Pulmonary fibrosis is a common and life-threatening complication of Parkinson's disease (PD), yet the molecular mechanisms linking the two diseases remain unclear, creating a critical gap in targeted Show more
Pulmonary fibrosis is a common and life-threatening complication of Parkinson's disease (PD), yet the molecular mechanisms linking the two diseases remain unclear, creating a critical gap in targeted therapeutic strategies for comorbid patients. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) plays a key role in neuroprotection and lung homeostasis; its deficiency exacerbates PD-related neuroinflammation and α-synuclein aggregation, while also promoting pulmonary inflammation and fibrotic remodeling. Clarifying how ACE2 deficiency drives PD-exacerbated pulmonary fibrosis is therefore an urgent unmet need. This study explored the underlying mechanisms using MPTP-induced PD mouse models and bioinformatics analyses of PD/idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) datasets from the GEO database. In MPTP-induced PD mice, ACE2 deficiency significantly worsened motor/non-motor dysfunction, dopaminergic neuron loss, microglial/astrocytic activation, and lung fibrosis (evidenced by elevated α-SMA/TGF-β and increased collagen deposition). Bioinformatics identified 41 overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between PD and IPF, enriched in critical pathways: downregulated FoxO1 (impairing antioxidant defense) and upregulated TNF, JAK1-STAT3, and AGE-RAGE (amplifying inflammation/fibrosis). ROC analysis validated hub genes (e.g., BDNF, FOSL2) with good diagnostic value (AUC > 0.7), and molecular docking identified Smilagenin, Fostamatinib, Olopatadine, and Amlexanox as potential therapeutics. This study confirms ACE2 deficiency is a central driver of PD-exacerbated pulmonary fibrosis via the FoxO1/TNF/JAK1-STAT3/AGE-RAGE pathways, providing novel biomarkers and drug candidates to address the clinical need for managing this comorbidity. Show less
Diabetes constitutes a risk factor for atherosclerotic calcification, which is highly associated with phenotypic switching in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Protein cysteine S-nitrosylation pla Show more
Diabetes constitutes a risk factor for atherosclerotic calcification, which is highly associated with phenotypic switching in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Protein cysteine S-nitrosylation plays a crucial role in multiple cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study is to examine whether diabetic atherosclerotic calcification is regulated by S-nitrosylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a regulator of VSMC phenotype switching. The atherosclerotic plaque was induced by feeding Apoe In cultured VSMCs, high glucose (HG), but not high osmotic pressure, triggered nitrosative stress, reduced AMPKβ1 protein levels, increased AMPKβ1 S-nitrosylation and ubiquitination, and led to calcification. These effects were abolished by mutating AMPKβ1 at cysteine 173 or 223. Furthermore, mutations of AMPKβ1 at Cys173/223 to alanine restored AMPKβ1 protein levels and suppressed the AKT/Runx2 pathway in HG-treated VSMCs. In vivo, enforced expression of mutated AMPKβ1 (Cys173Ala plus Cys223Ala), but not overexpression of wild-type AMPKβ1, significantly prevented atherosclerotic calcification in diabetic Apoe Nitrosative stress contributes to atherosclerotic calcification in diabetes through AMPKβ S-nitrosylation. In perspective, it is advisable to consider inhibiting AMPKβ S-nitrosylation in diabetic patients with atherosclerosis. Show less
Apolipoprotein B (apoB) is a well-known risk factor for atherosclerosis. However, studies examining its relation to atrial fibrillation (AF) have produced conflicting results and suggested possible se Show more
Apolipoprotein B (apoB) is a well-known risk factor for atherosclerosis. However, studies examining its relation to atrial fibrillation (AF) have produced conflicting results and suggested possible sex-specific differences. This study investigated the sex-specific associations between serum apoB concentrations and incident AF and offer insight into the inconsistencies in previous research. A prospective analysis of 26,803 participants without pre-existing AF was performed using data from the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study. Sex-specific associations between apoB and AF were assessed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. To ensure the robustness of the results, several sensitivity analyses, such as restricted cubic spline modeling, competing risks regression, alternative adjustment strategies, subgroup analyses, follow-up time restrictions, and multiple imputation for missing data, were conducted. For median follow-up periods of 21.2 and 24.8 years in men and women, respectively, 2,768 and 2,968 incident cases of AF were recorded, respectively. Among women, unadjusted models showed a strong positive association between apoB and AF, with the highest versus lowest quartile showing a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.65 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.49–1.84; Results show sex-specific observational links between apoB concentrations and risk of AF. In women, higher apoB levels were linearly inversely associated with AF, whereas in men, the association was borderline non-linear, with inverse effects seen mainly at lower apoB concentrations. These sex differences in AF susceptibility may partly reflect underlying atrial electrophysiological variations and hormonal influences, though whether these factors directly mediate the apoB-AF association remains speculative. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12944-026-02905-6. Show less
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a globally prevalent disease, yet its genetic architecture remains incompletely characterized. We integrated genome-wide association Show more
