Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide, particularly affecting young adults and elderly populations. This study investigates the neuroprotective po Show more
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide, particularly affecting young adults and elderly populations. This study investigates the neuroprotective potential of orlistat (ORL), a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor, in a murine TBI model. Behavioral, histological, and molecular analyses demonstrated that ORL significantly attenuated TBI-induced neurological damage. Microglial depletion experiments revealed that ORL's neuroprotective effects were largely mediated through microglial modulation. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that ORL suppressed microglial activation, phagocytosis, and migration. Single-cell RNA sequencing identified upregulation of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in a TBI-induced microglial subpopulation. Molecular docking predicted ORL-LPL binding, suggesting direct enzymatic inhibition. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses further revealed ORL's modulation of microglial metabolic pathways and inflammatory responses. Our findings position ORL as a promising repurposed therapeutic for TBI through its novel mechanism of targeting microglial LPL-mediated neuroinflammation. Show less
The melanocortin system centrally regulates energy homeostasis, with key components such as melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) and adenylyl cyclase 3 (ADCY3) in neuronal primary cilia. Mutations in
The limited response rate to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) remains a significant challenge in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). In our study, we identified a lactate-based chemical ba Show more
The limited response rate to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) remains a significant challenge in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). In our study, we identified a lactate-based chemical barrier surrounding FAP 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
Sleep Deprivation (SD) severely disrupts emotional regulation, predisposing individuals to mood disturbances and anxiety. However, the precise mechanisms underlying anxiety triggered by sleep loss rem Show more
Sleep Deprivation (SD) severely disrupts emotional regulation, predisposing individuals to mood disturbances and anxiety. However, the precise mechanisms underlying anxiety triggered by sleep loss remain elusive. In this study, a mouse model of chronic SD was established using a continuously running treadmill paradigm for 28 days. SD induced anxiety-like behaviors and hippocampal ApoE downregulation. Furthermore, SD downregulated the expression of the autophagy-related protein ATG5 and upregulated p62. In addition, SD inhibited AMPK phosphorylation and induced mTOR phosphorylation. Levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18, were markedly increased. Immunofluorescence staining revealed a notable increase in the activation of microglia and astrocytes in the hippocampi of SD mice. Either hippocampal overexpression of ApoE via bilateral AAV injection or rapamycin treatment significantly alleviated anxiety-like behaviors, enhanced autophagy, and reduced neuroinflammation in SD mice. Thus, SD induces anxiety by suppressing autophagy level. This effect is mediated through the inhibition of ApoE-dependent AMPK phosphorylation and the concomitant promotion of mTOR phosphorylation, revealing a potential therapeutic target. Show less
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing fish meal with either whole-fat or defatted krill powder on the growth, body color, immunity, and related gene expression of red-white Show more
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing fish meal with either whole-fat or defatted krill powder on the growth, body color, immunity, and related gene expression of red-white koi carp. A total of 630 red-white koi carp with an initial body mass of 13.5 ± 0.05 g were randomly divided into seven groups with three replicates per group and 30 fish per replicate. The control group was fed a basic diet (C0). The other six diets were supplemented with different levels of whole krill meal or defatted krill meal as replacements (10% whole fat, 20% whole fat, 30% whole fat, 10% defatted, 20% defatted, and 30% defatted) in the experimental groups, named W10, W20, W30, D10, D20, and D30, respectively, for a total duration of 60 days. The growth, body color, immunity and gene expression indexes were measured in the koi after completion. The results indicate the following. (1) Compared with C0, the experimental groups of koi showed a significant increase in the specific growth rate (SGR) ( Show less
To investigate the role of lncRNA BACE1-AS in neuronal injury and neurological deficits after ischemic stroke and explore its underlying molecular mechanism. MCAO rat model and OGD/R cell model were e Show more
