Osteosarcoma demonstrates limited responsiveness to PD-1 blockade, largely due to its immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The specific mechanisms by which cancer-associated fibroblasts (CA Show more
Osteosarcoma demonstrates limited responsiveness to PD-1 blockade, largely due to its immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The specific mechanisms by which cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) contribute to immunosuppression in osteosarcoma are not fully understood. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on osteosarcoma tissues from patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and anti-PD-1 therapy to investigate the tumor microenvironment. Cellular composition, gene expression programs, and signaling pathways were analyzed. Functional assays, pull-down and PLA-flow binding validation, and in vivo mouse models were used to dissect the mechanisms by which CAF-derived factors influence CD8⁺ T cell function and contribute to immunotherapy response. We identified a subpopulation of CD36⁺ CAFs, characterized by adaptive uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) and activation of the PPARG-FABP4 axis. This metabolic program promoted ANGPTL4 secretion, which bound integrin on CD8⁺ T cells and activated the JAK2-STAT3 pathway, leading to T cell exhaustion and impaired effector function. In vivo, administration of VitE effectively scavenged OxLDL, reprogrammed the TME, enhanced CD8⁺ T cell infiltration, and synergized with PD-1 blockade to improve tumor control. CD36⁺ CAFs drive immunosuppressive metabolic reprogramming via the OxLDL-PPARG-ANGPTL4 axis, promoting CD8⁺ T cell exhaustion and resistance to immunotherapy in osteosarcoma. Targeting this pathway with VitE alleviated CAF-mediated immune suppression and enhanced PD-1 blockade responses in preclinical models, providing a rationale for metabolism-based combinatorial strategies in osteosarcoma. Show less
The development of an immunosuppressive microenvironment is a critical factor in stomach carcinogenesis. Polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) serve a pivotal function in medi Show more
The development of an immunosuppressive microenvironment is a critical factor in stomach carcinogenesis. Polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) serve a pivotal function in mediating immune suppression. However, the precise mechanisms underlying PMN-MDSCs infiltration into the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and their immunosuppressive functions remain poorly understood. In this investigation, we observed that PMN-MDSCs were up-regulated during stomach carcinogenesis, with gastric cancer (GC) cells secreting CCL26 to promote the infiltration of PMN-MDSCs into the TIME via the CX3CR1 receptor. The infiltrating CX3CR1 Show less
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from gram-negative bacteria initially induces the pro-inflammatory cytokines storm and causes inflammatory cascade responses. However, the LPS with higher dosage induced duode Show more
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from gram-negative bacteria initially induces the pro-inflammatory cytokines storm and causes inflammatory cascade responses. However, the LPS with higher dosage induced duodenal, cecal, hepatic, and cardiac inflammation remains elusive. Specific pathogen-free chicken embryos (n = 72) were allocated to the control, LPS groups (10 μg, 24 μg, 50 μg, 100 μg, 170 μg/egg, respectively). Fifteen day old embryonated eggs were injected abovementioned solutions via the allantoic cavity by disposable syringes. On embryonic day 19, the tissues of the embryos were collected for histopathology, RNA extraction, real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry investigation. The results demonstrated that there was inflammatory responses (heterophils infiltration or macrophages accumulation) presented in the duodena, ceca, livers, and hearts after LPS induction. The duodenal mRNA expressions of inflammatory-associated mediators (TLR4, IFNγ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, MMP9, MMP3, p38, or NF-κB1) were significantly upregulated after LPS induction (10 μg, 24 μg, 50 μg, 100 μg, or 170 μg /egg) when compared with the control group, respectively. Duodenal immunopositivity of TLR4, MMP9, and MMP3 significantly increased following LPS induction (24 μg or 50 μg) compared to the control group. Meanwhile, the hepatic mRNA expressions of inflammatory-associated factors (IFNγ, MMP3, IL-1β, IL-10, TNFα, IL-8, or NF-κB1) significantly increased after LPS induction (10 μg, 24 μg, 50 μg, 100 μg, or 170 μg /egg) when compared with the control group, respectively. Additionally, cardiac mRNA expression of TLR4, IFNγ, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, MMP3, MMP9, and TNFα was significantly increased in all five LPS groups compared to the control group. Cardiac protein expressions of TLR4 or IFNγ significantly increased when compared 100 μg LPS group with the control group. Duodenal and cecal mRNA expressions of programmed cell death-related factors presented irregular. The mRNA expression of hepatic pyroptosis-associated gene AMPKα2, Beclin-1, Bcl-2, CASP1, or CASP12 after LPS induction (10 μg, 24 μg, or 50 μg/egg) increased when compared with the control group. Furthermore, the cardiac mRNA expressions of pyroptosis-related gene CASP1 and CASP12 in five LPS groups increased when compared with the control group. Cardiac autophagy-related gene Bcl-2, ATG5, or LC3B enhanced in LPS groups (10 μg, 50 μg, or 100 μg/egg) when compared with the control group, whereas LC3A, CASP1, or Drp1 mRNA expression in five LPS groups reduced when compared with the control group, respectively. The mRNA expressions of duodenal mucosal barrier function-associated mediators Claudin 1 and PEPT1 were upregulated after LPS induction (10 μg or 50 μg/egg) when compared five LPS groups with the control group, respectively; nevertheless, duodenal Mucin 2 and SGLT1 mRNA expression reduced in four groups (24 μg, 50 μg, 100 μg, or 170μg /egg) when compared with the control group, as well as cecal mRNA expressions of Mucin 2, occludin, SGLT1.The mRNA expressions of liver permeability-related gene (claudin 1 and occludin) increased in the five groups when compared with the control group, as well as cardiac permeability and energy metabolism-related gene (AMPKα2, APOA4, PPARα, SGLT, and claudin1). In conclusion, LPS can induce duodenal, hepatic and cardiac inflammation, initiate energy deficiency, autophagy, programmed cell death, enhanced intestinal mucous barrier function, tight junction, and permeability in chicken embryos. Show less