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a globally prevalent disease, yet its genetic architecture remains incompletely characterized. We integrated genome-wide association study data from multiple cohorts totaling nearly 3 million individuals of European ancestry and applied cross-trait genomic modeling of hepatic fat and seven cardiometabolic traits to construct an MASLD-specific polygenic architecture. We identified 128 risk variants across 100 loci and prioritized 55 effector genes, including established (e.g., Show less
Purinergic receptor P2X7 has been considered as a potential new target for detecting and treating high-risk plaque. Nanobodies are the smallest antibody fragments with high antigen binding ability and Show more
Purinergic receptor P2X7 has been considered as a potential new target for detecting and treating high-risk plaque. Nanobodies are the smallest antibody fragments with high antigen binding ability and specificity, which are well-suited for radionuclide imaging. The present study aimed to develop a novel P2X7-targeted nanobody SPECT tracer and to investigate its potential for identification of atherosclerotic plaque (AP). The anti-P2X7 nanobody 1c81 was site-specifically conjugated with [ Show less
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is highly prevalent among adolescents with depression, yet the heterogeneity of underlying temperamental risk factors remains poorly understood. Traditional variable-ce Show more
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is highly prevalent among adolescents with depression, yet the heterogeneity of underlying temperamental risk factors remains poorly understood. Traditional variable-centered approaches fail to capture how distinct affective temperaments co-occur within individuals. This study aimed to identify latent profiles of affective temperaments and examine their association with NSSI, exploring the statistical mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation (CER). A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2025 to September 2025 at the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University. A total of 290 adolescents (aged 10–19) diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder were recruited, with 282 valid responses included in the final analysis. Participants completed the TEMPS-A, CERQ, and ASHS. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was utilized to identify temperament subgroups. Mediation analysis with bootstrapping was performed to test the indirect effects of CER strategies. LPA identified three distinct profiles: Resilient/Low-risk (Class 1, 32.6%), Anxious-Depressive (Class 2, 46.1%), and Mixed-Dysregulated (Class 3, 21.3%). The Mixed-Dysregulated group, characterized by simultaneous elevations in depressive, anxious, irritable, and cyclothymic temperaments, exhibited the highest frequency (45.2 ± 21.3 times/year) and prevalence (98.8%) of NSSI compared to other groups ( The findings delineate a specific “Mixed-Dysregulated” risk phenotype within adolescent depression that is associated with severe NSSI. Interventions should move beyond standard depression care to target cognitive flexibility and emotional regulation skills. Statistical mediation analysis suggests that this risk is mediated by maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategies. Not applicable. Show less
This study aimed to assess the childbirth readiness of women in their third trimester of pregnancy and to identify distinct readiness profiles using latent profile analysis (LPA). Additionally, it exp Show more
This study aimed to assess the childbirth readiness of women in their third trimester of pregnancy and to identify distinct readiness profiles using latent profile analysis (LPA). Additionally, it explored the factors influencing childbirth readiness in order to guide targeted interventions for improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted among women in their third trimester of pregnancy between May and November 2024. Eligible participants completed a general information questionnaire, the Childbirth Readiness Scale (CRS), the Childbirth Attitude Questionnaire (CAQ), and the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS). LPA identified three groups with distinct childbirth readiness levels: "Low Readiness - Childbirth Knowledge Deficit" (37.9%), "Moderate Readiness - Good Lifestyle Habits" (47.9%), and "High Readiness - Rich Health Knowledge" (14.2%). In addition, gestational age, previous childbirth history, adverse pregnancy outcomes, childbirth attitudes, and social support had different influences on women in different latent profiles of childbirth readiness. There was significant heterogeneity in childbirth readiness among women in their third trimester. Women with lower readiness-especially in childbirth knowledge-would greatly benefit from targeted educational programs, whereas those with moderate readiness levels would find enhanced emotional and psychological support most advantageous. These findings support the implementation of profile-based, personalized prenatal care strategies to improve childbirth preparedness and optimize maternal and neonatal outcomes. Show less
To evaluate the predictive value of novel lipid parameters for coronary lesion severity in pCAD and to develop a nomogram-based prediction model. Patients newly diagnosed with pCAD at Qingdao Municipa Show more
To evaluate the predictive value of novel lipid parameters for coronary lesion severity in pCAD and to develop a nomogram-based prediction model. Patients newly diagnosed with pCAD at Qingdao Municipal Hospital (2021-2024) were enrolled and randomly assigned to training and validation cohorts in a 7:3 ratio. Coronary lesion severity was assessed using the Gensini score (GS), with patients stratified into mild or significant stenosis groups. Spearman correlation analysis was performed between GS and lipid parameters. Key predictors were selected using LASSO regression, and independent risk factors were identified by multivariable logistic regression to construct the nomogram model. The model's discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Lp(a), non-HDL-C, RC, FFA, and BAR were positively correlated with GS (r = 0.34, 0.34, 0.18, 0.19, 0.18; all The proposed nomogram provides an effective tool for identifying pCAD patients with severe coronary artery stenosis, demonstrating robust predictive accuracy and potential clinical utility. Show less
