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 evaluate the efficacy and safety of brexpiprazole in treating acute schizophrenia.Methods Patients with schizophrenia were randomly divided into treatment group and control group.The treatment group was given brexpiprozole 2-4 mg·d-1 orally and the control group was given aripiprazole 10-20 mg·d-1orally,both were treated for 6 weeks.Clinical efficacy of the two groups,the response rate at endpoint,the changes from baseline to endpoint of Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS),Clinical Global Impression-Improvement(CGI-S),Personal and Social Performance scale(PSP),PANSS Positive syndrome subscale,PANSS negative syndrome subscale were compared.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events in two groups were compared.Results There were 184 patients in treatment group and 186 patients in control group.After treatment,the response rates of treatment group and control group were 79.50％(140 cases/184 cases)and 82.40％(150 cases/186 cases),the scores of CGI-I of treatment group and control group were(2.00±1.20)and(1.90±1.01),with no significant difference(all P＞0.05).From baseline to Week 6,the mean change of PANSS total score wese(-30.70±16.96)points in treatment group and(-32.20±17.00)points in control group,with no significant difference(P＞0.05).The changes of CGI-S scores in treatment group and control group were(-2.00±1.27)and(-1.90±1.22)points,PSP scores were(18.80±14.77)and(19.20±14.55)points,PANSS positive syndrome scores were(-10.30±5.93)and(-10.80±5.81)points,PANSS negative syndrome scores were(-6.80±5.98)and(-7.30±5.15)points,with no significant difference(P＞0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of treatment-related adverse events between the two group(69.00％vs.64.50％,P＞0.05).Conclusion The non-inferiority of Brexpiprazole to aripiprazole was established,with comparable efficacy and acceptability.

Objective To analyze the risk factors for severe illness caused by coronavirus disease 2019 in Fuzhou city.Methods The data of 4081 confirmed cases with current address in Fuzhou was collected from China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention from January 1 to June 30,2023.The epidemiological data of those cases was investigated such as the demographic characteristics,clinical manifestations and past medical history,etc.The risk factors of severe cases were analyzed by using the logistic regression.Results 4081 confirmed cases had been reported including 671 severe cases and 3410 non-severe cases.The demographic characteristics of severe cases,such as the proportion of male,age and current address in community were higher than that of non-severe cases,vaccination rate was lower than non-severe cases(59.02%vs.80.12%),the differences are statistically significant(P＜0.001).The clinical manifestations such as interval time between onset and visit(P=0.001),fever(P=0.002),difficulty in breathing/shortness of breath(P=0.001)were the factors related to severe illness.The past medical histories such as history of chronic lung disease,history of heart cerebrovascular disease of severe cases,were higher than that of non-severe cases(P＜0.001).Multivariate logistic regression showed that the male,the higher age,current address in community,no vaccination,the longer interval time between onset and visit,fever,difficulty in breathing/shortness of breath,the history of chronic lung disease,the history of heart cerebrovascular disease raised the risk of becoming severe cases.The healing time for severe cases was longer than that for non-severe cases(P＜0.001).Conclusion Sex,age,current address,vaccination,interval time between onset and visit,fever,difficulty in breathing/shortness of breath,history of chronic lung disease,and history of heart cerebrovascular disease are the influencing factors for severe illness.

Pupil size, as a window into the minds of others, plays a crucial role in social interaction. While previous studies have focused on the influence of non-social factors, such as the physical properties of stimuli, on pupil diameter, recent research has emphasized the significant connection between social information processing and pupil size. In this comprehensive review, we aim to explore how the processing of social stimuli (e.g., face, biological motion) and their emotional characteristics affect pupil size. In essence, pupil size is believed to reflect an individual’s perception of social stimuli. It goes beyond simple physical properties and encompasses the processing of complex social information, including social contexts and interactions. The modulation of pupil size in response to social stimuli is believed to be driven by two key mechanisms: emotional arousal and social attention. When individuals encounter emotionally charged social cues, their pupils tend to dilate, indicating heightened emotional engagement. Similarly, the dilation of pupils when individuals focus on specific social cues suggests an increased allocation of cognitive resources to process relevant social information. Furthermore, the connection between pupil size and social information processing has provided intriguing findings in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Known for their significant social deficits, individuals with ASD exhibited abnormal pupillary responses when presented with social stimuli. These findings raise the possibility of utilizing pupillary responses as a potential index for identifying individuals with ASD at a relatively younger age. Moreover, the incorporation of pupillary response measurements in the diagnosis holds great promise in transcending the limitations of the minimum diagnostic age. This can have important implications both in terms of theoretical understanding and practical applications related to the diagnosis and intervention of ASD.

