Melatonin (MLT) can improve mitophagy, thereby ameliorating cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Hence, our research focused on the potential value of MLT-related genes (MRGs) in A Show more
Melatonin (MLT) can improve mitophagy, thereby ameliorating cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Hence, our research focused on the potential value of MLT-related genes (MRGs) in AD through bioinformatic analysis. First, the key cells in the single-cell dataset GSE138852 were screened out based on the proportion of annotated cells and Fisher's test between the AD and control groups. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the key cell and GSE5281 datasets were identified, and the MRGs in GSE5281 were selected via weighted gene coexpression network analysis. After intersecting two sets of DEGs and MRGs, we performed Mendelian randomization analysis to identify the MRGs causally related to AD. Biomarkers were further ascertained through receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and expression analysis in GSE5281 and GSE48350. Furthermore, gene set enrichment analysis, immune infiltration analysis and correlation analysis with metabolic pathways were conducted, as well as construction of a regulator network and molecular docking. According to the Fisher test, oligodendrocytes were regarded as key cells due to their excellent abundance in the GSE138852 dataset, in which there were 281 DEGs between the AD and control groups. After overlapping with 3,490 DEGs and 550 MRGs in GSE5281, four genes were found to be causally related to AD, namely, G protein-coupled receptor, family C, group 5, member B (GPRC5B), Methyltransferase-like protein 7 A (METTL7A), NF-κB inhibitor alpha (NFKBIA) and RAS association domain family 4(RASSF4). Moreover, GPRC5B, NFKBIA and RASSF4 were deemed biomarkers, except for METTL7A, because of their indistinctive expression between the AD and control groups. Biomarkers might be involved in oxidative phosphorylation, adipogenesis and heme metabolism. Moreover, T helper type 17 cells, natural killer cells and CD56dim natural killer cells were significantly correlated with biomarkers. Transcription factors (GATA2, POU2F2, NFKB1, etc.) can regulate the expression of biomarkers. Finally, we discovered that all biomarkers could bind to MLT with a strong binding energy. Our study identified three novel biomarkers related to MLT for AD, namely, GPRC5B, NFKBIA and RASSF4, providing a novel approach for the investigation and treatment of AD patients. Show less
This study focuses on the impacts of polystyrene/polylactic acid microplastics (PS/PLA-MPs) on ovarian reserve and oocyte maturation in female mice, along with the underlying mechanisms. 1 μm PS-MPs a Show more
This study focuses on the impacts of polystyrene/polylactic acid microplastics (PS/PLA-MPs) on ovarian reserve and oocyte maturation in female mice, along with the underlying mechanisms. 1 μm PS-MPs and PLA-MPs were prepared, with PLA-MPs having a rougher surface and broader size distribution. In vitro, PLA-MPs showed higher cytotoxicity to granulosa cells compared to PS-MPs. In vivo, MPs exposure disrupted the estrous cycle, and damaged ovarian reserve. Granulosa cell apoptosis and cytokine activation led to transzonal projection retraction, oocyte oxidative stress, meiotic abnormalities, and reduced oocyte retrieval and polar body extrusion rate, thus reducing litter size. PS-MPs induced more severe intestinal and ovarian impairment. Analysis of feces 16S rRNA, serum metabolomics, and ovarian RNA sequencing revealed that lipoprotein lipase (LPL) was suppressed by both MPs, linking gut microbiota, lipid metabolism, and ovarian injury. Fecal microbiota transplantation as a rescue strategy in MPs exposed mice upregulated LPL, alleviating ovarian reserve decline. In PLA-MPs exposed mice, ovarian reserve related indicators partially recovered after a two-week exposure cessation. These results clarify the similarities and differences in how PS-MPs and PLA-MPs impair ovarian function via gut-ovary axis and lipid metabolism dysregulation. Show less
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most intractable complication of diabetes. Despite decades of research, accurate diagnostic markers and effective therapeutic drugs are still elusive. Abnormal copper Show more
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most intractable complication of diabetes. Despite decades of research, accurate diagnostic markers and effective therapeutic drugs are still elusive. Abnormal copper metabolism is also implicated in diabetes and its complications. This study aims to identify copper metabolism-related biomarkers and potential drugs for DN. DN datasets and copper metabolism-related genes (CMGs) were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and GeneCards. Differentially expressed CMGs (DE-CMGs) were identified using the limma package and the Venn algorithm. Functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were performed to identify candidate hub genes. The single gene with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve > 0.7 was identified as a potential diagnostic biomarker of DN. Finally, these biomarkers were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in high-glucose-treated human proximal tubular (HK-2) cells. These validated hub genes were used to construct a combined prediction model, confirmed by additional GSE30528 and GSE30529 datasets. The correlation analysis between the expression level of the hub genes and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was carried out. Additionally, immune cell infiltration and potential target drugs were investigated for these biomarkers. Five hub genes associated with copper metabolism, namely CD36, CCL2, CASP3, LPL, and APOC3, were identified as biomarkers for the early diagnosis of DN. Utilizing multiple biomarkers enhanced diagnostic accuracy and specificity. CD36, CCL2, and CASP3 correlated negatively with eGFR levels, while LPL and APOC3 correlated positively. Additionally, these hub genes were significantly linked to various immune cell types, including macrophages M1 and M2, T cells, gamma delta resting dendritic cells, neutrophils, and NK cells. Furthermore, 15 agents targeting these biomarkers were retrieved from the DrugBank database. Our study identified key genes possibly related to copper metabolism in the pathological mechanism of DN that could serve as novel targets for the diagnosis and therapy of DN. Show less