To investigate the role of lncRNA BACE1-AS in neuronal injury and neurological deficits after ischemic stroke and explore its underlying molecular mechanism. MCAO rat model and OGD/R cell model were established. BACE1-AS expression was detected by RT-qPCR. Neurological function was evaluated by mNSS and MWM test. Inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10), neuronal injury markers (NSE, GFAP), and apoptosis-related markers (Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3) were detected by ELISA and RT-qPCR. Bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and RIP assay were used to validate the targeting relationship between BACE1-AS and miR-103a-3p. BACE1-AS was significantly upregulated in both MCAO rats and OGD/R-treated SH-SY5Y cells. Silencing BACE1-AS alleviated neurological deficits, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and inhibited neuronal apoptosis. Mechanistically, BACE1-AS targeted miR-103a-3p, and inhibiting miR-103a-3p reversed the neuroprotective effects of BACE1-AS silencing in vivo and in vitro. Silencing BACE1-AS mitigates neuronal injury and neurological deficits after ischemic stroke by targeting miR-103a-3p, providing a novel therapeutic target for ischemic stroke. 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
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), including valine, leucine and isoleucine, are essential nutrient signals that influence mammalian animal metabolism. Many enzymes are involved in the metabolism of Show more
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), including valine, leucine and isoleucine, are essential nutrient signals that influence mammalian animal metabolism. Many enzymes are involved in the metabolism of BCAAs, such as branched-chain amino acid transaminases (BCATs), branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKDH), and BCKDH kinase (BCKDK). The aberrant expression of enzymes involved in BCAA metabolism and an imbalance in BCAA amino acid intake can lead to disordered metabolism. Aberrant BCAA metabolism can lead to several diseases, such as human ovarian disease, including ovarian cancer (OC), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and premature ovarian failure (POF), which are common gynaecological diseases. The overexpression of BCATs is found in OC, which promotes BCAA catalysis to provide a large amount of energy for tumorigenesis. However, BCKDK is overexpressed in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), which promotes proliferation and migration via MEK-ERK. In addition, several studies have reported that high levels of BCAAs are increased in the plasma of PCOS and POF patients. This review focuses on the role of BCAA metabolism and potential management methods for OC, PCOS and POF. 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
Tea polyphenols are a class of natural plant compounds with potent antioxidant properties, and their critical role in regulating lipid metabolism has been demonstrated in numerous studies. However, sy Show more
Tea polyphenols are a class of natural plant compounds with potent antioxidant properties, and their critical role in regulating lipid metabolism has been demonstrated in numerous studies. However, systematic research on the effects of tea polyphenols on lipid metabolism in lion-head geese remains limited. In this study, we examined the impact of tea polyphenols on lipid metabolism in geese through an integrative analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics. A total of 240 healthy male lion-head geese with similar body weights at 1 day of age were randomly allocated into two treatment groups (6 replicates per group, with 20 geese per replicate). The control group received a basal diet, while the experimental group was supplemented with 1000 mg/kg of tea polyphenols (50.4 % catechin purity) in the basal diet for 18 weeks. The results indicated that serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were significantly increased (P < 0.05), while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the tea polyphenol group compared to the control group. Additionally, serum triglycerides (TG), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the tea polyphenol group than in the control group. Hepatic transcriptomic analysis further revealed that tea polyphenols significantly modulated the expression of several genes involved in lipid metabolism, including angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4), which plays a role in regulating lipid homeostasis, as well as glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase domain containing 2 (GDPD2), immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH), proto-oncogene protein c-fos (FOS), and matrix metallopeptidase 1 (MMP1), etc. Serum metabolomic analysis also demonstrated significant alterations in lipid metabolites induced by tea polyphenols, including the downregulation of fatty acyl metabolites such as L-Palmitoylcarnitine and Hexadecanal. Moreover, the combined analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between ANGPTL4 and the organic compounds of steroidal saponins, such as Glucoconvallasaponin B, and negative correlations with glycerophospholipid metabolites, such as LysoPC (P-16:0). The comprehensive analysis suggests that the inclusion of tea polyphenols in the diet enhances the antioxidant capacity of lion-head geese, improves hepatic lipid profiles, and regulates lipid metabolism via modulating lipid metabolism-related genes and metabolites. Show less
By integrating single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing data for esophageal cancer (ESCA), we developed and validated a seven-macrophage-gene prognostic signature (FCN1, SCARB2, ATF5, PHLDA2, GLIPR1, CHORD Show more
