Swine enteric coronaviruses pose a significant challenge to the global pig industry, inflicting severe diarrhea and high mortality rates among piglets, and resulting in substantial economic losses. In Show more
Swine enteric coronaviruses pose a significant challenge to the global pig industry, inflicting severe diarrhea and high mortality rates among piglets, and resulting in substantial economic losses. In our clinical practice, we observed that the addition of potassium molybdate (PM) to the feed could dramatically reduce diarrhea and diarrhea-related mortality in piglets. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive and merit further investigation. In this study, we revealed that PM effectively inhibited the infection of both aminopeptidase N (APN)-dependent coronaviruses, transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), and porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV), both Show less
One of the recognized effects of systematic physical activity is the improvement of physical fitness, with a negative correlation found between physical fitness and cardiovascular and cardiometabolic Show more
One of the recognized effects of systematic physical activity is the improvement of physical fitness, with a negative correlation found between physical fitness and cardiovascular and cardiometabolic risk. The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the adenylate cyclase 3 ( In the 12-week HIIT program, a total of 237 Chinese Han college students with non-regular exercise habits were recruited, and these volunteers participated in the training three times a week. Baseline and after the HIIT program, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured, respectively. DNA was extracted from the white blood cells of volunteers and genotyping was carried out. The PLINK v1.09 software was used to conduct quality control screening on the obtained SNPs, and a linear regression model was constructed to analyze the association between (1) Through the analysis of Illumina CGA chip scanning, a total of 22 SNPs of the (1) The implementation of a 12-week HIIT regimen can significantly enhance the blood lipid status of college students. (2) The locus rs2241759 of the Show less
Foam cells derived from macrophages and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) play a pivotal role in the progression of atherosclerosis. While phytosterols (PS) have demonstrated cholesterol-lowering and anti-in Show more
Foam cells derived from macrophages and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) play a pivotal role in the progression of atherosclerosis. While phytosterols (PS) have demonstrated cholesterol-lowering and anti-inflammatory properties, their impact on foam cells remains elusive. Here, we investigated the effects of PS on foam cell formation, inflammatory responses, and lipid metabolism using both single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and functional assays. scRNA-seq of aortic tissue from Show less
Radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI) is a significant complication following radiotherapy for brain tumors, leading to neurocognitive deficits and other neurological impairments. This study aims to i Show more
Radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI) is a significant complication following radiotherapy for brain tumors, leading to neurocognitive deficits and other neurological impairments. This study aims to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for RIBI by utilizing advanced proteomic techniques to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying RIBI. A rat model of RIBI was established and subjected to whole-brain irradiation (30 Gy). Tandem mass tagging (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics, combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry, was used to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the brain tissues of irradiated rats. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were conducted to identify the biological processes and pathways involved. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed to identify key hub proteins. A total of 35 DEPs were identified, including PHLDA3, APOE and CPE. GO enrichment analysis revealed that the DEPs were mainly involved in lipid transport, cell adhesion, and metabolic processes. KEGG analysis highlighted the enrichment of pathways related to metabolism, tight junctions, and PPAR signaling. APOE was identified as a key hub protein through PPI network analysis, indicating its potential role in RIBI pathophysiology. Immunohistochemistry further validated the increased expression of PHLDA3, APOE, and CPE in the brain tissue of irradiated rats. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of RIBI by identifying key proteins and their associated pathways. The findings suggest that these proteins, particularly APOE and PHLDA3, could serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for clinical intervention in RIBI. These results not only enhance our understanding of RIBI's molecular pathology but also open new avenues for the development of targeted therapies to mitigate radiation-induced neurotoxicity. Show less
Calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS) can lead to cardiac adverse outcomes; however, currently, no effective pharmacological interventions are available to prevent or delay disease progression. Emergi Show more
Calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS) can lead to cardiac adverse outcomes; however, currently, no effective pharmacological interventions are available to prevent or delay disease progression. Emerging evidence has identified significant associations between CAVS and key biomarkers, including Lp(a) (lipoprotein [a]), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9). However, robust evidence from randomized controlled trials is still lacking to substantiate these associations. The EPISODE (Effect of PCSK9 Inhibitors on Calcific Aortic Valve Stenosis) trial is a prospective, evaluator-blinded, randomized controlled trial designed to assess the therapeutic efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors in patients with CAVS. A total of 160 patients with mild-to-moderate or asymptomatic severe CAVS will be randomly assigned to receive either statin monotherapy or a combination of statins and PCSK9 inhibitors. Participants will undergo follow-up assessments at 3-month intervals for 24 months, including transthoracic ultrasonic cardiogram, computed tomography, and quality-of-life evaluations using the EuroQol-5 Dimension-3 Level questionnaire. The primary end point is the annualized change in peak aortic jet velocity, whereas secondary end points encompass changes in aortic valve area, calcification score, incidence of heart valve surgery, and quality of life. Safety end points include all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events. The trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors in modulating disease progression, reducing adverse cardiovascular events, and improving clinical outcomes in patients with CAVS. The anticipated findings are expected to provide critical insights for developing novel therapeutic strategies for early intervention in CAVS. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique Identifier: NCT04968509. Show less
This study aimed to investigate the expression pattern of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase class III (PIK3C3/vps34) in gastric cancer (GC) tissues and their juxtaposed normal counterparts and its correla Show more
This study aimed to investigate the expression pattern of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase class III (PIK3C3/vps34) in gastric cancer (GC) tissues and their juxtaposed normal counterparts and its correlation with the clinicopathological attributes and prognostic outlook of afflicted individuals. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was used to ascertain the expression levels of PIK3C3/vps34 across 60 GC tissues juxtaposed with their normal counterparts. Statistical methodologies were used to scrutinize the correlation between PIK3C3/vps34 expression and clinicopathological features, along with prognostic implications for GC patients. In GC tissues, the positive expression rate of PIK3C3/vps34 was 23.3% (14/60), which contrasted sharply with the markedly elevated rate of 66.7% (40/60) observed in adjacent tissues. The positive expression proportion of PIK3C3/vps34 within GC tissues exhibited a notable decrease than in adjacent tissues (P < 0.05). The expression of PIK3C3/vps34 inversely correlated with tumor size, degree of tissue differentiation, depth of tumor infiltration, and incidence of lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05), whereas no significant associations were found with patient sex, age, tumor location, TNM staging, or distant metastasis (P > 0.05). As the tumor diameter increases, the degree of tissue differentiation diminishes, tumor infiltration depth intensifies, lymph node metastasis emerges, the TNM stage progresses, and PIK3C3/vps34 expression level within GC tissues declines correspondingly. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis unveiled a prolonged survival duration among GC patients exhibiting heightened PIK3C3/vps34 expression than in their counterparts with diminished expression (HR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.55-0.80), demonstrating statistical significance (P < 0.05). Protein interaction analysis revealed noteworthy interactions involving PIK3C3 with Beclin 1, UVRAG, and ATG14. PIK3C3/vps34 is downregulated in GC tissues, exerting a pivotal role in tumorigenesis, and is intimately linked with the prognostic trajectory of GC patients. It may serve as a significant biomarker for prognostic evaluation and a promising molecular therapeutic target for GC. Show less
Dormant lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells in the bone microenvironment can re-emerge as metastatic disease through osteoclast interactions. Using a 3D dormancy model and a mouse bone metastasis model, Show more
Dormant lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells in the bone microenvironment can re-emerge as metastatic disease through osteoclast interactions. Using a 3D dormancy model and a mouse bone metastasis model, this study reveals that arachidonic acid (AA) is the initiating molecule transferred from osteoclasts to dormant LUAD cells, triggering their activation. Dormant LUAD cells uptake AA through CD36, which activates the PPARγ-ANGPTL4 pathway and activates tumor cells. There is a dose-response relationship in the activation effect of AA, and inhibiting AA metabolism prevents this reactivation. The study also finds that the serum levels of AA and ANGPTL4 are significantly elevated in patients with clinical bone metastases compared to those without. This research confirms that osteoclasts transmit AA via the CD36-PPARγ-ANGPTL4 axis to activate dormant LUAD cells, suggesting that AA and ANGPTL4 may serve as valuable biomarkers and potential clinical applications in treatment and prediction of LUAD bone metastasis. Show less