Cholesterol (CH) plays a crucial role in enhancing the membrane stability of drug delivery systems (DDS). However, its association with conditions such as hyperlipidemia often leads to criticism, over Show more
Cholesterol (CH) plays a crucial role in enhancing the membrane stability of drug delivery systems (DDS). However, its association with conditions such as hyperlipidemia often leads to criticism, overshadowing its influence on the biological effects of formulations. In this study, we reevaluated the delivery effect of CH using widely applied lipid microspheres (LM) as a model DDS. We conducted comprehensive investigations into the impact of CH on the distribution, cell uptake, and protein corona (PC) of LM at sites of cardiovascular inflammatory injury. The results demonstrated that moderate CH promoted the accumulation of LM at inflamed cardiac and vascular sites without exacerbating damage while partially mitigating pathological damage. Then, the slow cellular uptake rate observed for CH@LM contributed to a prolonged duration of drug efficacy. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses revealed that CH depended on LM and exerted its biological effects by modulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) expression in vascular endothelial cells and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) protein levels in myocardial cells, thereby enhancing LM uptake at cardiovascular inflammation sites. Proteomics analysis unveiled a serum adsorption pattern for CH@LM under inflammatory conditions showing significant adsorption with CH metabolism-related apolipoprotein family members such as apolipoprotein A-V (Apoa5); this may be a major contributing factor to their prolonged circulation Show less
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are crucial for the symptomatic management of Alzheimer's disease (AD), with natural products-particularly botanical sources like Yellow Gastrodia elata (YGE)-se Show more
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are crucial for the symptomatic management of Alzheimer's disease (AD), with natural products-particularly botanical sources like Yellow Gastrodia elata (YGE)-serving as promising reservoirs of such inhibitors. Nevertheless, comprehensive screening and mechanistic characterization of their inhibitory potential remain limited. This study sought to identify potent AChE inhibitors from YGE, investigate their mechanisms of action, and assess their therapeutic prospects for AD. Methodologically, an integrated approach was employed, combining ultrafiltration-liquid chromatography (UF-LC) for rapid inhibitor screening, molecular docking and dynamics simulations for mechanistic insight, two-stage high-speed countercurrent chromatography for compound isolation, enzyme kinetics to delineate inhibition modalities, and network pharmacology to uncover relevant AD-related targets. The findings identified seven active constituents with notable AChE inhibition, among which parishins A and G were obtained at high purity (98.26% and 97.26%, respectively) and exhibited mixed-type inhibition with low IC Show less
Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women globally, and there is still a need to research molecular targets that can be used for prognosis assessment and p Show more
Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women globally, and there is still a need to research molecular targets that can be used for prognosis assessment and personalized molecular therapies. Here, we investigate the role of potential molecular target ribosomal L22-like 1 (RPL22L1) on cervical cancer, identify its potential mechanisms, and explore its related applications in prognosis and molecular therapies. Multiple cervical cancer cohorts online, tissue microarrays and clinical tissue specimens were analyzed for the association between RPL22L1 expression and patient outcomes. Functional and molecular biology studies of cell and mice models were used to clarify the effects and potential mechanisms of RPL22L1 on cervical cancer. RPL22L1 is highly expressed in both cervical adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and its expression is significantly associated with histology grade, clinical stage, recurrence, vascular space involvement, tumor sizes and poor prognosis. In vitro and in vivo experiment revealed that RPL22L1 overexpression significantly promoted cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, tumorigenicity and Sorafenib resistance, which were attenuated by RPL22L1 knockdown. Mechanistically, RPL22L1 competitively binds to ERK phosphatase DUSP6, leading to excessive activation of ERK. The combined application of ERK inhibitors can effectively inhibit RPL22L1 overexpressing cervical cancer cells both in vivo and in vitro. RPL22L1 promotes malignant biological behavior of cervical cancer cells by competitively binding with DUSP6, thereby activating the ERK pathway. The combined use of Sorafenib and an ERK inhibitor is a potentially effective molecular targeted therapy for RPL22L1-high cervical cancer. Show less
The existence of a definite direct causal relationship between vitiligo and diverse autoimmune disorders remains unknown due to the influence of confounding factors and potential reverse causality. Me Show more