Obesity is closely associated with cognitive dysfunction, and markedly increases the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, obesity-related cognitive impairment lacks effective ther Show more
Obesity is closely associated with cognitive dysfunction, and markedly increases the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, obesity-related cognitive impairment lacks effective therapeutic interventions. Shenling Baizhu Powder (SLBZ) is a classical formula used to strengthen the spleen and promote the ascent of clear qi in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). According to the TCM, this formula has great potential for the treatment of obesity-related cognitive impairment. However, research on SLBZ has focused primarily on its gastrointestinal effects, leaving its neurocognitive mechanisms largely unexplored. This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms of SLBZ in obesity-related cognitive impairment. Obese mice were obtained by subjecting male mice to a 16-week high-fat diet (HFD, 60 kcal % fat). During the final four weeks of the study, a SLBZ decoction (10 and 20 g/kg/day) was administered orally. The mice were then subjected to two behavioral tests and a glucose tolerance test. To evaluate the therapeutic effects of HFD on metabolic dysregulation, neuroinflammation, and intestinal barrier impairment, a range of analytical techniques, including biochemical analysis, immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting, were used. Subsequently, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomic profiling were used to detect changes in the gut microbes and metabolite levels. Finally, fecal microbiota transplantation was performed to assess the functional link between SLBZ remodeling of the gut microbiota, metabolic alterations, and hippocampal cognitive function. Our study demonstrated that HFD-fed mice developed significant cognitive impairment, supporting the notion that obesity adversely affects cognitive function. In the Morris water maze and open-field tests, SLBZ administration effectively ameliorated HFD-induced cognitive dysfunction. This improvement was accompanied by the restoration of the hippocampal synaptic ultrastructure and the recovery of the key synaptic proteins BDNF and PSD95. In agreement with this, SLBZ suppressed microglial activation and associated neuroinflammatory responses in HFD-fed mice. In the colon, SLBZ administration markedly alleviated HFD-induced gut barrier impairment, as evidenced by increased colonic mucus thickness and elevated expression of tight junction proteins, ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1. Furthermore, SLBZ reduced endotoxin translocation and downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Notably, HFD-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis was remodeled by the SLBZ treatment, which was characterized by an increased capacity for microbial vitamin B6 synthesis. SLBZ increased the serum levels of vitamin B6 in HFD-fed mice. Intriguingly, fecal microbiota transplantation from SLBZ-treated HFD-fed mice facilitated the amelioration of cognitive deficits, including superior performance in behavioral tests and synaptic repair in the hippocampus compared to recipients of HFD-microbiota. Our findings highlight that SLBZ is a promising therapeutic agent mitigating obesity-related cognitive impairment via the "gut microbiota-vitamin B6-neuroprotection" axis. Show less
Pine nut oil (PNO) is a candidate alternative to corn oil (CO) owing to comparable unsaturated fatty-acid profiles and enrichment in pinolenic acid (Δ5-18:3) and lipid-soluble micronutrients. We syste Show more
Pine nut oil (PNO) is a candidate alternative to corn oil (CO) owing to comparable unsaturated fatty-acid profiles and enrichment in pinolenic acid (Δ5-18:3) and lipid-soluble micronutrients. We systematically compared extraction routes (solvent, supercritical CO₂, pressing), established solvent extraction as the optimal balance of yield and bioactive retention, and then characterized solvent-extracted oils from eight provenances using a weighted composite score to nominate Pinus tabuliformis for in vivo testing. In diet-induced obese mice (12-week Western diet, then 12-week intervention, n = 10 per group), replacing CO with PNO lowered body-mass gain and liver weight and improved serum lipids (triglycerides ↓ ∼ 28 %, total cholesterol ↓ ∼ 15 %, LDL-C ↓ ∼ 20 %) without affecting HDL-C or glucose; ALT and AST fell by ∼30 %, indicating hepatoprotection. Hepatic multi-omics revealed coherent remodeling toward PUFA-rich phospholipid species, activation of PPAR-centered peroxisomal/mitochondrial fatty-acid degradation and circadian pathways, and integrative correlations implicating Cyp4a10/14, Ehhadh, Slc27a2, Fgf21, Angptl4, and Plin5. Collectively, PNO reoriented hepatic lipid flux toward oxidation and membrane remodeling, supporting its development as a nutritionally advantaged culinary oil. Show less
To evaluate the effectiveness of personalized moderate-intensity aerobic brisk walking intervention based on real-time feedback from wrist-worn photoplethysmography (PPG) in improving mild-to-moderate Show more
