Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) acts as an oncogene in liver cancer, yet its roles and in-depth molecular mechanisms within the liver cancer immune microenvironment remain mostly undefined. Here, we demonstrated that disruption of tumor-intrinsic PRMT5 enhances CD8⁺ T-cell-mediated antitumor immunity both in vivo and in vitro. Further experiments verified that this effect is achieved through downregulation of the inhibitory immune checkpoint molecule, fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1). Mechanistically, PRMT5 catalyzed symmetric dimethylation of transcription factor 12 (TCF12) at arginine 554 (R554), prompting the binding of TCF12 to FGL1 promoter region, which transcriptionally activated FGL1 in tumor cells. Methylation deficiency at TCF12-R554 residue downregulated FGL1 expression, which promoted CD8⁺ T-cell-mediated antitumor immunity. Notably, combining the PRMT5 methyltransferase inhibitor GSK591 with PD-L1 blockade efficiently inhibited liver cancer growth and improved overall survival in mice. Collectively, our findings reveal the immunosuppressive role and mechanism of PRMT5 in liver cancer and highlight that targeting PRMT5 could boost checkpoint immunotherapy efficacy.

Objective: To analyze serological and molecular characteristics of asymptomatic HBV infection in HBV surface antigen positive (HBsAg+) blood donors from Dalian. Methods: The prevalence of HBsAg was analyzed among blood donors in Dalian between 2013 and 2022. Randomly selected HBsAg+ blood samples were subjected to HBV serological testing, HBV viral DNA quantification, and HBV genotyping. Results: Over this ten-year period, the prevalence of HBsAg decreased from 1.25% to 0.50% among blood donors in Dalian. Donors who tested positive for HBsAg prior to donation using a rapid test (RT) accounted for 92.5% of all HBsAg+ donors identified. A total of 240 confirmed HBsAg+ blood donors were randomly selected, including 125 donors with positive results and 115 with negative results in the pre-donation rapid test. HBsAg+ donors were mainly males (71.2%), with a median age of 42, and 97.5% of them being first-time donors. Based on HBV serological profiles, three stages of infection were identified: early infection (2.9%), suspected acute hepatitis (0.8%), and chronic infection (96.3%). The dominant HBV genotypes were C (68.9%) and B (28.4%). Among chronic HBV infection individuals, donors infected with HBV genotype B were older than those infected with genotype C (median age: 45y vs 38.5y, P<0.05). Additionally, they showed significantly lower HBsAg levels with a narrower distribution range than those infected with genotype C [median: 23.2 IU/mL (range: <0.05-7 910 IU/mL) vs 968 IU/mL (range: <0.05-3.4×10 ), P<0.05]. However, no significant difference was observed in the HBV DNA loads between these two genotypes (P>0.05). Conclusion: Between 2013 and 2022, the prevalence of HBsAg among blood donors in Dalian showed a year-over-year decline. Chronic infection was predominant among HBsAg+ first-time blood donors. The characteristics of chronic infection in blood donors differed significantly depending on the viral genotype, manifesting as differences in age of infected individuals and HBsAg level distribution.

Purpose: This study explored the association of the elasticity modulus and shear wave velocity (SWV) of the tibialis anterior muscle, as measured by two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE), with the intracompartmental pressure (ICP) determined using the Whitesides method in a New Zealand rabbit model of acute compartment syndrome (ACS). Additionally, it evaluated the viability of 2D-SWE as a noninvasive, quantitative tool for the early detection of ACS. Methods: An ACS model was established through direct external compression by applying pressure bandaging to the lower legs of 15 New Zealand rabbits using neonatal blood pressure cuffs. Another five animals represented a non-modeled control group. To measure the elasticity modulus and SWV of the tibialis anterior muscles, 2D-SWE was employed. Blood oxygen saturation, serum creatine kinase (CK), and myoglobin levels were monitored. Subsequently, the anterior tibial compartment was dissected, and the tibialis anterior was removed for hematoxylin and eosin staining to assess muscle injury. Results: The elasticity modulus and SWV of the tibialis anterior muscle increased with compression duration, as did serum CK and myoglobin levels. ICP was strongly positively correlated with these parameters, particularly mean velocity (r=0.942, P<0.001) and CK (r=0.942, P<0.001). Blood oxygen saturation was negatively correlated with ICP (r=-0.887, P<0.001). Histological analysis indicated progressive muscle cell swelling over time, with damage transitioning from reversible to irreversible and culminating in necrosis. Conclusion In a rabbit ACS model, ICP was strongly positively correlated with muscle elasticity modulus/SWV. Consequently, 2D-SWE may represent a novel tool for assessing early-phase ACS.