The existence of a definite direct causal relationship between vitiligo and diverse autoimmune disorders remains unknown due to the influence of confounding factors and potential reverse causality. Mendelian randomization (MR) is a technique employed to explore causal connections between two phenotypes. In our research, bidirectional two-sample MR analyses were utilized to evaluate the causal connections between vitiligo and multiple autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, Graves' disease, inflammatory bowel disease, alopecia areata [AA], type 1 diabetes mellitus [T1MD], and rheumatoid arthritis [RA]). Furthermore, we utilized summary-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) analysis to search for common susceptibility loci between two diseases that reciprocally elevate each other's risk. Finally, colocalization analyses were used to validate the robustness of the selected genes. There was an indication of potential causation between RA and vitiligo (IVW OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.05-1.13; p = 0.008). Furthermore, evident causal connections exist between vitiligo and AA (IVW OR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.04-1.26; p = 0.008), T1MD (IVW OR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.06-1.23; p < 0.001), and RA (IVW OR = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.03-1.13; p < 0.001). In SMR analyses and colocalization analyses, we identified three shared genes associated with both vitiligo and RA, including: FCRL3, FADS1, and FADS2. Our findings demonstrated that vitiligo and RA mutually act as risk factors for each other. Additionally, vitiligo had significant causal relationships with AA and type 1 diabetes. 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
Telomere length (TL), a biomarker of biological aging, but its association with Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains unclear. We estimated TL in whole-genome sequencing data from 35,014 Alzheimer's Diseas Show more
Telomere length (TL), a biomarker of biological aging, but its association with Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains unclear. We estimated TL in whole-genome sequencing data from 35,014 Alzheimer's Disease Sequencing Project participants using TelSeq, which after quality control yielded a dataset including 6,973 persons of European ancestry (EA), 4,188 African Americans (AA), 4,005 Caribbean Hispanics (CH), and 4,170 Native American Hispanics (NAH). TL was log-transformed, adjusted for age and blood cell counts, and z-scaled. Scaled TL was dichotomized into long and short groups according to the median. An AD GWAS for the interaction of TL with variants having a minor allele count >20 was performed in each ancestry group using logistic regression models including SNP and TL main effects and a SNP×TL interaction term. AD risk was associated with shorter TL (β = -0.18, We identified variants that significantly impact AD risk through their interaction with TL, suggesting that TL maintenance pathways may be central to AD pathogenesis. Show less
This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of acupuncture combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in treating post-stroke cognitive im Show more
This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of acupuncture combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in treating post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) through meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA), moreover to provide an evidence-based basis for the treatment of PSCI in clinical practice. The study conducted a comprehensive search of eight major domestic and international databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, VIP and China Biology Medicine (CBM). Four English and four Chinese databases of randomized controlled trials of acupuncture combined with rTMS for the treatment of PSCI from inception until July 2025. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were conducted based on the Cochrane systematic review method by using RevMan5.4 and Stata/MP 18.0, and trial sequential analyses were performed by TSA 0.9. Sixteen RCTs involving 1,058 patients were included, including 532 patients in the experimental group and 526 patients in the control group. Meta-analysis results showed that the experimental group had a higher clinical effectiveness rate in treating patients with PSCI compared to the control group [RR = 1.29, 95% CI (1.08, 1.55), Acupuncture combined with rTMS can improve cognitive function, regulate daily living ability, and regulate neurotransmitter levels in patients with PSCI, which is worthy recommended in the clinic. However, due to limitations in sample size, inclusion quality and incomplete reporting, it is worth noting that more rigorously designed and high-quality studies are needed to further validate these conclusions. Show less
Autoantibodies hold promise for diagnosing lung cancer. However, their effectiveness in early-stage detection needs improvement. In this study, we investigated novel IgG and IgM autoantibodies for det Show more