To evaluate the effectiveness of personalized moderate-intensity aerobic brisk walking intervention based on real-time feedback from wrist-worn photoplethysmography (PPG) in improving mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms. Using an N-of-1 randomized crossover trial design, 33 patients with mild-to-moderate depression (PHQ-9 scores 10-19) completed a 6-week trial consisting of three personalized PPG feedback periods (Period A) and three standardized exercise prescription periods (Period B), each lasting 7 days with 2-day washout periods between phases. The personalized group dynamically adjusted exercise intensity based on real-time heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring (40-59% heart rate reserve), while the standardized group adopted fixed intensity parameters (walking speed 5-6 km/h). The primary outcome was change in PHQ-9 depression scale score, with secondary outcomes including heart rate variability, 6-minute walking distance, serum BDNF, and inflammatory cytokine levels. Compared to standardized prescription, personalized intervention additionally reduced PHQ-9 scores by 2.8 points (95% CI: 1.9-3.7, P < 0.001) with an effect size of 0.73; HRV RMSSD increased by 8.7 ms versus 4.3 ms (P < 0.001), and HRV improvement predicted subsequent symptom relief (β = -0.42); exercise adherence rate in the personalized group was 87.3% compared to 82.1% in the standardized group (P = 0.029); BDNF increased by 28.4% versus 18.7% (P = 0.018); participants with baseline HRV < 25 ms derived greater benefit from personalized intervention (additional improvement of 3.8 points versus 2.1 points, P = 0.008). Both intervention conditions produced clinically meaningful within-group PHQ-9 improvements, though the between-group difference of 2.8 points did not reach the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) threshold of 5 points. Both personalized and standardized moderate-intensity walking interventions substantially improved mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms. Personalized exercise intervention based on real-time PPG monitoring provided statistically significant additional benefits over standardized prescriptions, with advantages in physiological adaptation, exercise adherence, and biomarker improvement. The incremental benefit of personalized monitoring was most pronounced among individuals with impaired autonomic function, providing evidence for precision exercise medicine approaches in depression management. Show less
Lipoprotein glomerulopathy (LPG) is a rare hereditary glomerular disease with lipoprotein thrombi deposition in glomerular capillaries, which is caused by pathogenic variants in
Recent evidence has shown that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have multiple biological applications and play an important role in improving cognitive dysfunction. However, it is still uncl Show more
Recent evidence has shown that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have multiple biological applications and play an important role in improving cognitive dysfunction. However, it is still unclear whether BMSCs play a role in cognitive impairment induced by chronic pain. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of BMSCs on neuropathic pain-induced cognitive dysfunction and explore its potential mechanisms. A mouse chronic constriction injury (CCI) model was established, and the new object recognition task and fear conditioning were used to detect cognitive function; the expression of CXCL12/CXCR4 in blood and hippocampus was detected. After intravenous injection of BMSCs, changes in cognitive function and expression of the CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway, dentate gyrus neurogenesis, and excitability of hippocampal neurons were detected. In addition, induction of cognitive impairment in normal mice by CXCL12 recombinant protein was used to clarify whether the CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway mediates the cognitive function improvement effect of BMSCs. Our results found CCI mice showed significant cognitive impairment 21 days after surgery, with significantly increased expression of CXCL12/CXCR4 in blood and hippocampus. Intravenous injection of BMSCs significantly improved cognitive function, inhibited expression of CXCL12/CXCR4 in blood and hippocampus, promoted neurogenesis in dentate gyrus of CCI mice, and increased expression of BDNF and c-Fos in the hippocampus. In addition, BMSCs alleviate cognitive impairment induced by intravenous injection of CXCL12 recombinant protein in mice. In summary, BMSCs improve chronic neuropathic pain-induced cognitive dysfunction through peripheral blood CXCL12/CXCR4, and BMSCs may develop into therapeutic targets for chronic pain induced cognitive impairment. Show less
Patient safety competency (PSC) is a core element of nursing practice, essential for ensuring high-quality and safe patient care. Newly recruited nurses often face challenges such as transition shock, Show more
Patient safety competency (PSC) is a core element of nursing practice, essential for ensuring high-quality and safe patient care. Newly recruited nurses often face challenges such as transition shock, limited clinical experience, and fragmented safety education, which may hinder their ability to maintain patient safety. Most studies have assessed PSC using total scale scores, overlooking internal heterogeneity within this group. This study aimed to identify latent profiles of PSC among newly recruited nurses and explore the influencing factors to provide evidence for targeted competency development and management strategies. From July to August 2023, a convenience sample of newly recruited nurses was obtained from seven tertiary grade-A hospitals in Shandong Province, China. Data were collected using the General Information Questionnaire, the Transition Shock Scale of Newly Graduated Nurses, the Nurses' Perception of Organizational Support Scale, and the Patient Safety Nurse Competency Evaluation Scale. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was conducted to identify the potential subgroups of patient safety competency among newly recruited nurses. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to examine the influencing factors associated with different latent profile categories. The patient safety competency of newly recruited nurses was categorized into 3 potential profiles: "high safety competency group" (36.9%), "medium safety competency group" (49.4%), and "low safety competency group" (13.7%). The results of the logistic regression analysis revealed that education level, average number of night shifts per week, participation in safety training, involvement in patient safety-related projects, transition shock, and perceived organizational support were significant predictors of patient safety competency among newly recruited nurses (P < 0.05). This study identified three distinct latent profiles of patient safety competency among newly recruited nurses, revealing a moderate overall competency level with notable heterogeneity. Nursing managers should pay particular attention to nurses with moderate and low competency levels and implement targeted, evidence-based interventions to strengthen their patient safety competency and promote safer clinical practice. Not applicable. Show less
