ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of α-ketoglutarate （α-KG） on hepatic lipid deposition in offspring caused by arsenic exposure during pregnancy. Methods8-week-old institute of cancer research （ICR） mice were mated in a ratio of 2∶1 between females and males， and the detection of vaginal plugs confirmed pregnant. A total of 32 pregnant mice were randomly divided into four groups： control group， arsenic group， α-KG group， arsenic+α-KG group. On gestational day 0-16 （GD0-GD16）， the arsenic and arsenic+α-KG groups were exposed to sodium arsenite （NaAsO₂ ，15 mg/L） in drinking water everyday， and the α-KG and arsenic+α-KG groups were gavaged with α-KG （2 g/kg） everyday. On GD16， pregnant mice were euthanized to collect fetal liver， and fetal body weight and crown-rump length were measured. Gene expression differences between the control group and the arsenic group were analyzed by transcriptome. The total triglycerides （TGs） and subtypes in fetal liver were detected by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry （LC-MS/MS）. Oil red O staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the liver. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction （qPCR） was used to detect the expression level of genes related to lipid synthesis， transport， and degradation， and phosphatidylinositol 3' -kinase/ protein kinase B （PI3K/AKT） in the liver of fetus. ResultsTranscriptomics analysis showed that 2 144 genes were downregulated and 1 675 genes were upregulated in the arsenic exposed fetal liver； body weight and crown-rump length were reduced （P_TuKey<0.05）； the level of hepatic TGs was elevated in arsenic group （P_TuKey<0.05）； oil-red O staining showed a significant increase in lipid droplets in arsenic group （P_TuKey<0.01）； the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes were significantly upregulated （P_TuKey<0.05）； the expression of β-oxidation-related genes and lipid degradation-related genes were downregulated （P_TuKey<0.05）； the expression of PI3K， AKT decreased（P_TuKey<0.05）. Compared with the arsenic group， the body weight and crown-rump length of fetus increased in the arsenic+α-KG group （P_TuKey<0.05）； the level of hepatic TGs decreased in the arsenic+α-KG group （P_TuKey<0.05）； oil red O staining showed lipid droplets significantly decreased （P_TuKey<0.01）； the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes were downregulated （P_TuKey<0.05）， the expression of β-oxidation-related genes and lipid degradation-related genes were upregulated （P_TuKey<0.05）； the expression levels of PI3K and AKT increased （P_TuKey<0.05）. Conclusionα-KG alleviated hepatic lipid deposition in offspring exposed to arsenic during pregnancy through activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Objectives: . This study aimed to explore the role of the Pcdh15 gene in hearing maintenance and to examine the effects of its deficiency on cochlear structure, cochlear function, and hearing loss in mice. Methods: . CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to generate Pcdh15 knockout (KO) mice. Auditory function was evaluated using hearing tests, while histological approaches were employed to assess morphological changes in cochlear hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on cochlear tissue from postnatal day 18 (P18) wild-type (WT) and Pcdh15 KO mice to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). These DEGs were subjected to functional annotation and pathway analysis, with particular emphasis on oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were quantified using flow cytometry and DCFH-DA assays. Results: . Pcdh15 KO mice exhibited progressive sensorineural hearing loss, which worsened to profound deafness by P18. Notably, cochlear hair cells and SGNs showed substantial loss and pronounced morphological abnormalities, particularly within the basal high-frequency region. RNA-seq analysis identified 1,359 DEGs, including 1,024 downregulated and 335 upregulated genes. Pathway analysis indicated that Pcdh15 deficiency was associated with inhibition of the OXPHOS pathway, potentially disrupting mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I, III, IV, and V and thereby impairing energy production and ATP metabolism. In addition, early-stage cochleae from KO mice demonstrated elevated ROS levels and increased oxidative stress, suggesting that redox imbalance may contribute to hearing damage. Conclusion . Pcdh15 plays a critical role in hearing maintenance. Its deficiency is associated with severe hearing loss and marked cochlear abnormalities, which are linked to inhibition of OXPHOS, disruption of energy metabolism, and exacerbation of oxidative stress. Together, these findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying hearing loss and suggest potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

