The oocyte， as the origin of life， provides half the chromosomes to the embryo and supplies the proteins， substrates， energy， and other support necessary for embryonic development. It is the decisive factor determining the embryo's developmental potential. Infertility caused by reproductive endocrine diseases targets the oocyte as the final target cell. Improving oocyte quality represents a key and difficult point in the field of modern reproductive medicine. The decline of oocyte quality is related to meiosis abnormalities， DNA damage， mitochondrial dysfunction， oxidative stress， and other mechanisms. For oocyte quality problems， there is no unified international guideline to recommend drugs. Because the drug intervention research on oocytes involves strict clinical ethical restrictions， the current relevant research only stays in the animal and in vitro experimental stage and has not yet been applied to the clinic. Traditional Chinese medicine compound formula has a multi-target and multi-pathway regulation mechanism and is widely used in clinics. More and more research began to pay attention to the potential mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine compound formulas in improving oocyte quality. Traditional Chinese medicine compound formula has the advantages of multi-target and multi-channel synergy as well as better safety， individualization， and conformity to clinical ethics in improving oocyte quality. This article systematically reviewed the research progress on traditional Chinese medicine compound formula interventions for oocyte quality， aiming to summarize existing findings and provide recommendations to improve oocyte quality and optimize the clinical diagnosis and treatment of female infertility within traditional Chinese medicine.

The oocyte， as the origin of life， provides half the chromosomes to the embryo and supplies the proteins， substrates， energy， and other support necessary for embryonic development. It is the decisive factor determining the embryo's developmental potential. Infertility caused by reproductive endocrine diseases targets the oocyte as the final target cell. Improving oocyte quality represents a key and difficult point in the field of modern reproductive medicine. The decline of oocyte quality is related to meiosis abnormalities， DNA damage， mitochondrial dysfunction， oxidative stress， and other mechanisms. For oocyte quality problems， there is no unified international guideline to recommend drugs. Because the drug intervention research on oocytes involves strict clinical ethical restrictions， the current relevant research only stays in the animal and in vitro experimental stage and has not yet been applied to the clinic. Traditional Chinese medicine compound formula has a multi-target and multi-pathway regulation mechanism and is widely used in clinics. More and more research began to pay attention to the potential mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine compound formulas in improving oocyte quality. Traditional Chinese medicine compound formula has the advantages of multi-target and multi-channel synergy as well as better safety， individualization， and conformity to clinical ethics in improving oocyte quality. This article systematically reviewed the research progress on traditional Chinese medicine compound formula interventions for oocyte quality， aiming to summarize existing findings and provide recommendations to improve oocyte quality and optimize the clinical diagnosis and treatment of female infertility within traditional Chinese medicine.

Endothelial dysfunction induced by inflammation and oxidative stress represents a critical pathological mechanism in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, including sepsis and atherosclerosis. Although crebanine has been reported to possess antiinflammatory and analgesic properties, its effects on inflammation and oxidative stress in endothelial cells remain unknown. In this study, we assessed cell viability, apoptosis, and migration using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, and a wound healing assay, respectively. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the expression of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were determined by qRT-PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western blotting analysis. Our results demonstrated that crebanine alleviated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced apoptosis and dysfunction in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Crebanine treatment inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), ROS, and malondialdehyde (MDA), while it enhanced the activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). Mechanistically, crebanine suppressed LPS-induced activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in HUVECs. Furthermore, the improvement effect of crebanine on the inflammation and dysfunction in LPS-treated HUVECs was reversed by diprovocim, an NF-κB activator.These findings suggest that crebanine ameliorates LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in HUVECs by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, indicating its potential therapeutic value for treating vascular endothelial dysfunction-related diseases.