Currently, understanding of the nonlinear relationship between age and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognosis is insufficient. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between age at HCC d Show more
Currently, understanding of the nonlinear relationship between age and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognosis is insufficient. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between age at HCC diagnosis and overall survival (OS) and identify possible influencing mechanisms. Clinical data from the TCGA public database were analyzed. Restricted cubic spline and segmented logistic regression were employed to explore the nonlinear relationship between age at diagnosis and mortality risk following hepatectomy. Furthermore, bioinformatics methods were employed to understand the possible mechanisms of this nonlinear relationship at the genetic level. The results indicated a nonlinear relationship between age at diagnosis and OS, with the age of 60 years identified as a critical point. Segmented regression showed that age ≥60 years is an unfavorable prognostic factor. The "DNA mismatch repair" pathway was considerably enriched in patients aged <60 years. However, the gene mutation rate of "APOB," "MUC16," "ALB," and "PCLO" and the median tumor mutation burden were relatively more evident in patients aged ≥60 years. MGEA12 was more highly expressed in tumor tissues than in normal ones, particularly in patients aged ≥60 years. The survival rate of the high-expression group was lower than that of the low-expression group. At the mRNA level, the MGEA12 expression in Huh-7 and SUN449 was higher than that in the HSC-LX2 cell line. A nonlinear relationship was found between age at HCC diagnosis and OS, with the age of 60 years being the critical point. MGEA12 may affect the prognosis of elderly people. Show less
Limited identification of insulin resistance-associated loci hinders understanding of its role in cardiometabolic health, impeding therapeutic strategies. We apply three multivariate genome-wide assoc Show more
Limited identification of insulin resistance-associated loci hinders understanding of its role in cardiometabolic health, impeding therapeutic strategies. We apply three multivariate genome-wide association study approaches on homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, insulin resistance index, fasting insulin, and ratio of triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol from MAGIC and UK Biobank to develop a comprehensive phenotype ('mvIR'), and identify 217 independent loci, including 24 novel loci. The mvIR is causally associated with higher risks of 17 cardiometabolic diseases and five aging phenotypes, independent of adiposity and sarcopenia. We outline 21 of 2644 druggable genes for insulin resistance by Mendelian randomization and colocalization, where six genes (AKT1, ERBB3, FCGR1A, FGFR1, LPL, NR1H3) encode targets for approved drugs with consistent directions in alleviating insulin resistance, with no significant side effects revealed by phenome-wide association study. This study uncovers novel loci and therapeutic targets to inform strategies promoting insulin resistance-centered cardiometabolic health and longevity. Show less
A retrospective analysis of clinical data of 8 patients with PICALM::MLLT10 (P/M) fusion gene-positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML) diagnosed by transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) at the First Affilia Show more
A retrospective analysis of clinical data of 8 patients with PICALM::MLLT10 (P/M) fusion gene-positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML) diagnosed by transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from June 2017 to March 2023 was performed. Laboratory findings and treatment status were analyzed, and survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. The 8 patients included 5 males and 3 females, aged 16-35 years, with a median age of 27 years. The platelet count of patients was normal, and 3 patients had mild to moderate anemia. Extramedullary infiltration was present in all patients with clinical manifestations, including 5 patients with mediastinal masses, 2 patients with hepatosplenomegaly, 1 patient with central nervous system leukemia, and 1 patient with cervical lymph node enlargement. Karyotypical analysis revealed 7 patients with an abnormal karyotype, including 6 cases of complex karyotypes. Of these, 4 patients harbored the t(10;11) translocation. The complete remission rate of induction chemotherapy in the patients was 7/8, and 2 patients experienced early recurrence. All patients subsequently underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), The follow-up period ranged from 86 to 812 days, with a median of 330 days. Among the 8 patients, 3 survived and 5 died due to recurrence. Relapse and death only occurred in the P/M fusion gene-positive patients after transplantation. The overall survival rate at 1 year after transplantation was 37.5%. P/M Show less
A comprehensive understanding of protein corona (PC) composition is critical for engineering nanoparticles (NPs) with optimal safety and therapeutic performance, because the PC governs NP pharmacokine Show more
A comprehensive understanding of protein corona (PC) composition is critical for engineering nanoparticles (NPs) with optimal safety and therapeutic performance, because the PC governs NP pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and cellular interactions. Yet systematic analyses are hampered by the absence of standardized, richly annotated data sets. Here, we introduce the Protein Corona Database (PC-DB), which compiles data from 83 studies (2000-2024) and integrates 817 NP formulations with quantitative profiles of 2497 adsorbed proteins. The PC-DB exposes pronounced heterogeneity in NP materials (metal 28.8%, silica 22.8%, lipid-based 14.8%), surface modifications, sizes (1-1400 nm), and ζ-potentials (-70 to +70 mV). Subsequent meta-analysis shows that silica, polystyrene, and lipid-based NPs smaller than 100 nm with moderately negative to neutral ζ-potentials preferentially bind the lipoproteins APOE and APOB-100, which are linked to receptor-mediated uptake and enhanced delivery efficiency. In contrast, metal and metal-oxide NPs carrying highly negative surface charge enrich complement component C3, indicating a greater likelihood of immune recognition and clearance. Interpretable machine learning models (LightGBM and XGBoost; ROC-AUC > 0.85) confirm NP size, ζ-potential, and incubation time as the most influential predictors of protein adsorption. These results delineate how physicochemical parameters dictate PC composition and illustrate the power of predictive modeling to guide rational NP design. Show less