Purpose: This study explored the association of the elasticity modulus and shear wave velocity (SWV) of the tibialis anterior muscle, as measured by two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE), with the intracompartmental pressure (ICP) determined using the Whitesides method in a New Zealand rabbit model of acute compartment syndrome (ACS). Additionally, it evaluated the viability of 2D-SWE as a noninvasive, quantitative tool for the early detection of ACS. Methods: An ACS model was established through direct external compression by applying pressure bandaging to the lower legs of 15 New Zealand rabbits using neonatal blood pressure cuffs. Another five animals represented a non-modeled control group. To measure the elasticity modulus and SWV of the tibialis anterior muscles, 2D-SWE was employed. Blood oxygen saturation, serum creatine kinase (CK), and myoglobin levels were monitored. Subsequently, the anterior tibial compartment was dissected, and the tibialis anterior was removed for hematoxylin and eosin staining to assess muscle injury. Results: The elasticity modulus and SWV of the tibialis anterior muscle increased with compression duration, as did serum CK and myoglobin levels. ICP was strongly positively correlated with these parameters, particularly mean velocity (r=0.942, P<0.001) and CK (r=0.942, P<0.001). Blood oxygen saturation was negatively correlated with ICP (r=-0.887, P<0.001). Histological analysis indicated progressive muscle cell swelling over time, with damage transitioning from reversible to irreversible and culminating in necrosis. Conclusion In a rabbit ACS model, ICP was strongly positively correlated with muscle elasticity modulus/SWV. Consequently, 2D-SWE may represent a novel tool for assessing early-phase ACS.

Purpose: This study explored the association of the elasticity modulus and shear wave velocity (SWV) of the tibialis anterior muscle, as measured by two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE), with the intracompartmental pressure (ICP) determined using the Whitesides method in a New Zealand rabbit model of acute compartment syndrome (ACS). Additionally, it evaluated the viability of 2D-SWE as a noninvasive, quantitative tool for the early detection of ACS. Methods: An ACS model was established through direct external compression by applying pressure bandaging to the lower legs of 15 New Zealand rabbits using neonatal blood pressure cuffs. Another five animals represented a non-modeled control group. To measure the elasticity modulus and SWV of the tibialis anterior muscles, 2D-SWE was employed. Blood oxygen saturation, serum creatine kinase (CK), and myoglobin levels were monitored. Subsequently, the anterior tibial compartment was dissected, and the tibialis anterior was removed for hematoxylin and eosin staining to assess muscle injury. Results: The elasticity modulus and SWV of the tibialis anterior muscle increased with compression duration, as did serum CK and myoglobin levels. ICP was strongly positively correlated with these parameters, particularly mean velocity (r=0.942, P<0.001) and CK (r=0.942, P<0.001). Blood oxygen saturation was negatively correlated with ICP (r=-0.887, P<0.001). Histological analysis indicated progressive muscle cell swelling over time, with damage transitioning from reversible to irreversible and culminating in necrosis. Conclusion In a rabbit ACS model, ICP was strongly positively correlated with muscle elasticity modulus/SWV. Consequently, 2D-SWE may represent a novel tool for assessing early-phase ACS.

