Postnatal cardiac function in mammals is closely associated with cardiomyocyte proliferation and hypertrophy. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating cardiomyocyte proliferation and hypertrophy h Show more
Postnatal cardiac function in mammals is closely associated with cardiomyocyte proliferation and hypertrophy. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating cardiomyocyte proliferation and hypertrophy have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, phenotypic measurements and transcriptomic sequencing were performed on myocardial tissues from 7-day-old (P7) and 3-month-old (3m) female C57BL/6 mice to investigate changes in cardiomyocytes during growth and development and to identify key genes regulating myocardial growth and development. In comparison to 7-day-old mice, 3-month-old mice exhibited a significant increase in heart weight ( Show less
The STAT3 pathway promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, invasion and metastasis in cancer. STAT3 upregulates the transcription of the key epithelial-mesenchymal transition transcripti Show more
The STAT3 pathway promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, invasion and metastasis in cancer. STAT3 upregulates the transcription of the key epithelial-mesenchymal transition transcription factor SNAIL in a DNA binding-independent manner. However, the mechanism by which STAT3 is recruited to the SNAIL promoter to upregulate its expression is still elusive. In our study, the lysine methylation binding protein L3MBTL3 is positively associated with metastasis and poor prognosis in female patients with breast cancer. L3MBTL3 also promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis in breast cancer. Mechanistic analysis reveals that L3MBTL3 interacts with STAT3 and recruits STAT3 to the SNAIL promoter to increase SNAIL transcription levels. The interaction between L3MBTL3 and STAT3 is required for SNAIL transcription upregulation and metastasis in breast cancer, while the methylated lysine binding activity of L3MBTL3 is not required for these functions. In conclusion, L3MBTL3 and STAT3 synergistically upregulate SNAIL expression to promote breast cancer metastasis. Show less
Meniscus degeneration contributes to knee arthritis progression, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms of meniscus aging remain poorly understood. We aimed to characterize age-related changes in t Show more
Meniscus degeneration contributes to knee arthritis progression, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms of meniscus aging remain poorly understood. We aimed to characterize age-related changes in the rat meniscus using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and identify key pathogenic cell populations and pathways. Meniscal tissues from young (12 weeks) and aged (24 months) rats were processed for histology, flow cytometry, and scRNA-seq. Bioinformatics tools, including Seurat, Monocle 2, and CellChat, were used to analyze cellular composition, pseudotime trajectories, and intercellular communication. Senescence-related features and signaling pathways were evaluated. Knee joint of aged rats exhibited higher Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scores and synovial inflammation. scRNA-seq revealed three major chondrocyte subpopulations: Sox9 + stable chondrocytes, Fndc1 + fibrochondrocytes, and Atf3 + senescent chondrocytes. Aging caused a significant increase in Atf3 + senescent chondrocytes, characterized by the expression of senescence markers (Cdkn1a/Cdkn2a) and activation of inflammatory pathways such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). These cells were predominantly located at the endpoint of differentiation trajectories. CellChat analysis identified the ANGPTL4-SDC4 axis as a key signaling pathway mediated by Atf3 + cells. Immunostaining confirmed elevated Angiopoietin-Like Protein 4 (ANGPTL4) expression in aged menisci. We identified Atf3 + senescent chondrocytes as a key pathogenic population in the aging meniscus, driving degeneration via the ANGPTL4 pathway. Targeting Atf3 + cells or ANGPTL4 signaling may offer new therapeutic strategies for age-related meniscus degeneration and arthritis. Show less
Family caregivers ('carers') bear the highest care burden during the postoperative survivorship period of pancreatic cancer, given its poor prognosis. Most carers report unmet needs when taking on car Show more
Family caregivers ('carers') bear the highest care burden during the postoperative survivorship period of pancreatic cancer, given its poor prognosis. Most carers report unmet needs when taking on caregiving responsibilities during this period. Thoroughly investigating carers' needs is essential for helping families address practical care challenges. However, this important topic remains underexplored. To assess the need levels and identify need subgroups among carers of patients with pancreatic cancer 6 months after surgery and demographic predictors contributing to heterogeneity. Cross-sectional study. Participants were recruited from the pancreas centres of four tertiary A-level comprehensive hospitals in Jiangsu Province, China. 240 patients with pancreatic cancer and their carers ('dyads') participated in the survey. Carers completed the Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool in Cancer for Carers, the Activities of Daily Living Scale for patients, and the General Demographic Information Questionnaire for dyads. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to categorise carers' needs. Non-parametric and chi-square tests were used to examine differences in need scores and sociodemographic characteristics among subgroups. Multiple logistic regression (MLR) was used to analyse sociodemographic impacts. Six months post-surgery, the total carers' need score was 41.83 ± 22.65 points, indicating a moderate level, with the highest needs reported for healthcare personnel, information and knowledge, and facilities and services. The LPA results revealed that carers were divided into five distinct subgroups based on differing levels of need across the domains assessed by the Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool in Cancer for Carers, with proportions of 8.8 %, 22.5 %, 8.3 %, 55 %, and 5.4 %. Subgroup membership was predicted by four factors: carers' sex (odds ratio [OR]: 11.08, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.64, 74.99, We have highlighted the complex individualised needs of carers of patients with pancreatic cancer. Through LPA and MLR, we identified distinct need subgroups and their predictors. Healthcare professionals may be able to improve dyads' health by tailoring support to each subgroup's specific needs and issues. Registration number: ChiCTR2400079415, registered 03/01/2024, first recruitment 04/02/2024. Show less
Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is critical for clearance of circulating triglycerides and for tissue fatty acid supply. LPL is primarily synthesized and secreted by adipocytes into the interstitium and must Show more
Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is critical for clearance of circulating triglycerides and for tissue fatty acid supply. LPL is primarily synthesized and secreted by adipocytes into the interstitium and must traffic from there to the abluminal/basolateral side of capillary endothelial cells. There, LPL binds glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein 1, GPIHBP1, which stabilizes the protein and facilitates its movement across the endothelial cells to the luminal side where it functions in hydrolysis of lipoprotein triglycerides. Importance of LPL traffic is supported by findings that rare mutations in GPIHBP1 cause hypertriglyceridemia. However our understanding of how LPL is secreted by adipocytes and traffics to endothelial cells is incomplete. Here we examined the possibility that secretion and traffic of adipocyte LPL might involve generation of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs/exosomes) which often mediate cell-cell communication. Proteomic analysis of sEVs secreted by adipocytes showed them enriched in LPL. To study LPL secretion and transfer we generated human derived pre-adipocytes (HPA) that stably express tagged LPL (FLAG and His epitopes). LPL pulldown and sEV isolation from HPA conditioned media documented that greater than 70% of secreted LPL is present in sEVs. The mechanism for LPL secretion in sEVs was found to involve the ESCRT-independent neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2) pathway, as treatment with the nSMase2 inhibitor GW4869 reduced secretion by 80%. The above observations were reproduced using highly sensitive nanoparticle flow cytometry. The sEV associated LPL has lipolytic activity and it is released by heparin addition indicating it is on the sEV surface. In addition, using human derived microvascular endothelial cells with stable lentiviral expression of GPIHBP1 we show that LPL positive sEVs transfer LPL to these cells, but not to control cells without GPIHBP1. Our findings suggest that sEV formation by nSMase2 controls adipocyte LPL secretion and traffic, that sEVs protect LPL activity and facilitate LPL transfer to GPIHBP1 on endothelial cells. Show less
Metabolism alteration is a common complication of rheumatic arthritis (RA). This work investigated the reason behind RA-caused triglyceride (TG) changes. Fresh RA patients' whole blood was transfused Show more
Metabolism alteration is a common complication of rheumatic arthritis (RA). This work investigated the reason behind RA-caused triglyceride (TG) changes. Fresh RA patients' whole blood was transfused into NOD-SCID mice. Metabolism-regulatory tissues were examined after sacrifice. To verify the findings, tissues of the rats with long-lasting adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) were analyzed. Some rats were injected with human plasma and GPIHBP1, and their blood TG was monitored. Various cells were stimulated by cytokines or rheumatic subjects' serum. Some pre-adipocytes were cultured by human serum or in the presence of HUVEC cells and GPIHBP1. TG decrease occurred in blood and white adipose tissues (WAT) of the RA blood-transfused NOD-SCID mice and chronic AIA rats. Fatty acids (FA) oxidation in muscles was accelerated a bit, while TG catabolism status in their livers was varied. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and RA/AIA serum promoted expression of TG utilization-related enzymes and FA uptake transporters in pre-adipocytes, but barely affected LPL. Mild IL-6 stimulus promoted GPIHBP1 release of HUVEC cells. GPIHBP1 was increased in RA serum. This change can decrease blood TG in rats, which was overshadowed by an injection of excessive GPIHBP1. RA serum slightly inhibited LPL secretion in pre-adipocytes. Both HUVEC cells co-culture and GPIHBP1 supplement reduced LPL distribution on pre-adipocytes, and eliminated LPL activity difference between normal and RA serum-treated cells. No TG uptake difference was observed in these circumstances. RA-associated inflammation induces GPIHBP1 secretion of endothelial cells, which facilitates blood TG hydrolysis and uptake to compensate the loss in WAT. Show less
Obesity is a major public health crisis associated with high mortality rates. Previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) investigating body mass index (BMI) have largely relied on imputed data fr Show more