Liver cancer, encompassing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatoblastoma, the latter of which primarily occurs in early childhood, is the most common malignant tumor arising from liver and is resp Show more
Liver cancer, encompassing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatoblastoma, the latter of which primarily occurs in early childhood, is the most common malignant tumor arising from liver and is responsible for a significant number of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Targeted drugs have been used for anti-liver cancer treatment in the advanced stage, while their efficacy is greatly compromised by development of drug resistance. Drug resistance is a complicated process regulated by intrinsic and extrinsic signals and has been associated with poorer prognosis in cancer patients. In the current study, online available dataset analysis uncovered that angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) manifested lower expression in sorafenib-resistant liver cancer cell lines. Additionally, ANGPTL3 was downregulated in HCC tissues, with its expression positively correlated with good prognosis. Functionally, ectopic expression of ANGPTL3 re-sensitized sorafenib-resistant cells, enhancing the sorafenib-induced reduction in cell viability and migration by suppressing zinc finger protein SNAI1 (SNAI1) expression and the protein stability of carnitine O-palmitoyltransferase 1, liver isoform (CPT1A). Clinical correlation analysis revealed that ANGPTL3 was negatively associated with SNAI1 expression. In conclusion, we identify a novel association between ANGPTL3, SNAI1 and CPT1A on sorafenib therapeutic response. Targeting ANGPTL3/SNAI1/CPT1A axis may serve as a therapeutic approach to improve prognosis of liver cancer patients with sorafenib resistance. Show less
This study aimed to identify heterogeneous patterns of medical coping modes (MCM) and to examine the moderating role of social support in the relationship between these patterns and social disability Show more
This study aimed to identify heterogeneous patterns of medical coping modes (MCM) and to examine the moderating role of social support in the relationship between these patterns and social disability in young and middle-aged patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 129 post-PCI patients from a single center in China. Participants completed the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ), the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and the Social Disability Screening Schedule (SDSS). Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify distinct coping patterns. The moderation effect of social support was tested using the Johnson-Neyman technique. Two distinct coping profiles were identified via LPA: "Adaptive Copers" (55.1%), characterized by higher confrontation and lower avoidance/resignation, and "Maladaptive Copers" (44.9%), showing the opposite pattern. A counterintuitive finding emerged, with the Maladaptive Copers reporting significantly lower social disability scores. Furthermore, beyond this profile differentiation, social support demonstrated a significant U-shaped moderating effect in the coping-disability relationship. Its moderating role was statistically significant only at very low (<39.884) and very high (>52.924) levels of support. This study reveals two key findings: first, post-PCI patients are heterogeneous in coping, comprising adaptive and maladaptive subgroups; second, the impact of these coping styles on social disability is non-linearly moderated by social support. Clinicians should assess both coping profiles and social support levels to tailor interventions effectively. Show less
Injectable hydrogel implants represent a promising therapeutic approach for ischemic heart failure; but their efficacy is often limited by low bioactivity, poor durability, and inadequate injection te Show more
Injectable hydrogel implants represent a promising therapeutic approach for ischemic heart failure; but their efficacy is often limited by low bioactivity, poor durability, and inadequate injection techniques. Herein, a unique hydrogel incorporating extracellular matrix from fish swim bladder (FSB-ECM), which has distinct advantages over mammalian derived ECM, such as low antigenicity, bioactivity, and source safety, is developed. It consists of collagen, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans, including 13 proteins common in the myocardial matrix and three specific proteins: HSPG, Col12a1, and vWF. This hydrogel enhances cardiac cell adhesion and stretching while promoting angiogenesis and M2 macrophage polarization. In addition, its storage modulus (G') increases over time, reaching about 1000 Pa after 5 min, which facilitates transcatheter delivery and in situ gelling. Furthermore, this hydrogel provides sustained support for cardiac contractions, exhibiting superior longevity. In a rat model of ischemic heart failure, the ejection fraction significantly improves with FSB-ECM treatment, accompanied by increased angiogenesis, reduced inflammation, and decreased infarct size. Finally, RNA sequencing combined with in vitro assays identifies ANGPTL4 as a key protein involved in mediating the effects of FSB-ECM treatment. Overall, this new injectable hydrogel based on FSB-ECM is suitable for transcatheter delivery and possesses remarkable reparative capabilities for treating heart failure. Show less
This review aims to explore the epidemiology of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] by its structural and genetic make-up variation amongst ancestry groups. Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a genetically determined lipop Show more
