BACKGROUND:It is urgent to improve the study on the molecular mechanism of Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction improving oocyte quality in polycystic ovary syndrome.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction on oocyte quality in a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome and to explore the underlying mechanisms of its intervention in polycystic ovary syndrome.METHODS:Subcutaneous injection of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate was used to establish the polycystic ovary syndrome model in 21-day-old female Kunming mice,and the treatment was conducted for 21 consecutive days.The estrous cycle and pregnancy was recorded.ELISA was used to detect serum sex hormone levels.The rate of apoptosis in oocytes was detected using Annexin V staining.The level of reactive oxygen species in oocytes was detected using dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate.The condition of spindle bodies and chromosomes in oocytes were detected using the immunofluorescence method.Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to verify the binding properties of Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction core active components and oocyte maturation-related factors(growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15).Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15 in oocytes,respectively.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction core active components(quercetin,kaempferol,and β-sitosterol)showed good binding activities with growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15.(2)Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction ameliorated the estrous cycle,regulated serum hormone,increased the pregnancy,decreased the rate of apoptosis,declined the level of reactive oxygen species,diminished the rate of abnormal spindle assembly and chromosome loss(P<0.01,P<0.05);and promoted the mRNA and protein expression of growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15(P<0.05).Therefore,Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction may improve the oocyte quality and increase the fertility of polycystic ovary syndrome mice by regulating the gene expression of growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15.

Objective To analyze the clinical and immunological characteristics of a rare case of CHARGE syndrome,we summarize the genotype and phenotype in the Chinese patient population,and explore the underlying immunopathogenic mechanisms.Methods Clinical data from a pediatric patient with CHARGE syndrome were collected and analyzed.A comprehensive analysis of the Chinese patient population was conducted.Gene analysis and immunological characterization were performed using flow cytometry,deep sequencing,and quantitative PCR.Results The proband was a premature female infant whose primary clinical manifestations included congenital heart disease,recurrent respiratory infections,respiratory failure,airway dysplasia,hearing impairment,and bilateral choroidal coloboma.Whole-exome sequencing revealed a de novo heterozygous nonsense mutation in the CHD7 gene,c.5122C＞T(p.Gln1708Ter),classified as pathogenic according to ACMG criteria.Immunological studies indicated impaired thymic output of T cells,significant alterations in the number and proportion of CD8+T cell subsets,increased apoptosis,and defective activation and production of key effector cytokines such as IFN-γ by CD8+T cells.However,no significant abnormalities were observed in peripheral lymphocyte proliferation.Conclusion CHARGE syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder primarily caused by mutations in the CHD7 gene.The main clinical features include ocular defects,cardiac disease,choanal atresia/cleft lip and palate,growth retardation,gonadal hypoplasia,and ear anomalies.This case study suggests that CHARGE syndrome is associated with abnormalities in the development,apoptosis,and effector functions of immune cells.

Objective To comparatively evaluate the clinical efficacy of liposomal bupivacaine and ropiva-caine in transversus abdominis plane(TAP)block combined with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia(PCA)following cesarean section,and to explore the analgesic advantages of liposomal bupivacaine.Methods Eighty parturients scheduled for elective cesarean section were recruited and randomly allocated into two groups via a random number table:the liposomal bupivacaine group and the ropivacaine group.At the conclusion of the surgical procedure,both groups underwent ultrasound-guided bilateral TAP block.In the ropivacaine group,20 mL of 0.5%ropivacaine was administered per side.In the liposomal bupivacaine group,266 mg of liposomal bupivacaine was dissolved in 0.9%normal saline to a total volume of 40 mL,with 20 mL injected per side.The following parameters were compared between the two groups:Visual Analog Scale(VAS)scores at rest and during movement at various postop-erative time points,the overall scores of the 15-item Quality of Recovery(QoR-15)scale,postoperative opioid consumption,the time to first ambulation,the time to first flatus,and the incidence of adverse drug reactions such as nausea,vomiting,constipation,and pruritus.Results In comparison with the ropivacaine group,the liposomal bupivacaine group exhibited significantly lower Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)scores both at rest and during move-ment at 12 hours,24 hours,and 48 hours postoperatively(P<0.001).Significantly higher Quality of Recovery-15(QoR-15)scores were recorded in the liposomal bupivacaine group at 24 hours and during the 24-48-hour period postoperatively(P<0.001).The postoperative opioid consumption within 48 hours was markedly lower in the liposo-mal bupivacaine group(P<0.001).The time to first flatus was significantly shorter in the liposomal bupivacaine group(P<0.001).No significant differences were detected in the incidence of nausea,vomiting,or constipation between the two groups(P>0.05),and no cases of pruritus or other severe adverse reactions were observed.Conclusion Liposomal bupivacaine used for TAP block following cesarean section offers extended analgesia,reduces the need for opioids,enhances the quality of postoperative recovery,promotes gastrointestinal motility,and demonstrates excellent safety.