Obesity is a major public health crisis associated with high mortality rates. Previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) investigating body mass index (BMI) have largely relied on imputed data from European individuals. This study leveraged whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data from 88,873 participants from the Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) Program, of which 51% were of non-European population groups. We discovered 18 BMI-associated signals (P < 5 × 10 Show less
Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are resident stem cells within hair follicles (HFs) that possess self-renewal and differentiation capacities, serving as a critical model for regenerative medicine res Show more
Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are resident stem cells within hair follicles (HFs) that possess self-renewal and differentiation capacities, serving as a critical model for regenerative medicine research. Their dynamic interaction with dermal papilla cells (DPCs) plays a decisive role in HF development and cycling. Show less
The poor prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) patients is attributed mainly to abundant neovascularization and presence of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). GSCs are preferentially localized to the perivascu Show more
The poor prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM) patients is attributed mainly to abundant neovascularization and presence of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). GSCs are preferentially localized to the perivascular niche to maintain stemness. However, the effect of abnormal communication between endothelial cells (ECs) and GSCs on GBM progression remains unknown. Here, we reveal that ECs-derived SEMA3G, which is aberrantly expressed in GBM patients, impairs GSCs by inducing c-Myc degradation. SEMA3G activates NRP2/PLXNA1 in a paracrine manner, subsequently inducing the inactivation of Cdc42 and dissociation of Cdc42 and WWP2 in GSCs. Once released, WWP2 interacts with c-Myc and mediates c-Myc degradation via ubiquitination. Genetic deletion of Sema3G in ECs accelerates GBM growth, whereas SEMA3G overexpression or recombinant SEMA3G protein prolongs the survival of GBM bearing mice. These findings illustrate that ECs play an intrinsic inhibitory role in GSCs stemness via the SMEA3G-c-Myc distal regulation paradigm. Targeting SEMA3G signaling may have promising therapeutic benefits for GBM patients. Show less
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide due to its high aggressive potential and drug resistance. Previous studies have revealed an impor Show more
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide due to its high aggressive potential and drug resistance. Previous studies have revealed an important function of HECT And RLD Domain Containing E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase 5 (HERC5) in cancer. Six GEO gene microarrays identified HERC5 as a significant upregulated gene in OSCC tissues or cells (log2 Fold change > 1 and adj.p < 0.05). This study aimed to explore the role and underlying mechanisms of HERC5 in OSCC development. High HERC5 expression in OSCC tissues was confirmed by our hospital validation cohort and positively correlated with primary tumor stages. Subsequent functional studies demonstrated that knockdown of HERC5 inhibited the migratory and invasive capabilities with decrease of Vimentin and increase of E-cadherin in OSCC cells. In cisplatin treatment, cell survival rates were significantly reduced in HERC5-silencing OSCC cells, accompanied by the increase in cytotoxicity, DNA damage and apoptosis. OSCC cell-derived tumor xenograft displayed that HERC5 depletion inhibited pulmonary metastasis as well as restored the cisplatin-induced tumor burden. In line with this, overexpression of HERC5 yielded the opposite alterations both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, UDP-glucose 6-dehydrogenase (UGDH) was identified as a HERC5-binding protein. Cysteine residue at position 994 in the HECT domain of HERC5 catalyzed the conjugation of ubiquitin-like protein Interferon-induced 15 kDa protein (ISG15) to UGDH (ISGylation of UGDH) and facilitated its phosphorylation, therefore enhancing SNAI1 mRNA stability. SNAI1 depletion inhibited HERC5 overexpression-triggered invasion and cisplatin resistance of OSCC cells. Our study indicates that HERC5 may be a promising therapeutic target for OSCC. Show less
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with antiangiogenic agents have become a standard strategy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There remains an urgent need for effective biomarke Show more
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with antiangiogenic agents have become a standard strategy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There remains an urgent need for effective biomarkers to guide treatment, with C-reactive protein and alpha-fetoprotein in immunotherapy (CRAFITY) scores and cytokine levels representing promising candidates. We aimed to assess the efficacy, safety, and potential biomarkers of anlotinib plus TQB2450 in patients with advanced HCC. This study was a single-arm, phase Ib trial. Twenty-five patients with advanced HCC were enrolled. Patients received an intravenous infusion of TQB2450 (1200 mg, on Day 1) and oral administration of anlotinib (initiated at 10 mg, once a day, from Day 1 to Day 14), which was repeated every 3 weeks. Blood was collected at baseline for serum cytokine analysis. After a median follow-up of 41.80 months, the median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 5.49 months, and the median overall survival (mOS) was 8.94 months. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 22 patients, with grade ⩾3 TRAEs observed in 12 patients. Patients who achieved clinical benefit (CB) had higher baseline serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels than non-CB patients (median, 227.97 vs 129.26 pg/ml, Anlotinib plus TQB2450 demonstrated promising efficacy with manageable safety in advanced HCC. Elevated serum BDNF levels might serve as a potential positive prognostic marker and, together with ECOG score, may help complement the CRAFITY score in identifying subgroups that could benefit from ICIs and antiangiogenic therapy. Show less
The treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is characterized by a prolonged duration and complex medication regimens, often resulting in a substantial medication-related burden that neg Show more
The treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is characterized by a prolonged duration and complex medication regimens, often resulting in a substantial medication-related burden that negatively impacts patients' adherence and quality of life. However, research on the heterogeneity of medication-related burden among MDR-TB patients and its influencing factors remains limited. This study aimed to identify latent profiles of medication-related burden among MDR-TB patients and examine differences in burden characteristics across these profiles, thereby providing evidence for tailored intervention strategies. A convenience sampling method was employed to recruit MDR-TB patients diagnosed at a tertiary infectious disease hospital in Chengdu between December 2024 and May 2025. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the Living with Medicines Questionnaire (LMQ), and the Health Literacy Management Scale (HeLMS). Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to identify distinct profiles of medication-related burden, and multivariate logistic regression was used to explore associated factors for each profile. A total of 214 valid responses were analyzed. The LPA identified two distinct profiles of medication-related burden: C1 - "Low-Burden (Attitude & Practice-Dominated)" (44%) and C2 - "High-Burden (Daily Interference-Dominated)" (56%). Absence of side effects, not employing a caregiver, and higher levels of health literacy were positively associated with membership in the C1 group ( Medication-related burden among MDR-TB patients exhibits clear heterogeneity. Healthcare professionals should adopt stratified management and personalized interventions based on the identified influencing factors to alleviate the burden of medication in this population. Show less
Light-responsive porous liquids (LPLs) attract significant attention for their controllable gas uptake under light irradiation, while their preparation has remained a great challenge. Here we report t Show more
Light-responsive porous liquids (LPLs) attract significant attention for their controllable gas uptake under light irradiation, while their preparation has remained a great challenge. Here we report the fabrication of type II LPLs with enhanced light-responsive efficiency by tailoring the host's functionality for the first time. The functionality of light-responsive metal-organic cage (MOC-RL, constructed from dicopper and responsive ligands) is modified by introducing the second long-chain alkyl ligand, producing MOC-RL-AL as a new host. A spatially hindered solvent based on polyethylene glycol, IL-NTf Show less
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most prevalent chronic liver diseases, with a range of manifestations, such as hepatic steatosis. Our previous study showed that Kaili Sour Soup Show more
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most prevalent chronic liver diseases, with a range of manifestations, such as hepatic steatosis. Our previous study showed that Kaili Sour Soup (KSS) significantly attenuated hepatic steatosis in rats. This study explored the main components of KSS and the mechanisms by which it exerts its protective effects against NAFLD. Twenty-four 6-week-old male Sprague-Dowley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to three treatments: feeding a normal standard diet, a high-fat diet, or a high-fat diet plus gavage KSS. The effects of KSS treatment on hepatic lipid accumulation were assessed using biochemical, histological, and molecular experiments. The amounts of KSS ingredients were measured using biochemical assays. Network pharmacology analyses were performed to identify the hub genes of KSS targets and enriched pathways. CCK-8 assay was used to determine the effect of free fatty acids (FFA), lycopene, and estrogen on HepG2 viability. Quantitative Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot assays were performed to determine the effect of KSS or lycopene on estrogen signaling and expression of lipid metabolism-related molecules. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism and SPSS. KSS alleviated fat deposition in rat liver tissue and affected the expression of hepatic lipid synthesis, catabolism, and oxidative molecules. Lycopene was identified as the ingredient with the highest amount in KSS. Network pharmacology analyses showed that the hub genes were enriched in the estrogen signaling pathway. Cellular experiments showed that lycopene increased the expression of Estrogen Receptor α (ERα), Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 A ( KSS ameliorated abnormal lipid metabolism in patients with NAFLD. Lycopene was the major component of KSS, and it affected estrogen signaling and the expression of lipid metabolism molecules. In short, both KSS and LYC could change lipid metabolism by lowering lipid accumulation and raising lipolysis. Show less
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with impairments in memory and executive functions. Despite significant advancements in identifying genetic risk factors Show more