This review aims to explore the epidemiology of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] by its structural and genetic make-up variation amongst ancestry groups. Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a genetically determined lipoprotein particle, causally implicated in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS). Given its genetic basis, studies have shown marked ancestry-related differences in different races and ethnicities. Lp(a) plasma concentrations vary by more than 100-fold among individuals, primarily due to LPA gene polymorphisms and the number of kringle-IV type 2 (KIV2) repeats, which define apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] isoform size. Individuals of African descent have the highest median concentrations, followed by South Asians, with Hispanics/Latinos and East Asians having lower levels. Admixed populations display heterogeneity reflecting genetic ancestry. Despite differences in absolute levels, the relative ASCVD risk per unit increase in Lp(a) is consistent across groups, highlighting the universal atherogenicity of elevated Lp(a). Small apo(a) isoforms are associated with higher Lp(a) concentrations and risk, though isoform size is mainly a surrogate for Lp(a) burden. Despite a strong genetic basis and disproportionate burden in some populations, ancestry-specific testing guidelines are limited and testing rates remain low. Therapies targeting LPA transcription are in development, with outcome trials underway. Integrating ancestry-informed perspectives with universal risk principles is essential for equitable prevention and treatment. Routine, one-time Lp(a) testing enables cost-effective early risk stratification as Lp(a)-directed therapies emerge. Show less
Evidence of the benefits of cordycepin (Cpn) for treating obesity is accumulating, but detailed knowledge of its therapeutic targets and mechanisms remains limited. This study aimed to systematically Show more
Evidence of the benefits of cordycepin (Cpn) for treating obesity is accumulating, but detailed knowledge of its therapeutic targets and mechanisms remains limited. This study aimed to systematically identify Cpn's therapeutic targets and pathways in Western diet (WD)-induced obesity using integrated network pharmacology, transcriptomics, and experimental validation. A Western diet (WD)-induced mice model was used to evaluate the effectiveness of Cpn in ameliorating obesity. A network pharmacology analysis was then employed to identify the potential anti-obesity targets of Cpn. GO functional enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis were performed to elucidate the potential functions of the identified targets, followed by constructing a protein-protein interaction network to screen the core targets. Meanwhile, quantitative transcriptomics was conducted to validate and broaden the network pharmacology findings. Finally, molecular docking and quantitative real-time PCR assay were used for the core target validation. Cpn treatment effectively alleviated obesity-related symptoms in WD-induced mice. The metabolic pathway, insulin signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis pathway, and core targets including CPS1, HRAS, MAPK14, PAH, ALDOB, AKT1, GSK3B, HSP90AA1, BHMT2, EGFR, CASP3, MAT1A, APOM, APOA2, APOC3, and APOA1 are involved in regulating the therapeutic effect of Cpn. This study comprehensively uncovers the potential mechanism of Cpn against obesity based on network pharmacology and quantitative transcriptomics, which provides evidence for revealing the pathogenesis of obesity, suggesting that Cpn is a possible lead compound for anti-obesity treatment. Show less
Growing evidence suggests that lipid metabolism may play a crucial role in mood disorder pathophysiology, and the correlation between blood lipids and mood disorder remains further clarified. This pro Show more
Growing evidence suggests that lipid metabolism may play a crucial role in mood disorder pathophysiology, and the correlation between blood lipids and mood disorder remains further clarified. This prospective, population-based cohort study utilized data from the UK Biobank. The study included 268,098 and 292,121 participants who had never been diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder and who had complete data at both the baseline and follow-up points. A principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted on seven blood lipids, and the first three principal components (PCs) were derived. Cox regression analysis was employed to examine the correlation between the risk of mood disorders and the PCs. Multiplicative interaction and sensitivity analyses were also conducted. The relationship between blood lipids and neurological biomarkers was explored using Spearman's analysis. PC1, primarily reflecting levels of Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), showed a protective effect against depression, with HRs of 0.98 (95 % CI: 0.96,1.00) in the fully adjusted Cox regression model. In contrast, PC2, characterized by opposite loadings for triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), was positively associated with the risk of depression and bipolar disorder.(HR = 1.03,95 % CI: 1.01,1.06; HR = 1.11, 95 % CI: 1.01,1.23). Increased PC2 level was related to a significant increase in bipolar disorder risk among participants with high genetic risk (genetic risk score > 90 %, HR = 1.22, 95 % CI: 1.02,1.46). Complicated correlations between blood lipids and serum neuroproteins were detected. These findings suggest complex associations between blood lipid profiles and the risk of depression and bipolar disorder. Show less
Oxidative deterioration of fish oil in aquafeeds poses a significant challenge to fish health and aquaculture sustainability, making it crucial to mitigate this issue through healthy and green nutriti Show more