ObjectiveTo explore the ameliorative effect of the endoplasmic reticulum stress inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid （4-PBA） on bile acid metabolism disorders induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharide （LPS） in late-pregnant mice， and to clarify the regulatory mechanism of endoplasmic reticulum stress （ERS） in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy （ICP）. MethodsTwenty-four pregnant mice were divided into control group， LPS group， 4-PBA group， and LPS+4-PBA group. On the 16th day of pregnancy， the LPS group received intraperitoneal injection of LPS （200 μg/kg） and the 4-PBA group received injection of 4-PBA （150 mg/kg）. In the LPS+4-PBA group， 4-PBA was intraperitoneally injected first， followed by LPS administration 1 h later. Serum total bile acid （TBA）， liver injury markers， bile acid profiles， and the expression of key genes and proteins were detected 6 h after LPS treatment. ResultsLPS exposure increased serum TBA levels in pregnant mice（P<0.05）， activated ERS markers and inflammatory factors， and downregulated bile acid transporters and the expression of the rate limiting enzyme CYP7A1（all P<0.05）. 4-PBA intervention effectively inhibited ERS， reduced TBA levels（P<0.05）， and upregulated Ntcp， Bsep， Mdr3， and Mrp3 gene expression（all P<0.05）. ConclusionERS plays an important role in LPS interference with the homeostasis of bile acid metabolism during pregnancy. Inhibiting ERS can improve bile stasis by regulating bile acid transporters， providing a theoretical basis for targeted therapy of ICP.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective To investigate the effects of varying pulse intervals in the programmed intermittent epidural bolus(PIEB)mode on labor analgesia in primiparous and multiparous women,and to evaluate the differ-ences in analgesic outcomes between these two groups.Methods A total of 60 primiparous and 60 multiparous women who met the inclusion criteria were recruited and randomly allocated into two groups:a 45-minute pulse interval group(P45 group,n=30)and a 60-minute pulse interval group(P60 group,n=30).Epidural labor anal-gesia was initiated when cervical dilation reached 1～3 cm.The programmed intermittent epidural bolus(PIEB)mode was started 45 minutes after analgesia commencement in the P45 group and 60 minutes after analgesia com-mencement in the P60 group.Each pulse delivered 10 ml of a solution containing 0.08%ropivacaine and 0.5 μg/ml sufentanil.Pain scores were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale(VAS)at five specific time points:baseline(t0),1 hour post-analgesia initiation(t1),2 hours post-analgesia initiation(t2),full cervical dilation(t3),and delivery(t4).Secondary outcomes included Bromage scores,the number of patient-controlled analgesia(PCA)button presses,total drug consumption,and adverse reactions.Results In primiparous women,the VAS score at t1 was significantly lower in the P45 group compared to the P60 group(P<0.05),whereas no significant differences were observed in VAS scores between the two groups at t2—t4.The median PCA press count was also significantly lower in the P45 group than in the P60 group(P<0.05).However,there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of total drug consumption,Bromage scores,or the incidence of adverse events(P>0.05).In multiparous women,no significant differences were found in VAS scores,Bromage scores,or PCA press counts between the P45 and P60 groups at any time point(P>0.05).Conversely,total drug consumption was significantly higher in the P45 group compared to the P60 group(P<0.05).Conclusions For primiparous women,a 45-minute pulse interval in the PIEB mode not only provides superior labor analgesia but also significantly reduces the frequency of PCA presses without escalating the risk or severity of motor block or adverse events.For multiparous women,the pulse interval does not substantially influence the effectiveness of labor analgesia.These findings contribute valuable new evidence for refining clinical labor analgesia protocols.