Previous studies have investigated the role of metabolic factors in risk of hematological malignancies with contradicting findings. Existing studies are generally limited by potential concern of rever Show more
Previous studies have investigated the role of metabolic factors in risk of hematological malignancies with contradicting findings. Existing studies are generally limited by potential concern of reverse causality and confounding by inflammation. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the associations of glucose, lipid, and apolipoprotein biomarkers with the risk of hematological malignancy. We performed a study of over 560,000 individuals of the Swedish AMORIS cohort, with measurements of biomarkers for carbohydrate, lipid, and apolipoprotein metabolism during 1985-1996 and follow-up until 2020. We conducted a prospective cohort study and used Cox models to investigate the association of nine different metabolic biomarkers (glucose, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-C/HDL-C, triglyceride (TG), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA I), and ApoB/ApoA-I) with risk of hematological malignancy, after excluding the first five years of follow-up and adjustment for inflammatory biomarkers. We observed a decreased risk of hematological malignancy associated with one SD increase of TC (HR 0.93; 95% CI 0.91-0.96), LDL-C (HR 0.94; 95% CI 0.91-0.97), HDL-C (HR 0.92; 95% CI 0.86-0.99), and ApoA-I (HR 0.96; 95% CI 0.93-0.996). Our study highlights a decreased risk of hematological malignancy associated with a higher level of TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, and ApoA-I. Show less
The extensive co-occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), as evidenced by epidemiological studies, is supported by positive genetic correlations identified in comprehensive genetic investigations Show more
The extensive co-occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), as evidenced by epidemiological studies, is supported by positive genetic correlations identified in comprehensive genetic investigations, suggesting a shared genetic basis. However, the precise genetic mechanisms underlying these associations remain elusive. By assessing genetic correlations, genetic overlap, and causal connections, we aim to shed light on common genetic underpinnings among major CVDs. Employing multi-trait analysis, we pursue diverse strategies to unveil shared genetic elements, encompassing SNPs, genes, gene sets, and functional categories with pleiotropic implications. Our study systematically quantifies genetic overlap beyond genome-wide genetic correlations across CVDs, while identifying a putative causal relationship between coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure (HF). We then pinpointed 38 genomic loci with pleiotropic influence across CVDs, of which the most influential pleiotropic locus is located at the LPA gene. Notably, 12 loci present high evidence of multi-trait colocalization and display congruent directional effects. Examination of genes and gene sets linked to these loci unveiled robust associations with circulatory system development processes. Intriguingly, distinct patterns predominantly driven by atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, and venous thromboembolism underscore the significant disparities between clinically defined CVD classifications and underlying shared biological mechanisms, according to functional annotation findings. Show less
To investigate the association between polymorphisms of the A case-control study was conducted, enrolling 100 HTG patients and 100 age-matched controls with normal triglyceride levels from the physica Show more
To investigate the association between polymorphisms of the A case-control study was conducted, enrolling 100 HTG patients and 100 age-matched controls with normal triglyceride levels from the physical examination cohort at Guangzhou 11th People's Hospital (January-December 2023) The observation group showed significant differences in genotype frequencies of Show less
Cardiovascular diseases are one of the major health threats to humans. Researchers have proposed numerous deep learning-based methods for the automatic analysis of electrocardiogram (ECG), achieving e Show more
Cardiovascular diseases are one of the major health threats to humans. Researchers have proposed numerous deep learning-based methods for the automatic analysis of electrocardiogram (ECG), achieving encouraging results. However, many existing methods are limited to task-specific model training and require retraining or full fine-tuning when confronted with a new ECG classification task, thus lacking flexibility in clinical applications. In this study, we propose a Task-Adaptive Classification method for ECG (TAC-ECG) based on cross-modal contrastive learning and low-rank convolutional adapters. TAC-ECG comprises two main phases. In the first phase, inspired by the Contrastive Language-Image Pre-training, we design the Contrastive ECG-Text Pre-training (CETP) to pre-train a robust ECG encoder. In the second phase, the pre-trained ECG encoder is frozen and integrated with a lightweight plug-in, the Low-Rank Convolutional Adapter (LRC-Adapter), forming an extensible ECG