Purpose: This study explored the association of the elasticity modulus and shear wave velocity (SWV) of the tibialis anterior muscle, as measured by two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE), with the intracompartmental pressure (ICP) determined using the Whitesides method in a New Zealand rabbit model of acute compartment syndrome (ACS). Additionally, it evaluated the viability of 2D-SWE as a noninvasive, quantitative tool for the early detection of ACS. Methods: An ACS model was established through direct external compression by applying pressure bandaging to the lower legs of 15 New Zealand rabbits using neonatal blood pressure cuffs. Another five animals represented a non-modeled control group. To measure the elasticity modulus and SWV of the tibialis anterior muscles, 2D-SWE was employed. Blood oxygen saturation, serum creatine kinase (CK), and myoglobin levels were monitored. Subsequently, the anterior tibial compartment was dissected, and the tibialis anterior was removed for hematoxylin and eosin staining to assess muscle injury. Results: The elasticity modulus and SWV of the tibialis anterior muscle increased with compression duration, as did serum CK and myoglobin levels. ICP was strongly positively correlated with these parameters, particularly mean velocity (r=0.942, P<0.001) and CK (r=0.942, P<0.001). Blood oxygen saturation was negatively correlated with ICP (r=-0.887, P<0.001). Histological analysis indicated progressive muscle cell swelling over time, with damage transitioning from reversible to irreversible and culminating in necrosis. Conclusion In a rabbit ACS model, ICP was strongly positively correlated with muscle elasticity modulus/SWV. Consequently, 2D-SWE may represent a novel tool for assessing early-phase ACS.

AIM:To investigate the effect of hypericin(Hyp)on the heart of rats with myocardial ischemia-re-perfusion injury(MIRI),and to explore its mechanism.METHODS:Thirty SPF male SD rats were divided into 5 groups:sham group,MIRI group,low-dose Hyp(L-Hyp)group(MIRI+L-Hyp group),high-dose Hyp(H-Hyp)group(MIRI+H-Hyp group),and positive control trimetazidine(TMZ)group(MIRI+TMZ group),with 6 rats in each group.Apart from the sham group,the MIRI model was established by ligating the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery and then recanalizing it in the remaining four groups of rats.The success of the modeling was determined by monitor-ing the electrocardiogram.We assessed the cardiac function in rats using echocardiography.TTC staining was employed to measure the area of myocardial infarction in rats,and HE staining was utilized to observe the morphological traits of rat myocardium.We assayed the activities of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)and the levels of malondialdehyde(MDA)in rat serum using biochemical kits.ELISA kits were applied to assess the contents of cardiac troponin I(cTnI)and reactive oxygen species(ROS)in rat serum.Western blot analysis was perfomed to measure the pro-tein expression levels of AMPK,p-AMPK,Nrf2,and HO-1 in rat myocardial tissues.RESULTS:The rats in MIRI group exhibited increased myocardial tissue injury,larger myocardial infarction areas,decreased left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),and reduced left ventricular fractional shortening(LVFS)compared with sham group,as shown by echo-cardiography.Additionally,there were increases in LDH activity,cTnI,MDA and ROS levels,along with significant de-creases in SOD activity,and p-AMPK,Nrf2 and HO-1 protein levels(P<0.05).Compared with MIRI group,the rats in MIRI+L-Hyp,MIRI+H-Hyp and MIRI+TMZ groups showed decreased myocardial histopathological damage and reduced myocardial tissue infarction area,increased LVEF and LVFS,and lowered serum levels of LDH activity,cTnI,MDA and ROS,while SOD activity,p-AMPK,Nrf2 and HO-1 protein levels were elevated(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Hypericin attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats,possibly by modulating the AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling path-way.

Objective:To explore the influencing factors and pathways of home-based exercise rehabilitation compliance in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), so as to provide theoretical basis for formulating targeted intervention program.Methods:From July 2022 to February 2023, convenience sampling was used to select 220 patients who underwent PCI at Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital affiliated with Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University as the study subject. A survey was conducted on patients using the General Information Questionnaires, Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale, Illness Perception and Behavior Questionnaire in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease after PCI, Social Support Rating Scale, and Exercise Rehabilitation Compliance Follow-up Scale.Results:A total of 220 questionnaires were distributed, and 215 valid questionnaires were collected, with an effective response rate of 97.73% (215/220). The Exercise Rehabilitation Compliance Follow-up Scale in 215 patients after PCI was (11.35±3.85). The mediating effect of exercise self-efficacy between social support and exercise compliance was 0.150 [95% CI (0.055, 0.167), P<0.01], and the mediating effect of disease cognition between social support and exercise compliance after PCI was 0.065 [95% CI (0.016, 0.090), P<0.05]. The direct effect of social support on exercise compliance was 0.238 [95% CI (0.064, 0.278), P<0.01], and the indirect effect was 0.215 [95% CI (0.083, 0.233), P<0.05], and the mediating effect accounted for 47.46% of the total effect. Conclusions:Social support can directly or indirectly affect the compliance of patients with home-based exercise rehabilitation through the mediating effect of exercise self-efficacy and post PCI disease cognition. Medical and nursing staff can improve patient exercise self-efficacy and disease cognition by constructing intervention strategies based on social support, thereby enhancing home-based exercise rehabilitation compliance.