By integrating single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing data for esophageal cancer (ESCA), we developed and validated a seven-macrophage-gene prognostic signature (FCN1, SCARB2, ATF5, PHLDA2, GLIPR1, CHORDC1, and BCKDK). This signature effectively stratified patients into high- and low-risk groups with significantly different overall survival, achieving area under the curve (AUC) values greater than 0.7 for 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival prediction. A high-risk status correlated with an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, characterized by lower infiltration of B cells and CD8 + T cells, and was associated with reduced sensitivity to multiple chemotherapeutic agents, including Cisplatin and 5-Fluorouracil. Conversely, a low-risk status was linked to greater immune cell infiltration and higher predicted chemosensitivity. At the single-cell level, pseudotime analysis revealed that macrophage maturation significantly correlated with a decreasing risk score, suggesting that mature macrophages may contribute to a favorable prognosis. Furthermore, cell communication analysis identified high-risk macrophages as dominant drivers of a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment via signaling pathways, such as SPP1 and complement. In conclusion, this seven-gene signature is a robust prognostic biomarker that offers a new strategy for personalized risk assessment and treatment selection in ESCA. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04452-w. Show less
Accumulating evidence indicates that neuroinflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). According to RNA sequencing and quantitative PCR (qPCR), we found that chemokine CCL Show more
Accumulating evidence indicates that neuroinflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). According to RNA sequencing and quantitative PCR (qPCR), we found that chemokine CCL3 mRNA expression was abnormally upregulated in the brains of AD transgenic mice. Moreover, the levels of CCL3 in the serum of AD patients were significantly elevated and negatively correlated with their cognitive abilities. However, the role of CCL3 in AD neuroinflammation and pathological damages remains elusive. Using behavioral, histological, and biochemical methods, outcomes of CCL3 antibody treatment on neuropathology and cognitive deficits were studied in the APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. In the present study, we reported that CCL3 protein expression was increased in the APPswe/PS1dE9 mice, whereas blockage of CCL3 with neutralizing antibody potently inhibited CCL3 activation in the APPswe/PS1dE9 mice down to the levels of wild-type mice. Specifically, CCL3 antibody significantly improved the learning and memory abilities of APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. In addition, CCL3 antibody treatment decreased cerebral amyloid-β (Aβ) levels and plaque burden via inhibiting amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing by reducing beta-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) expression in the APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. We also found that CCL3 antibody treatment alleviated neuroinflammation and reduced synaptic defects in the APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. Furthermore, the activated NF-κB signaling pathway in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice was inhibited by CCL3 antibody treatment. Collectively, our findings provide evidence that CCL3 activation may contribute to the AD pathogenesis and may serve as a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of AD. Show less
To explore latent profiles of social isolation in maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) patients and to analyse the factors influencing different latent profiles. Multicentre cross-sectional study. Between Show more
To explore latent profiles of social isolation in maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) patients and to analyse the factors influencing different latent profiles. Multicentre cross-sectional study. Between November 2024 to March 2025, 305 MHD patients from the haemodialysis centres of three hospitals in Henan Province, China, were recruited using a convenience sampling method. All participants completed the general information questionnaire, Lubben Social Network Scale 6 (LSNS-6), UCLA Loneliness Scale-6 (ULS-6) and Personal Mastery Scale. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was used to classify the participants into potential subgroups with different types of social isolation. The influencing factors of profiles were explored by univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis. Social isolation of 305 patients can be divided into three profiles: the family-friend dual isolation group (14.10%), friend isolation-only group (47.54%), and social network well-being group (38.36%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that monthly personal income, living arrangement, social participation, dialysis time, post-dialysis fatigue, number of comorbidities, loneliness and personal mastery were identified as factors influencing the profiles. There is heterogeneity in social isolation among MHD patients. It is therefore necessary to implement targeted intervention measures based on the distinct characteristics of each subgroup to facilitate their social reintegration. Nurses should identify differences in social isolation among MHD patients. It is necessary to establish tripartite connections between families, hospitals and communities, and develop personalised psychosocial interventions to alleviate social isolation. The study identified distinct subgroups of social isolation among MHD patients, while emphasising the impact of psychological resources such as loneliness and personal mastery on social isolation. This may offer critical insights for nurses to develop targeted interventions for patients' social health. The study followed the STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional studies. No patient or public involvement. 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
Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is characterized by inflammation and tissue remodeling, including fibrosis and adipogenesis. Here, we identify interleukin-27 (IL-27) as a negative feedback imm Show more
Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is characterized by inflammation and tissue remodeling, including fibrosis and adipogenesis. Here, we identify interleukin-27 (IL-27) as a negative feedback immunomodulator in TAO. Serum IL-27α levels were significantly elevated in patients with TAO compared with healthy and inflammatory disease controls. In orbital fibroblasts (OFs), exogenous IL-27 suppressed IL-1β-induced proinflammatory cytokines and reduced hypoxia-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. IL-27 also attenuated TGF-β-driven fibrosis via p38 MAPK signaling in CD90 Show less
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a global public health issue, and HPV-related stigma can affect cervical cancer prevention. But no validated tools exist to assess HPV stigma in Chinese adult w Show more
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a global public health issue, and HPV-related stigma can affect cervical cancer prevention. But no validated tools exist to assess HPV stigma in Chinese adult women infected with HPV. This study aimed to adapt and validate the HPVsStigma scale (HPV-SS) in the Chinese context. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2024 to February 2025 among 501 HPV-infected women in Shenzhen, China. The HPV-SS was adapted from a 12-item HIV stigma scale. Demographic characteristics, HPV-related variables, and data on mental health were collected. Factor analyses (FA) were used to assess the scale's factorial structure, reliability, and validity. The bi-factor model was used to determine the score-reporting method of the scale. Item response theory (IRT) was employed to assess the relationship between participants' stigma levels and scale scores. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to classify the participants with different HPV stigma characteristics and determine the optimal cut-off value for HPV-SS. FA showed that the 3-factor model (personalized stigma, public-disclosure concerns, and negative self-image) had the best fit among the nested models, with good reliability and validity. The bi-factor model analysis indicated that the total scale score was more meaningful than dimension scores. IRT analysis confirmed that higher HPV-SS scores represented higher stigma levels. LPA identified a 2-class model as optimal, and the optimal cut-off value of the scale for high HPV stigma was 35. This study validated the 12-item HPV-SS for Chinese women infected with HPV, with good reliability and validity. The scale can be used to evaluate HPV stigma levels, facilitating targeted interventions to improve cervical cancer prevention and the psychological well-being of affected women. 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
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
The deposition of toxic aggregated amyloid-β (Aβ), resulting from continuous cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and γ-secretase, is a key pathogenic ev Show more
The deposition of toxic aggregated amyloid-β (Aβ), resulting from continuous cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) and γ-secretase, is a key pathogenic event in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Small interfering RNAs (siRNA) have shown great potential for disease treatment by specifically silencing target genes. However, the poor brain delivery efficiency of siRNAs limits their therapeutic efficacy against AD. We designed a simplified and effective BACE1 siRNA (siBACE1) delivery system, namely, dendritic polyamidoamine modified with the neurotropic virus-derived peptide RVG29 and polyethylene glycol (PPR@siBACE1). PPR@siBACE1 crossed the blood-brain barrier efficiently and entered brain parenchyma in large amount, with subsequent neurotropism and potential microglia-targeting ability. Both in vitro and in vivo studies validated the effective brain delivery of siBACE1 and strong BACE1 silencing efficiency. Treatment of AD mice with PPR@siBACE1 inhibited the production of Aβ, potentiated Aβ phagocytosis by microglia, improved the memory deficits and reduced neuroinflammatory response in AD mice. This study provides a reliable delivery platform for gene therapies for AD. 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
Diabetes constitutes a risk factor for cognitive impairment, whereas insulin resistance serves as the shared pathogenesis underlying both diabetes and cognitive decline. The use of metformin for treat Show more