Objective To investigate the implementation of surveillance,prevention and control measures for healthcare-associated infection(HAI)in maternal and child healthcare(MCH)institutions,and provide policy evi-dence for optimizing HAI prevention and control in MCH institutions.Methods Stratified sampling was conducted among the MCH institutions at provincial,municipal and county levels in 8 provinces/autonomous regions.A uni-fied questionnaire was designed and the online survey was conducted through"Questionnaire Star".Results The data from 123 MCH institutions were included in the analysis.90.24％of the MCH institutions carried out compre-hensive surveillance on HAI.The ratios of MCH institutions which implemented targeted surveillance on HAI in neonatal intensive care unit(NICU),surgical site infection,multidrug-resistant organisms(MDROs)and HAI in intensive care units(non-NICU excluded)were 89.66％,85.96％,80.77％,and 74.19％,respectively.51.22％MCH institutions adopted information surveillance system on HAI cases.94.31％MCH institutions carried out surveillance on hand hygiene compliance.Over 90％MCH institutions carried out surveillance on environment hy-giene in high-risk departments.71.54％MCH institutions conducted centralized cleaning,disinfection,sterilization and supply for reusable medical instruments in the central sterile supply department(CSSD).Over 90％MCH insti-tutions established three-level pre-examination triage systems.86.18％set up transitional wards.MCH institutions generally adopted a management model with established effective communication,full appointment visits,and sepa-rate visits for special medical groups,such as registered pregnant women,high-risk newborns,healthcare groups,and long-term rehabilitation patients.However,the ratio of institutions conducting on-line follow-up visits was less than 50％.Conclusion MCH institutions have generally carried out comprehensive and targeted surveillance on HAI.Information surveillance need to be facilitated.Hand hygiene and environmental hygiene surveillance has been popularized to a certain extent at all levels of MCH institutions.The cleaning,disinfection,sterilization,and supply processes of reusable medical devices in a few MCH institutions are not standardized.Special medical populations get effective management.On-line healthcare is to be further promoted.

Objective:To analyze the methylation characteristics of the lymphocyte-specific protein-tyrosine kinase (LCK) promoter region in the peripheral blood circulation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and its correlation with clinical indicators.Methods:Targeted methylation sequencing was used to compare the methylation levels of 7 CpG sites in the LCK promoter region in the peripheral blood of RA patients with healthy controls (HC) and osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Correlation analysis and ROC curve construction were performed with clinical information.Results:Non-parametric tests revealed that compared with HC [0.53(0.50, 0.57)] and OA patients [0.59(0.54, 0.62), H=47.17, P<0.001], RA patients [0.63(0.59, 0.68)] exhibited an overall increase in methylation levels. Simultaneously, when compared with the HC group [0.38(0.35, 0.41), 0.59(0.55, 0.63), 0.60(0.55, 0.64), 0.59(0.55, 0.63), 0.58(0.53, 0.62), 0.45(0.43, 0.49), 0.57(0.54, 0.61)], the RA group [0.46(0.42, 0.49), 0.70(0.65, 0.75), 0.70(0.66, 0.76), 0.70(0.65, 0.75), 0.69(0.64, 0.74), 0.55(0.51, 0.59), 0.68(0.63, 0.73)] showed a significant elevation in methylation levels at CpG sites cg05350315_60, cg05350315_80, cg05350315_95, cg05350315_101, cg05350315_104, cg05350315_128, and cg05350315_142, with statistically significant differences ( Z=-5.63, -5.89, -5.91, -5.89, -5.98, -5.95, -5.95, all P<0.001). Compared with the OA group [0.65(0.59, 0.69), 0.65(0.60, 0.69), 0.64(0.58, 0.68), 0.50(0.45, 0.54), 0.63(0.58, 0.67)], the RA group [0.70(0.66, 0.76), 0.70(0.65, 0.75), 0.69(0.64, 0.74), 0.55(0.51, 0.59), 0.68(0.63, 0.73)] exhibited a significant increase in methylation levels at CpG sites cg05350315_95, cg05350315_101, cg05350315_104, cg05350315_128, and cg05350315_142, with statistically significant differences ( Z=-3.56, -3.52, -3.60, -3.67, -3.62; P=0.036, 0.042, 0.031, 0.030, 0.030). Furthermore, Pearson correlation coefficient analysis revealed a positive correlation between the overall methylation level in this region and C-reactive protein (CRP) ( r=0.19, P=0.004) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( r=0.14, P=0.035). The overall methylation level of the LCK promoter region in the CRP (low) group [0.63 (0.58, 0.68)] was higher than that in the CRP (high) group [0.65(0.61, 0.70)], with statistically significant differences ( Z=2.60, P=0.009). Finally, by constru-cting a ROC curve, the discriminatory efficacy of peripheral blood LCK promoter region methylation levels for identifying RA patients, especially seronegative RA patients, from HC and OA groups was validated, with an AUC value of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.63, 0.93). Conclusion:This study provides insights into the methylation status and methylation haplotype patterns of the LCK promoter region in the peripheral blood of RA patients. The overall methylation level in this region is positively correlated with the level of inflammation and can be used to differentiate seronegative RA patients from the HC and OA patients.