Objective To control the stepwise release of vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGF-A)within the microcapsules,and to analyze the effects of the microcapsules on cellular angiogenic capability.Methods VEGF-A encapsulated poly(lactic-co-gly-colic acid)(PLGA)microcapsules were prepared using a method combining dual-channel coaxial injection and continuous flow technol-ogy.The release and degradation performance of the microcapsules were characterized using a phosphate-buffered saline(PBS)soaking method.The biocompatibility of the microcapsules was assessed through the CCK-8 method and Calcein-AM/PI staining method.The impact of microcapsule extract on cellular angiogenesis ability was examined by conducting cell scratch assays and tubule formation ex-periments.Results The microcapsules were round in shape,with their particle diameter measuring in the range of hundreds of mi-crometers.Microcapsules with a molecular weight(Mw)-12 ku can release a large amount of VEGF-A in the initial phase,while Mw-30 ku ones had the capacity to provide a stable,long-term,low-dose release of VEGF-A.Microcapsules of Mw-12 ku exhibited outstanding potential for enhancing the healing of cell scratch wounds in the initial phase.Moreover,within the 0-12 day period,the two types of microcapsule extracts significantly enhanced the ability of cells to form tubules in vitro.Conclusion This study successfully regulated the release profile of VEGF-A by adjusting the molecular weight of PLGA,achieving an initial rapid and substantial release of VEGF-A followed by a sustained slow release over time,while maintaining its biological activity throughout the process.

Objective To investigate the effects of varying pulse intervals in the programmed intermittent epidural bolus(PIEB)mode on labor analgesia in primiparous and multiparous women,and to evaluate the differ-ences in analgesic outcomes between these two groups.Methods A total of 60 primiparous and 60 multiparous women who met the inclusion criteria were recruited and randomly allocated into two groups:a 45-minute pulse interval group(P45 group,n=30)and a 60-minute pulse interval group(P60 group,n=30).Epidural labor anal-gesia was initiated when cervical dilation reached 1～3 cm.The programmed intermittent epidural bolus(PIEB)mode was started 45 minutes after analgesia commencement in the P45 group and 60 minutes after analgesia com-mencement in the P60 group.Each pulse delivered 10 ml of a solution containing 0.08%ropivacaine and 0.5 μg/ml sufentanil.Pain scores were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale(VAS)at five specific time points:baseline(t0),1 hour post-analgesia initiation(t1),2 hours post-analgesia initiation(t2),full cervical dilation(t3),and delivery(t4).Secondary outcomes included Bromage scores,the number of patient-controlled analgesia(PCA)button presses,total drug consumption,and adverse reactions.Results In primiparous women,the VAS score at t1 was significantly lower in the P45 group compared to the P60 group(P<0.05),whereas no significant differences were observed in VAS scores between the two groups at t2—t4.The median PCA press count was also significantly lower in the P45 group than in the P60 group(P<0.05).However,there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of total drug consumption,Bromage scores,or the incidence of adverse events(P>0.05).In multiparous women,no significant differences were found in VAS scores,Bromage scores,or PCA press counts between the P45 and P60 groups at any time point(P>0.05).Conversely,total drug consumption was significantly higher in the P45 group compared to the P60 group(P<0.05).Conclusions For primiparous women,a 45-minute pulse interval in the PIEB mode not only provides superior labor analgesia but also significantly reduces the frequency of PCA presses without escalating the risk or severity of motor block or adverse events.For multiparous women,the pulse interval does not substantially influence the effectiveness of labor analgesia.These findings contribute valuable new evidence for refining clinical labor analgesia protocols.