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical outcomes of posterior approach vertebral column resection (VCR) osteotomy combined with titanium mesh bone-graft fusion and internal fixation for the treatment of special type stage IIIb Kummell disease.Methods:Twelve patients (3 males, 9 females) diagnosed with special type stage IIIb Kummell disease at Zhengzhou Orthopedics Hospital between October 2015 and June 2021 were enrolled. The mean age was 59.1±5.6 years (range, 53-67 years). All patients underwent VCR osteotomy, pedicle screw fixation, and posterior bone-graft fusion using titanium mesh. Preoperative and postoperative outcomes were assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading, Cobb angle correction, and bone graft fusion rate. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were also recorded.Results:All surgeries were completed successfully. The average follow-up duration was 11.6±1.8 months (range, 10-13 months). Significant improvements were observed in VAS scores, ODI, JOA scores, and Cobb angles at both two weeks postoperatively and at the final follow-up ( P<0.05), with no significant differences between the two time points ( P>0.05). The final recovery rates were 79.5% for VAS score, 73.2% for ODI, 72.1% for JOA score, and 77.3% for Cobb angle correction. Neurological function showed marked improvement. One patient developed delayed incision healing due to fat liquefaction but recovered following physical therapy. The remaining 11 patients experienced uneventful wound healing without infection or internal fixation loosening. One patient developed postoperative deep venous thrombosis of the lower limbs, which resolved with drug therapy. Conclusion:Posterior approach VCR combined with titanium mesh bone-graft fusion and internal fixation provides an effective surgical option for stage IIIb Kummell disease characterized by fractured vertebral bodies with only the broken upper and lower endplates remaining.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of two types of micro-focused ultrasound devices combined with botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injection for facial rejuvenation.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted, including 60 female patients aged 28-70 (41.3±7.9) years, who received facial rejuvenation treatment at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, from April 2023 to April 2024. Patients were divided into two groups based on the treatment method: the control group (received only micro-focused ultrasound treatment, n=30) and the combined group (received both micro-focused ultrasound and BoNT-A injection, n=30). Additionally, patients were further categorized into four subgroups based on the type of micro-focused ultrasound device used: Peninsula Microultra? (PM) device group ( n=15), Intelligent Ultrasound? (IU) device group ( n=15), PM device + BoNT-A injection group ( n=15), and IU device + BoNT-A injection group ( n=15). The severity of facial wrinkles was assessed using the wrinkle severity rating scale (WSRS), the Merz aesthetic scale (MAS), and the global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) at baseline and 6 months post-treatment. Adverse event rates were also recorded. Results:At 6 months post-treatment, the combined group showed significantly lower WSRS and MAS scores than the control group (both P<0.001). No significant differences were found between the PM and IU device groups, or between the PM + BoNT-A and IU + BoNT-A groups regarding WSRS and MAS scores (all P>0.05). Self-reported GAIS improvement was 56.7% (17/30) for the control group and 80.0% (24/30) for the combined group, with the combined group showing superior results ( P=0.015). The physician-assessed GAIS improvement was 70.0% (21/30) for the control group and 96.7% (29/30) for the combined group, again with the combined group showing superior results ( P=0.007). No significant differences were found in self-reported or physician-assessed GAIS improvement between the PM and IU device groups, or between the PM + BoNT-A and IU + BoNT-A groups (all P>0.05). No severe adverse reactions, such as blisters, scabbing, purpura, bruising, scarring, peripheral facial paralysis, allergies, muscle weakness, dysphagia, or dysphonia, were observed in any patient. Conclusion:The combination of micro-focused ultrasound and BoNT-A injection for facial rejuvenation is more effective than micro-focused ultrasound alone, while there are no significant differences in efficacy between the two micro-focused ultrasound devices.