Cognitive reserve (CR) refers to differences in the adaptability of cognitive processes that modify the impact of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology on cognitive performance. Currently there are no es Show more
Cognitive reserve (CR) refers to differences in the adaptability of cognitive processes that modify the impact of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology on cognitive performance. Currently there are no established blood-based biomarkers of CR in prodromal AD. In this study, we operationalize CR as memory reserve, defined as moderation (attenuation) of the CSF pTau181-memory association. DNA methylation (DNAm) integrates genetic and environmental influences and may capture biological processes that mitigate the impact of AD pathology on memory. We aimed to identify blood DNAm loci that moderate the association between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) phosphorylated tau (pTau181) and memory in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We also sought to determine if a DNAm-based signature of memory reserve predicts future memory decline. We analyzed 92 amyloid positive MCI participants from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) with blood DNAm, CSF pTau181, and memory scores (PHC_MEM) collected at the same visit. We first regressed memory scores on covariates (age, sex, number of After removing CpGs with low variability, we identified 6 CpGs with suggestive significance for DNAm×pTau181 interaction ( Blood DNAm patterns that moderate the pTau-memory relationship capture biology underlying memory reserve involving synaptic, vascular, immune, and metabolic pathways, and can be summarized into an MRS that predicts longitudinal memory trajectories in MCI. These findings support blood DNAm as a promising, non-invasive biomarker of cognitive resilience to AD pathology. Show less
To determine the prevalence of CHD7, FGFR1 and ANOS1 variants and the impacts of their splicing variants on mis-splicing in patients with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH). Based on the w Show more
To determine the prevalence of CHD7, FGFR1 and ANOS1 variants and the impacts of their splicing variants on mis-splicing in patients with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH). Based on the whole-exome sequencing data from 280 CHH probands, we identified 15 potential splice-site variants in CHD7, ANOS1 and FGFR1 by using in silico software. The functional consequences of these variants were analyzed by the minigene assay or RT-PCR analyses of RNA taken from the peripheral lymphocytes. Detailed phenotyping was performed in the CHH patients harboring deleterious variants and their available family members. 11 out of 15 potential splice-site variants were demonstrated to cause mis-splicing, resulting in loss of function through deletion, insertion or frameshift of amino acids in the proteins. Most patients with deleterious splice-site variants in CHD7, ANOS1, FGFR1 presented with gene-specific non-reproductive phenotypes, confirming the pathogenic contribution of these variants to CHH. Our study indicated that splice-site variants in CHD7, ANOS1, FGFR1 underlie the genetic basis of ~3.9% of CHH patients, warranting the inclusion of potential splice-site variants for genetic diagnosis and counseling of CHH. Show less
Evidence proved that electroacupuncture (EA) combined with antidepressants can improve the antidepressant effectiveness for depressed patients. However, the clinical mechanisms of EA remain unclear. T Show more
Evidence proved that electroacupuncture (EA) combined with antidepressants can improve the antidepressant effectiveness for depressed patients. However, the clinical mechanisms of EA remain unclear. This study aimed to observe the mechanism of EA as an adjunct therapy to escitalopram oxalate (EO) on depressed patients. This study was designed as a single-blinded, double-dummy randomized controlled trial. 61 participants were diagnosed with mild-to-moderate depression according to the International Classification of Diseases 10th Edition (ICD-10, F32) were randomly allocated to receive EA + EO placebo, EO + sham EA, or EA + EO for six weeks treatment. The clinical assessment including depression severity, quality of life (QOL) and clinical safety. Biological indicators of immune-inflammation, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glucocorticoid inducible genes in peripheral blood of participants were measured by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction respectively before and after treatment. Three interventions improved the depression severity and QOL (P < 0.05), and no inter-group difference was found in the 6th week (P > 0.05). Anxiety psychic and somatic general symptoms in the EA + EO group were improved significantly than those of the other two groups (P < 0.05). After six-week treatment of EA + EO, blood SGK1 mRNA, GILZ mRNA, and BDNF levels were increased significantly ( Show less
Cervical cancer (CC) is the most common gynecological malignancy and is strongly linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Currently, immune checkpoint blockade therapy has shown limited clinica Show more