classification model. The frozen encoder extracts more discriminative features from the ECG signal, while the LRC-Adapter enables task-specific adaptation. For diverse ECG classification tasks, TAC-ECG only requires training the LRC-Adapter. This mechanism enables TAC-ECG to efficiently perform different ECG classification tasks, significantly reducing resource consumption and deployment costs in multi-tasking scenarios compared to traditional fully fine-tuned methods. We conducted extensive experiments using six different network architectures as ECG encoders. Specifically, we performed ECG classification experiments on four datasets: CPSC2018, Cinc2017, PTB-XL, and Chapman, targeting 9-category, 3-category, 5-category, and 4-category classifications respectively. The TAC-ECG achieved highly competitive results using only approximately 3% of the trainable parameters and approximately 25% of the total parameters compared to the fully fine-tuned method. These results demonstrates the effectiveness and practicality of the TAC-ECG method. The TAC-ECG offers a flexible and efficient method for ECG classification, enabling rapid adaptation to diverse tasks and enhancing clinical diagnostic practicality. Show less
The AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway serves as a central regulator of cellular energy homeostasis, coordinating metabolic stress responses, epigenetic modifications, and transcriptional programs. Its dysfunc Show more
The AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway serves as a central regulator of cellular energy homeostasis, coordinating metabolic stress responses, epigenetic modifications, and transcriptional programs. Its dysfunction is implicated in the pathogenesis of a wide spectrum of complex modern diseases, spanning neurodegeneration, metabolic syndromes, and chronic inflammatory conditions. This review examines the pathway's role as an integrative hub and its potential as a therapeutic target. We synthesize current mechanistic evidence from molecular, cellular, and preclinical studies to elucidate the pathway's operational logic and the consequences of its dysregulation. The analysis is structured around key disease paradigms-including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, cardiovascular injury, stroke, and chronic kidney disease-to dissect its tissue-specific pathophysiological impacts. The AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α axis operates through a core positive feedback loop: AMPK activation elevates NAD+, thereby activating SIRT1, which in turn deacetylates and activates PGC-1α to drive mitochondrial biogenesis and function, further reinforcing SIRT1 activity. Disruption of this cascade manifests in disease-specific mechanisms: promoting Aβ production via BACE1/γ-secretase in Alzheimer's; impairing α-synuclein clearance in Parkinson's; disrupting GLUT4 translocation and insulin signaling in diabetes; exacerbating oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiovascular and neuronal injury; and accelerating fibrosis and sustained inflammation in renal and pulmonary diseases via NLRP3 and TGF-β/Smad3 signaling. The AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway represents a cornerstone target at the intersection of metabolism, aging, and disease. Current therapeutic strategies-including pharmacological activators (e.g., metformin, SRT1720), natural compounds (e.g., resveratrol), lifestyle interventions (e.g., exercise, caloric restriction), and emerging technologies (e.g., gene editing, exosomal miRNAs)-offer multidimensional avenues for intervention. Future research must prioritize elucidating tissue-specific regulatory mechanisms, such as AMPK isoform diversity and PGC-1α interactome dynamics, to enable precision therapeutics and successful clinical translation for a range of complex disorders. Show less
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses a substantial global threat. SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural proteins (NSPs) are essential for impeding the host replication mechanism while Show more
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses a substantial global threat. SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural proteins (NSPs) are essential for impeding the host replication mechanism while also assisting in the production and organization of new viral components. However, NSPs are not incorporated into viral particles, and their subsequent fate within host cells remains poorly understood. Additionally, their role in viral pathogenesis requires further investigation. This study aimed to discover the ultimate fate of NSP6 in host cells and to elucidate its role in viral pathogenesis. We investigated the effects of NSP6 on cell death and explored the underlying mechanism; moreover, we examined the degradation mechanism of NSP6 in human cells, along with analysing its correlation with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity in patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). NSP6 was demonstrated to induce cell death. Specifically, NSP6 interacted with EI24 autophagy-associated transmembrane protein (EI24) to increase intracellular Ca This study reveals that KLHL22-mediated ubiquitination controls NSP6 stability and that NSP6 induces autophagic cell death via calcium overload, highlighting its cytotoxic role and suggesting therapeutic strategies that target calcium signaling or promote NSP6 degradation as potential interventions against COVID-19. Show less