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with impairments in memory and executive functions. Despite significant advancements in identifying genetic risk factors, the high cost and limited accessibility of genetic testing remain major barriers. In this work, we propose a cost-effective screening approach that leverages EEG recordings and psychometric test scores to predict an individual's genetic risk for AD. Our Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model shows promising performance: it achieved an F1 score of 72.21% in distinguishing APOE-ϵ4/PICALM GG non-carriers (N) from APOE-ϵ4 carriers with the risky PICALM GG alleles (A+P+). It reached an F1 score of 60.78% for differentiating non-carriers (N) from APOE-ϵ4 carriers without the risky alleles (A+P-), and 65.12% when separating A+P- from A+P+. To enhance interpretability, we employ Grad-CAM, which reveals that EEG features contribute more significantly to gene prediction than psychometric measures. Notably, our model also identifies three key psychometric tests, MINI COPE (which assesses emotional coping skills), the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT), and NEO Neuroticism, as associated with higher AD risk, consistent with prior research. Moreover, our results align with earlier findings reporting increased theta-band power among high-risk individuals. Finally, Higuchi Fractal Dimension (HFD) features drove most of the EEG-based prediction capability, as shown through our ablation study. This study highlights the potential of integrating neurophysiological and cognitive assessments to develop accessible and reliable screening tools for AD genetic risk, enabling earlier diagnoses. The code has been released at https://github.com/ Shyamal-Dharia/EEG-Psycho-Genes-AD. Show less
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) affects approximately 600,000 people in the United States. Loss-of-function mutations in Myosin Binding Protein C3, MYBPC3, are the most common genetic cause of HCM, Show more
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) affects approximately 600,000 people in the United States. Loss-of-function mutations in Myosin Binding Protein C3, MYBPC3, are the most common genetic cause of HCM, with the majority of mutations resulting in haploinsufficiency. To restore cardiac MYBPC3, we use an adeno-associated virus (AAV9) vector and engineer an optimized expression cassette with a minimal promoter and cis-regulatory elements (TN-201) to enhance packaging efficiency and cardiomyocyte expression. Rather than simply preventing cardiac dysfunction preclinically, we demonstrate in a symptomatic MYBPC3-deficient murine model the ability of AAV gene therapy to reverse cardiac hypertrophy and systolic dysfunction, improve diastolic dysfunction, and prolong survival. Dose-ranging efficacy studies exhibit restoration of wild-type MYBPC3 protein levels and saturation of cardiac improvement at the clinically relevant dose of 3E13 vg/kg, outperforming a previously published construct. These findings suggest that TN-201 may offer therapeutic benefits in MYBPC3-associated cardiomyopathy, pending further validation in clinical settings. Show less
Aging-related lipid metabolic disorder is related to oxidative stress. Selenium (Se)-enriched Cardamine violifolia (SEC) is known for its excellent antioxidant function. The objective of this study wa Show more
Aging-related lipid metabolic disorder is related to oxidative stress. Selenium (Se)-enriched Cardamine violifolia (SEC) is known for its excellent antioxidant function. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of SEC on antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism in the liver of aged laying hens. A total of 450 sixty-five-wk-old Roman laying hens were randomly divided into 5 treatments: a basal diet (without Se supplementation, CON) and basal diets supplemented with 0.3 mg/kg Se from sodium selenite (SS), 0.3 mg/kg Se from Se-enriched yeast (SEY), 0.3 mg/kg Se from SEC (SEC), or 0.3 mg/kg Se from SEC and 0.3 mg/kg Se from SEY (SEC + SEY). The experiment lasted for 8 wk. The results showed that dietary SEC + SEY supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) triglyceride (in the plasma and liver) and total cholesterol levels (in the plasma), and increased (P < 0.05) HDL-C concentration in plasma compared to CON diet. Compared with CON diet, SEC and/or SEY supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression of hepatic ACC, FAS and HMGCR, and increased (P < 0.05) PPARα, VTG-II, Apo-VLDL II and ApoB expression. Dietary SEC + SEY and SEY supplementation increased (P < 0.05) Se content in egg yolk and breast muscle compared to CON diet. Dietary SEC, SEY or SEC + SEY supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the activity of antioxidant enzymes (GSH-PX, T-AOC and T-SOD) in the plasma and liver and decreased (P < 0.05) MDA content in the plasma compared to CON diet. Dietary Se supplementation promoted (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of Nrf2 in the liver. In contrast, dietary SEY and SEC supplementation resulted in a decrease (P < 0.05) of hepatic Keap1 mRNA expression compared to CON diet. Dietary SEC + SEY and/or SEC supplementation increased (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of Selenof, GPX1 and GPX4 in the liver compared with CON diet. In conclusion, dietary SEC (0.3 mg/kg Se) or SEC (0.3 mg/kg Se) + SEY (0.3 mg/kg Se) improved the antioxidant capacity and the lipid metabolism in the liver of aged laying hens, which might be associated with regulating Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway. 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
Heart failure (HF) is a serious cardiovascular condition resulting from abnormalities in multiple biological processes, affecting over 64 million people worldwide. We sought to expand our understandin Show more