Autoantibodies hold promise for diagnosing lung cancer. However, their effectiveness in early-stage detection needs improvement. In this study, we investigated novel IgG and IgM autoantibodies for detecting early-stage lung adenocarcinoma (Early-LUAD) by employing a multi-step approach, including Human Proteome Microarray (HuProtTM) discovery, focused microarray verification, and ELISA validation, on 1246 individuals consisting of 634 patients with Early-LUAD (stage 0-I), 280 patients with benign lung disease (BLD), and 332 normal healthy controls (NHCs). HuProtTM selected 417 IgG/IgM candidates, and focused microarray further verified 55 significantly elevated IgG/IgM autoantibodies targeting 32 tumor-associated antigens in Early-LUAD compared to BLD/NHC/BLD+NHC. A novel panel of 10 autoantibodies (ELAVL4-IgM, GDA-IgM, GIMAP4-IgM, GIMAP4-IgG, MGMT-IgM, UCHL1-IgM, DCTPP1-IgM, KCMF1-IgM, UCHL1-IgG, and WWP2-IgM) demonstrated a sensitivity of 70.5% and a specificity of 77.0% or 80.0% for distinguishing Early-LUAD from BLD or NHC in ELISA validation. Positive predictive values for distinguishing Early-LUAD from BLD with nodules ≤ 8 mm, 9-20 mm, and > 20 mm significantly increased from 47.27%, 52.00%, and 62.90% [low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) alone] to 79.17%, 71.13%, and 87.88% (10-autoantibody panel combined with LDCT), respectively. The combined risk score (CRS), based on the 10-autoantibody panel, sex, and imaging maximum diameter, effectively stratified the risk for Early-LUAD. Individuals with 10 ≤ CRS ≤ 25 and CRS > 25 indicated a higher risk of Early-LUAD compared to the reference (CRS < 10), with adjusted odds ratios of 5.28 [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.18-8.76] and 9.05 (95% CI: 5.40-15.15), respectively. This novel panel of IgG and IgM autoantibodies offers a complementary approach to LDCT in distinguishing Early-LUAD from benign nodules. Show less
Diabetes constitutes a risk factor for cognitive impairment, whereas insulin resistance serves as the shared pathogenesis underlying both diabetes and cognitive decline. The use of metformin for treat Show more
Diabetes constitutes a risk factor for cognitive impairment, whereas insulin resistance serves as the shared pathogenesis underlying both diabetes and cognitive decline. The use of metformin for treating cognitive impairment remains controversial. The present study found that hesperetin, a flavanone derived from citrus peel, enhanced metformin's efficacy in reducing blood sugar levels, improving insulin sensitivity, and ameliorating cognitive impairment in diabetic rats. Additionally, it reduced the required dosage of metformin to one-third of its conventional dose. Transcriptome analysis and 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that the activation of insulin and cyclic-adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pathways benefited from the regulation of gut microbiota and the promotion of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) producers such as Show less
Mutations in the sarcomere protein, particularly in cardiac myosin binding protein C gene ( We used multi-omics approaches and super-resolution imaging to explore the effects of MyBPC3 P459fs mutation Show more
Mutations in the sarcomere protein, particularly in cardiac myosin binding protein C gene ( We used multi-omics approaches and super-resolution imaging to explore the effects of MyBPC3 P459fs mutation on humans and cells. HCM patients carrying MyBPC3 P459fs mutation (MyBPC3-P459fs HCMs) and healthy controls (HCs) were evaluated for myocardial function using both conventional and advanced echocardiography. In parallel, H9C2 myocardial cells infected with either MyBPC3 P459fs mutation (P459fs cells) or its wild type (WT cells) were investigated for myocardial fiber formation and the potential pathways behind this using super-resolution imaging and metabolomics and proteomics. First, conventional and advanced echocardiography showed that MyBPC3-P459fs HCMs exhibited left ventricular diastolic and systolic dysfunction. Subsequently, super-resolution imaging indicated that P459fs cells formed fewer and shorter myocardial fibers in the cytoplasm compared to WT cells. Moreover, our metabolomic and proteomic data suggested several key components of mitochondrial membrane integrity, myocardial remodeling, myocardial energy metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and actin binding capacity were significantly altered in response to P459fs mutation. This investigation indicated myocardial dysfunction and myocardial fiber disarray in clinical HCMs with MyBPC3 P459fs mutation and added potential pathways underlying this. These findings provided a link between the observed structural and functional disorders in MyBPC3 P459fs mutation and its onset of HCM pathogenesis and might have a significant translational contribution to effective treatment in HCM patients with MyBPC3 P459fs mutation. Show less
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent digestive system malignancy accompanied by peritoneal metastasis occurring in 7% of cases. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) promoted the progression of CRC wher Show more
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent digestive system malignancy accompanied by peritoneal metastasis occurring in 7% of cases. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) promoted the progression of CRC whereas its function in peritoneal metastasis was incompletely understood. Here, we found that METTL3 was upregulated in peritoneal metastasis tissues of CRC patients compared with CRC tissues. By sequencing the mRNA of above tissues, we discovered that METTL3-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification regulated the downstream target Show less
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of inclisiran in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Randomized controlled trials comparing inclisiran with a placebo were searched until April 2024. Overall, 8 Show more