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical outcomes of posterior approach vertebral column resection (VCR) osteotomy combined with titanium mesh bone-graft fusion and internal fixation for the treatment of special type stage IIIb Kummell disease.Methods:Twelve patients (3 males, 9 females) diagnosed with special type stage IIIb Kummell disease at Zhengzhou Orthopedics Hospital between October 2015 and June 2021 were enrolled. The mean age was 59.1±5.6 years (range, 53-67 years). All patients underwent VCR osteotomy, pedicle screw fixation, and posterior bone-graft fusion using titanium mesh. Preoperative and postoperative outcomes were assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading, Cobb angle correction, and bone graft fusion rate. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were also recorded.Results:All surgeries were completed successfully. The average follow-up duration was 11.6±1.8 months (range, 10-13 months). Significant improvements were observed in VAS scores, ODI, JOA scores, and Cobb angles at both two weeks postoperatively and at the final follow-up ( P<0.05), with no significant differences between the two time points ( P>0.05). The final recovery rates were 79.5% for VAS score, 73.2% for ODI, 72.1% for JOA score, and 77.3% for Cobb angle correction. Neurological function showed marked improvement. One patient developed delayed incision healing due to fat liquefaction but recovered following physical therapy. The remaining 11 patients experienced uneventful wound healing without infection or internal fixation loosening. One patient developed postoperative deep venous thrombosis of the lower limbs, which resolved with drug therapy. Conclusion:Posterior approach VCR combined with titanium mesh bone-graft fusion and internal fixation provides an effective surgical option for stage IIIb Kummell disease characterized by fractured vertebral bodies with only the broken upper and lower endplates remaining.

Objective To analyze the clinical and immunological characteristics of a rare case of CHARGE syndrome,we summarize the genotype and phenotype in the Chinese patient population,and explore the underlying immunopathogenic mechanisms.Methods Clinical data from a pediatric patient with CHARGE syndrome were collected and analyzed.A comprehensive analysis of the Chinese patient population was conducted.Gene analysis and immunological characterization were performed using flow cytometry,deep sequencing,and quantitative PCR.Results The proband was a premature female infant whose primary clinical manifestations included congenital heart disease,recurrent respiratory infections,respiratory failure,airway dysplasia,hearing impairment,and bilateral choroidal coloboma.Whole-exome sequencing revealed a de novo heterozygous nonsense mutation in the CHD7 gene,c.5122C＞T(p.Gln1708Ter),classified as pathogenic according to ACMG criteria.Immunological studies indicated impaired thymic output of T cells,significant alterations in the number and proportion of CD8+T cell subsets,increased apoptosis,and defective activation and production of key effector cytokines such as IFN-γ by CD8+T cells.However,no significant abnormalities were observed in peripheral lymphocyte proliferation.Conclusion CHARGE syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder primarily caused by mutations in the CHD7 gene.The main clinical features include ocular defects,cardiac disease,choanal atresia/cleft lip and palate,growth retardation,gonadal hypoplasia,and ear anomalies.This case study suggests that CHARGE syndrome is associated with abnormalities in the development,apoptosis,and effector functions of immune cells.

Objective To comparatively evaluate the clinical efficacy of liposomal bupivacaine and ropiva-caine in transversus abdominis plane(TAP)block combined with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia(PCA)following cesarean section,and to explore the analgesic advantages of liposomal bupivacaine.Methods Eighty parturients scheduled for elective cesarean section were recruited and randomly allocated into two groups via a random number table:the liposomal bupivacaine group and the ropivacaine group.At the conclusion of the surgical procedure,both groups underwent ultrasound-guided bilateral TAP block.In the ropivacaine group,20 mL of 0.5%ropivacaine was administered per side.In the liposomal bupivacaine group,266 mg of liposomal bupivacaine was dissolved in 0.9%normal saline to a total volume of 40 mL,with 20 mL injected per side.The following parameters were compared between the two groups:Visual Analog Scale(VAS)scores at rest and during movement at various postop-erative time points,the overall scores of the 15-item Quality of Recovery(QoR-15)scale,postoperative opioid consumption,the time to first ambulation,the time to first flatus,and the incidence of adverse drug reactions such as nausea,vomiting,constipation,and pruritus.Results In comparison with the ropivacaine group,the liposomal bupivacaine group exhibited significantly lower Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)scores both at rest and during move-ment at 12 hours,24 hours,and 48 hours postoperatively(P<0.001).Significantly higher Quality of Recovery-15(QoR-15)scores were recorded in the liposomal bupivacaine group at 24 hours and during the 24-48-hour period postoperatively(P<0.001).The postoperative opioid consumption within 48 hours was markedly lower in the liposo-mal bupivacaine group(P<0.001).The time to first flatus was significantly shorter in the liposomal bupivacaine group(P<0.001).No significant differences were detected in the incidence of nausea,vomiting,or constipation between the two groups(P>0.05),and no cases of pruritus or other severe adverse reactions were observed.Conclusion Liposomal bupivacaine used for TAP block following cesarean section offers extended analgesia,reduces the need for opioids,enhances the quality of postoperative recovery,promotes gastrointestinal motility,and demonstrates excellent safety.