Background: and Purpose Vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysms (VBFAs) carry substantial morbidity and mortality, but optimal management for unruptured VBFAs remains unclear. We compared the safety and efficacy of conservative management (CM), stent-assisted coiling (SAC), and flow diverters (FDs) in patients with unruptured VBFAs, focusing on long-term prognosis. Methods: This study included data from a nationwide Chinese cohort of patients with vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) balanced confounders across groups. The primary outcome was poor prognosis (modified Rankin Scale score >2). Secondary outcomes included aneurysm rupture, ischemic stroke, compression symptoms, and VBFA-related deaths. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. Results: Among 1,115 patients with unruptured VBFAs, 838 (median age, 54 years; 655 men) were included. After IPTW, baseline characteristics were balanced. Median follow-up was 54 months. FD was associated with a lower risk of poor prognosis than CM (OR, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.30 to 0.77]; p=0.002), with no difference between CM and SAC. FD also reduced aneurysm rupture (OR, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.07 to 0.60]; p=0.004) and compression symptoms (OR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.13 to 0.68]; p=0.004) versus CM. Time-to-event analyses further revealed significant differences in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, whereas no significant differences were observed in basilar or vertebrobasilar junction lesions or in Type III–IV VBFAs. Conclusions Compared with CM, FD was associated with improved long-term outcomes in unruptured VBFAs, particularly in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, although residual confounding cannot be excluded.

Objective: To deeply explore the systemic management dilemmas affecting patients with chronic periodontitis in underdeveloped regions, providing practical pathways for achieving oral health equity. Methods: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Medical Ethics Committee, and written informed consent was obtained from the participants. Based on a comprehensive design integrating literature review and theory, an interview guide was developed. Using purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis who were from underdeveloped regions and attended the Stomatological Hospital of Southern Medical University between November 2025 and February 2026. The sample size was determined by data saturation. Data analysis employed Colaizzi’s seven-step method. Results: Through interview with 20 participants, three core themes were extracted, encompassing eight sub-themes: individual cognitive-behavioral dilemmas (cognitive limitations and passive coping, inefficient and superficial self-management, and economic and psychological barriers to seeking care); systemic and environmental structural obstacles (distrust in primary healthcare capabilities, and the limited buffering effect and constraints of medical insurance); and the need for health empowerment and support systems (authoritative knowledge and management skill guidance, aspirations for access to high-quality specialized medical resources, and sustained and reminder-based remote support). Conclusion Patients with chronic periodontitis in underdeveloped regions face a multidimensional dilemma composed of limited health literacy, poor adherence to health behaviors, weak primary care service capacity, uneven medical insurance coverage, and insufficient high-quality specialized medical resources. Patients’ health literacy should be advanced through innovative health education, primary care capacity should be strengthened for periodontal disease prevention and treatment, and it is recommended to prioritize the inclusion of initial periodontal therapy in outpatient coordination or chronic disease management, and a remote medical support system based on digital technology should be established.