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of inclisiran in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Randomized controlled trials comparing inclisiran with a placebo were searched until April 2024. Overall, 8 studies involving 4947 patients were included. Inclisiran reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mean difference [MD]: -46.95 %; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: -53.26 to -40.46; P < 0.05), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (MD: -70.80 %; 95 % CI: -76.52 to -65.08; P < 0.05), serum total cholesterol (MD: -29.47 %; 95 % CI: -32.56 to -26.39; P < 0.05), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD: -40.46 %; 95 % CI: -45.24 to -35.68; P < 0.05), apolipoprotein B (MD: -36.77 %; 95 % CI: -40.94 to -32.61; P < 0.05), and lipoprotein(a) (MD: -20.04 %; 95 % CI: -24.2 to -15.87; P < 0.05) levels but increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (MD: 6.09 %; 95 % CI: 3.63 to 8.55; P < 0.05). The incidences of adverse events, serious adverse events, headache, nasopharyngitis, and muscular adverse reactions were not significantly different between the inclisiran and placebo groups. Inclisiran reduced the incidence of cardiovascular adverse reactions (odds ratio [OR] = 0.79; 95 % CI: 0.65 to 0.96; P = 0.02) and increased the incidence of injection-site reactions (OR = 4.79; 95 % CI: 2.18 to 10.52; P < 0.05). Inclisiran is effective in treating hypercholesterolemia and has a good safety profile. Show less
Assessing white matter hyperintensity (WMH) is essential for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optical spectrum disorder (NMOSD). MS and NMOSD presen Show more
Assessing white matter hyperintensity (WMH) is essential for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optical spectrum disorder (NMOSD). MS and NMOSD present dispersed small lesions alongside larger aggregated lesions that are irregularly shaped, posing challenges for the automatic segmentation of WMH on magnetic resonance images. Furthermore, research on NMOSD brain WMH segmentation is limited due to the rare nature of the disease. This study aims to propose a deep learning method for MS and NMOSD brain WMH segmentation. In this study, we propose a 2.5D Fourier Convolutional ResUnet (FrC-ResUnet). It utilizes a spectral encoder to extract global information, enabling accurate segmentation of scattered lesions. Additionally, the model incorporates the selective features module (SFM) and the convolutional block attention module (CBAM) to enhance lesion-background differentiation and outline the lesions distinctly. We evaluated our approach on the MS public and local datasets of MS and NMOSD. Compared to U-Net, ResUNet, FC-DenseNet, AttentionUNet, lesion prediction algorithm (LPA) and Sequence Adaptive Multimodal SEGmentation (SAMSEG), the 2.5D FrC-ResUnet achieved the highest Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) on three different datasets, with values of 0.710, 0.667, and 0.822, respectively. The 2.5D FrC-ResUnet demonstrates accurate and robust segmentation of NMOSD brain WMH. Meanwhile, the model excels in segmenting MS brain WMH, particularly when confronted with irregularly shaped and dispersed lesions. Show less
Sepsis is a severe systemic infection that can result in organ dysfunction and mortality. Dyslipidemia emerges as a key player in the intricate web of sepsis pathogenesis. Yet, the causal relationship Show more
Sepsis is a severe systemic infection that can result in organ dysfunction and mortality. Dyslipidemia emerges as a key player in the intricate web of sepsis pathogenesis. Yet, the causal relationship between blood lipid profiles and sepsis risk remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate the association between genetically predicted lipid traits, drug targets, and sepsis. The UK Biobank's Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) produced data on lipid and apolipoprotein characteristics. Four independent GWAS datasets were used to generate the sepsis statistics. The study utilized the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, which incorporates multivariable (MVMR) models, to assess the correlations between sepsis risk and lipid-related parameters. To gain further insight, expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data were used to investigate the significant drug targets for lipid-lowering. Increasing ApoA-1 levels was associated with a diminished risk of sepsis (under 75) (OR 0.927, 95% CI 0.861-0.999; p = 0.047). This inverse correlation persevered even after performing multivariable MR. Elevated levels of HDL-C were associated with a decreased risk of sepsis (under 75) (OR 0.897, 95% CI 0.838-0.960; P = 0.002) and incidence of sepsis (OR 0.883, 95% CI 0.820-0.951; P = 0.001), which was consistent across sensitivity analyses. Furthermore, a decrease in total cholesterol exhibited a causal effect on sepsis in multivariable MR (OR 0.779, 95% CI 0.642-0.944; P = 0.01). The genetic variants related to lowering LDL-C, located near the HMGCR and LDLR genes, were predicted to elevate the risk of sepsis. Moreover, genetic mimicry near the ANGPTL3 and LPL gene suggested that reducing the activity of ANGPTL3 and LPL (mimicking antisense anti-ANGPTL3 and LPL agents) was forecasted to decrease sepsis risk. Genetically inferred elevated ApoA-1, total cholesterol, and HDL-C manifest a protective effect against sepsis. Within the 9 lipid-lowering drug targets investigated ANGPTL3 and LPL exhibit potential as candidate drug targets for sepsis. Show less
Discs large homolog 2 (DLG2) has been implicated in cancer development, yet its role in cervical cancer remains unclear. This study aims to explore the regulatory mechanism of DLG2 in cervical cancer Show more
