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
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
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
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
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most lethal type of gynecological cancer, and platinum-resistance is a serious challenge in its treatment. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical Show more
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most lethal type of gynecological cancer, and platinum-resistance is a serious challenge in its treatment. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical regulatory roles in the occurrence and development of cancers. Here, using RNA sequencing of tumor small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) from HGSOC patients, the lncRNA CATED is identified as significantly upregulated in both tumors and tumor-derived sEVs in platinum-resistant HGSOC, and low CATED levels correlate with good prognosis. Functionally, CATED enhances cisplatin resistance by promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. These effects could be transferred via CATED-overexpressing sEVs from donor cells and HGSOC tumor sEVs. Mechanistically, CATED binds to and upregulates DHX36 via PIAS1-mediated SUMOylation at the K105 site, and elevated DHX36 levels increase downstream RAP1A protein levels by enhancing RAP1A mRNA translation, consequently activating the MAPK pathway to promote platinum-resistance in HGSOC. Antisense oligonucleotide mediated knockdown of CATED reverse platinum-resistance in sEV-transmitted mouse models via the DHX36-RAP1A-MAPK pathway. This study newly identifies a sEV-transmitted lncRNA CATED in driving HGSOC platinum-resistance and elucidates the mechanism it regulates the interacting protein through SUMOylation. These findings also provide a novel strategy for improving chemotherapy in HGSOC by targeting CATED. Show less
Genetic studies have largely focused on homogeneous populations, limiting our understanding of the genetic architecture of complex traits in admixed individuals. The advent of diverse biobanks like th Show more
Genetic studies have largely focused on homogeneous populations, limiting our understanding of the genetic architecture of complex traits in admixed individuals. The advent of diverse biobanks like the 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
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
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
Atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, is driven by a complex interplay of dyslipidemia, inflammation, and arterial plaque formation and progression. Animal models are indispensab Show more
Atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, is driven by a complex interplay of dyslipidemia, inflammation, and arterial plaque formation and progression. Animal models are indispensable to elucidate the pathogenesis and develop novel therapies. Rodent models are widely utilized due to their cost-effectiveness, reproducibility, and rapid disease progression. However, notable species differences exist in lipoprotein composition and lipid metabolism pathways. Mice and rats exhibit an HDL-dominant profile, whereas Syrian golden hamsters express cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and display a higher LDL fraction, but lower than that of humans, offering a model closer to human metabolically. Divergent CETP activity across species further complicates the translational relevance of the findings from these models for atherosclerosis and related metabolic disorders. This review systematically examines the key factors in rodent model selection and optimization, with consideration on the roles of sex and age. We focus on three commonly used and well-characterized rodent strains prone to atherosclerosis: C57BL/6J mice, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, Wistar rats, and golden hamsters. On Show less
Multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable disease primarily due to the emergence of drug resistance, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Extrachromosomal circular DNAs (eccDNAs) are prevale Show more
Multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable disease primarily due to the emergence of drug resistance, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Extrachromosomal circular DNAs (eccDNAs) are prevalent in cancer genomes of both coding and non-coding regions. However, the role of non-coding eccDNA regions that serve as enhancers has been largely overlooked. Here, genome-wide profiling of serum eccDNAs from donors and MM patients who responded well or poorly to bortezomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone (VRd) therapy is characterized. A high copy number of eccDNA ANKRD28 (eccANKRD28) predicts poor therapy response and prognosis but enhanced transcriptional activity. Established VRd-resistant MM cell lines exhibit a higher abundance of eccANKRD28, and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated elevation of eccANKRD28 desensitizes bortezomib and lenalidomide treatment both in vitro and in vivo. Integrated multi-omics analysis (H3K27ac ChIP-seq, scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq, CUT&Tag, et al.) identifies eccANKRD28 as an active enhancer involved in drug resistance driven by the key transcription factor, POU class 2 homeobox 2 (POU2F2). POU2F2 interacts with sequence-specific eccANKRD28 as well as RUNX1 and RUNX2 motifs to form the protein complex, which activates the promoter of oncogenes, including IRF4, JUNB, IKZF3, RUNX3, and BCL2. This study elucidates the potential transcriptional network of enhancer eccANKRD28 in MM drug resistance from a previously unrecognized epigenetic perspective. 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
