The competency of specialist nurse clinical educators is crucial for the effectiveness of specialist nurse training programmes. However, variability in teaching competency and training needs among edu Show more
The competency of specialist nurse clinical educators is crucial for the effectiveness of specialist nurse training programmes. However, variability in teaching competency and training needs among educators remains insufficiently studied, especially in the context of rapidly evolving healthcare education in China. This study aimed to identify distinct core competency profiles among clinical educators for specialist nurses, examine associated socio-demographic factors, and explore differences in training needs across profiles. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 3,945 specialist nurse clinical educators from 30 Chinese regions. The Chinese version of the Nurse Educator Core Competency Scale (NECCS) and a self-developed training needs questionnaire were used. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) identified competency subgroups, while multinomial logistic regression and Kruskal-Wallis tests examined associated variables and training needs. Latent Profile Analysis identified three competency profiles: foundational (8.6%), intermediate (43.0%), and advanced (48.4%), with mean scores of 43.89, 68.24, and 91.68, respectively. Educators without prior training were significantly more likely to belong to the foundational (OR = 3.195, p < 0.001) and intermediate (OR = 1.676, p < 0.001) groups compared to those with training experience. Advanced-competency educators showed the highest demand for curriculum design training, with 75% rating it as highly necessary. In contrast, educators in the intermediate group identified clinical teaching methods and techniques as their top training need (58.7%). Those in the foundational group prioritised common pedagogical methods and instructional technologies (54.7%). Clinical educator competencies vary by background characteristics and training exposure. Tailored, competency-based training is needed to address these gaps and enhance the quality of specialist nursing education. Show less
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) has serious harm to human hearing health, where blood lipid and inflammatory levels may play a key role in it. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to Show more
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) has serious harm to human hearing health, where blood lipid and inflammatory levels may play a key role in it. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to assess the connection between inflammatory and lipid variables and SSNHL. Patients diagnosed with SSNHL had an analysis of serum lipid parameters, such as total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, apolipoprotein A (apo A), apolipoprotein B (apo B), and lipoprotein A (Lp(a)), as well as inflammatory factors like TNF-α and IL-10. After that, risk factor analysis was carried out utilizing univariate, multivariate regression, and LASSO retrospective modeling. In all, 72 SSNHL patients and 67 healthy control individuals were involved. The LDL/HDL, total cholesterol, ApoB, LP(a), IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ considerably higher in the SSNHL group than in the healthy control group, however, nervonic acid and coenzyme Q were decreased significantly in SSNHL than Control group. The multivariate logistic regression model's analysis using multifactorial retrospective modeling revealed significant changes in LDL, LDL/HDL, IL-10, and TNF-α. In addition, in the LASSO regression model, the model demonstrated high discrimination, as evidenced by the C-index for the cohort's prediction nomogram, which was 0.998 (95% CI, 0.154-1.115) and confirmed to be 0.925 following bootstrapping validation. Finally, IL-10 and LDL/HDL were the main risk factors in SSNHL. LDL/HDL and IL-10 may be closely related to SSNHL's progress and should be evaluated promptly before treating patients with SSNHL. Show less
Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease-related morbidity and mortality. The traditional Chinese medicine Qingre Sanjie Formula (QRSJF), composed of Prunellae Spica, Sargassum, Show more
Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease-related morbidity and mortality. The traditional Chinese medicine Qingre Sanjie Formula (QRSJF), composed of Prunellae Spica, Sargassum, Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus, Leonuri Herba, and Forsythiae Fructus, has shown efficacy in treating cardiovascular diseases, although its mechanisms are unclear. This study aimed to explore the protective effects of QRSJF against atherosclerosis and the mechanisms involved. The composition of QRSJF was analyzed using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry. An 8-week high-fat diet (HFD)-induced atherosclerosis model was established in ApoE Both low- and high-dose QRSJF effectively attenuated dyslipidemia and decreased serum inflammatory cytokine levels in HFD-fed ApoE QRSJF improves dyslipidemia and reduces atherosclerotic plaque in ApoE Show less
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure (HF), atrial fibrillation (AF), and arrhythmia, are major contributors to global mortality and often share overlappi Show more
