophagy and inflammatory reaction, while JTF could reverse the regulation of NCOA4 and HMGB1 and correct the abnormal molecular signal axis in the target cells of the inflamed joints. The research can provide a new research idea and scientific basis for developing a personalized therapeutic schedule targeting the spatiotemporal heterogeneity characteristics of KOA.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Rats ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/pathology* ; Humans ; Male ; Cartilage, Articular/metabolism* ; Chondrocytes/metabolism* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Female ; Protective Agents/administration & dosage* ; Single-Cell Analysis ; Middle Aged ; HMGB1 Protein/metabolism*

Compounds isolated from Epimedium include the total flavonoids of Epimedium , icariin, and its metabolites (icaritin, icariside I, and icariside II), which have similar molecular structures. Modern pharmacological research and clinical practice have proved that Epimedium and its active components have a wide range of pharmacological effects, especially in improving sexual function, hormone regulation, anti-osteoporosis, immune function regulation, anti-oxidation, and anti-tumor activity. To date, we still need a comprehensive source of knowledge about the pharmacological effects of Epimedium and its bioactive compounds on the male reproductive system. However, their actions in other tissues have been reviewed in recent years. This review critically focuses on the Epimedium , its bioactive compounds, and the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that modulate vital pathways associated with the male reproductive system. Such intrinsic knowledge will significantly further studies on the Epimedium and its bioactive compounds that protect the male reproductive system and provide some guidances for clinical treatment of related male reproductive disorders.
Male ; Epimedium/chemistry* ; Humans ; Genitalia, Male/drug effects* ; Flavonoids/therapeutic use* ; Animals

A previous study showed that the length of the foreskin plays a role in the risk of sexually transmitted infections and chronic prostatitis, which can lead to poor quality of sexual life. Here, the association between foreskin length and sexual dysfunction was evaluated. A total of 5700 participants were recruited from the andrology clinic at The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (Hefei, China). Clinical characteristics, including foreskin length, were collected, and sexual function was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) and Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) questionnaires. Men with sexual dysfunction were more likely to have redundant foreskin than men without sexual dysfunction. Among the 2721 erectile dysfunction (ED) patients and 1064 premature ejaculation (PE) patients, 301 (11.1%) ED patients and 135 (12.7%) PE patients had redundant foreskin, respectively. Men in the PE group were more likely to have redundant foreskin than men in the non-PE group ( P = 0.004). Logistic regression analyses revealed that the presence of redundant foreskin was associated with increased odds of moderate/severe ED (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.31, adjusted P = 0.04), moderate PE (aOR = 1.38, adjusted P = 0.02), and probable PE (aOR = 1.37, adjusted P = 0.03) after adjusting for confounding variables. Our study revealed a positive correlation between the presence of redundant foreskin and the risk of sexual dysfunction, especially in PE patients. Assessment of the length of the foreskin during routine clinical diagnosis may provide information for patients with sexual dysfunction.
Humans ; Male ; Foreskin ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Adult ; Erectile Dysfunction/epidemiology* ; Premature Ejaculation/epidemiology* ; Middle Aged ; China/epidemiology* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/epidemiology* ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical value of CD4⁺ cell percentage (CD4⁺%) and NK cell percentage (NK%) in predicting treatment outcomes in children with aplastic anemia (AA), providing a reference for precise diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed the clinical data of AA children treated with cyclosporine A at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2019 to April 2024. The study involved 48 AA children as the observation group and 50 children undergoing medical check-ups during the same period as the control group. Lymphocyte subset data were collected from both groups to analyze differences and their relationship with treatment efficacy. Based on hematological responses, the observation group was divided into an effective group of 18 patients (HR group, including complete and partial remission) and an ineffective group of 30 patients (NHR group, including non-remission). RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed that NK% in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The observation group was followed up for 3 months. The HR group had a lower CD4⁺% than the NHR group (P=0.018) and a higher NK% than the NHR group (P=0.029). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that a high CD4⁺% was a risk factor for poor treatment efficacy (OR=1.062), whereas a high NK% was a protective factor (OR=0.820). The area under the curve for the prediction of HR in pediatric AA by combining CD4⁺% and NK% was 0.812. CONCLUSIONS A higher CD4⁺% at diagnosis is a predictor of poor treatment response, whereas a higher NK% is associated with better outcomes.
Humans ; Anemia, Aplastic/blood* ; Male ; Female ; Killer Cells, Natural ; Child ; Retrospective Studies ; Child, Preschool ; Prognosis ; Adolescent ; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes ; Infant

Objective: To investigate the awareness rate of non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) for AIDS and its influencing factors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province. Methods: From January to June 2024, MSM aged ≥16 years in Yangzhou City were recruited using the snowball sampling method. Basic information, sexual behavior characteristics, awareness and usage of nPEP, and awareness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for AIDS were collected through questionnaire surveys. Factors affecting awareness of nPEP among MSM were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression model. Results: A total of 740 participants were enrolled, with a median age of 29 (interquartile range, 14) years. There were 497 participants with a college degree and above educational level, accounting for 67.16%. A total of 541 participants resided in urban areas, accounting for 73.11%. The awareness rate of nPEP was 57.30%. The primary channels for awareness were the internet and healthcare institution promotions, with 159 and 119 participants, accounting for 37.50% and 28.07%, respectively. A total of 57 participants had utilized nPEP, with a usage rate of 7.70%. The main reason for using nPEP was having unprotected sex, with 21 participants, accounting for 36.84%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that unmarried MSM (OR=2.369, 95%CI: 1.236-4.540) and those who were aware of PrEP (OR=28.067, 95%CI: 17.664-44.597) had a significantly higher likelihood of being aware of nPEP. Conclusions The awareness rate and usage rate of nPEP among MSM in Yangzhou City are both relatively low. Awareness of nPEP is mainly influenced by marital status and whether participants are aware of PrEP.

ObjectiveNon-invasive magnetic stimulation technology has been widely used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but there is a lack of convenient and timely methods for evaluating and providing feedback on the effectiveness of the stimulation, which can be used to guide the adjustment of the stimulation protocol. This study aims to explore the possibility of heart rate variability (HRV) in diagnosing AD and guiding AD magnetic stimulation intervention techniques. MethodsIn this study, we used a 40 Hz, 10 mT pulsed magnetic field to expose AD mouse models to whole-body exposure for 18 d, and detected the behavioral and electroencephalographic signals before and after exposure, as well as the instant electrocardiographic signals after exposure every day. ResultsUsing one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient analysis, we found that some HRV indicators could identify AD mouse models as accurately as behavioral and electroencephalogram(EEG) changes (P<0.05) and significantly distinguish the severity of the disease (P<0.05), including rMSSD, pNN6, LF/HF, SD1/SD2, and entropy arrangement. These HRV indicators showed good correlation and statistical significance with behavioral and EEG changes (r>0.3, P<0.05); HRV indicators were significantly modulated by the magnetic field exposure before and after the exposure, both of which were observed in the continuous changes of electrocardiogram (ECG) (P<0.05), and the trend of the stimulation effect was more accurately observed in the continuous changes of ECG. ConclusionHRV can accurately reflect the pathophysiological changes and disease degree, quickly evaluate the effect of magnetic stimulation, and has the potential to guide the pattern of magnetic exposure, providing a new idea for the study of personalized electromagnetic neuroregulation technology for brain diseases.