Heart failure (HF) is a serious cardiovascular condition resulting from abnormalities in multiple biological processes, affecting over 64 million people worldwide. We sought to expand our understanding of the genetic basis of HF and more specific NICM subtype in the East Asian populations and evaluate the biological pathways underlying subclinical left ventricular dysfunction. We conducted a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for all-cause HF in the East Asian populations (N cases ~ 13,385) and a more precise definition of nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) subtype in multi-ancestry populations (N cases~3,603). We identified a low-frequency East-Asian enriched coding variant near MYBPC3 and a NICM specific locus. Follow up analyses demonstrated male-specific HF association at the MYBPC3 locus, and highlighted SVIL as a candidate causal gene for NICM. Moreover, we demonstrated that SVIL deficiency aggravated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, apoptosis and impaired cell viability in phenylephrine (PE)-treated H9C2 cells. In addition, the gene expression level of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) which was deemed as a hallmark for HF was further elevated by SVIL silencing in PE-stimulated H9C2 cells. RNA-sequencing analysis of H9C2 cells revealed that the function of SVIL might be mediated through pathways relevant to regulation and differentiation of heart muscle. These results enhance our understanding of the genetic architecture of HF in the East Asian populations, and provide important insight into the biological pathways underlying NICM and sex-specific relevance of the MYBPC3 locus that warrants further replication in another datasets. Show less
To explore the stratification and identification of adrenal lipid-poor adenomas (LPAs), adrenal cysts (ACs), and adrenal ganglioneuromas (AGNs) from each other using contrast-enhanced computed tomogra Show more
To explore the stratification and identification of adrenal lipid-poor adenomas (LPAs), adrenal cysts (ACs), and adrenal ganglioneuromas (AGNs) from each other using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). Pathologically confirmed, 348 patients were categorized into Model 1 (260 LPAs, 34 ACs), Model 2 (260 LPAs, 54 AGNs), and Model 3 (34 ACs, 54 AGNs). Statistical analyses were performed on the differences in the degree of enhancement in the arterial/venous phase (DEap/DEvp) (in HU) and the corresponding graded variables for the arterial/venous phase (GVap/GVvp). Models were evaluated via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and the Hosmer‒Lemeshow (HL) test. The values of the area under the curve (AUC) for DEap, DEvp, GVap, and GVvp in Models 1-3 were 0.996, 1.000, 0.993, and 0.999; 0.980, 0.978, 0.961, and 0.975; and 0.734, 0.892, 0.725, and 0.883, respectively. The p values of the HL test were 0.984, 1.000, and 0.113, respectively. The DEvp interval values (in HU) for the LPAs, ACs, and AGNs were [4.9, 190.2] HU, [-3.7, 4.2] HU, and [-4.8, 41.8] HU, respectively. The GVap and GVvp ranges for the LPAs, ACs, and AGNs were [1, 6], [0, 2], and [0, 2] and [1, 6], [0, 1], and [0, 5], respectively. DEvp enhanced discrimination in Models 1 and 3, whereas DEap performed better in Model 2. Lesions with DEvp < 4.5 HU are likely represent non-enhancing pathology (e.g., cysts). When both GVap and GVvp are 0, when both GVap and GVvp are [2, 6], and when GVap is [3, 6] and GVvp is 6, LPA, AC, and AGN are excluded. Not applicable. Show less
Low physical activity (LPA) significantly heightens the susceptibility of both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic renal disease. Nearly half of population diagnosed with T2DM globally worsen Show more
Low physical activity (LPA) significantly heightens the susceptibility of both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic renal disease. Nearly half of population diagnosed with T2DM globally worsen into diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Focusing on physically inactive populations, we aimed to comprehensively evaluate the trends over time and regional changes in T2DM-associated DKD attributable to LPA burden. We utilized data of the 2021 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study to initially assess the worldwide effects of T2DM-associated DKD attributable to LPA by computing the numbers and age-standardized rates (ASRs) of death, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years of life lost (YLLs), and years lived with disability (YLDs), categorized by subtypes in 2021. Linear regression model was applied to analyze the illness burden from 1990 to 2021. Furthermore, cluster analysis was performed to assess the regional differences in disease burden across GBD regions. Lastly, to forecast the illness burden for the next 25 years, we utilized the autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and Excess Risk (ER) models. In 2021, the fatalities attributed to T2DM-related DKD attributable to LPA amounted to 30835 (95%UI: 12346-51646) cases, with 698484 (95%UI: 275039-1158032) DALYs. The ASRs of death and DALYs were 0.38 (95%UI: 0.15-0.63) and 8.19 (95%UI: 3.21-13.6) per 100000 individuals, respectively. Between 1990 and 2021, there was a notable escalation in deaths, DALYs, YLDs, and YLLs, as well as their ASRs. The highest burden was observed among males, older adults (aged 70 years and above), and middle Socio-demographic Index (SDI). Significant differences were noted in the disease burden among various regions and countries as defined by the GBD study. Predictive analyses indicate a continued escalation of this burden by the year 2050. The global impact of DKD attributable to LPA remains considerable, with significant disparities noted across different genders, ages, and regions. To mitigate this burden, it is crucial to implement effective interventions aimed at addressing physical inactivity, specifically designed for targeted demographic groups. 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