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure (HF), atrial fibrillation (AF), and arrhythmia, are major contributors to global mortality and often share overlapping risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms. While genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified many loci for individual CVDs, the shared genetic architecture across related traits-particularly in East Asian populations-remains underexplored. We integrated large-scale GWAS summary statistics from East Asian populations to perform genome-wide and local genetic correlation analyses across four CVD phenotypes and five cardiometabolic traits (blood pressure and lipid levels). Using stratified LD score regression, we assessed tissue-specific heritability enrichment. Multi-trait analysis of GWAS (MTAG) was then employed to identify pleiotropic loci associated with multiple traits, with functional annotation and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data used to explore biological relevance. We observed extensive genetic correlations among CVDs and between CVDs and cardiometabolic traits, with HF showing the strongest connections to both MI and arrhythmia. Notable genome-wide correlations were found between MI and SBP (rg = 0.35, Our findings provide comprehensive insight into the shared genetic determinants of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in East Asian populations. The identification of pleiotropic and ancestry-specific loci, along with tissue-specific regulatory patterns, underscores the need for integrative multi-trait and population-informed approaches in cardiovascular genetics and risk prediction. Show less
Liver X receptor α (LXRα) plays an important role in inflammatory immune response induced by hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and acute rejection (AR). Macrophage M1-polarization play an impo Show more
Liver X receptor α (LXRα) plays an important role in inflammatory immune response induced by hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and acute rejection (AR). Macrophage M1-polarization play an important role in the occurrence and development of AR. Although the activation of LXR has anti-inflammatory effects, the role of LXRα in AR after liver transplantation (LT) has not been elucidated. We aimed to investigate LXRα anti-inflammatory and macrophage polarization regulation effects and mechanisms in acute rejection rat models. LXRα anti-inflammatory and liver function protective effects was initially measured in primary Kupffer cells and LT rat models. Subsequently, a flow cytometry assay was used to detect the regulation effect of LXRα in macrophage polarization. HE staining, TUNEL and ELISA were used to evaluate the co-treatment effects of TO901317 and tacrolimus on hepatic apoptosis and liver acute rejection after LT. In this study, we found that LPS can inhibit the expression of LXRα and activate MAPK pathway and PI3K/AKT/mTOR. We also found that LXRα agonist (TO901317) could improve liver function and rat survival after LT by activating the level of ABCA1 and inhibiting MAPK. TO901317 could inhibit macrophage M1-polarization by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signal pathway to improve the liver lesion of AR rats after liver transplantation. Additionally, co-treatment with TO901317 and tacrolimus more effectively alleviated the damaging effects of AR following LT than either drug alone. Our results suggest that the activation of LXRα can improve liver function and rat survival after LT by regulate ABCA1/MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis in macrophages. Show less
Dysregulation of lipid metabolism often occurs in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a prominent apolipoprotein involved in regulating lipid metabolism. We aimed to inv Show more
Dysregulation of lipid metabolism often occurs in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a prominent apolipoprotein involved in regulating lipid metabolism. We aimed to investigate the relationship between APOE genotypes with serum lipids and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in RA patients. We recruited 200 RA patients from the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine. The high-resolution melting method was used to analyze genomic DNA extracted from the peripheral blood of RA patients. Immunoturbidimetric assay or Colorimetric assay was used to measure clinical laboratory results of RA patients. The differences in clinical laboratory results of APOE genotypes were compared, and the correlation between various indexes and APOE concentration in RA patients with APOE genotypes was analyzed. RA patients with ε2/ε3 genotype had lower levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and apolipoprotein B (APOB) compared with ε3/ε4 genotype patients (p < 0.05). RA patients with ε3/ε4 genotype had significantly higher small dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL) and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) compared with ε2/ε3 genotype patients (p < 0.05). Moreover, the APOE concentration of ε2/ε3 genotype was significantly higher compared with ε3/ε4 genotype (p < 0.001), and the APOE concentration of ε2/ε3 genotype was significantly positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and apolipoprotein A (APOA) (p < 0.05), while the APOE concentration of the ε3/ε4 genotype was positively correlated with LDL, APOB, and Lp(a) (p < 0.05). This study provides strong evidence that APOE polymorphism is associated with lipoprotein metabolism. The independent risk factors for CVD (sdLDL and Lp(a)), are significantly elevated in ε3/ε4 genotype. APOE concentration is significantly elevated in ε2/ε3 genotype and positively correlated with protective factors for CVD, whereas the opposite is observed in the ε3/ε4 genotype. Therefore, RA patients with ε3/ε4 genotype exhibited dysregulated lipid metabolism, increasing the risk of CVD. Key points • In RA patients with ε2/ε3 genotype have lower levels of TC, LDL, and APOB compared with ε3/ε4 genotype. • In RA patients carrying ε3/ε4 genotype have higher levels of sdLDL and Lp(a) compared to carriers of ε2/ε3 genotype. • The role of APOE concentration in RA patients is closely related to APOE genotypes. Show less
Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are used for glycemic control in diabetes and show potential Show more
Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are used for glycemic control in diabetes and show potential neuroprotective properties, but their effects on AD and the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here we demonstrate that GLP-1RAs can alleviate AD-related phenotypes by activating 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling. We found that plasma GLP-1 levels were decreased in AD model mice and negatively correlated with amyloid-beta (Aβ) load in patients with AD. Enhancing GLP-1 signaling through GLP-1RAs increased CaMKK2-AMPK signaling, which subsequently reduced BACE1-mediated cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Aβ generation. GLP-1RAs also increased AMPK activity in microglia, inhibiting neuroinflammation and promoting Aβ phagocytosis. Consequently, GLP-1RAs inhibited plaque formation and improved memory deficits in AD model mice. Our findings indicate that AMPK activation mediates the effects of GLP-1RAs on AD, highlighting the therapeutic potential of GLP-1RAs for the treatment of AD. Show less
Genomic structural variants (SVs) are a major source of genetic diversity in humans. Here, through long-read sequencing of 945 Han Chinese genomes, we identify 111,288 SVs, including 24.56% unreported Show more
Genomic structural variants (SVs) are a major source of genetic diversity in humans. Here, through long-read sequencing of 945 Han Chinese genomes, we identify 111,288 SVs, including 24.56% unreported variants, many with predicted functional importance. By integrating human population-level phenotypic and multi-omics data as well as two humanized mouse models, we demonstrate the causal roles of two SVs: one SV that emerges at the common ancestor of modern humans, Neanderthals, and Denisovans in GSDMD for bone mineral density and one modern-human-specific SV in WWP2 impacting height, weight, fat, craniofacial phenotypes and immunity. Our results suggest that the GSDMD SV could serve as a rapid and cost-effective biomarker for assessing the risk of cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury. The functional conservation from human to mouse and widespread signals of positive natural selection suggest that both SVs likely influence local adaptation, phenotypic diversity, and disease susceptibility across diverse human populations. Show less
High-intensity exercise promotes visceral adipose tissue (VAT) breakdown in females via the hypothalamic ERα pathway, and exogenous lactate infusion combined with aerobic training (AT) mimics this eff Show more
High-intensity exercise promotes visceral adipose tissue (VAT) breakdown in females via the hypothalamic ERα pathway, and exogenous lactate infusion combined with aerobic training (AT) mimics this effect. However, whether lactate administration can independently mediate hypothalamic plasticity and VAT catabolism as a standalone nutritional strategy remains unexplored. Firstly, using a two-factor design (Lactate × AT) in female SD rats, we showed that long-term exogenous lactate infusion independently induced co-expression of Estrogen receptor α (ERα) and Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and elevated local field potential spectral power in specific bands. These neural adaptations were accompanied by increased resting metabolic rate, enhanced fat oxidation, and enhanced lipolysis, thereby preventing excessive VAT accumulation induced by a high-fat diet. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition confirmed that Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1-α (PGC-1α) acts as a co-upstream signal of ERα and BDNF mediating this process. Our findings reveal that standalone lactate administration induces functional plasticity and metabolic reprogramming through the VMH PGC-1α-ERα pathway, independent of exercise, and effectively suppresses pathological VAT accumulation in female rats. This study identifies potential nutritional interventions and mechanistic targets for preventing female-centered obesity. Show less
This study aims to comprehensively analyze the intricate relationship between unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 UFAs) and acne, from their clinical therapeutic effects to Show more