Discs large homolog 2 (DLG2) has been implicated in cancer development, yet its role in cervical cancer remains unclear. This study aims to explore the regulatory mechanism of DLG2 in cervical cancer and its clinical implications. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting assays were employed to detect RNA and protein expression, respectively. Colony formation assay, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assays were conducted for cell functional analysis. A xenograft mouse model assay was performed to analyze tumor tumorigenesis in vivo. m6A RNA immunoprecipitation assay was used to analyze the association of METTL3 and DLG2. DLG2 was underexpressed in cervical cancer tissues and cells. Elevating DLG2 levels significantly suppressed cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while promoting apoptosis. Additionally, DLG2 overexpression led to the deactivation of the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway. In vivo, DLG2 overexpression was shown to reduce tumor formation. We also discovered that METTL3 destabilized DLG2 mRNA through an m6A-dependent mechanism. Moreover, lowering DLG2 expression mitigated the effects of METTL3 silencing on cervical cancer cell malignancy. DLG2 acted as a tumor suppressor in cervical cancer by inhibiting the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway. The METTL3-dependent regulation of DLG2 mRNA stability could be a critical factor in cervical cancer progression. 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
Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is characterized by inflammation and tissue remodeling, including fibrosis and adipogenesis. Here, we identify interleukin-27 (IL-27) as a negative feedback imm Show more
Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is characterized by inflammation and tissue remodeling, including fibrosis and adipogenesis. Here, we identify interleukin-27 (IL-27) as a negative feedback immunomodulator in TAO. Serum IL-27α levels were significantly elevated in patients with TAO compared with healthy and inflammatory disease controls. In orbital fibroblasts (OFs), exogenous IL-27 suppressed IL-1β-induced proinflammatory cytokines and reduced hypoxia-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. IL-27 also attenuated TGF-β-driven fibrosis via p38 MAPK signaling in CD90 Show less
Qingyu Zhang, Zongliang Yu · 2025 · International journal of general medicine · added 2026-04-24
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent, yet clinical practice lacks specific biomarkers, early diagnostic tools, and reliable risk assessment methods Show more
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent, yet clinical practice lacks specific biomarkers, early diagnostic tools, and reliable risk assessment methods. Given the growing burden of HFpEF, identifying novel diagnostic markers is crucial. This study investigates the diagnostic potential of apolipoprotein C3 (ApoC3) in HFpEF and its correlation with ventricular structure. We analyzed data from HFpEF patients admitted to the Kunshan Branch of Gusu College of Nanjing Medical University and the First People's Hospital of Kunshan (March-December 2023). Controls included HFrEF+HFmrEF patients and healthy individuals. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the concentration of ApoC3 in all collected cases. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic performance of ApoC3 alone and combined with the fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) in plasma, and the relative wall thickness (RWT) in echocardiography for HFpEF. After exclusions, 80 HFpEF patients (39 male, 41 female), 41 HFrEF+HFmrEF patients (27 male, 14 female), and 79 healthy controls (53 male, 26 female) were included. ApoC3 levels were significantly higher in HFpEF (63136.03±12,113.07 ng/mL) than in HFrEF+HFmrEF (55580.84±13,685.35 ng/mL) and controls (53090.31±5893.25 ng/mL, P<0.001). ROC analysis demonstrated that ApoC3 alone (AUC=0.836) and the combined index (ApoC3+FAR+RWT, AUC=0.891) effectively distinguished HFpEF. Both also aided in differentiating HFpEF from HFrEF+HFmrEF (AUC=0.702 vs 0.823). ApoC3 is a promising biomarker for HFpEF diagnosis, and the combined index (ApoC3+FAR+RWT) enhances diagnostic accuracy. These findings may improve early detection and clinical management of HFpEF. Show less
To reveal the molecular basis of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) with Yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome by analyzing the gene expression profiles in synovial fluid and blood of KOA patients with thi Show more
To reveal the molecular basis of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) with Yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome by analyzing the gene expression profiles in synovial fluid and blood of KOA patients with this syndrome. A total of 80 KOA patients were recruited from October 2022 to June 2024, including 40 cases in the non- Logistic regression analysis showed that compared with KOA patients with non-Yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome, those with Yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome had increased BMI, LDL, fibrinogen, total cholesterol, and D-dimer, and decreased HDL, with a clear correlation between the two groups. There were 562 differential genes in the blood, among which 322 were up-regulated and 240 were down-regulated;755 differential genes were found in the synovial fluid, with 350 up-regulated and 405 down-regulated. KEGG signaling pathway analysis of synovial fluid revealed changes in lipid metabolism-related pathways, including cholesterol metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and PPARG signaling pathway. Analysis of the involved differential genes identified 6 genes in synovial fluid that were closely related to lipid metabolism, namely LRP1, LPL, ACOT6, TM6SF2, DGKK, and PPARG. Subsequently, PCR and immunohistochemical verification were performed using synovial fluid and cartilage samples, and the results were consistent with those of microarray sequencing. This study explores the clinical and genomic correlation between traditional Chinese medicine syndromes and knee osteoarthritis from the perspective of lipid metabolism, and proves that abnormal lipid metabolism is closely related to KOA with Show less
Pancreatic cancer (PC), characterized by the absence of effective biomarkers and therapies, remains highly fatal. Data regarding the correlations between PC risk and individual plasma proteome known f Show more