The common variant PNPLA3-I148M, globally, is the most significant genetic risk factor for fatty liver disease. However, it is unclear precisely how I148M drives disease risk. Using human hepatoma cel Show more
The common variant PNPLA3-I148M, globally, is the most significant genetic risk factor for fatty liver disease. However, it is unclear precisely how I148M drives disease risk. Using human hepatoma cells expressing endogenous I148M, we find that the variant impairs cellular secretion of apolipoprotein B (ApoB), the scaffolding protein of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). This is not due to loss-of-function of wild-type PNPLA3. Expression of human I148M in primary hepatocytes and mice also hinders VLDL secretion. Lipidomic profiling reveals a shift from polyunsaturated phosphatidylcholine to polyunsaturated triglycerides in I148M cells, reducing membrane fluidity and, concomitantly, VLDL biogenesis. ApoB secretion is substantially rescued in I148M cells overexpressing ABHD5/CGI-58, an I148M-binding partner that normally activates ATGL/PNPLA2-mediated triglyceride lipolysis. Conversely, knocking down CGI-58 or PNPLA2 mimics I148M. We propose that I148M is a neomorph that exacerbates fatty liver risk by simultaneously impeding two major CGI-58-dependent pathways for liver triglyceride clearance: lipolysis and secretion. Show less
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects a quarter of the global population and poses a remarkably serious threat to human health. The effect and potential molecular mechanisms of combined col Show more
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects a quarter of the global population and poses a remarkably serious threat to human health. The effect and potential molecular mechanisms of combined cold exposure and exercise intervention on NAFLD remain unclear. A high-fat diet-induced NAFLD mouse model was used. Twenty-four NAFLD mice were divided into three groups and subjected to cold exposure (5°C), regular-temperature exercise (22°C), or combined cold exposure and exercise (5°C) for 8 wk, 5 d·wk -1 , once daily for 1 h each session. Intervention effects were evaluated through bodyweight, liver mass, liver/bodyweight ratio, blood lipid profile, circulating fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) levels, and liver histopathology. Immunoblotting and quantitative PCR were used to assess the protein and gene expression of liver FGF21, β-klotho, and FGFR1 to preliminarily elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying NAFLD improvement by combined cold exposure and exercise. Compared with cold exposure or regular-temperature exercise alone, combined cold exposure and exercise significantly reduced the bodyweight, liver weight, and liver/bodyweight ratio in the NAFLD mice. The levels of blood lipids, circulating FGF21, and liver glycogen also significantly decreased. Furthermore, the combined intervention significantly reduced liver fat deposition and fibrosis and significantly increased the expression of FGFR1 and β-klotho proteins, suggesting the activation of the FGF21-β-klotho/FGFR1 signaling pathway. This preclinical study demonstrates that combined cold exposure and exercise synergistically alleviates NAFLD progression in animal models, primarily by activating the FGF21-β-klotho/FGFR1 pathway to enhance lipid metabolism and reduce liver injury. These findings highlight the translational potential of dual environmental and behavioral interventions, providing a mechanistic foundation for developing nonpharmacological therapies targeting metabolic pathways in humans, particularly for NAFLD patients resistant to conventional lifestyle modifications or pharmacotherapy. Show less
Mercury (Hg) is a widespread environmental pollutant with known neurotoxic and cardiometabolic effects, and its influence on lipid metabolism during childhood remains insufficiently understood. Mitoch Show more
Mercury (Hg) is a widespread environmental pollutant with known neurotoxic and cardiometabolic effects, and its influence on lipid metabolism during childhood remains insufficiently understood. Mitochondrial dysfunction is proposed as a potential mechanism linking Hg exposure to metabolic disruption. Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) is regarded as an indicator of mitochondrial biogenesis and functional capacity, where lower levels generally suggest mitochondrial damage or dysfunction. In contrast, ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and relative telomere length (RTL) reflect genomic stability and cellular aging. This study investigated the associations between blood Hg levels and serum lipid profiles in children and adolescents and assessed the mediating roles of mtDNA-CN, rDNA, and RTL. A cross-sectional study was performed among 352 children and adolescents aged 6–17 years in eastern China. Blood Hg levels were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and serum lipid markers, namely total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), and lipoprotein(a), were assessed along with the genomic indicators such as mtDNA-CN, rDNA, and RTL. Multivariable linear regression and mediation analyses were conducted. Higher Hg levels were significantly related with increased TC (β = 0.144, Hg exposure in children and adolescents is linked to an atherogenic lipid profile, potentially through mitochondrial dysfunction. MtDNA-CN appears to be a sensitive molecular mediator of Hg-induced lipid disturbances, which highlights the relevance of mitochondrial health in early-life environmental epidemiology and cardiovascular risk prevention. The findings support early prevention strategies and environmentally focused health policies that reduce toxicant exposure and thus promote long-term cardiometabolic health in young populations. Show less