BACKGROUND:We aimed to observe the dynamic changes in glucose metabolic reprogramming-related parameters and their ability to predict neurological prognosis and all-cause mortality in cardiac arrest patients after the restoration of spontaneous circulation(ROSC). METHODS:Adult cardiac arrest patients after ROSC who were admitted to the emergency or cardiac intensive care unit of the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from August 1,2017,to May 30,2021,were enrolled.According to 28-day survival,the patients were divided into a non-survival group(n=82)and a survival group(n=38).Healthy adult volunteers(n=40)of similar ages and sexes were selected as controls.The serum levels of glucose metabolic reprogramming-related parameters(lactate dehydrogenase[LDH],lactate and pyruvate),neuron-specific enolase(NSE)and interleukin 6(IL-6)were measured on days 1,3,and 7 after ROSC.The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ(APACHE Ⅱ)score and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)score were calculated.The Cerebral Performance Category(CPC)score was recorded on day 28 after ROSC. RESULTS:Following ROSC,the serum LDH(607.0 U/L vs.286.5 U/L),lactate(5.0 mmol/L vs.2.0 mmol/L),pyruvate(178.0 μmol/L vs.70.9 μmol/L),and lactate/pyruvate ratio(34.1 vs.22.1)significantly increased and were higher in the non-survivors than in the survivors on admission(all P＜0.05).Moreover,the serum LDH,pyruvate,IL-6,APACHE Ⅱ score,and SOFA score on days 1,3 and 7 after ROSC were significantly associated with 28-day poor neurological prognosis and 28-day all-cause mortality(all P＜0.05).The serum LDH concentration on day 1 after ROSC had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of 0.904[95％confidence interval[95％CI]:0.851-0.957])with 96.8％specificity for predicting 28-day neurological prognosis and an AUC of 0.950(95％CI:0.911-0.989)with 94.7％specificity for predicting 28-day all-cause mortality,which was the highest among the glucose metabolic reprogramming-related parameters tested. CONCLUSION:Serum parameters related to glucose metabolic reprogramming were significantly increased after ROSC.Increased serum LDH and pyruvate levels,and lactate/pyruvate ratio may be associated with 28-day poor neurological prognosis and all-cause mortality after ROSC,and the predictive efficacy of LDH during the first week was superior to others.

BACKGROUND:We aimed to observe the dynamic changes in glucose metabolic reprogramming-related parameters and their ability to predict neurological prognosis and all-cause mortality in cardiac arrest patients after the restoration of spontaneous circulation(ROSC). METHODS:Adult cardiac arrest patients after ROSC who were admitted to the emergency or cardiac intensive care unit of the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from August 1,2017,to May 30,2021,were enrolled.According to 28-day survival,the patients were divided into a non-survival group(n=82)and a survival group(n=38).Healthy adult volunteers(n=40)of similar ages and sexes were selected as controls.The serum levels of glucose metabolic reprogramming-related parameters(lactate dehydrogenase[LDH],lactate and pyruvate),neuron-specific enolase(NSE)and interleukin 6(IL-6)were measured on days 1,3,and 7 after ROSC.The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ(APACHE Ⅱ)score and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)score were calculated.The Cerebral Performance Category(CPC)score was recorded on day 28 after ROSC. RESULTS:Following ROSC,the serum LDH(607.0 U/L vs.286.5 U/L),lactate(5.0 mmol/L vs.2.0 mmol/L),pyruvate(178.0 μmol/L vs.70.9 μmol/L),and lactate/pyruvate ratio(34.1 vs.22.1)significantly increased and were higher in the non-survivors than in the survivors on admission(all P＜0.05).Moreover,the serum LDH,pyruvate,IL-6,APACHE Ⅱ score,and SOFA score on days 1,3 and 7 after ROSC were significantly associated with 28-day poor neurological prognosis and 28-day all-cause mortality(all P＜0.05).The serum LDH concentration on day 1 after ROSC had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of 0.904[95％confidence interval[95％CI]:0.851-0.957])with 96.8％specificity for predicting 28-day neurological prognosis and an AUC of 0.950(95％CI:0.911-0.989)with 94.7％specificity for predicting 28-day all-cause mortality,which was the highest among the glucose metabolic reprogramming-related parameters tested. CONCLUSION:Serum parameters related to glucose metabolic reprogramming were significantly increased after ROSC.Increased serum LDH and pyruvate levels,and lactate/pyruvate ratio may be associated with 28-day poor neurological prognosis and all-cause mortality after ROSC,and the predictive efficacy of LDH during the first week was superior to others.