Pancreatic cancer (PC), characterized by the absence of effective biomarkers and therapies, remains highly fatal. Data regarding the correlations between PC risk and individual plasma proteome known for minimally invasive biomarkers are scarce. Here, we analyzed 1,345 human plasma proteins using proteome-wide association studies, identifying 78 proteins significantly associated with PC risk. Of these, four proteins (ROR1, FN1, APOA5, and ABO) showed the most substantial causal link to PC, confirmed through Mendelian randomization and colocalization analyses. Data from two clinical cohorts further demonstrated that FN1 and ABO were notably overexpressed in both blood and tumor samples from PC patients, compared to healthy controls or para-tumor tissues. Additionally, elevated FN1 and ABO levels correlated with shorter median survival in patients. Multiple drugs targeting FN1 or ROR1 are available or in clinical trials. These findings suggest that plasma protein FN1 associated with PC holds potential as both prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Show less
Sparstolonin B (SSNB) and Curcumin (Cur), from a pair of compatible herbs, were previously identified as anti-inflammation and T helper 17 (Th17) modulation reagents. However, their compatible roles i Show more
Sparstolonin B (SSNB) and Curcumin (Cur), from a pair of compatible herbs, were previously identified as anti-inflammation and T helper 17 (Th17) modulation reagents. However, their compatible roles in atherosclerosis (AS) and underlying mechanisms remain uninvestigated. In vivo, the apoE The gene-disease interaction and hub gene network reveals Th17-associated genes in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In vitro, SSNB and Cur reduced oxLDL-induced BMDC activation by downregulating CD36. SSNB showed stronger inhibition to inflammatory activation of DC, while Cur more intensively suppressed co-stimulatory molecules. For the Th17/Treg bias in co-culture of BMDC and CD4 Our findings reveal, for the first time, that SSNB and Cur alleviate AS by modulating Th17-stromal cell interactions, with the IL-17RA-TAK1-NF-κB pathway as a related mediator. Notably, SSNB and Cur exhibit distinct anti-atherogenic roles. SSNB primarily targets TLR4/CD36 to inhibit DC activation, Th17 differentiation, VSMC inflammation and mainly inhibited TAK1 phosphorylation, while Cur more significant inhibited macrophage inflammation, and more directly inhibited NF-κB P65 phosphorylation. This study will be valuable for developing novel and precise adjuvant therapies for AS. Show less
This study aimed to explore the career adaptability status of cardiovascular specialist nurses (CSNs) through latent profile analysis (LPA), identify distinct subgroups and their demographic features, Show more
This study aimed to explore the career adaptability status of cardiovascular specialist nurses (CSNs) through latent profile analysis (LPA), identify distinct subgroups and their demographic features, and determine factors influencing different adaptability categories. CSNs play a vital role in treating and rehabilitating patients with cardiovascular conditions. However, the existing literature offers limited insights into the career adaptability of CSNs in China. A multicenter, cross-sectional survey involving 659 Chinese CSNs was conducted. LPA was utilized to classify career adaptability profiles based on responses to the Career Adaptation Abilities Scale Short Form (CAAS-SF). Influencing factors were assessed using the Conditions of Work Effectiveness Questionnaire-II (CWEQ-II) and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). Differences among identified profiles were analyzed through ANOVA, chi-square tests, and multinomial logistic regression to explore relevant socio-demographic characteristics and influencing variables. A four-profile model provided the best fit, identifying groups labeled as “high adaptability” (Class 4, These findings provide evidence to assist nursing administrators in developing training programs to enhance CSNs’ career adaptability. The variables identified as associated with profile membership may enable more tailored training strategies. Show less
To investigate the regulatory role of MACF1 and its upstream transcriptional control in focal adhesion remodeling and tumor progression in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). We employed in vitro loss- and ga Show more
To investigate the regulatory role of MACF1 and its upstream transcriptional control in focal adhesion remodeling and tumor progression in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). We employed in vitro loss- and gain-of-function assays using shRNA-mediated knockdown and ectopic overexpression of MACF1 and NR2F1 in LUAD cell lines (H1299 and Calu-3). Cell proliferation, adhesion, and migration were assessed by CCK-8, EdU, crystal violet, and Transwell assays. In vivo tumor growth and metastasis were evaluated using subcutaneous and tail vein xenograft models in nude mice. RNA-seq and GSEA were performed to identify MACF1-regulated pathways, followed by nuclear-cytoplasmic fractionation, dual-luciferase reporter assays, and immunofluorescence to assess WNT/β-catenin activity. ChIP-qPCR and ChIP-seq data from ENCODE were used to validate NR2F1 binding to the MACF1 promoter. MACF1 knockdown significantly suppressed LUAD cell proliferation, DNA replication, adhesion, and migration, and reduced tumor burden and lung metastases in vivo. Mechanistically, MACF1 activated WNT/β-catenin signaling by promoting CTNNB1 nuclear translocation, which upregulated focal adhesion genes (Paxillin, FAK, ITGB1). CTNNB1 agonist TWS119 restored focal adhesion in MACF1-deficient cells. Bioinformatic prediction and ChIP validation identified NR2F1 as a transcription factor directly targeting the MACF1 promoter. NR2F1 deficiency reduced MACF1 expression and phenocopied its functional loss, while MACF1 overexpression rescued the impaired phenotype. Our study uncovers a previously unrecognized NR2F1-MACF1-WNT axis that drives focal adhesion formation and LUAD progression. Targeting this regulatory circuit may offer new avenues for anti-metastatic therapy in lung adenocarcinoma. 1. NR2F1 is identified as a direct upstream transcription factor that activates MACF1 expression in LUAD. 2. MACF1 promotes LUAD cell proliferation, adhesion, and migration by enhancing focal adhesion assembly. 3. MACF1 activates the WNT/CTNNB1 signaling cascade, facilitating CTNNB1 nuclear translocation and downstream target expression. 4. Loss of MACF1 impairs focal adhesion formation and metastatic potential both in vitro and in xenograft and tail vein models. 5. The NR2F1-MACF1-WNT axis represents a novel regulatory circuit driving LUAD metastasis and offers potential therapeutic targets. Show less