Oxidative deterioration of fish oil in aquafeeds poses a significant challenge to fish health and aquaculture sustainability, making it crucial to mitigate this issue through healthy and green nutritional strategies. This study examined the potential of stevia chlorogenic acid (SCGA), a bioactive byproduct of stevia processing, to alleviate intestinal injury, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and lipid metabolism disorders induced by oxidized fish oil in turbot. Four diets with equal nitrogen and lipid contents were formulated: a control diet (PC) containing 5 % fresh fish oil, an oxidized fish oil diet (OFO) comprising 5 % oxidized fish oil, and two additional OFO diets supplemented with 200 mg/kg (OFO200) or 400 mg/kg (OFO400) of SCGA. Each dietary treatment was randomly assigned to three replicates, each containing 40 fish weighing approximately 16.99 ± 0.01 g, and administered over a 10-week period. Fish fed the OFO diet exhibited significantly compromised growth performance, as indicated by decreased WGR and SGR, along with reduced serum immune indices (IgM, C3, and C4) and lipid parameters (TC, HDL, LDL), and elevated serum D-LA levels (P < 0.05). Moreover, dietary OFO markedly suppressed antioxidant enzyme activities (serum SOD; intestinal SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT) and elevated MDA concentrations (P < 0.05). Additionally, OFO reduced intestinal expression of tight junction-associated genes (Claudin-4, Claudin-7, Occludin) while increasing expression levels of MLCK, Keap1, inflammatory mediators (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α2, NF-κB, IFN-γ), and Caspase7 (P < 0.05). Notably, the TLR signaling pathway-related genes were upregulated, accompanied by pronounced shifts in gut microbiota composition (P < 0.05). In hepatic tissue, lipogenesis-associated genes (FAS, ACC) were significantly increased, while key genes involved in lipid transport and β-oxidation (CD36, LPL, ACOX1, PPARγ) exhibited reduced expression (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with 200 and 400 mg/kg SCGA effectively mitigated these detrimental impacts. SCGA restored growth performance, serum immune parameters, and antioxidant enzyme activities to levels comparable to the PC group. It also normalized gene expression related to intestinal barrier function, inflammation, apoptosis, and hepatic lipid metabolism. Furthermore, SCGA supplementation modulated gut microbiota structure by increasing beneficial genera and decreasing potential pathogens. In conclusion, SCGA effectively improves growth performance, alleviates OFO-induced intestinal injury and microbial dysbiosis, and regulates lipid metabolism in turbot. These findings provide theoretical insights and technical support for the application of SCGA in aquaculture. Show less
In school settings, nomophobia-a newly identified form of problematic mobile phone use characterized by anxiety and discomfort experienced when an individual is unable to use or access their smartphon Show more
In school settings, nomophobia-a newly identified form of problematic mobile phone use characterized by anxiety and discomfort experienced when an individual is unable to use or access their smartphone-poses significant challenges to students' learning and daily life. Prior research on nomophobia has predominantly adopted a variable-centered perspective. However, if nomophobia is heterogeneous across subgroups, acknowledging this heterogeneity may inform the advancement of more tailored and productive therapeutic methods. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted separately among high school students (N = 446) and college students (N = 667) to identify potential subgroup heterogeneity in nomophobia. To examine cross-group similarities in nomophobia profiles, a multi-group LPA was employed. Based on multiple model fit criteria, a three-profile solution-high nomophobia, moderate nomophobia, and low nomophobia-was identified for both groups. However, the multi-group LPA provided only partial support for the similarity of nomophobia profiles across educational stages, specifically in terms of configural and dispersion similarity. While similar nomophobia profiles emerged across groups, the partial equivalence suggests that intervention strategies for nomophobia may not be universally applicable across different educational levels. Additional studies should investigate the mechanisms underlying students' nomophobia profiles and to inform differentiated interventions for educators, institutions, and policymakers. Show less
Recent studies have shown glycerolipid metabolism played an essential role in multiple tumors, however, its function in osteosarcoma is unclear. This study aimed to explore the role of glycerolipid me Show more
Recent studies have shown glycerolipid metabolism played an essential role in multiple tumors, however, its function in osteosarcoma is unclear. This study aimed to explore the role of glycerolipid metabolism in osteosarcoma. We conducted bioinformatics analysis using data from the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) database and single-cell RNA sequencing. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression was used to identify the Glycerolipid metabolism-related genes associated with the clinical outcome of osteosarcoma. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and their interactions with immune cells were examined through single-cell analysis and co-culture experiments. Virtual screening was employed to identify the potential lysophosphatidic acid receptor 6 (LPAR6) inhibitors. Glycerolipid metabolism-related genes 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase 3 ( Show less
Lipid metabolism abnormalities and inflammation have been implicated in gallstone disease (GSD) development, but the causal relationships and potential mediation effects among lipid metabolites, infla Show more
Lipid metabolism abnormalities and inflammation have been implicated in gallstone disease (GSD) development, but the causal relationships and potential mediation effects among lipid metabolites, inflammatory factors, and GSD remain unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the causal relationships among these 3 factors. This study employed 2-sample Mendelian Randomization (TSMR) and 2-step MR to investigate the causal relationships and potential mediation effects among 91 inflammatory factors, 6 lipid metabolism-related molecules (HDL-C, LDL-C, TG, total cholesterol, ApoA1, and ApoB), and GSD. We opted for 4 distinct MR analysis methods including inverse variance weighted method, weighted median method, MR-Egger regression method and MR-PRESSO analysis. Sensitivity analyses included MR-Egger intercept tests, Cochran's Q statistic, Steiger tests, and leave-one-out analyses. Product of coefficients method was used to estimate mediation proportion. TSMR analysis revealed that every 1-unit increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB), the risk of GSD decreased by 16.5%, 10.2%, 8.4%, and 13.1%, respectively. Inflammatory factors such as Natural killer cell receptor 2B4 (CD244), Macrophage colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1), and interleukin-18 receptor 1 (IL-18R1) were identified as risk factors for GSD, while Fibroblast growth factor 19 levels (FGF19), Interleukin-1-alpha levels (IL-1α), and Interleukin-8 levels (IL-8) were found to be protective. Mediation analysis through 2-step MR identified potential pathways involving ApoA1--IL-8--GSD (P = .084) and IL-1α--ApoB--GSD (P = .117). This study provides robust evidence of causal links between specific lipid metabolites and GSD, as well as suggestive causal associations for several inflammatory factors. However, mediation analysis did not support significant roles for lipids or inflammatory factors as mediators in GSD pathogenesis. Future research could be further pursued in areas such as drug target intervention and mechanistic studies. Show less