This study aims to comprehensively analyze the intricate relationship between unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 UFAs) and acne, from their clinical therapeutic effects to their underlying genetic regulatory mechanisms, to elucidate the role of UFAs in acne pathogenesis. Clinical evidence synthesis: we systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the impact of UFA supplementation on acne treatment outcomes. Genetic analysis: two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis we used to investigate causal relationships between serum UFA metabolites and acne, identifying potential key regulatory enzymes. The synthesis of these RCT studies confirmed that UFA supplementation improved acne conditions. MR analysis revealed causal links between three serum UFA metabolites and acne, with dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) (OR = 8.457; 95% CI: 2.367-30.214; P-value = 0.001) as a risk factor and arachidonic acid (AA) (OR = 0.209; 95% CI: 0.071-0.618; P-value = 0.005) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (OR = 0.318; 95% CI: 0.102-0.991; P-value = 0.048) as protective factors. Functional annotation suggested enzymes such as Δ5 desaturase (FADS1) and Δ6 desaturase (FADS2) may play a role in acne regulation. This study offers evidence that supports a connection between UFAs and acne, examining this relationship from both clinical and genetic angles. These findings highlight the role of specific UFAs and their associated metabolic enzymes in the development of acne. Omega-3 UFAs seem to have a protective effect against acne, whereas certain types and ratios of omega-6 UFAs might contribute to acne formation. The varied impacts of UFAs on acne could be attributed to disease processes mediated by specific enzymes. However, the study's limitations include its genetic analysis being primarily based on European populations, which limits the applicability of the findings to other groups. Future research should aim to include a more diverse range of participants to improve the generalizability of the results. Show less
Signal-induced proliferation-associated 1 like 3 (SIPA1L3) is a member of the protein family. Very limited data are currently available regarding the role of SIPA1L3 in human carcinoma. Therefore, in Show more
Signal-induced proliferation-associated 1 like 3 (SIPA1L3) is a member of the protein family. Very limited data are currently available regarding the role of SIPA1L3 in human carcinoma. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the expression pattern and function of SIPA1L3 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We analyzed the distribution of SIPA1L3 in NSCLC specimens by immunohistochemistry, the relationship between SIPA1L3 expression and patient clinicopathological features, and investigated the effect of SIPA1L3 on cell growth and invasion in vivo and in vitro using small interfering RNA. Western blotting and immunoprecipitation were performed to demonstrate the interaction between SIPA1L3 and tight junction-associated angiomotin (AMOT) and Pals1-associtated tight junction protein. We found that SIPA1L3 was overexpressed in NSCLC clinical tissue samples and was associated with several clinicopathological factors. SIPA1L3 affects the proliferation and invasion of cancer cells both in vivo and in vitro. Using a SIPA1L3 mutant, we found that SIPA1L3 interacts with AMOT through its PDZ domain, which inhibits the binding of AMOT to Pals1-associtated tight junction protein and further decreases AMOT anchoring to tight junctions. Our findings suggested that SIPA1L3 promotes tumorigenesis in lung cancer cells through its PDZ domain-mediated interaction with AMOT, suggesting that SIPA1L3 is a novel candidate gene that contributes to the malignant phenotype of lung cancer. Show less
This study aimed to investigate the association between objectively and subjectively measured 24-hour movement behaviors and physical fitness, and explore how the reallocation of time between 24-hour Show more
This study aimed to investigate the association between objectively and subjectively measured 24-hour movement behaviors and physical fitness, and explore how the reallocation of time between 24-hour movement behaviors is associated with changes in physical fitness in adolescents. A total of 690 adolescents aged 14-17 years (55% girls) were included in this cross-sectional study conducted in Foshan, China. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), light physical activity (LPA), sedentary behavior, and sleep were assessed using accelerometers in combination with a questionnaire. Physical fitness was tested through body mass index, forced vital capacity, 50-m sprint, standing long jump, sit-and-reach, gender-specific 800/1000-m run, and pull-ups/sit-ups. MVPA was significantly associated with better performance in the 50-m sprint ( Show less
Left-behind adolescents in China may face heightened risks of involvement in cyberbullying due to their psychological vulnerability and complex social circumstances. Considering the potential heteroge Show more
Left-behind adolescents in China may face heightened risks of involvement in cyberbullying due to their psychological vulnerability and complex social circumstances. Considering the potential heterogeneity within this population, this study aimed to identify distinct patterns of cyberbullying and cybervictimization among left-behind adolescents and to explore how reactive anger, left-behind patterns, gender, and grade level predict membership in these subgroups. A total of 1,351 junior high school students (752 left-behind, 599 non-left-behind) were recruited from five schools. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify distinct patterns, and multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the relationships between predictors and various profiles. (1) Three distinct profiles of cyberbullying and cybervictimization were identified among left-behind adolescents. (2) Left-behind adolescents were more likely to experience cybervictimization compared to their non-left-behind peers. (3) Reactive anger, left-behind patterns, gender, and grade level significantly predicted subgroup membership. These findings underscore the importance of developing targeted interventions and considering the specific psychosocial vulnerabilities of left-behind youth. Show less