BACKGROUND:We aimed to observe the dynamic changes in glucose metabolic reprogramming-related parameters and their ability to predict neurological prognosis and all-cause mortality in cardiac arrest patients after the restoration of spontaneous circulation(ROSC). METHODS:Adult cardiac arrest patients after ROSC who were admitted to the emergency or cardiac intensive care unit of the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from August 1,2017,to May 30,2021,were enrolled.According to 28-day survival,the patients were divided into a non-survival group(n=82)and a survival group(n=38).Healthy adult volunteers(n=40)of similar ages and sexes were selected as controls.The serum levels of glucose metabolic reprogramming-related parameters(lactate dehydrogenase[LDH],lactate and pyruvate),neuron-specific enolase(NSE)and interleukin 6(IL-6)were measured on days 1,3,and 7 after ROSC.The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ(APACHE Ⅱ)score and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)score were calculated.The Cerebral Performance Category(CPC)score was recorded on day 28 after ROSC. RESULTS:Following ROSC,the serum LDH(607.0 U/L vs.286.5 U/L),lactate(5.0 mmol/L vs.2.0 mmol/L),pyruvate(178.0 μmol/L vs.70.9 μmol/L),and lactate/pyruvate ratio(34.1 vs.22.1)significantly increased and were higher in the non-survivors than in the survivors on admission(all P＜0.05).Moreover,the serum LDH,pyruvate,IL-6,APACHE Ⅱ score,and SOFA score on days 1,3 and 7 after ROSC were significantly associated with 28-day poor neurological prognosis and 28-day all-cause mortality(all P＜0.05).The serum LDH concentration on day 1 after ROSC had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of 0.904[95％confidence interval[95％CI]:0.851-0.957])with 96.8％specificity for predicting 28-day neurological prognosis and an AUC of 0.950(95％CI:0.911-0.989)with 94.7％specificity for predicting 28-day all-cause mortality,which was the highest among the glucose metabolic reprogramming-related parameters tested. CONCLUSION:Serum parameters related to glucose metabolic reprogramming were significantly increased after ROSC.Increased serum LDH and pyruvate levels,and lactate/pyruvate ratio may be associated with 28-day poor neurological prognosis and all-cause mortality after ROSC,and the predictive efficacy of LDH during the first week was superior to others.

BACKGROUND:We aimed to observe the dynamic changes in glucose metabolic reprogramming-related parameters and their ability to predict neurological prognosis and all-cause mortality in cardiac arrest patients after the restoration of spontaneous circulation(ROSC). METHODS:Adult cardiac arrest patients after ROSC who were admitted to the emergency or cardiac intensive care unit of the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from August 1,2017,to May 30,2021,were enrolled.According to 28-day survival,the patients were divided into a non-survival group(n=82)and a survival group(n=38).Healthy adult volunteers(n=40)of similar ages and sexes were selected as controls.The serum levels of glucose metabolic reprogramming-related parameters(lactate dehydrogenase[LDH],lactate and pyruvate),neuron-specific enolase(NSE)and interleukin 6(IL-6)were measured on days 1,3,and 7 after ROSC.The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ(APACHE Ⅱ)score and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)score were calculated.The Cerebral Performance Category(CPC)score was recorded on day 28 after ROSC. RESULTS:Following ROSC,the serum LDH(607.0 U/L vs.286.5 U/L),lactate(5.0 mmol/L vs.2.0 mmol/L),pyruvate(178.0 μmol/L vs.70.9 μmol/L),and lactate/pyruvate ratio(34.1 vs.22.1)significantly increased and were higher in the non-survivors than in the survivors on admission(all P＜0.05).Moreover,the serum LDH,pyruvate,IL-6,APACHE Ⅱ score,and SOFA score on days 1,3 and 7 after ROSC were significantly associated with 28-day poor neurological prognosis and 28-day all-cause mortality(all P＜0.05).The serum LDH concentration on day 1 after ROSC had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of 0.904[95％confidence interval[95％CI]:0.851-0.957])with 96.8％specificity for predicting 28-day neurological prognosis and an AUC of 0.950(95％CI:0.911-0.989)with 94.7％specificity for predicting 28-day all-cause mortality,which was the highest among the glucose metabolic reprogramming-related parameters tested. CONCLUSION:Serum parameters related to glucose metabolic reprogramming were significantly increased after ROSC.Increased serum LDH and pyruvate levels,and lactate/pyruvate ratio may be associated with 28-day poor neurological prognosis and all-cause mortality after ROSC,and the predictive efficacy of LDH during the first week was superior to others.