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a global health issue due to its high prevalence, yet the impact of accelerometer-measured physical activity on clinical outcomes re Show more
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a global health issue due to its high prevalence, yet the impact of accelerometer-measured physical activity on clinical outcomes remains unclear. This study aims to examine the associations of physical activity with the risk of liver cirrhosis, cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and mortality. 32 681 MASLD participants with accelerometer-derived physical activity data from the UK Biobank were analysed. Physical activity intensity was categorised into light (LPA), moderate (MPA) and vigorous (VPA) intensity. Cox proportional hazard and acceleration failure models were employed to assess associations between physical activity duration and outcomes. During a median follow-up of 7.5-7.9 years, 1883 deaths, 151 liver cirrhosis, 3312 cancers and 6657 CVD events were recorded. Physical activity, regardless of intensity, was consistently associated with a reduced risk of liver cirrhosis, CVD and all-cause mortality. Compared with non-MASLD individuals, our analysis indicates that longer duration of physical activity, specifically >1945 min/week of LPA or >383 min/week of MPA may theoretically eliminate the excess risk of mortality associated with MASLD. Among MASLD individuals, longer physical activity duration, regardless of intensity, was associated with reduced risks of liver cirrhosis and mortality. MPA and VPA were associated with lower CVD risk, while VPA was associated with reduced cancer risk, highlighting the potential benefits of increasing the intensity and duration of physical activity in MASLD management. Show less
Breast cancer has seriously affected women's physical and mental health. This investigation aims at screening differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in breast cancer and illuminating the potential biol Show more
Breast cancer has seriously affected women's physical and mental health. This investigation aims at screening differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in breast cancer and illuminating the potential biological functions of Leiomodin 1 (LMOD1) and its behind mechanisms against breast cancer. The common DEGs (co-DEGs) between the GSE22820 and GSE29431 data sets and pivotal genes were screened out using bioinformatics methods. The biological roles of LMOD1 overexpression on malignant phenotypes were validated by functional assays and the impact on fatty acid synthesis was also elucidated in breast cancer cell lines. Additionally, colivelin, a STAT3 activator, was applied for further investigating the role of LMOD1 on the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in vitro. A total of 208 co-DEGs and 5 focal genes were screened through bioinformatics analysis, and 5 focal genes were downregulated in breast cancer cell lines. LMOD1 overexpression retarded proliferative, migratory, invasive capabilities of breast cancer cells. LMOD1 overexpression suppressed fatty acid synthesis. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects on malignant phenotypes of breast cancer cells with LMOD1 overexpression were partially abolished after colivelin treatment. Additionally, LMOD1 could impede fatty acid synthesis in breast cancer cells. Our study highlighted LMOD1 exerted as a tumor-suppressive role in breast cancer, which was correlated with restraining the JAK2/STAT3 pathway activation. Show less
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified common variants associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). However, rare coding variant studies have been Show more
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified common variants associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). However, rare coding variant studies have been limited by phenotyping challenges and small sample sizes. We test associations of rare and ultra-rare coding variants with proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and MASLD case-control status in 736,010 participants of diverse ancestries from the UK Biobank, All of Us, and BioMe and performed a trans-ancestral meta-analysis. We then developed models to accurately predict PDFF and MASLD status in the UK Biobank and tested associations with these predicted phenotypes to increase statistical power. The trans-ancestral meta-analysis with PDFF and MASLD case-control status identifies two single variants and two gene-level associations in APOB, CDH5, MYCBP2, and XAB2. Association testing with predicted phenotypes, which replicates more known genetic variants from GWAS than true phenotypes, identifies 16 single variants and 11 gene-level associations implicating 23 additional genes. Two variants were polymorphic only among African ancestry participants and several associations showed significant heterogeneity in ancestry and sex-stratified analyses. In total, we identified 27 genes, of which 3 are monogenic causes of steatosis (APOB, G6PC1, PPARG), 4 were previously associated with MASLD (APOB, APOC3, INSR, PPARG), and 23 had supporting clinical, experimental, and/or genetic evidence. Our results suggest that trans-ancestral association analyses can identify ancestry-specific rare and ultra-rare coding variants in MASLD pathogenesis. Furthermore, we demonstrate the utility of machine learning in genetic investigations of difficult-to-phenotype diseases in trans-ancestral biobanks. Show less
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has become the most prevalent type of heart failure, but effective treatments are lacking. Cardiac lymphatics play a crucial role in maintaining Show more