The treatment and prognosis of cardiac amyloidosis (CA) depend heavily on the accurate identification of amyloid protein types. Histopathological methods are the most commonly used approach, but often Show more
The treatment and prognosis of cardiac amyloidosis (CA) depend heavily on the accurate identification of amyloid protein types. Histopathological methods are the most commonly used approach, but often produce inconclusive results. The application of mass spectrometry with laser microdissection mass spectrometry based on non-targeted proteomics in CA diagnosis is gradually being recognized, but it is expensive, time-consuming, and still in the early stages of scientific research applications. This study aims to establish a novel typing method based on targeted semi-quantitative proteomics to address the shortcomings of existing methods. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) myocardial tissue samples from 52 CA and 52 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients were analyzed. A semi-quantitative typing method was developed using triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, with laser microdissection mass spectrometry (LMD-MS) serving as the reference standard. A total of 52 peptides were analyzed. Key amyloid-associated proteins (AAPs) -apolipoprotein A-IV (apo A-IV), apolipoprotein E (apo E), and serum amyloid P component (SAP) - showed high diagnostic accuracy, with AUC values of 0.964, 0.999, and 0.923, respectively. Transthyretin (TTR), immunoglobulin light chains- κ (IGL - κ), and IGL-λ were semi-quantified using normalized scores (NS) adjusted for microdissection and peptide peak areas. An NS This targeted semi-quantitative mass spectrometry method has high consistency with non-targeted LMD-MS typing, with an accuracy higher than IHC (100 % vs. 30.8 %), while compensating for the shortcomings of non-targeted proteomics. It provides a practical method for CA typing in routine clinical laboratories and may help identify rare subtypes of amyloidosis in the future. Show less
The differential impact of serum lipids and their targets for lipid modification on cardiometabolic disease risk is debated. This study used Mendelian randomization to investigate the causal relations Show more
The differential impact of serum lipids and their targets for lipid modification on cardiometabolic disease risk is debated. This study used Mendelian randomization to investigate the causal relationships and underlying mechanisms. Genetic variants related to lipid profiles and targets for lipid modification were sourced from the Global Lipids Genetics Consortium. Summary data for 10 cardiometabolic diseases were compiled from both discovery and replication data sets. Expression quantitative trait loci data from relevant tissues were employed to evaluate significant lipid-modifying drug targets. Comprehensive analyses including colocalization, mediation, and bioinformatics were conducted to validate the results and investigate potential mediators and mechanisms. Significant causal associations were identified between lipids, lipid-modifying drug targets, and various cardiometabolic diseases. Notably, genetic enhancement of LPL (lipoprotein lipase) was linked to reduced risks of myocardial infarction (odds ratio [OR] The study substantiates the causal role of lipids in specific cardiometabolic diseases, highlighting LPL as a potent drug target. The effects of LPL are suggested to be influenced by changes in glucose and blood pressure, providing insights into its mechanism of action. Show less
Glioma is a highly aggressive malignancy with no effective treatment. This study investigates the role of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type N (PTPRN) in glioma progression. The U87 human glio Show more
Glioma is a highly aggressive malignancy with no effective treatment. This study investigates the role of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type N (PTPRN) in glioma progression. The U87 human glioma cell line was used to monitor proliferation, invasion, and migration during PTPRN knockdown. The viability, migration, and invasion were analyzed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, transwell migration, and invasion assays. Additionally, the expression of proteins associated with the cell cycle was examined using western blotting. The knockdown of PTPRN resulted in a reduction in glioma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as the expression of cell cycle markers like Show less
Postmenopausal women are at elevated risk for osteoporosis and dysregulated lipid metabolism. While the relationship between conventional lipid markers and bone mineral density (BMD) remains controver Show more