BACKGROUND:It is urgent to improve the study on the molecular mechanism of Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction improving oocyte quality in polycystic ovary syndrome.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction on oocyte quality in a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome and to explore the underlying mechanisms of its intervention in polycystic ovary syndrome.METHODS:Subcutaneous injection of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate was used to establish the polycystic ovary syndrome model in 21-day-old female Kunming mice,and the treatment was conducted for 21 consecutive days.The estrous cycle and pregnancy was recorded.ELISA was used to detect serum sex hormone levels.The rate of apoptosis in oocytes was detected using Annexin V staining.The level of reactive oxygen species in oocytes was detected using dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate.The condition of spindle bodies and chromosomes in oocytes were detected using the immunofluorescence method.Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to verify the binding properties of Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction core active components and oocyte maturation-related factors(growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15).Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15 in oocytes,respectively.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction core active components(quercetin,kaempferol,and β-sitosterol)showed good binding activities with growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15.(2)Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction ameliorated the estrous cycle,regulated serum hormone,increased the pregnancy,decreased the rate of apoptosis,declined the level of reactive oxygen species,diminished the rate of abnormal spindle assembly and chromosome loss(P<0.01,P<0.05);and promoted the mRNA and protein expression of growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15(P<0.05).Therefore,Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction may improve the oocyte quality and increase the fertility of polycystic ovary syndrome mice by regulating the gene expression of growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of two types of micro-focused ultrasound devices combined with botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injection for facial rejuvenation.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted, including 60 female patients aged 28-70 (41.3±7.9) years, who received facial rejuvenation treatment at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, from April 2023 to April 2024. Patients were divided into two groups based on the treatment method: the control group (received only micro-focused ultrasound treatment, n=30) and the combined group (received both micro-focused ultrasound and BoNT-A injection, n=30). Additionally, patients were further categorized into four subgroups based on the type of micro-focused ultrasound device used: Peninsula Microultra? (PM) device group ( n=15), Intelligent Ultrasound? (IU) device group ( n=15), PM device + BoNT-A injection group ( n=15), and IU device + BoNT-A injection group ( n=15). The severity of facial wrinkles was assessed using the wrinkle severity rating scale (WSRS), the Merz aesthetic scale (MAS), and the global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) at baseline and 6 months post-treatment. Adverse event rates were also recorded. Results:At 6 months post-treatment, the combined group showed significantly lower WSRS and MAS scores than the control group (both P<0.001). No significant differences were found between the PM and IU device groups, or between the PM + BoNT-A and IU + BoNT-A groups regarding WSRS and MAS scores (all P>0.05). Self-reported GAIS improvement was 56.7% (17/30) for the control group and 80.0% (24/30) for the combined group, with the combined group showing superior results ( P=0.015). The physician-assessed GAIS improvement was 70.0% (21/30) for the control group and 96.7% (29/30) for the combined group, again with the combined group showing superior results ( P=0.007). No significant differences were found in self-reported or physician-assessed GAIS improvement between the PM and IU device groups, or between the PM + BoNT-A and IU + BoNT-A groups (all P>0.05). No severe adverse reactions, such as blisters, scabbing, purpura, bruising, scarring, peripheral facial paralysis, allergies, muscle weakness, dysphagia, or dysphonia, were observed in any patient. Conclusion:The combination of micro-focused ultrasound and BoNT-A injection for facial rejuvenation is more effective than micro-focused ultrasound alone, while there are no significant differences in efficacy between the two micro-focused ultrasound devices.