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has become the most prevalent type of heart failure, but effective treatments are lacking. Cardiac lymphatics play a crucial role in maintaining heart health by draining fluids and immune cells. However, their involvement in HFpEF remains largely unexplored. We examined cardiac lymphatic alterations in mice with HFpEF with comorbid obesity and hypertension, and in heart tissues from patients with HFpEF. Using genetically engineered mouse models and various cellular and molecular techniques, we investigated the role of cardiac lymphatics in HFpEF and the underlying mechanisms. In mice with HFpEF, cardiac lymphatics displayed substantial structural and functional anomalies, including decreased lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) density, vessel fragmentation, reduced branch connections, and impaired capacity to drain fluids and immune cells. LEC numbers and marker expression levels were also decreased in heart tissues from patients with HFpEF. Stimulating lymphangiogenesis with an adeno-associated virus expressing an engineered variant of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC Our study provides evidence that cardiac lymphatic disruption, driven by impaired BCAA catabolism in LECs, is a key factor contributing to HFpEF. These findings unravel the crucial role of BCAA catabolism in modulating lymphatic biology, and suggest that preserving cardiac lymphatic integrity may present a novel therapeutic strategy for HFpEF. Show less
Despite the well-established association between the apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 (apoB/apoA1) ratio and ischemic stroke, its specific relationship with the underlying vascular pathologies contr Show more
Despite the well-established association between the apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 (apoB/apoA1) ratio and ischemic stroke, its specific relationship with the underlying vascular pathologies contributing to stroke remains poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the association between the apoB/apoA1 ratio and intracranial or extracranial atherosclerosis. We enrolled 408 patients with acute ischemic stroke who had never been treated with statins or fibrates. Based on the images from computed tomography angiography (CTA), the patients were categorized into four groups: intracranial atherosclerosis stenosis (ICAS, n = 136), extracranial carotid atherosclerosis stenosis (ECAS, n = 45), combined intracranial and extracranial atherosclerosis stenosis (COAS, n = 73), and non-cerebral atherosclerosis stenosis (NCAS, n = 154). Demographic characteristics, clinical factors, and serum lipid levels were collected and then compared across groups. The apoB/apoA1 ratio was significantly higher in patients with ICAS, ECAS and COAS compared to those in the NCAS group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio was independently associated with ICAS, but not with ECAS. ROC curve analysis showed that the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio had a good diagnostic ability for ICAS, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.764, an optimal cut-off value of 0.8122, a sensitivity of 81.3%, and a specificity of 59.8%. An higher apoB/apoA1 ratio is associated with ICAS in ischemic stroke patients. Show less
Demyelination diseases are characterized by injury to large (A-type) myelinated nerve fibers, and by secondary damage to small (C-type) sensory fibers, which leads to chronic pain symptoms, such as al Show more
Demyelination diseases are characterized by injury to large (A-type) myelinated nerve fibers, and by secondary damage to small (C-type) sensory fibers, which leads to chronic pain symptoms, such as allodynia. The mechanisms underlying the interactions between the two fiber types are not clear. This study aims to investigate the role of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) signaling in satellite glial cells (SGCs) within the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in demyelination-induced chronic pain. A demyelination model was established by injecting cobra venom into the tibial nerve of 8-10-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats to selectively damage A-fiber myelin. Myelin morphology was observed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days post-injection. Pain behaviors (mechanical hypersensitivity, thermal hyperalgesia, and spontaneous pain) were assessed to evaluate progression. In vivo electrophysiology was performed to analyze sensory conduction and excitability changes in A- and C-type neurons. Immunofluorescence staining assessed SGC activation, LPA1 receptor (LPA1R) expression, and connexin 43 (Cx43) dynamics in the L4 DRG over time. Pharmacological interventions targeting LPA1R and SGC activation were applied to evaluate their effects on pain behaviors, cytokine release, and neuronal excitability using RT-PCR, ELISA, and spinal electrophysiology. Cobra venom induced a selective A-fiber demyelination and persistent pain in rats. It also upregulated the expression of LPA1R on SGCs that surround large DRG neurons, which normally mediate non-noxious input, and increased gap junction-mediated coupling via Cx43, leading to the activation of SGCs surrounding small nociceptive neurons. The activated SGCs released inflammatory mediators that increased nociceptive neuron excitability, driving chronic pain. In support of these results, pharmacological inhibition of LPA1R-mediated SGCs activation reversed this process. Our study demonstrates that LPA-LPA1R signaling in SGCs drives A-fiber demyelination-induced neuropathic pain by promoting Cx43-mediated SGC-neuron crosstalk and cytokine release. Targeting this pathway may represent a promising strategy to alleviate demyelination-associated chronic pain. Show less
Ischemic stroke (IS) is a major cause of disability and mortality, but its genetic basis remains poorly understood. This study integrates data from three large-scale genome-wide association studies (G Show more
Ischemic stroke (IS) is a major cause of disability and mortality, but its genetic basis remains poorly understood. This study integrates data from three large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWASs), the GWAS Catalog, MEGASTROKE, and Open GWAS, to identify novel genetic loci linked to IS. Our meta-analysis revealed 124 new IS-associated loci, with enrichment in genes involved in cerebrovascular function, inflammation, and metabolism. Candidate genes like Show less