Diabetes constitutes a risk factor for cognitive impairment, whereas insulin resistance serves as the shared pathogenesis underlying both diabetes and cognitive decline. The use of metformin for treating cognitive impairment remains controversial. The present study found that hesperetin, a flavanone derived from citrus peel, enhanced metformin's efficacy in reducing blood sugar levels, improving insulin sensitivity, and ameliorating cognitive impairment in diabetic rats. Additionally, it reduced the required dosage of metformin to one-third of its conventional dose. Transcriptome analysis and 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that the activation of insulin and cyclic-adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pathways benefited from the regulation of gut microbiota and the promotion of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) producers such as Show less
The intrinsic heterogeneity and invasiveness of diffuse gliomas complicate accurate prognosis. Existing approaches are largely constrained by subtype specificity or limited analytical dimensions. To a Show more
The intrinsic heterogeneity and invasiveness of diffuse gliomas complicate accurate prognosis. Existing approaches are largely constrained by subtype specificity or limited analytical dimensions. To address this gap, a multi- dimension-based prognostic framework encompassing the full glioma spectrum was developed, accompanied by an analysis of the associated immune microenvironment. A total of 3,323 glioma samples from the SEER (n = 2181), CGGA (n = 807), and TCGA (n = 335) datasets were integrated. Differentially expressed genes were screened using the limma package, and a Lasso-Cox-based prognostic signature (Glioma-GDPM) was established. Clinical variables such as age, grade, and IDH mutation status were harmonized through propensity score matching to construct a multi-omics prognostic model (Glioma-GCDPM). GSEA, CIBERSORT-based immune infiltration analysis, and TIDE scoring were used to investigate the biological characteristics of different risk subgroups. Eleven key prognostic genes (such as PRAMEF2 and FADS1) and four clinical factors (age, tumor grade, IDH mutation, and 1p/19q codeletion) were identified. Glioma-GCDPM demonstrated favorable predictive ability in both the internal test cohort (AUC 0.81-0.86) and external validation sets (AUC 0.59-0.83). High-risk tumors exhibited greater invasiveness, with significant enrichment in cell cycle and proliferation-associated pathways. Additionally, a suppressed immune microenvironment was observed, reflected by elevated M2 macrophage infiltration and increased T cell dysfunction scores. The multi-omics model established in this study enables precise stratification of prognostic risk in diffuse glioma patients and reveals immunosuppressive features in high-risk individuals, providing a new basis for personalized treatment strategies. Show less
As a chronic lipid driven arterial disease, dyslipidemia is one of the most critical risk factors for atherosclerosis (AS). The gut microbiota plays an important role in regulating host lipid metaboli Show more
As a chronic lipid driven arterial disease, dyslipidemia is one of the most critical risk factors for atherosclerosis (AS). The gut microbiota plays an important role in regulating host lipid metabolism disorders. Studies have shown that the herb "Gualou-Xiebai" (GLXB) can effectively regulate the blood lipid levels of ApoE Show less
Calcific aortic stenosis (CAS) is frequently accompanied by systemic comorbidities, but their causal relationships and shared genetic architecture remain poorly defined. We aimed to map the multisyste Show more
Calcific aortic stenosis (CAS) is frequently accompanied by systemic comorbidities, but their causal relationships and shared genetic architecture remain poorly defined. We aimed to map the multisystem comorbidity network of CAS and clarify underlying genetic mechanisms. In 467 484 participants from the UK Biobank, observational and polygenic phenome-wide association studies evaluated associations between CAS and 1571 phenotypes, integrating disease-trajectory analyses to visualise temporal patterns. Associations replicated across observational and polygenic analyses were tested using two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) based on 22 CAS-related variants from FinnGen. Polygenic risk score (PRS) analyses excluding specific genes assessed their contributions, particularly LPA and plasma lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels. CAS was associated with higher risks of 42 cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular conditions, most prominently metabolic, endocrine, haematological and respiratory disorders. Temporal analyses showed that circulatory and metabolic diseases typically precede other comorbidities in CAS trajectories. MR findings were consistent with causal effects of CAS on multiple cardiovascular diseases, iron-deficiency anaemia, mental disorders and pleural effusion. When LPA variants were removed from the CAS PRS or plasma Lp(a) concentration was adjusted for, most associations lost significance, indicating a shared LPA/Lp(a)-mediated genetic pathway. CAS is embedded within a broad multisystem comorbidity network, driven largely by genetic variation at LPA and elevated Lp(a). These findings highlight pleiotropic mechanisms linking valvular calcification with systemic disease and support LPA-targeted therapies as a promising avenue for reducing the multisystem burden of CAS. Show less