Cognitive impairments in major depressive disorder (MDD) affect patients' social functioning, with underlying mechanisms involving gut microbiota and inflammatory factors remaining unclear. The study Show more
Cognitive impairments in major depressive disorder (MDD) affect patients' social functioning, with underlying mechanisms involving gut microbiota and inflammatory factors remaining unclear. The study analyzed cognitive function, gut microbiota changes, and inflammatory factor levels in 39 unmedicated MDD patients and 41 healthy controls, employing correlation and moderation effect analysis. MDD patients scored lower than controls in cognitive functions like information processing speed, attention/vigilance, verbal learning, visual learning and social cognition. They showed reduced gut microbiota diversity and increased levels of inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, IL-17, IL-27, IL-33). Sellimonas abundance correlated negatively with attention/vigilance, moderated by TNF-α, IL-27, and IL-33. This relationship was stronger at lower inflammation levels. MDD patients exhibit multi-domain cognitive dysfunction alongside pro-inflammatory states and disrupted gut microbiota. The abundance of Sellimonas significantly predicts attention/vigilance deficits. Inflammatory factors modulate the impact of gut microbiota on cognitive function, suggesting chronic low-grade inflammation as a key risk factor for cognitive impairment in MDD. Show less
Despite the increasing approval and ongoing clinical trials of FGFR-targeted therapies, accurately detecting FGFR fusions remains a challenge due to limited research, low incidence rates, complex fusi Show more
Despite the increasing approval and ongoing clinical trials of FGFR-targeted therapies, accurately detecting FGFR fusions remains a challenge due to limited research, low incidence rates, complex fusion partner distribution, and unique kinase domain distribution. We conducted a multicenter study to comprehensively profile FGFR fusions in the largest Chinese pan-cancer cohort to date, comprising 118 FGFR fusions from 114 individuals. Both DNA- and RNA-based sequencing approaches were utilized to reveal novel and fundamental features of FGFR fusion. Our research reveals an incidence rate of 0.96% for FGFR rearrangements within this Chinese cohort, including a high incidence rate of FGFR fusions (40%) in parotid gland carcinoma. However, this is based on a small sample size of 5 tumors and should be interpreted cautiously pending validation in larger cohorts. We also uncovered distinct breakpoint distribution patterns across various FGFR rearrangements. For example, a primary breakpoint in intron17 of FGFR2 was predominant (21/22), while FGFR1/3 breakpoints displayed substantial diversity. For the first time, we identified "hot" breakpoints in FGFR1 intron17, exon18, and FGFR3's 3' untranslated region. These findings underline the importance of incorporating these regions in targeted sequencing to ensure comprehensive detection of FGFR1/3 fusions. Notably, we observed a predilection for intrachromosomal distribution in common FGFR1/2/3 fusions. In contrast, most novel fusions (12/15) exhibited an interchromosomal distribution pattern, indicating variations in the fusion formation mechanism. Importantly, our study demonstrates the substantial incremental value of RNA-NGS or other orthogonal methods in confirming the functionality of FGFR rearrangements initially identified by DNA sequencing. In our cohort, 46% (6/13) of rare FGFR1/2/3 fusions lacked detectable RNA transcripts; however, this does not definitively indicate non-functionality as factors such as low RNA quality, expression below detection limits, or nonsense-mediated decay may contribute. Therefore, RNA-based validation is critical for accurately identifying potentially targetable FGFR fusions and guiding therapy. Our findings offer critical novel insights into functional FGFR fusions and bear considerable clinical implications for identifying individuals whose tumors are most likely to respond favorably to FGFR-targeted therapies. Show less
Vascular calcification (VC) significantly increases the incidence and mortality of many diseases. The causal relationships of dyslipidaemia and lipid-lowering drug use with VC severity remain unclear. Show more
Vascular calcification (VC) significantly increases the incidence and mortality of many diseases. The causal relationships of dyslipidaemia and lipid-lowering drug use with VC severity remain unclear. This study explores the genetic causal associations of different circulating lipids and lipid-lowering drug targets with coronary artery calcification (CAC) and abdominal aortic artery calcification (AAC). We obtained single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) associated with seven circulating lipids and 13 lipid-lowering drug targets from publicly available genome-wide association studies and eQTL databases. Causal associations were investigated by univariable, multivariable, drug-target, and summary data-based Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses. Potential mediation effects of metabolic risk factors were evaluated. MR analysis revealed that genetic proxies for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TC) and Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) were causally associated with CAC severity, and apolipoprotein B (apoB) level was causally associated with AAC severity. A significant association was detected between hepatic Lipoprotein(A) (LPA) gene expression and CAC severity. Colocalisation analysis supported the hypothesis that the association between LPA expression and CAC quantity is driven by different causal variant sites within the ±1 Mb flanking region of LPA. Serum calcium and phosphorus had causal associations with CAC severity. Inhibitors targeting LPA might represent CAC drug candidates. Moreover, T2DM, hypercalcemia, and hyperphosphatemia are positively causally associated with CAC severity, while chronic kidney disease and estimated glomerular filtration rate are not. Show less