FGFR1 amplification and FGFR1/2 activating mutations have been associated with antiestrogen resistance in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. However, there are no approved FGFR1-targeted Show more
FGFR1 amplification and FGFR1/2 activating mutations have been associated with antiestrogen resistance in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. However, there are no approved FGFR1-targeted therapies for breast cancers harboring these alterations. In this study, we investigated the selective degradation of FGFR1/2 using the proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) DGY-09-192 as a novel therapeutic strategy in ER + breast cancers harboring FGFR1/2 somatic alterations. Treatment of ER+/FGFR1-amplified breast cancer cells and patient-derived xenografts with DGY-09-192 resulted in sustained degradation of FGFR1 in a proteasome-dependent manner and suppressed downstream signal transduction. The combination of DGY-09-192 and the ERα degrader fulvestrant resulted in complete cell growth arrest and tumor regression of ER+/FGFR1-amplified patients-derived xenografts. In addition, we tested the effect of DGY-09-192 on breast cancer cells expressing FGFR1 Show less
This study aimed to analyse the latent profiles of moral sensitivity of nursing students and to explore the different types of influencing factors. A cross-sectional study. Convenience sampling method Show more
This study aimed to analyse the latent profiles of moral sensitivity of nursing students and to explore the different types of influencing factors. A cross-sectional study. Convenience sampling method was used to select nursing students from five hospitals in Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, from July to September 2024. The demographic characteristics questionnaire and the Chinese version of the Nursing Student Moral Sensitivity Scale (MSQ-ST) were used as survey tools. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed on the moral sensitivity of nursing students. Logistic regression was used to analyse the influencing factors of different profiles. A total of 805 nursing students completed the questionnaire, of which 787 were valid, with a validity rate of 97.76%. The results of latent profile analysis showed that the moral sensitivity of nursing students was divided into two latent profiles: "low moral sensitivity group" (18.68%) and "high moral sensitivity group" (81.32%), and the results of logistic regression analysis showed that the level of hospital, the length of internship and the frequency of training on moral education were the factors influencing the moral sensitivity of nursing students (p < 0.05). In this study, we have demonstrated that there are two categories of moral sensitivity in nursing students, and that demographic traits have an impact on moral sensitivity in nursing students. These findings may provide a valuable theoretical foundation for nursing educators in developing the moral awareness of nursing students. No patient or public contribution. Show less
Traumatic defects or non-union fractures presents a substantial challenge in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Although synthetic calcium phosphate-based biomaterials (CaPs) Show more
Traumatic defects or non-union fractures presents a substantial challenge in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Although synthetic calcium phosphate-based biomaterials (CaPs) such as dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrate (DCPA) are commonly employed for bone repair, their inadequate cellular immune responses significantly impede sustained degradation and optimal osteogenesis. In this study, drawing inspiration from the key structure of an acidic non-collagenous protein-CaP complex (ANCPs-CaP) essential for natural bone formation, we prepared biomimetic mineralized dibasic calcium phosphate (MDCPA). This preparation utilized plant-derived non-collagenous protein Zein as the organic template and acidic artificial saliva as the mineralization medium. Physicochemical property analysis revealed that MDCPA is a complex of Zein and DCPA, which mimics the composite of the natural ANCP-CaP. Moreover, MDCPA exhibited enhanced biodegradability and osteogenic potential. Mechanistic insight revealed that MDCPA can be phagocytized and degraded by macrophages via the FCγRIII receptor, leading to the release of interleukin 27 (IL-27), which promotes osteogenic differentiation by osteoimmunomodulation. The critical role of IL-27 in osteogenesis is further confirmed using IL-27 gene knockout mice. Additionally, MDCPA demonstrates effective healing of critical-sized defects in rat cranial bones within only 4 w, providing a promising basis and valuable insights for critical-sized bone defects regeneration. Show less
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), yet traditional risk predictors remain limited in clin Show more
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), yet traditional risk predictors remain limited in clinical practice. To develop machine learning (ML) models for classifying prevalent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk in MASLD patients, and to enhance model interpretability using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). Methods: This retrospective study included 590 MASLD patients diagnosed at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between December 2019 and December 2024. Patients were randomly divided into a training set (n=413) and a validation set (n=177), and further stratified based on ASCVD status. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used for feature selection. Six ML models were developed and evaluated using sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and F1 score. SHAP analysis was performed to interpret feature contributions. ASCVD was present in 434 of 590 patients (73.6%). The Gradient Boosting (GB) model achieved the best performance, with AUCs of 0.918 (95% CI: 0.890-0.944) in the training set and 0.817 (95% CI: 0.739-0.883) in the validation set. SHAP analysis identified the top predictors as the Cholesterol-HDL-Glucose (CHG) index, Castelli Risk Index II (CRI-II), lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], serum creatinine (Scr), and uric acid (UA). The GB model demonstrated strong high accuracy in identifying existing ASCVD in MASLD patients and may serve as a useful tool for early risk stratification in clinical settings. Show less