Dynamic responsive structural colored materials have drawn increased consideration in a wide range of applications, such as colorimetric sensors and high-safety tags. However, the sophisticated intera Show more
Dynamic responsive structural colored materials have drawn increased consideration in a wide range of applications, such as colorimetric sensors and high-safety tags. However, the sophisticated interactions among the individual responsive parts restrict the advanced design of multimodal responsive photonic materials. Inspired by stimuli-responsive color change in chameleon skin, a simple and effective photo-crosslinking strategy is proposed to construct hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) based hydrogels with multiple responsive structured colors. By controlling UV exposure time, the structural color of HPC hydrogels can be effectively controlled in a full-color spectrum. At the same time, HPC hydrogels showcase temperature and mechanical dual-responsive structural colors. In particular, the microstructure of HPC hydrogels undergoes a transition from the chiral nematic phase to the nematic phase under the action of external stretching, leading to a significant reflection of circularly polarized light (CPL) to linearly polarized light (LPL). Given the diverse responsiveness exhibited by HPC hydrogels and their unique structural transition properties under external forces, we have explored their potential applications as dynamic anti-counterfeiting labels and optical skins. This work reveals the great possibility of using structural colored cellulose hydrogels in multi-sensing and optical displays, opening up a new path for the exploration of next-generation flexible photonic devices. 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
Endometriosis can lead to decreased endometrial receptivity, reduced rates of implantation, and diminished ovarian reserve. Currently, more than 50% of infertile women are found to suffer from endomet Show more
Endometriosis can lead to decreased endometrial receptivity, reduced rates of implantation, and diminished ovarian reserve. Currently, more than 50% of infertile women are found to suffer from endometriosis. However the etiology and pathogenesis of endometriosis are still poorly understood. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been confirmed to be involved in endometriosis. PYK2 is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that affects cell proliferation, survival, and migration by regulating intracellular signaling pathways. PYK2 plays a regulatory role in the EMT process by affecting the expression of genes associated with EMT through the influence of transcription factors. Snail1 (Snail1) plays a key role in the EMT process and is highly expressed in endometriosis tissues. On the other hand, Snail1 affects the invasive and metastatic ability of endometriosis cells mainly by regulating the EMT process. However, the upstream mechanisms that regulate the process of Snail1 protein stability in endometriosis are not clear. We identified a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PYK2 or PTK2B), and examined the expression of PYK2 in endometriosis. The relevant plasmids were constructed. This study enrolled 20 patients with laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis meeting ASRM diagnostic criteria, collecting ectopic lesions (14 ovarian endometriotic cysts and 6 deep infiltrating nodules) along with matched eutopic endometrial tissues (15 proliferative phase, 5 secretory phase) as controls. All tissue specimens underwent immunohistochemical analysis. Human endometrial stromal cells (HESC) were isolated from normal endometrium of 3 control patients for in vitro meconium induction. Ectopic endometrial stromal cells (EESC) were obtained from 5 ectopic lesions. Protein extracts from both ectopic tissues and cells were subjected to Western blot and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) interaction validation. Functional assays (proliferation/migration/invasion) were performed using EESC and 11Z cell lines with triplicate biological replicates. Co-IP experiments were performed to verify the interaction between PYK2 and Snail1, as well as to determine the specific location of this interaction. Additionally, we examined the effect of PYK2 on endometriosis cells in vitro and whether VS-6063 inhibits the biological functions of endometriosis cells. Endometriosis models were established in 20 five-week-old female C57BL/6 mice, randomly allocated into experimental (n = 10) and control (n = 10) groups. Statistical analyses were conducted using GraphPad Prism 7.0, employing parametric tests for normally distributed data and non-parametric methods otherwise, with Benjamini-Hochberg correction for multiple comparisons. PYK2 is highly expressed in endometriosis tissues. It acts as a new binding partner of Snail1 and enhances EMT in endometriosis by increasing the phosphorylation of Snail1. Additionally, PYK2 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of endometriosis cells while inhibiting decidualization. We demonstrated that VS-6063 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of endometriosis cells in vitro, as well as the growth of endometriotic lesions in vivo. PYK2 is a novel binding partner of Snail1. PYK2 promotes the occurrence and development of endometriosis by up-regulating Snail1, which could be a promising therapeutic target for endometriosis. Show less