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the regulatory effects of microcapsules with different matrix stiffness on the survival, proliferation, adhesion, and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), to further explore the relationship between matrix stiffness and MSCs osteogenic behavior, and to evaluate the in vivo histological responses and osteogenic-related protein expression of the microcapsules using an animal subcutaneous implantation model. MethodsIn this study, three-dimensional carbon nanofiber (CNF)/sodium alginate (SA) microcapsules with different matrix stiffness were constructed. By adjusting the CNF content, three groups of microcapsules with stiffness values of 27.05, 35.90, and 52.40 kPa were prepared, and their physicochemical properties, including morphology, mechanical properties, particle size, chemical structure, and degradation properties, were characterized. The effects of these microcapsules with different stiffness on the survival, adhesion, and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs were evaluated. Live/dead staining was used to observe cell survival and distribution in the microcapsules, while alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the expression of osteopontin (OPN) and osteocalcin (OCN) were examined to assess osteogenic differentiation. Immunofluorescence staining was further performed to observe the expression of Yes-associated protein (YAP) and integrin β1 under different stiffness conditions. In addition, a rat subcutaneous implantation model was used to evaluate the in vivo tissue compatibility of the microcapsules. Histological staining and immunohistochemical analysis were carried out to examine local tissue responses and the expression of osteogenic-related proteins. ResultsThe results showed that all three groups of microcapsules exhibited regular and uniform morphology and similar particle size, and all groups showed good degradability. Except for the differences in mechanical properties, no obvious differences were found in the other physicochemical properties among the three groups. Live/dead staining indicated that all groups of microcapsules had good cytocompatibility. MSCs in the low-stiffness group were mostly round, whereas cells in the medium- and high-stiffness groups showed more obvious spreading. Higher matrix stiffness was more favorable for MSC adhesion, growth, and survival. ALP staining and quantitative analysis showed that ALP activity increased significantly with increasing matrix stiffness. The expression of the osteogenic-related proteins OPN and OCN also increased with increasing stiffness, and the high-stiffness group showed the strongest positive signals. Immunofluorescence results further indicated that YAP and integrin β1 fluorescence signals tended to increase in MSCs with increasing matrix stiffness, suggesting that matrix stiffness may influence MSC osteogenic differentiation through stiffness-related cell adhesion and mechanotransduction. In vivo experiments showed that all three groups of microcapsules exhibited good histocompatibility after subcutaneous implantation, although different degrees of degradation and local tissue response were observed. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the expression levels of OPN and OCN increased with increasing matrix stiffness, and the high-stiffness group exhibited higher expression of these osteogenic-related proteins. ConclusionCNF endows SA microcapsules with tunable matrix stiffness. While maintaining good biocompatibility, the high-stiffness microenvironment can effectively promote the adhesion and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, accompanied by increased ALP activity and enhanced OPN and OCN expression. The increased YAP and integrin β1 fluorescence signals in the high-stiffness group further indicate that matrix stiffness is closely related to cellular mechanical responses. These findings provide a three-dimensional cell carrier with potential application value for MSC delivery and bone tissue regeneration based on mechanical microenvironment regulation.

Objective Jejunal interposition is an important option for restoring gastrointestinal continuity in patients with complex esophageal cancer in whom the stomach is unavailable for reconstruction due to previous gastrectomy, tumor involvement, failed gastric conduit, or other constraints. Although the jejunum offers a caliber similar to the esophagus, a rich blood supply, and preserved peristaltic function, anatomical variations in mesenteric length and vascular arcades render long-segment and high-level reconstruction susceptible to excessive tension, mesenteric torsion, venous congestion, and inadequate distal perfusion. This consensus aims to provide standardized recommendations for the application of jejunal interposition in this specific patient population. Methods This consensus was developed in accordance with the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development and Chinese national guideline development standards, with reference to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation Ⅱ(AGREE Ⅱ), Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT), and Scientific, Transparent and Applicable Rankings (STAR) checklists. The project was registered on the international practice guidelines registry platform (PREPARE-2026CN1384). The working group systematically searched Chinese and English evidence addressing 12 clinical questions. Evidence was graded using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) 2009 system, with structured appraisal of risk of bias, inconsistency, indirectness, and imprecision. Recommendations were formulated through two rounds of Delphi surveys and a face-to-face consensus meeting, with an agreement threshold of ≥75%. Results The consensus generated 12 recommendations covering indications, selection between jejunum and colon, preoperative assessment, surgical approach and reconstruction route, pedicled jejunal interposition (PJI), supercharged pedicled jejunal interposition (SPJ), indocyanine green (ICG) perfusion assessment, perioperative nutrition, management of anastomotic leakage, long-term follow-up, and special treatment scenarios. Given that the available direct evidence is predominantly derived from single-center retrospective cohorts and case series, recommendations extrapolated from general esophagectomy or other gastrointestinal surgical evidence are deliberately phrased with caution. Conclusion Jejunal interposition is a safe and effective approach for digestive tract reconstruction in patients with complex esophageal cancer in whom the stomach is unavailable. This consensus emphasizes that clinical decision-making should be individualized based on the patient's prior treatment history, reconstruction height, vascular anatomy, technical availability, and institutional experience in the Chinese context.