Reverse Potts shunt is a promising yet high-risk therapy for pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension. Postoperative hemodynamics is critically influenced by shunt configuration but is difficult to p Show more
Reverse Potts shunt is a promising yet high-risk therapy for pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension. Postoperative hemodynamics is critically influenced by shunt configuration but is difficult to predict. This study aimed to quantify the effects of shunt size and location on hemodynamics to guide surgical planning. Based on a patient-specific model, four postoperative models with two different shunt locations [left pulmonary artery (LPA)-descending aorta (DAO) and pulmonary artery bifurcation-aortic arch] and three conduit sizes (4, 5, and 6 mm) were created. The direct Potts shunt model was created by a direct side-to-side anastomosis between the LPA and DAO with a 6-mm circular opening. Quantitative parameters including the shunt ratio (SR), which was defined as the percentage of the shunt flow rates to the total pulmonary inflow rate, lower limb oxygen saturation, and pressure were analyzed. Increasing the shunt size from 4 mm to 6 mm elevated the SR from 6.01% to 9.80%, concurrently reducing lower limb oxygen saturation from 89.57% to 86.52%. When taking 11,000 Pa as the threshold, this increased SR resulted in a reduction of the high-pressure area from 17.32% of the total pulmonary artery area to almost zero. Meanwhile, the high-pressure area on the aorta expanded from 8.72% of the total aortic area to 14.94%. These results indicated a reduction in the right ventricular afterload and an increase in the left ventricular afterload. Notably, a 6-mm shunt at the pulmonary artery bifurcation yielded a significantly larger SR than at the LPA (9.80% vs. 2.68%), which is attributed to a higher pressure gradient at the pulmonary artery bifurcation (1,201 Pa vs. 162 Pa). The shunt location had a greater impact on the SR than shunt size within the 4 mm-6 mm range in this specific case. A 6-mm shunt at the pulmonary artery bifurcation yielded a significantly larger SR than at the LPA, which is attributed to the higher preoperative pressure gradient at the bifurcation site. Left heart function is as critical as right heart function in maintaining pressure balance and determining outcomes, as the shunt flow increases the left ventricular afterload. 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
Low physical activity (LPA) is associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular pathologies. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of several noncommunicable diseases relating to LPA. Using the Show more
Low physical activity (LPA) is associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular pathologies. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of several noncommunicable diseases relating to LPA. Using the 2021 Global Burden of Disease data set, we modelled LPA-related disease burdens across 204 countries and territories, quantifying mortality counts, age-standardised mortality rates, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for five noncommunicable diseases. We conducted multivariable stratification analyses to assess variations by gender, age, and sociodemographic index (SDI) quintiles. We used age-period-cohort modelling to project burden trajectories, while applying counterfactual decomposition frameworks to delineate synergistic interactions between LPA and risk factors. We found that LPA accounted for 555 101 related deaths globally in 2021 across the five studied pathologies, mostly among individuals aged 60-94 years. Association between LPA-related disease burden and SDI followed a U-shaped distribution across regions and diseases. Among individuals aged 60-89 years, LPA-related deaths were significantly higher in women than in men, indicating a disproportionate burden on elderly females. Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) trends stabilised in low- and middle-SDI regions but declined significantly in high-SDI regions, underscoring global health disparities. From 2007 to 2011, LPA DALYs and mortality risk ratios for IHD, stroke, and lower extremity peripheral arterial disease declined from >1 to <1, whereas diabetes mellitus exhibited an opposite trend, highlighting LPA's persistent and significant impact on diabetes-related morbidity. Demographic shifts and epidemiological transitions were primary drivers of LPA-related disease burden across five pathologies. In high-SDI regions, epidemiological changes predominated, whereas population growth was a key factor in low- and middle-SDI regions. Synergistic interaction of these factors with LPA is projected to substantially amplify future disease burden. Physical activity should be increased among elderly women to address health risks associated with LPA. Likewise, urgent public health interventions are needed for LPA-related diabetes. As IHD burden rises in low- and middle-SDI regions, vascular disease care strategies require optimisation. Moreover, high-SDI regions should strengthen nationwide physical activity promotion, while low- and middle-SDI areas must enhance healthcare infrastructure and manage population growth to reduce LPA-related disease burdens. 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
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
Acquired renal cysts (ARC) are associated with kidney function decline, necessitating novel dietary pattern (DP) analyses in large cohorts. This UK Biobank prospective cohort study (2006-2010) include Show more
Acquired renal cysts (ARC) are associated with kidney function decline, necessitating novel dietary pattern (DP) analyses in large cohorts. This UK Biobank prospective cohort study (2006-2010) included participants with ≥2 dietary records, excluding those with severe kidney damage. The constructed comprehensive dietary pattern integration (CDPI) utilized reduced rank regression (RRR) and latent profile analysis (LPA). ARC cases (ICD-10: N28.1) were assessed via Cox regression for risk and dose-response, with NMR metabolites examined as mediators. Among 119,709 participants (median follow-up: 10.57 years), 850 ARC cases were identified. Lipid-rich and hyperglycemic diets increased ARC risk [e.g., HRs for G1.DP1: 1.080 (1.024, 1.139); G1.DP2: 1.144 (1.048, 1.249)], while micronutrient-rich diets showed weak protective effects [G4.DP1: 0.943 (0.892, 0.998)]. LPA confirmed RRR findings, and 7/251 NMR metabolites had significant mediating effects. Diets high in fat (cheese, butter, pizza) and sugar (chocolate, sugary drinks) elevated ARC risk, whereas micronutrient- and fiber-rich diets (vegetables, fruit, lean poultry, nuts, eggs) were protective. Key mediators included branched-chain amino acids, IGF-1, and RBC distribution width. Show less
Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) alterations are established therapeutic targets in cholangiocarcinoma and urothelial carcinoma but remain understudied in colorectal cancer (CRC). This study i Show more
Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) alterations are established therapeutic targets in cholangiocarcinoma and urothelial carcinoma but remain understudied in colorectal cancer (CRC). This study investigates the prevalence, clinicopathological correlates, and prognostic impact of FGFR alterations in CRC. We analyzed 608 stage I-IV CRC samples (2014-2024) through next-generation sequencing (NGS) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). FGFR genomic status was correlated with survival outcomes using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. External validation of FGFR genomic alterations was carried out using the 19 datasets (n = 6998) with prognostic impact validated through The Cancer Genome Atlas Colon and Rectum Adenocarcinoma (COREAD) dataset (Firehose Legacy, n = 640), both accessed via cBioPortal database. Large-scale genomic profiling of CRC [n = 7606 (608 in-house + 6998 public cohorts)] identified FGFR1 amplification (3.8% prevalence) as the predominant FGFR alteration subtype. Multivariable analysis confirmed FGFR alterations as independent predictors of poor disease-free survival [DFS; hazard ratio (HR) 2.58, P = 0.0002] and progression-free survival (PFS; HR 2.17, P = 0.0011), with FGFR1 amplification showing strongest prognostic impact (DFS HR 2.91, PFS HR 2.52, P < 0.01). Notably, the prognostic magnitude of FGFR alterations was comparable to KRAS/BRAF mutations in both localized and metastatic CRC. In addition, we established a semiquantitative immunoreactive score (IRS) system achieving 95.2% concordance with NGS (κ = 0.901), enabling reliable FGFR1 screening in routine pathology workflows. This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of FGFR genomic alterations in CRC through large-scale profiling (n = 7606), establishing FGFR1 amplification as the predominant alteration. Unlike FGFR2/3-driven malignancies, FGFR1-amplified CRC exhibited aggressive clinical behavior and inferior survival outcomes across disease stages. To address the diagnostic challenges in routine practice, we further developed a validated immunohistochemical scoring system (IRS), establishing a cost-effective and clinically feasible alternative to molecular assays for identifying FGFR1-driven CRC subsets. Show less