The highly organized structures of the immunological synapse (IS) are crucial for T cell activation. PDZ domains might be involved in the formation of the IS by serving as docking sites for protein in Show more
The highly organized structures of the immunological synapse (IS) are crucial for T cell activation. PDZ domains might be involved in the formation of the IS by serving as docking sites for protein interactions. In this study, we investigate the role of the PALS1-associated tight junction protein (PATJ), which contains 10 PDZ domains, in the formation of IS and its subsequent impact on T cell activation. To elucidate the function of PATJ, we generated murine models with conditional T cell-specific knockout of We observed a rapid increase in PATJ expression during T cell activation. Conditional knockout of Our study reveals an important role of PATJ in the formation of IS and provides an approach to improve the efficacy of CAR-T therapy. Show less
Lipid metabolism abnormalities and inflammation have been implicated in gallstone disease (GSD) development, but the causal relationships and potential mediation effects among lipid metabolites, infla Show more
Lipid metabolism abnormalities and inflammation have been implicated in gallstone disease (GSD) development, but the causal relationships and potential mediation effects among lipid metabolites, inflammatory factors, and GSD remain unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the causal relationships among these 3 factors. This study employed 2-sample Mendelian Randomization (TSMR) and 2-step MR to investigate the causal relationships and potential mediation effects among 91 inflammatory factors, 6 lipid metabolism-related molecules (HDL-C, LDL-C, TG, total cholesterol, ApoA1, and ApoB), and GSD. We opted for 4 distinct MR analysis methods including inverse variance weighted method, weighted median method, MR-Egger regression method and MR-PRESSO analysis. Sensitivity analyses included MR-Egger intercept tests, Cochran's Q statistic, Steiger tests, and leave-one-out analyses. Product of coefficients method was used to estimate mediation proportion. TSMR analysis revealed that every 1-unit increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB), the risk of GSD decreased by 16.5%, 10.2%, 8.4%, and 13.1%, respectively. Inflammatory factors such as Natural killer cell receptor 2B4 (CD244), Macrophage colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1), and interleukin-18 receptor 1 (IL-18R1) were identified as risk factors for GSD, while Fibroblast growth factor 19 levels (FGF19), Interleukin-1-alpha levels (IL-1α), and Interleukin-8 levels (IL-8) were found to be protective. Mediation analysis through 2-step MR identified potential pathways involving ApoA1--IL-8--GSD (P = .084) and IL-1α--ApoB--GSD (P = .117). This study provides robust evidence of causal links between specific lipid metabolites and GSD, as well as suggestive causal associations for several inflammatory factors. However, mediation analysis did not support significant roles for lipids or inflammatory factors as mediators in GSD pathogenesis. Future research could be further pursued in areas such as drug target intervention and mechanistic studies. Show less
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
Yu Zhang, Gang Jiang, Wenrong Feng+4 more · 2025 · Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part A, Molecular & integrative physiology · Elsevier · added 2026-04-24
The effects of starvation and re-feeding on Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian) remain incompletely understood. This study investigated changes in growth performance, liver antioxidant capacity, int Show more
The effects of starvation and re-feeding on Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian) remain incompletely understood. This study investigated changes in growth performance, liver antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, fatty acid profile, and expression of genes related to lipid metabolism. Juvenile C. carpio var. Jian, with initial body weight of 29.50 ± 2.00 g, were reared in 15 cylindrical culture barrels (200L) at a stocking density of 10 fish per barrel. These fish were subjected to five feeding regimes: a continuous feeding group (control group, treatment A), complete fasting (treatment B), 1, 2, and 3 days starvation within one week, followed by re-feeding 6 days (treatment C), 5 days (treatment D), and 4 days (treatment E). The results indicated significantly lower growth performance in C. carpio var. Jian in treatments B and E compared to the control and treatment C (P < 0.05). Intestinal length (only 627 ± 13.14 μm in treatment B) was significantly reduced, and an increase in vacuoles was observed in C. carpio var. Jian with the prolonged starvation. Antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly (P < 0.05) improved in treatment C when compared with treatments B, D and E.. In contrast, malondialdehyde (MDA) value was lowest (12.62 ± 0.60 nmol/mL) in treatment B. Furthermore, continuous starvation significantly decreased the total lipid and fatty acids contents in the muscle (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the reduction of total lipid and fatty acids contents was 31.53 % and 4.57 %, respectively, particularly affecting n3PUFA and n6PUFA. However, after one-day re-feeding, these contents resumed. Lipid metabolism is closely related to fish health, while in the current study, the genes related to lipid metabolism including lipoprotein lipase (LPL), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (G6PD), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) did not differ significantly in treatment C compared to the control group (P > 0.05). In contrast, expressions in treatments B, D, and E were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Taken together, prolonged starvation (>one day per week) not only affected the growth, which may further disrupt the intestinal structure, weaken antioxidant capacity, but also attenuate lipid deposition. Show less