Sarin(GB)is a typical representative of nerve agents with high toxicity,and very low amount can cause death.GB can cause water and atmospheric environment poisoning,so the detection of GB in water and air is of great significance.In this work,a colorimetric sensor array(CSA)based on GB inhibition of cholinesterase activity was constructed to detect GB with high selectivity.A 4×4 colorimetric array was constructed using acetylcholinesterase(AChE),butyryl cholinesterase(BuChE)and the corresponding substrate acetylthiocholine iodide(S-ACh),butyryl thiocholine iodide(S-BCh),acetylcholine chloride(ACh),butyryl choline chloride(BCh)and 2,6-dichloroindophenol ethyl ester(DCIE).The linear curve of the sensor was Y=131.3×lgC+271.6(R2=0.997),where Y was the array response Euclidean distance,C was the concentration of GB(mg/L),the linear range was 0.03?0.32 mg/L,and the detection limit was 27.6 μg/L.The method could effectively distinguish chemical warfare agents(CWA)such as VX,Soman(GD),mustard gas(HD),Louie reagent(L),and had high anti-interference ability,sensitivity and good repeatability.It was successfully applied to the detection of GB in simulated water and simulated air samples,and the sample recovery rate was 97.2% ?100.9%.This method would be potentially applied to the field rapid detection of nerve agents.

OBJECTIVE: Psoriasis, a common chronic inflammatory skin condition with genetic underpinnings, is traditionally managed with cupping therapy. Although used historically, the precise mechanical effects and therapeutic mechanisms of cupping in psoriasis remain largely unexamined. This study aimed to evaluate cupping therapy's efficacy for psoriasis and investigate its role in modulating inflammatory responses and cellular metabolism. METHODS: Psoriasis was induced in mice using topical imiquimod (IMQ). The effects of cupping on psoriatic lesions were assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score, histology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining. polymerase chain reaction sequencing (RNA-seq) and Western blotting were conducted to examine changes in mRNA expression and the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. RESULTS: Cupping therapy significantly reduced inflammation, epidermal thickness, and inflammatory cell infiltration in mice with IMQ-induced psoriasis. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence showed lower expression of inflammatory markers and a shift in T-cell populations. RNA-seq and Western blotting indicated that cupping upregulated Piezo1 and activated the AMPK pathway, improving energy metabolism in psoriatic skin. CONCLUSION Cupping therapy reduces epidermal hyperproliferation and inflammation in psoriasis, rebalancing the local immune microenvironment. Mechanistically, cupping promotes calcium influx via Piezo1, activates AMPK signaling, and supports metabolic homeostasis, suggesting therapeutic potential for psoriasis. Please cite this article as: Xi RF, Liu X, Wang Y, Lu HZ, Yuan SJ, Guo DJ, Zhu JY, Li FL, Duan YJ. Mechanosensory activation of Piezo1 via cupping therapy: Harnessing neural networks to modulate AMPK pathway for metabolic restoration in a mouse model of psoriasis. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(6):721-732.
Animals ; Psoriasis/chemically induced* ; Mice ; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Cupping Therapy/methods* ; Signal Transduction ; Imiquimod ; Ion Channels/genetics* ; Male ; Mechanotransduction, Cellular

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the impact of foam macrophages (FMs) on the intracellular survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and identify the molecular mechanisms influencing MTB survival. METHODS: An in vitro FM model was established using oleic acid induction. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were conducted to identify the key molecular pathways involved in FM-mediated MTB survival. RESULTS: Induced FMs effectively restricted MTB survival. Transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling revealed distinct changes in gene and metabolite expression in FMs during MTB infection compared with normal macrophages. Integrated analyses identified significant alterations in the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway, indicating that its activation contributes to the FM-mediated restriction of MTB survival. CONCLUSIONS FMs inhibit MTB survival. The cAMP signaling pathway is a key contributor. These findings enhance the understanding of the role of FMs in tuberculosis progression, suggest potential targets for host-directed therapies, and offer new directions for developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies against tuberculosis.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis/physiology* ; Transcriptome ; Metabolomics ; Foam Cells/microbiology* ; Humans ; Metabolome ; Tuberculosis/microbiology* ; Gene Expression Profiling