Cervical cancer (CC) is the most common gynecological malignancy and is strongly linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Currently, immune checkpoint blockade therapy has shown limited clinical benefits for CC, highlighting the need to find more effective therapeutic targets. LILRB4, a member of the leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor superfamily, is considered a key mediator of cancer immunosuppression. However, its role in the CC immune microenvironment remains unclear. Here, LILRB4 expression was upregulated in CC tissues, and high expression levels were positively associated with advanced disease and immunosuppressive genes in tumors. In an immunocompetent mouse model, LILRB4 expression in CC tumors increased with tumor growth, whereas blocking LILRB4 reduced tumor growth. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that blockade of LILRB4 reduced CD8 Show less
Ovarian cancer (OC) is an aggressive gynecological malignancy with poor prognosis, largely due to late-stage diagnosis and high metastatic potential. However, the functional role and regulatory mechan Show more
Ovarian cancer (OC) is an aggressive gynecological malignancy with poor prognosis, largely due to late-stage diagnosis and high metastatic potential. However, the functional role and regulatory mechanisms of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) in OC remain incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated the expression pattern and biological function of FGFR1 in OC and explored its underlying molecular mechanisms. FGFR1 expression was analyzed using TCGA, GTEx, and tissue microarray datasets, and its prognostic significance was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Functional assays were performed in OVCAR-3 and SK-OV-3 cells following FGFR1 knockdown or overexpression to assess cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metabolic activity, including extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR). Lactate production and histone lactylation were measured by biochemical assays and Western blotting. Protein interaction between FGFR1 and SIRT3 was examined by co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence, and rescue experiments were conducted to determine SIRT3 dependency. In vivo subcutaneous xenograft models were used to evaluate the role of FGFR1 in tumor growth. We found that FGFR1 expression was significantly reduced in OC tissues and that low FGFR1 levels were associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes. Functionally, FGFR1 silencing promoted OC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metabolic activity, whereas FGFR1 overexpression exerted inhibitory effects. Mechanistically, FGFR1 interacted with SIRT3 and stabilized its protein expression. Importantly, SIRT3 knockdown abrogated the FGFR1-mediated reductions in lactate production, glycolytic enzyme expression, ATP levels, and histone lactylation, indicating that FGFR1 regulates metabolic reprogramming through a SIRT3-dependent mechanism. Consistently, FGFR1 knockdown promoted the formation of larger and more invasive tumors in vivo. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that FGFR1 functions as a context-dependent tumor suppressor in OC by modulating SIRT3-mediated metabolic reprogramming and histone lactylation, suggesting that targeting the FGFR1-SIRT3 axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for ovarian cancer. Show less
The formation and retrieval of reward memories within the hippocampus are critical mechanisms underlying the development of substance use disorder. Nitrous oxide (N
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) shows promising anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects for different types of neurological disorders. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effe Show more
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) shows promising anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects for different types of neurological disorders. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of LIPUS on LPS-induced depression-like behavior and neuroinflammation and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. A depressive mouse model is established by intraperitoneal injection of LPS (1.0 mg/kg/day for 7 days). LIPUS is applied to the hippocampal region (30 min/day). Behavioral assessments include the open field test (OFT), forced swim test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST). Molecular analyses, including Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and qPCR, are performed to evaluate the expression of P2X4R, IBA1, inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway, and apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, Bcl-2). The involvement of P2X4R is further examined using ivermectin (IVM), a selective P2X4R agonist. LIPUS significantly alleviates the LPS-induced depression-like behavior, suppresses hippocampal pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, inhibits microglial activation, and reduces neuronal apoptosis. Mechanistically, LIPUS downregulates P2X4R and IBA1, upregulates BDNF protein levels and TrkB phosphorylation, and modulates the Bax and Bcl-2 expression. Co-localization studies confirm that P2X4R is predominantly expressed in microglia, and LIPUS markedly reduces the overlap. Notably, the anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antidepressant effects of LIPUS are significantly attenuated by IVM, highlighting the critical role of P2X4R suppression in mediating therapeutic effects. LIPUS mitigates LPS-induced neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, and depression-like behavior by targeting microglial P2X4R and activating the BDNF/TrkB pathway. The findings provide mechanistic insights and demonstrate that LIPUS is a promising non-pharmacological intervention for depression, underscoring the translational potential of P2X4R as a therapeutic target. Show less
To investigate the association between combined vitamin D and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplementation and clinical outcomes in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This retrospective cohor Show more