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), driven by dyslipidemia and hepatic lipid deposition, has become a major public health concern. Angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3), a li Show more
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), driven by dyslipidemia and hepatic lipid deposition, has become a major public health concern. Angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3), a lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity inhibitor, can inhibit triglycerides (TGs) decomposition, and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) enhances fatty acids' β-oxidation in liver. We constructed a novel fusion protein combining the anti-ANGPTL3 nanobody FD03 and FGF21 (FD03-FGF21), which exerted appropriate binding affinities to ANGPTL3 and β-Klotho respectively. Our results showed FD03-FGF21 restored bioactivity of LPL which inhibited by ANGPTL3 and activated downstream pathway of FGF21 in iLite FGF21 assay-ready cells. Next, FD03-FGF21 showed a significant therapeutic effect in MAFLD mice, including attenuation of metabolic dyslipidemia, hepatic lipid accumulation, and impaired glucose tolerance. Compared to other treatments, FD03-FGF21 achieved the most significant therapeutic effect with a 79.78 % attenuation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and a 95.8 % reduction of hepatic lipid accumulation. Mechanistically, transcriptomic analysis revealed that differential expression genes (DEGs) were principally clustered into lipid metabolism and oxidative stress pathways after the fusion protein treatment, especially the key lipid metabolism genes of LDLR and CD36 were significantly upregulated and downregulated respectively, as confirmed by WB. Furthermore, lipidomic and metabolomic analysis indicated the fusion protein ameliorated disorders in lipid and protein metabolism mainly through the downregulation of DG and upregulation of PC. Hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation were significantly reduced after administration of the fusion protein in MAFLD mice. Collectively, FD03-FGF21 represents an effective therapeutic strategy for MAFLD therapy through ameliorating lipid metabolism and oxidative stress. Show less
β-Hydroxybutyrylation (Kbhb) modification regulates protein molecular fates in either physiology or pathology, including cancer. However, the function and regulatory mechanism of Kbhb remain completel Show more
β-Hydroxybutyrylation (Kbhb) modification regulates protein molecular fates in either physiology or pathology, including cancer. However, the function and regulatory mechanism of Kbhb remain completely unknown in cancer metastasis. Here, we report that β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is clinically associated with the progression of pancreatic cancer and functionally promotes pancreatic cancer cell metastasis. Mechanistically, BHB induces Kbhb modification of Snail at lysine 152 to enhance Snail stabilization, which is regulated by Kbhb modification enzyme CREB-binding protein (CBP), and subsequently prevents Snail degradation by blocking recognition of E3 ubiquitin ligases FBXL14. Furthermore, either targeting Snail Kbhb modification or CBP inhibitor decreases cancer metastasis and enhances the therapeutic efficacy of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer cells. Collectively, our study reveals that Kbhb of Snail is critical to promote metastasis and provides a potential therapeutic strategy. Show less
SANET-ep (NCT02588170) and SANET-p (NCT02589821) demonstrated the efficacy and safety of surufatinib versus placebo in patients with advanced extra-pancreatic and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (NE Show more
SANET-ep (NCT02588170) and SANET-p (NCT02589821) demonstrated the efficacy and safety of surufatinib versus placebo in patients with advanced extra-pancreatic and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). Here, we present a pooled analysis of final overall survival (OS) from two randomised phase 3 studies. The SANET studies were randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase 3 studies in China, comparing the efficacy and safety of oral 300-mg surufatinib (n = 265) versus placebo (n = 133) in patients with unresectable/metastatic, well-differentiated NETs (grade 1/2). After progression of disease or study unblinding, patients receiving placebo crossed over/switched to open-label surufatinib. By pooling the data from the two studies, OS analysis was completed using Kaplan-Meier methodology and a Cox proportional hazards model in the intention-to-treat population. Exploratory analyses were performed using different models to correct the confounding effect introduced by crossover. Long-term safety was assessed. At study termination, 69 % of the placebo group had crossed over/switched to surufatinib. Median OS was 50.1 versus 46.8 months for patients initially on surufatinib versus those initially on placebo (stratified hazard ratio [HR] 0.935, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.684-1.278; p = 0.6727). After correcting the confounding effect introduced by crossover/switching, the HR ranged from 0.558 to 0.825. Commonly (≥10 %) reported treatment-related adverse events (grade 3/4) included hypertension and proteinuria. OS of patients initially on surufatinib was not significantly longer versus patients initially on placebo, likely due to the high amount of crossover from placebo to surufatinib. No new safety signals were observed. SANET-ep (NCT02588170) and SANET-p (NCT02589821). Show less
Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) affects chicken immune system and welfare, causing huge losses of growth performance and welfare. Resveratrol (RSV), an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory natur Show more
Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) affects chicken immune system and welfare, causing huge losses of growth performance and welfare. Resveratrol (RSV), an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory natural plant polyphenol, is widely used for the prevention of stress related disease. The aim of this study is to explore the therapeutic effect of RSV on spleen damage in CUMS. We successfully constructed a CUMS model. A total of 288 healthy one-day-old chicks were used in this study and were divided in 3 groups, control, CUMS and CUMS+RSV group. During 42 days of age, spleen tissue samples were collected and analyzed. Transmission electron microscope (TEM), Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunofluorescence, qRT- PCR, Western blots, immunohistochemical staining and RNA- sequencing (RNA-seq) technology was used to determine any changes and analyzed the mRNA and enrichment pathways. Histopathology and ultrastructure showed there was a severe damage of tissues. The results of RNA-seq showed that a total of 206, 267 and 211 DEGs were identified (log2 Fold Change| >1, P < 0.05) in control -vs- CUMS group, CUMS -vs- CUMS+RSV group and control -vs- CUMS+RSV group, respectively. Through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of the SDEGs, two immune/stress- related pathways including PPAR signaling pathway and neuroactive ligand receptor interaction were selected. The genes related to PPAR signaling pathway identified were PLIN1, MMP1, ANGPTL4 and FABP4 and Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction genes were GRPR, NTSR1, KNG1 and AGT. The PLIN1, MMP1, ANGPTL4, FABP4, GRPR, KNG1 and AGT were up regulated and NTSR1 was down regulated in CUMS group. When compared to CUMS -vs- CUMS+RSV group, PLIN1, FABP4, KNG1 and AGT were down regulated genes and NTSR1 was up regulated gene. Taken together, KEGG pathway analyses of DEGs, verified by qRT-PCR and Western blots, the current study suggested that these data reveal the promising role of RSV in the prevention and therapy of a wide variety of tissue damage and PPAR signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction in chronic unpredictable mild stress. Show less
Axin1 plays a critical role in regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and cancer progression, and its polymerization is indispensable for the assembly of the β-catenin destruction complex. How Show more
Axin1 plays a critical role in regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and cancer progression, and its polymerization is indispensable for the assembly of the β-catenin destruction complex. However, the mechanisms that control Axin1 polymerization are limited. Here, we reveal that TRIM15 interferes with the polymerization of Axin1, thereby promoting Wnt activation and colorectal cancer growth. Mechanistically, TRIM15 strongly interacts with Axin1 through its coiled-coil domain to disrupt the polymerization among Axin1 molecules. Manipulation of TRIM15 expression dramatically weakens Wnt signaling, cell proliferation, and tumor growth. Furthermore, conditional genetic ablation of Trim15 in mice inhibits tumor formation in both AOM/DSS-induced and Apc Show less
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia, with current therapies offering only limited symptomatic relief and lacking disease-modifying ef Show more
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia, with current therapies offering only limited symptomatic relief and lacking disease-modifying efficacy. Addressing this critical therapeutic gap, natural multi-target compounds like mulberroside A (MsA)-a bioactive glycoside from Show less
Cardiovascular diseases caused by atherosclerosis (AS) are the leading causes of disability and death worldwide. Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), the core protein of low-density lipoproteins, is a major contr Show more
Cardiovascular diseases caused by atherosclerosis (AS) are the leading causes of disability and death worldwide. Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), the core protein of low-density lipoproteins, is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease-related morbidity and mortality, with apolipoprotein B (ApoB) playing a critical role in its pathogenesis. However, no bibliometric studies on the involvement of ApoB in AS have been published. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to explore the current and future trends regarding the role of ApoB in AS. Utilizing the Web of Science Core Collection, a thorough search was conducted for ApoB in AS-related papers related to research on ApoB in the field of AS during 1991-2023. The analysis focused on annual publication trends, leading countries/regions and institutions, influential authors, journal and key journals. CiteSpace and VOSviewer were employed to visualize reference co-citations, and keyword co-occurrences, offering insights into the research landscape and emerging trends. This bibliometric analysis employed network diagrams for cluster analysis of a total of 2105 articles and reviews, evidencing a discernible upward trend in annual publication volume. This corpus of research emanates from 76 countries/regions and 2343 organizations, illustrating the widespread international engagement in ApoB-related AS studies. Notably, the United States and the University of California emerge as the most prolific contributors, which underscores their pivotal roles in advancing this research domain. The thematic investigation has increasingly focused on elucidating the mechanistic involvement of ApoB in atherosclerosis, its potential as a diagnostic biomarker, and its implications for therapeutic strategies. This bibliometric analysis provides the first comprehensive perspective on the evolving promise of ApoB in AS-related research, emphasizing the importance of this molecule in opening up new diagnostic and therapeutic avenues. This study emphasizes the need for continued research and interdisciplinary efforts to strengthen the fight against AS. Furthermore, it emphasizes the critical role of international collaboration and interdisciplinary exploration in leveraging new insights to achieve clinical breakthroughs, thereby addressing the complexities of AS by focusing on ApoB. Show less
Accumulation of various genetics and epigenetics alterations are accepted to result in the initiation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and its high metastasis is viewed as a critical Show more
Accumulation of various genetics and epigenetics alterations are accepted to result in the initiation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and its high metastasis is viewed as a critical bottleneck leading to its treatment failure. Amongst them, the microRNAs arising from the lack of the antioxidant transcription factor Nrf2 lead to cancer metastasis. However, much less is known about the regulation of microRNAs by Nrf1, even though it acts as an essential determinon of cell homoeostasis by governing the transcriptional expression of those driver genes contributing to the EMT involved in its metastasis. In this study, distinct EMT phenotypes resulted from specific knockouts of Nrf1 and Nrf2 in HepG2 cells, as accompanied by their differential migratory and invasive capabilities. The Show less
Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) is an autosomal dominant skeletal disorder primarily linked with mutations in Exostosin-1 (EXT1) and Exostosin-2 (EXT2) genes. However, not all HME cases can be exp Show more
Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) is an autosomal dominant skeletal disorder primarily linked with mutations in Exostosin-1 (EXT1) and Exostosin-2 (EXT2) genes. However, not all HME cases can be explained by these mutations, and its pathogenic mechanisms are not fully understood. Herein, utilizing whole-exome sequencing and genetic screening with a family trio design, we identify two novel rare mutations co-segregating with HME in a Chinese family, including a nonsense mutation (c.204G>A, p.Trp68*) in EXT1 and a missense mutation (c.893T>G, p.Phe298Cys) in FUT7. Functional assays reveal that the FUT7 mutation affects the cellular localization of FUT7 protein and regulates cell proliferation. Notably, the simultaneous loss of fut7 and ext1 in a zebrafish model results in severe chondrodysplasia, indicating a functional link between FUT7 and EXT1 in chondrocyte regulation. Additionally, we unveil that FUT7 p.Phe298Cys reduces EXT1 expression through IL6/STAT3/SLUG axis at the transcription level and through ubiquitination-related proteasomal degradation at the protein level. Together, our findings not only identify novel germline mutations in FUT7 and EXT1 genes, but also highlight the critical interaction between these genes, suggesting a potential 'second-hit' mechanism over EXT1 mutations in HME pathogenesis. This insight enhances our understanding of the mechanisms underlying HME and opens new avenues for potential therapeutic interventions. Show less
Homologous recombination repair (HRR) is crucial for maintaining genomic stability by repairing DNA damage. Despite its importance, HRR's role in cancer progression is not fully elucidated. Here, this Show more
Homologous recombination repair (HRR) is crucial for maintaining genomic stability by repairing DNA damage. Despite its importance, HRR's role in cancer progression is not fully elucidated. Here, this work shows that nuclear-localized branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase kinase (BCKDK) acts as a modulator of HRR, promoting cell resistance against DNA damage-inducing therapy in breast cancer. Mechanistically, this work demonstrates that BCKDK is localized in the nucleus and phosphorylates RNF8 at Ser157, preventing the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of RAD51, thereby facilitating HRR-mediated DNA repair under replication stress. Notably, aberrant expression of the BCKDK/p-RNF8/RAD51 axis correlates with breast cancer progression and poor patient survival. Furthermore, this work identifies a small molecule inhibitor of BCKDK, GSK180736A, that disrupts its HRR function and exhibits strong tumor suppression when combined with DNA damage-inducing drugs. Collectively, this study reveals a new role of BCKDK in regulating HRR, independent of its metabolic function, presenting it as a potential therapeutic target and predictive biomarker in breast cancer. Show less