Postmenopausal women are at elevated risk for osteoporosis and dysregulated lipid metabolism. While the relationship between conventional lipid markers and bone mineral density (BMD) remains controversial, the association between apolipoprotein B-100 (ApoB-100) (an established independent predictor of atherosclerosis) and bone metabolism in postmenopausal women remains poorly understood. This study investigated the relationship between ApoB-100 and lumbar BMD in postmenopausal women, with specific focus on potential inflammatory and platelet-mediated pathways. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 1,429 postmenopausal women who underwent health screening at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University between January 2022 and December 2024. ApoB-100 levels were measured by immunoturbidimetry, and lumbar BMD was assessed using low-dose chest CT imaging. Participants were stratified into tertiles based on ApoB-100 levels. We employed univariate and multivariate regression analyses to evaluate the relationship between lumbar BMD and ApoB-100. Generalized additive models with smooth curve fitting were used to characterize the linear relationship. Subgroup analyses assessed the consistency of associations across different populations, while mediation models quantified the intermediary roles of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet count. After multivariate adjustment, ApoB-100 demonstrated a significant independent negative correlation with lumbar BMD (β=-6.37, 95%CI: -9.26 to -3.49). This association was more pronounced in women younger than 60 years (β=-10.18, 95%CI: -13.94 to -6.42), those with BMI≥28kg/m² (β=-10.73, 95%CI: -15.31 to -0.86), and those without hypertension (β=-7.3, 95%CI: -10.42 to -4.19). Mediation analysis revealed that NLR accounted for 8.17% of the negative association between ApoB-100 and lumbar BMD, while platelet count showed a suppressive indirect association (20.60%). ApoB-100 exhibits an independent negative association with lumbar BMD in postmenopausal women, partially mediated through inflammatory and platelet pathways. These findings support the potential utility of ApoB-100 as a biomarker for osteoporosis risk assessment in postmenopausal women, particularly within specific high-risk subgroups. Show less
Tumor fibrosis is recognized as a malignant hallmark in various solid tumors; however, the clinical importance and associated molecular characteristics of tumor fibrosis in liver metastases (LM) from Show more
Tumor fibrosis is recognized as a malignant hallmark in various solid tumors; however, the clinical importance and associated molecular characteristics of tumor fibrosis in liver metastases (LM) from colorectal cancer (CRLM) remain poorly understood. Here we show that patients with CRLM whose liver metastases (LM) exhibited tumor fibrosis (Fibrosis+ LM) had significantly worse progression-free survival (P = 0.025) and overall survival (P = 0.008). Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that the tumor microenvironment of the Fibrosis+ LM was characterized by T cells with an exhausted phenotype, macrophages displaying a profibrotic and suppressive phenotype and fibrosis-promoting fibroblasts. Further investigation highlighted the pivotal role of VCAN_eCAF in remodeling the tumor fibrosis in the tumor microenvironment of Fibrosis+ LM, emphasizing potential targetable interactions such as FGF23 or FGF3-FGFR1. Validation through multiplex immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence and spatial transcriptomics supported these findings. Here we present a comprehensive single-cell atlas of tumor fibrosis in LM, revealing the intricate multicellular environment and molecular features associated with it. These insights deepen our understanding of tumor fibrosis mechanisms and inform improved clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies. Show less
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a practical and effective method for treating coronary heart disease (CHD). This study aims to explore the influencing factors of major cardiovascular event Show more
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a practical and effective method for treating coronary heart disease (CHD). This study aims to explore the influencing factors of major cardiovascular events (MACEs) and hospital readmission risk within one year following PCI treatment. Additionally, it seeks to assess the clinical value of Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoB/ApoA-I) in predicting the risk of one-year MACEs and readmission post-PCI. A retrospective study included 1938 patients who underwent PCI treatment from January 2010 to December 2018 at Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated with Shandong First Medical University. Patient demographics, medications, and biochemical indicators were recorded upon admission, with one-year follow-up post-operation. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were utilized to establish the relationship between ApoB/ApoA-I levels and MACEs/readmission. Predictive nomograms were constructed to forecast MACEs and readmission, with the accuracy of the nomograms assessed using the concordance index. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore the occurrence of MACEs and readmission. We observed a correlation between ApoB/ApoA-I and other lipid indices, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses demonstrated that ApoB/ApoA-I is an independent risk factor for MACEs in post-PCI patients (P = 0.038). Within one year, the incidence of MACEs significantly increased in the high-level ApoB/ApoA-I group (ApoB/ApoA-I ratio ≥ 0.824) (P = 0.038), while the increase in readmission incidence within one year was not statistically significant. Furthermore, a nomogram predicting one-year MACEs was established (Concordance Index: 0.668). Subgroup analysis revealed that ApoB/ApoA-I was associated with the occurrence of both MACEs and readmission in male patients, those using CCB/ARB/ACEI, those without multivessel diseases, or those with LDL-C < 2.6 mmol/L. The ApoB/ApoA-I ratio serves as an independent risk factor for one-year MACEs in post-PCI patients and correlates closely with other blood lipid indicators. ApoB/ApoA-I demonstrates significant predictive value for the occurrence of MACEs within one year.Trial registration Chinese clinical trial registry: No.ChiCTR22000597-23. Show less