To investigate the association between combined vitamin D and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplementation and clinical outcomes in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This retrospective cohort study included 88 propensity-score-matched patients with GAD from Beidahuang Group Neuropsychiatric Hospital. Based on clinical records, patients were classified into an observation group (vitamin D3 + NAC + usual care) and a control group (usual care only). Anxiety symptoms and cognitive function were assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Automatic Thought Questionnaire (ATQ), and Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale (DAS). Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], inflammatory markers [high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6)], oxidative stress parameters [glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD)], and neurochemical markers [brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), dopamine (DA), Serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE)] were measured at baseline and week 8. After 8 weeks, both groups showed significant improvements in BAI, ATQ, and DAS scores, with greater reductions in the observation group (all In this retrospective cohort, combined vitamin D and NAC supplementation was associated with significantly greater improvements in anxiety symptoms, cognitive patterns, and relevant metabolic biomarkers in patients with GAD compared to usual care alone, supporting its potential as an adjunctive therapy. Show less
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a genetically determined cardiovascular risk factor. Additionally, Lp(a) levels are affected by dietary saturated fat (SFA) reduction. We previously reported an Lp(a) increas Show more
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a genetically determined cardiovascular risk factor. Additionally, Lp(a) levels are affected by dietary saturated fat (SFA) reduction. We previously reported an Lp(a) increase in response to SFA reduction in both white and black cohorts. However, less is known whether diets impact Lp(a)'s oxidized phospholipids (OxPL) and lipid components. We assessed responses of Lp(a)-OxPL concentration, Lp(a)-OxPL subspecies abundance, and the Lp(a)-lipidome to SFA reduction [from 16% energy with the average American diet (AAD) to 6% energy with a DASH-type diet] in 166 African-Americans. Responses by variability in Lp(a) levels and apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] sizes were tested. Mean age was 35 years; 70% were women; mean BMI was 28 kg/m Show less
The global aging population has led to a rising prevalence of cognitive impairment, posing a significant public health challenge. Resistance training (RT) is a non-pharmacological intervention that ha Show more
The global aging population has led to a rising prevalence of cognitive impairment, posing a significant public health challenge. Resistance training (RT) is a non-pharmacological intervention that has been increasingly investigated for its potential to support cognitive function in older adults. Clinical evidence suggests that RT may be associated with benefits in certain cognitive domains, including memory, executive function, processing speed, and visuospatial ability. However, findings across studies remain heterogeneous, with several trials reporting neutral outcomes. Most intervention studies involve structured RT programs conducted at moderate to high intensity and performed multiple times per week. However, optimal training parameters have not yet been clearly established due to variability in study design and the absence of formal dose-response analyses. Emerging evidence suggests that the cognitive effects of RT may be mediated, at least in part, through muscle-brain axis signaling involving exercise-induced myokines. Factors such as irisin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, interleukin-6, interleukin-15, and insulin-like growth factor-1 have been implicated in processes related to neuroplasticity, neuroinflammatory regulation, and neurovascular function, primarily based on preclinical and translational research. This review synthesizes current evidence on RT-related molecular mechanisms and clinical findings to provide an integrative perspective on the potential role of resistance training in mitigating age-related cognitive decline. Show less
Radiotherapy (RT) for breast cancer may increase atrial fibrillation (AF) risk. This study explored the association between RT and expression of AF-related genes in breast tumor tissues. A total of 10 Show more
Radiotherapy (RT) for breast cancer may increase atrial fibrillation (AF) risk. This study explored the association between RT and expression of AF-related genes in breast tumor tissues. A total of 1094 breast cancer patients (RT group: 1020; non-RT group: 74) were included based on inclusion criteria. Clinical data and RNA-seq profiles (TPM) were retrieved. Six AF-related genes (MYBPC3, LMNA, PKP2, FAM189A2, KDM5B, MYL4) were analyzed. Gene expression was compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum test after Log2(TPM + 1) transformation. Subgroup analyses were conducted by AJCC stage (I–III), laterality (left/right), age (< 65/≥65 years), clinical subtype (Luminal, HER2-positive, Triple-negative), and PAM50 molecular subtype (Basal, Her2, LumA, LumB, Normal). Multivariate linear regression was applied to evaluate RT’s independent effect on gene expression. In tumor tissues, expression levels of MYBPC3, LMNA, and MYL4 were significantly higher in the RT group compared to the non-RT group.Subgroup analysis revealed higher MYBPC3 expression in the RT group specifically in Stage III tumors, but lower expression in left-sided tumors and in patients < 65 years old. LMNA expression was higher in the RT group in Stage III tumors. MYL4 expression was higher in the RT group in Stage II tumors, in both left and right-sided tumors, and in both age groups (< 65 and ≥ 65 years). No significant differences were found across clinical or molecular subtypes for any gene.Multivariate regression confirmed RT as an independent predictor of increased MYL4 expression (β = 0.204), but not for MYBPC3 or LMNA expression. Sensitivity analysis in the 45–65 age subgroup supports the above findings. Based on tumor tissue analysis, breast cancer radiotherapy is associated with altered expression of AF-related genes (particularly MYL4) in tumor tissues, suggesting a potential molecular link worthy of further exploration in relation to atrial fibrillation. These findings warrant future validation in cardiac or circulatory tissues. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12672-026-04468-5. Show less