Macrophage-like phenotype switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a crucial mechanism driving atherogenesis. Inhibition of a phenotype switch to macrophage-like cells is a promising strat Show more
Macrophage-like phenotype switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a crucial mechanism driving atherogenesis. Inhibition of a phenotype switch to macrophage-like cells is a promising strategy to prevent atherosclerosis (AS), and targeted nanotherapeutics represent one approach for implementing this strategy. To this end, we designed immunosuppressive oligodeoxynucleotide A151 functionalized selenium nanoparticles with a spearhead LacNAc (LN-A151-SeNPs) that target macrophage-like VSMCs. Nano characterization showed that the uniformity and stability of nanoparticles were optimized by modification with LacNAc and A151, resulting in an average diameter of 88.90 ± 1.45 nm, Zeta potentials of -21.1 ± 1.5 mV, a A151:Se molar ratio of 1:60 and mass ratio of 1.68:1. The effects of LN-A151-SeNPs on inhibiting VSMCs phenotype switching and attenuation of AS were investigated using [Image: see text] The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-025-03925-7. 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
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
The precise involvement of Guanine Nucleotide-Binding Protein-Like 3-Like Protein (GNL3L) in lung cancer progression and invasion remains unclear. In this study, we explored the impact and underlying Show more
The precise involvement of Guanine Nucleotide-Binding Protein-Like 3-Like Protein (GNL3L) in lung cancer progression and invasion remains unclear. In this study, we explored the impact and underlying mechanisms of GNL3L on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and evaluated the therapeutic potential of targeting GNL3L. Inhibition of GNL3L expression led to a notable decrease in the in vitro proliferation, migration, and invasion of A549 and H1299 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Meanwhile, GNL3L silencing could significantly reduce the tumor volume of the nude mice and improve the outcomes of tumor-bearing mice in vivo. Additionally, inhibition of GNL3L expression dramatically suppressed NF-κB activation and Slug, MMP2, and MMP9 expression. Overexpression of Slug or treatment of the GNL3L-deficient cells with NF-κB activator can partially restore the growth suppressed by GNL3L deficiency, and combined treatment with Slug overexpression and NF-κB activator could totally restore the suppressed cell growth caused by GNL3L deficiency. Moreover, the overexpression of MMP2 or MMP9 could partially enhance the reduced migration and invasion caused by GNL3L deficiency, and this GNL3L-deficiency-caused suppression of migration and invasion can be totally restored by the overexpression of MMP2 and MMP9 together. These results strongly indicated that GNL3L has the capability to activate the NF-κB and increase Slug, MMP2, and MMP9 expression, which in turn could stimulate the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung cancer cells. NF-κB activation and Slug, MMP2, and MMP9 expression enhanced by GNL3L, leading to the promotion of proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung cancer cells, indicating the therapeutic implications and potential significance of these pathways in the progression and invasion of NSCLCs that overexpress GNL3L protein. 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
As the most common primary malignant bone tumor, further investigation into risk stratification for osteosarcoma (OS) prognosis is of significant clinical importance. Copper is essential for bone meta Show more
As the most common primary malignant bone tumor, further investigation into risk stratification for osteosarcoma (OS) prognosis is of significant clinical importance. Copper is essential for bone metabolism; however, its specific role in OS remains unclear. The expression characteristics of copper metabolism related genes (CORGs) in OS were revealed by single cell sequencing. Prognosis-associated CORGs were identified, and a CORG-related scoring system and risk model were established using bioinformatics approaches, including univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses and LASSO analysis. We further analyzed immune microenvironment infiltration, molecular subtypes and clinicopathological characteristics. The impact of selected CORG with high-risk coefficient on OS cells was tested by qRT-PCR, western blot, siRNA, colony formation analysis and Transwell in vitro. We successfully developed an OS scoring system related to copper metabolism and validated its independent prognostic value in patients with OS. The potential clinical value of CORG scoring system was analyzed. APOA4 was selected for in vitro experiments and its effect on the proliferation and invasion ability of OS cells was verified. We established a copper metabolism-related scoring system to effectively stratify the risk of OS patients. Our results provide a new basis for the role of copper metabolism in OS and provide new potential targets for the treatment of OS. 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