Objective To observe the correlations of chest CT quantitative parameters in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD)with blood eosinophil(EOS)level.Methods Chest CT data of 162 AECOPD patients with elevated eosinophils were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into low EOS group(n=105)and high EOS group(n=57)according to the absolute counting of blood EOS.The quantitative CT parameters,including the number of whole lung bronchi and the volume of blood vessels,low-attenuation area percentage(LAA％)of whole lung,of left/right lung and each lobe of lung,as well as the luminal diameter(LD),wall thickness(WT),wall area(WA)and WA percentage of total bronchial cross-section(WA％)of grade 3 to 8 bronchi were compared between groups.Spearman correlations were performed to analyze the correlations of quantitative CT parameters with blood EOS level.Results LAA％of the whole lung,of the left/right lung and each lobe of lung,as well as of the upper lobe of right lung LDgrade4,middle lobe of right lung WTgrade5,upper lobe of right lung WAgrade4,middle lobe of right lung WAgrade5 and lower lobe of left lung WAgrade3 in low EOS group were all higher than those in high EOS group(all P＜0.05).Except for the upper lobe of right lung LDgrade4,the above quantitative CT indexes being significant different between groups were all weakly and negatively correlated with blood EOS level(r=-0.335 to-0.164,all P＜0.05).Conclusion Chest CT quantitative parameters of AECOPD patients were correlated with blood EOS level,among which LAA％,a part of WT and WA were all weakly negatively correlated with blood EOS level.

Purpose To investigate the diagnostic value of postsystolic shortening in ischemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries(INOCA).Materials and Methods A total of 85 INOCA patients admitted to People's Hospital of Liaoning Province from May 2020 to December 2022 were selected and divided into two groups according to the ratio of distal diastolic average blood velocity of left anterior descending branch before and after treatment obtained by thymosidine load echocardiography(coronary flow velocity reserve,CFVR):CFVR<2.0 was in the coronary microvascular dysfunction(CMD)group(n=40),and CFVR≥2.0 was in the control group(n=45).Conventional echocardiographic parameters of all enrolled subjects were measured:left ventricular end-diastolic diameter index(LVEDDI),left ventricular end-diastolic volume index(LVEDVI),left ventricular end-systolic volume index(LVESVI),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),early and late mitral valve diastolic blood flow velocity(E,A),E/A,average velocity of mitral valve annulus and interventricular septum in early diastolic(e')and E/e'on the wall and septal side were measured.The global longitudinal strain(GLS)and the post systolic index(PSI)of the left ventricle were measured by two-dimensional speckle tracking automated functional imaging.The differences of echocardiographic parameters,GLS and PSI between CMD group and control group were observed.The relationship between CFVR and PSI in CMD group was analyzed.Results There were no significant differences in LVEDDI,LVEDVI,LVESVI,LVEF,E,A,E/A,e',E/e'and GLS between control group and CMD group(t=-0.577-1.472,P>0.05).There was a statistically significant difference in PSI increase between CMD group and control group(t=-5.370,P<0.05).There was a good correlation between CFVR and PSI in CMD group(r=-0.486,P<0.05).The receiver operator characteristic curve showed that the area under the curve predicted by PSI for CMD was 0.786,the sensitivity was 68.0%,and the specificity was 77.8%.Conclusion PSI has good application value in evaluating left ventricular systolic function in INOCA patients,and can detect left ventricular systolic function injury in such patients at an early stage.