Selenium (Se) foliar fertilizers enhance crop nutrition and address human selenium deficiency, while improper application may lead to excessive intake and residue accumulation. Our study comprehensive Show more
Selenium (Se) foliar fertilizers enhance crop nutrition and address human selenium deficiency, while improper application may lead to excessive intake and residue accumulation. Our study comprehensively assessed the toxicity and function of novel selenium nanoparticles and traditional sodium selenite fertilizers across cell, zebrafish, and murine models. Both fertilizers enhanced antioxidant pathways at low doses, but selenium nanoparticles exhibited stronger antioxidant and ferroptosis-modulating effects with lower toxicity at a high dose. Sodium selenite increased total and lipid ROS production, leading to decreased viability of cells and increased distortion and mortality of zebrafish. In mice, sodium selenite induced hepatic toxicity and decreased GPX4. Transcriptome analysis revealed that sodium selenite downregulated c-JUN and APOA4, weakening the antioxidant defense, whereas selenium nanoparticles promoted ferroptosis resistance through FGF21. These findings suggest selenium nanoparticles as a safer alternative for Se biofortification, mitigating health risks while supporting food security and environmental sustainability. 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
This study aimed to assess the prognostic significance of serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels regarding overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) among patients diagnosed with pancreat Show more
This study aimed to assess the prognostic significance of serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels regarding overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) among patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer (PC). A retrospective cohort of 364 pathologically confirmed PC patients treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between January 2019 and December 2022 was analyzed. The optimal cutoff for Lp(a) was identified using X-tile software, allowing categorization into high and low Lp(a) groups. To minimize selection bias, propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized. Survival outcomes were compared using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to identify independent prognostic variables affecting OS and PFS. Patients with high Lp(a) had significantly shorter OS and PFS both before and after PSM (post-PSM OS: 12.28 vs. 27.67 months, P = 0.003; PFS: 7.00 vs. 11.30 months, P = 0.002). Multivariate Cox analysis confirmed high Lp(a) as an independent predictor of poor OS [HR = 2.11 (1.17-3.81), P = 0.013] and PFS [HR = 2.14 (1.20-3.83), P = 0.010]. In the surgical subgroup (n = 215), high Lp(a) was also associated with worse OS (16.43 vs. 35.47 months, P = 0.02) and PFS (8.40 vs. 11.77 months, P = 0.036). Multivariate analysis in this subgroup showed that high Lp(a) remained an independent risk factor for OS [HR = 2.82 (1.36-5.87), P = 0.006] and PFS [HR = 2.01 (1.06-3.86), P = 0.034]. Elevated serum Lp(a) is an independent predictor of reduced OS and PFS in patients with pancreatic cancer. In contrast to conventional lipid profiles, the genetic stability of Lp(a) makes it a reliable baseline prognostic marker. Show less
The Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) model offers a framework for understanding the interplay between cognitive, affective, and behavioral factors in internet addiction (IA). Show more
The Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) model offers a framework for understanding the interplay between cognitive, affective, and behavioral factors in internet addiction (IA). Our study aims to explore the heterogeneity of IA, identify bridge connectors, and compare the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy combined with mindfulness-based intervention (CBT+MBI) versus CBT alone in reducing IA levels among Chinese college students. In study 1, 1,030 Chinese college students completed assessments of IA, automatic thoughts, self-control, and anxiety. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was employed to identify distinct symptom profiles of IA across individuals. Network analysis (NA) identified bridge connectors for targeted intervention. In study 2, 36 participants randomly selected from the high IA and low IA groups of study 1 were randomly assigned to CBT+MBI, CBT alone, or a control group. The CBT+MBI group received an 8-week dual-modality intervention and the CBT alone received an 8-week CBT intervention, both designed to target the bridge connectors identified via NA in Study 1, while the control group only completed basic questionnaires. In study 1, LPA identified four subgroups: regular, at-risk, low IA, and high IA groups. NA pinpointed automatic thoughts and anxiety as bridge connectors. In study 2, targeted interventions significantly reduced college students' levels of IA. CBT+MBI resulted in greater and more sustained improvements compared to CBT alone, with effects maintained for six-month post-intervention. Our study not only reinforces the I-PACE model but also provides actionable strategies for designing evidence-based, multidimensional interventions to reduce addictive behaviors among college students. Show less