Ischemic injury induces a partial mesenchymal shift in endothelial cells (ECs), contributing to impaired vascular regeneration. However, the molecular regulators of this transitional state remain poor Show more
Ischemic injury induces a partial mesenchymal shift in endothelial cells (ECs), contributing to impaired vascular regeneration. However, the molecular regulators of this transitional state remain poorly defined. To address this, we performed circular RNA profiling of endothelial cells under ischemic-like conditions and identified a marked upregulation of a circular RNA, named circATXN1. Functional studies revealed that circATXN1 knockdown modulates endothelial phenotype and vascular response after ischemia. Functional studies have shown that knockdown of circATXN1 can regulate the endothelial cell phenotype and vascular response after ischemia. Mechanistically, circATXN1 knockdown enhances the demethylase protein ALKBH5 to reduce the RNA methylation level of the key transcription factor SLUG, thereby stabilizing SLUG. In animal models, suppression of circATXN1 enhances angiogenesis and improves recovery following ischemic injury. Here, we show that circATXN1 regulates partial endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and angiogenesis by controlling SLUG mRNA methylation dynamics, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in ischemic disease. Show less
This study aimed to explore the genotype and phenotype correlation of patients with multiple osteochondroma (MO), and validate phenotypic differences in ATDC5 cell model with Mutation analysis was emp Show more
This study aimed to explore the genotype and phenotype correlation of patients with multiple osteochondroma (MO), and validate phenotypic differences in ATDC5 cell model with Mutation analysis was employed in 27 families with MO using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-Sanger sequencing and targeted next-generation sequencing (t-NGS). ATDC5 cell model with A total of 27 pathogenic mutations were identified in Clinical research identified nine novel mutations in Show less
To investigate the effect of tannic acid (TA) on the growth, disease resistance, and intestinal health of Chinese soft-shelled turtles, individual turtles were fed with 0 g/kg (CG), 0.5 g/kg, 1 g/kg, Show more
To investigate the effect of tannic acid (TA) on the growth, disease resistance, and intestinal health of Chinese soft-shelled turtles, individual turtles were fed with 0 g/kg (CG), 0.5 g/kg, 1 g/kg, 2 g/kg, and 4 g/kg TA diets for 98 days. Afterwards, the turtles' disease resistance was tested using Show less
Cholesterol-loaded macrophage foam cells are a key feature of atherosclerotic plaques. Oxysterol-binding protein-related protein 2 (ORP2) facilitates the transport of cholesterol from lysosomes to the Show more
Cholesterol-loaded macrophage foam cells are a key feature of atherosclerotic plaques. Oxysterol-binding protein-related protein 2 (ORP2) facilitates the transport of cholesterol from lysosomes to the plasma membrane in cultured cell lines. However, the role of ORP2 in macrophages and its involvement in atherosclerosis remain unclear. In this study, we found ORP2 expression was reduced in atherosclerotic vessels and in macrophages exposed to oxidized LDL (ox-LDL). Myeloid-specific human ORP2 overexpression (hORP2 Show less
Prior research has consistently demonstrated that higher levels of digital health literacy contribute positively to improved mental health outcomes and overall quality of life among patients. Neverthe Show more
Prior research has consistently demonstrated that higher levels of digital health literacy contribute positively to improved mental health outcomes and overall quality of life among patients. Nevertheless, the interplay between digital health literacy and the experience of perceived stigma-particularly among burn patients-remains underexplored, and the potential heterogeneity within this relationship has not been adequately addressed. This cross-sectional study, conducted from June to July 2025, recruited 534 burn patients (mean age 31.05 ± 9.52 years; 61.0% male) from three tertiary hospitals in Sichuan Province, China. Participants completed validated scales assessing digital health literacy, social support, appearance anxiety, perceived stigma, and demographics. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlations, latent profile analysis (LPA) with fit indices, univariate analyses (chi-square tests and Digital health literacy was negatively correlated with perceived stigma ( This study confirms heterogeneity in digital health literacy and perceived stigma among burn patients, with social support and appearance anxiety as key influencers. Findings support targeted interventions to enhance digital health literacy and reduce perceived stigma, advancing precision psychological care for burn survivors. Show less