[Objective]To investigate the demyelination induced by Angiostrongylus cantonensis(AC)infection in the brain of Balb/c mice and analyze the untargeted metabolomic changes in the corpus callosum,aiming to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.[Methods]Balb/c mice were randomly assigned to a control group(n=6)and an infection group(n=6).The infection group was orally administered 30 third-stage larvae of AC,while the control group received an equal volume of saline.Body weight,visual function,and behavioral scores were measured on post-infection 3,6,9,12,15,18,and 21 days to assess neurological alterations.After 21 days,brain tissues were harvested for immunofluorescence staining,hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining,and transmission electron microscopy to examine morphological changes in brain myelin and retina.Metabolomics analysis was performed,and differential metabolites were identified using volcano plots and heatmaps.The distribution of fold changes and bar charts were used to profile the key metabolites.These differential metabolites were then subjected to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis and regulatory network analysis.[Results]On the 9th day after AC infection,Balb/c mice showed a decline in neurological behavioral scores(P<0.05).By day 15,visual scores decreased(P<0.05),and by day 21,significant weight loss(P＜0.001)and mortality were observed.Concurrently,transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence staining revealed significant myelin damage in the corpus callosum and a marked reduction in oligodendrocytes(P<0.001).HE staining showed severe retinal ganglion cell damage.Metabolomic analysis revealed that glycerophospholipids were the most abundant differential metabolites,with steroids and sphingolipids being relatively less abundant.Cholesteryl ester CE(20:2)was significantly upregulated(P<0.001),while phosphatidylmethanol(18:0_18:1)was significantly downregulated(P<0.01).KEGG enrichment and regulatory network analyses demonstrated that the differential metabolites were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways like steroid biosynthesis,bile secretion,and cholesterol metabolism,and were involved in key metabolic pathways such as sphingolipid metabolism,neural signal regulation,and glycerophospholipid metabolism.[Conclusions]AC infection affects the metabolic state of mice via multiple pathways,modifying the levels of metabolites crucial for myelination and myelin stability.Demyelination may be closely linked to the disruption of these key metabolic pathways,particularly the dysregulation of cholesterol and sphingolipid metabolism,potentially playing a central role in demyelination onset.Furthermore,alterations in phospholipid metabolism and abnormal nerve signaling regulation may exacerbate myelin damage.

To analyze the standard establishment approach and compilation rationale for metallic pharmaceutical packaging standard development in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China.This article systematically explained the background and process of establishing the guiding principles for metallic materials and containers used in pharmaceutical packaging in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia through basic information,relevant domestic and international standards,the establishment of key quality attributes of metallic pharmaceutical packaging materials,and the construction of metallic pharmaceutical packaging material standards.The newly established guidelines,the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China 9625,prioritized product critical quality attributes(CQAs)and real-world applicability.This dual emphasis on rigidity and adaptability enhances drug safety,meets the regulatory requirements,and promotes the globalization and scientific advancement of China's pharmaceutical packaging industry.

Objective:To explore the factors associated with the efficacy of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of neuropathic pain (NP) following spinal cord injury (SCI).Methods:This was a retrospective study of 89 SCI survivors with NP receiving high-frequency rTMS. Those with a ≥30% reduction in their Numeric Rating Scales (NRS) scores after 2 weeks of treatment were termed Responders ( n=36), with the others classified as non-responders ( n=53). Demographic data (gender, education level, age), SCI characteristics (injury etiology, injury severity, neurological injury level, injury duration), NP characteristics (pain type, pain intensity, analgesic use), functional assessment (Modified Ashworth Scale score, Spinal Cord Independence Measure score, Modified Barthel Index score, American Spinal Injury Association motor/sensory score) were collected. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used for variable selection, followed by binary logistic regression to identify factors associated with treatment efficacy. Results:Among the 89 patients, 36 (40.4%) were Responders to high-frequency rTMS. Binary logistic regression revealed that those with a cervical spinal cord injury and/or spasticity and women were more likely to respond to high-frequency rTMS.Conclusions:Female gender, cervical spinal cord injury, and spasticity are independent factors predicting rTMS efficacy in treating SCI, with spasticity demonstrating the strongest association.