Pentadecanoic acid (PEA), an odd-chain fatty acid derived from diet by the gut microbiome, has garnered increasing attention for its systemic health-promoting properties. Its potential role in bladder Show more
Pentadecanoic acid (PEA), an odd-chain fatty acid derived from diet by the gut microbiome, has garnered increasing attention for its systemic health-promoting properties. Its potential role in bladder cancer (BC) occurrence and invasion, however, remains unclear. Large-scale cohorts' analyses were performed to assess the association between dietary PEA and BC occurrence and invasion. In vitro and in vivo experiments, including EJ and T24 BC cell assays and a BBN-induced mouse model, were conducted to experimentally assess the impact of PEA on BC. Serum proteomics, gut microbiome, and targeted fecal lipidomics analyses were employed to explore the underlying mechanisms. Dietary PEA was negatively associated with BC occurrence and invasion in cohort analyses. PEA suppressed EJ and T24 BC cell migration, invasion, and proliferation, while inhibiting BC development in a BBN-induced mouse model. In vivo serum proteomics identified differentially expressed lipid-related proteins (e.g., Apoe and Apob) following PEA treatment, implicating its modulation of lipid metabolism pathways. Considering the essential role of the gut-bladder axis, the gut microbiome analysis exhibited that PEA markedly altered bacteria (e.g., g_Alistipes) and fungi (e.g., o_Erysiphales, g_Teberdinia, and g_Gibberella), with concomitant lipid metabolism changes. Furthermore, targeted fecal lipidomics demonstrated the shifts in key lipids, such as phosphatidylethanolamines (PE) involved in essential lipid clusters, suggesting regulation by gut microbiome linked to BC development. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that PEA mitigates BC by reshaping the gut microbiome and modulating lipid metabolism, providing new insights into its molecular and therapeutic potential. Show less
To identify latent profiles of demoralization among older adults with disabilities, analyze their influencing factors, and examine their associations with active aging. From February to July 2025, a c Show more
To identify latent profiles of demoralization among older adults with disabilities, analyze their influencing factors, and examine their associations with active aging. From February to July 2025, a convenience sample of 411 older adults with disabilities was recruited from a tertiary hospital in Anhui Province, China. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Demoralization Scale, and the Active Aging Scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed based on demoralization subscale scores. Univariate and multinominal analyses were employed to investigate the influencing factors, and the Kruskal-Wallis The prevalence of demoralization syndrome was 49.1%. LPA identified three distinct profiles: the Well-Adapted Group (53.3%), the Disheartened-Helpless Group (23.8%), and the Fully Demoralized Group (22.9%). The Kruskal-Wallis Nearly half of the older adults with disabilities experienced demoralization, with heterogeneous subgroups identified. The active aging status of demoralized subgroups requires urgent attention. These findings suggest the need for targeted interventions tailored to the characteristics of each profile to improve mental health and promote active aging in this population. Show less
The deer antler is a fully regenerable and the fastest-growing osseous organ. Circular RNA (circRNA), a novel member of the non-coding RNA family, has significant research potential and crucial roles Show more
The deer antler is a fully regenerable and the fastest-growing osseous organ. Circular RNA (circRNA), a novel member of the non-coding RNA family, has significant research potential and crucial roles in biological processes. This study aims to explore the impact and mechanisms of circRNA505 on antler chondrocytes. Functional experiments demonstrated that m5C-modified circRNA505 inhibits antler chondrocyte proliferation, enhances osteogenic differentiation, and facilitates cellular glycolysis. Mechanistically, dual luciferase and AGO2-RIP assays revealed a direct binding relationship between circRNA505, miR-127, and p53. Rescue assays further showed that circRNA505 affects cell proliferation and differentiation through the miR-127/p53 axis. Meanwhile, RNA Antisense Purification (RAP) screening and analysis of related proteins binding to circRNA505 demonstrated that circRNA505 binds to LDHA and increases the level of LDHA phosphorylation through FGFR1 to promote cellular glycolysis by FISH-IF, RIP, and Western blot experiments. Additionally, Me-RIP assays confirmed the m5C methylation modification of circRNA505. NSUN2 mediates the m5C modification of circRNA505, affecting its stability, while the m5C reader ALYREF promotes the nuclear export of circRNA505 in an ALYREF-dependent manner. This study provides new insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying rapid antler development. Show less