To develop a deep-learning model for segmenting and classifying adrenal nodules as either lipid-poor adenoma (LPA) or nodular hyperplasia (NH) on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) images. T Show more
To develop a deep-learning model for segmenting and classifying adrenal nodules as either lipid-poor adenoma (LPA) or nodular hyperplasia (NH) on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) images. This retrospective dual-center study included 164 patients (median age 51.0 years; 93 females) with pathologically confirmed LPA or NH. The model was trained on 128 patients from the internal center and validated on 36 external cases. Radiologists annotated adrenal glands and nodules on 1-mm portal-venous phase CT images. We proposed Mamba-USeg, a novel state-space models (SSMs)-based multi-class segmentation method that performs simultaneous segmentation and classification. Performance was evaluated using the mean Dice similarity coefficient (mDSC) for segmentation and sensitivity/specificity for classification, with comparisons made against MultiResUNet and CPFNet. From per-slice segmentation, the model yielded an mDSC of 0.855 for the adrenal gland; for nodule segmentation, it achieved mDSCs of 0.869 (LPA) and 0.863 (NH), significantly outperforming two previous models-MultiResUNet (LPA, p < 0.001; NH, p = 0.014) and CPFNet (LPA, p = 0.003; NH, p = 0.023). Classification performance from per slice demonstrated sensitivity of 95.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 91.3-96.6%) and specificity of 92.7% (95% CI: 91.9-93.6%) for LPA, and sensitivity of 94.2% (95% CI: 89.7-97.7%) and specificity of 91.5% (95% CI: 90.4-92.4%) for NH. The classification accuracy for patients from external sources was 91.7% (95% CI: 76.8-98.9%). The proposed multi-class segmentation model can accurately segment and differentiate between LPA and NH on CECT images, demonstrating superior performance to existing methods. Question Accurate differentiation between LPA and NH on imaging remains clinically challenging yet critically important for guiding appropriate treatment approaches. Findings Mamba-Useg, a multi-class segmentation model utilizing pixel-level analysis and majority voting strategies, can accurately segment and classify adrenal nodules as LPA or NH. Clinical relevance The proposed multi-class segmentation model can simultaneously segment and classify adrenal nodules, outperforming previous models in accuracy; it significantly aids clinical decision-making and thereby reduces unnecessary surgeries in adrenal hyperplasia patients. Show less
Alport syndrome (AS) is the most common inherited glomerular disease among patients with chronic kidney disease. With exome sequencing now widely used in clinical practice, pathogenic variants in Alpo Show more
Alport syndrome (AS) is the most common inherited glomerular disease among patients with chronic kidney disease. With exome sequencing now widely used in clinical practice, pathogenic variants in Alport-related genes (COL4A3/COL4A4/COL4A5) are increasingly identified in patients with diverse phenotypes, including proteinuria‑predominant disease and kidney failure of unknown etiology. Diagnostic complexity further increases when COL4A3/COL4A4/COL4A5 variants are co‑inherited with pathogenic variants associated with other genetic kidney disorders. We reported a 31‑year‑old male presenting with kidney failure, significant proteinuria, familial hematuria and hyperlipidemia. Whole‑exome sequencing (WES) identified two pathogenic variants: a hemizygous COL4A5 variant (c.2105G > A; p.Gly702Asp) and a heterozygous APOE Kyoto variant (c.127C > T; p.Arg43Cys). Given the potential dual diagnosis of AS and lipoprotein glomerulopathy (LPG), a kidney biopsy was performed. Histologic examination revealed uneven thickness of the glomerular basement membrane consistent with the diagnosis of AS, but no LPG-related lesions were observed, indicating incomplete penetrance of APOE Kyoto variant. Cascade family screening detected APOE Kyoto variant in the patient's father and elder sister, both of whom lacked proteinuria until follow-up period. This case highlights the complementary role of kidney biopsy alongside WES in AS with complex genetic mechanisms. It also illustrates the incomplete penetrance of APOE Kyoto, common among Chinese carriers. Show less
Male infertility affects approximately one in seven couples worldwide. Prenatal cadmium (Cd) exposure has been shown to affect offspring phenotypes and increase susceptibility to diseases later in lif Show more
Male infertility affects approximately one in seven couples worldwide. Prenatal cadmium (Cd) exposure has been shown to affect offspring phenotypes and increase susceptibility to diseases later in life. However, the effects of prenatal Cd exposure on multi-generational offspring fertility and the mechanisms remain unknown. A novel murine multi-generational (F1-F3 offspring) male subfertility model induced by prenatal Cd exposure was developed. The levels of testosterone and steroidogenic enzymes were also lower in these offspring's testes. The ubiquitin-dependent degradation of NR4A1, the upstream transcription factor regulating steroidogenic enzymes, was enhanced across generations upon prenatal Cd exposure. After treatment with MG132, an inhibitor of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, the levels of NR4A1 and steroidogenic enzymes were higher in offspring testes with prenatal Cd exposure. Based on the analysis of the UbiBrowser database and testicular global transcriptome, RAPSN was identified as a novel ubiquitin E3 ligase containing the RING-H2_Rapsyn domain that mediates multi-generational testicular NR4A1 ubiquitination. m Show less