TFIIB-related factor 1 (BRF1) is an important transcription factor. It specifically regulates the transcription of RNA polymerase III-dependent genes (RNA Pol III genes). The products of these genes are some small non-coding RNAs, including transfer RNAs (tRNAs) and 5S ribosomal RNAs (5S rRNA). The transcription levels of tRNAs and 5S rRNA vary with changes in intracellular BRF1 amounts. tRNAs and 5S rRNA play a crucial role in determining protein synthesis. Studies have demonstrated that dysregulation of tRNAs and 5S rRNA is closely related to cell growth, proliferation, transformation, and even tumorigenesis. BRF1 is a key factor determining the generation of tRNAs and 5S rRNA. Increasing BRF1 expression enhances cell proliferation and transformation, promoting tumor development. In contrast, repressing BRF1 activity decreases the rates of cell proliferation and transformation, and inhibits tumor growth. High levels of BRF1 are found in the samples of patients suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer, gastric carcinoma, lung cancer, prostate carcinoma, and other cancers. It indicates that high levels of BRF1 are closely related to the occurrence of human cancer and may be a common landmark of tumors. But there is discrepancy in the regulatory mechanisms and signaling pathways of BRF1 overexpression in different cancers. In general, high levels of BRF1 in patients suffering from cancer show short survival period and poor prognosis. However, there is one exception, namely breast cancer. Approximate 80% of cases of breast cancer are estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and 20% are ER-. The cases with high levels of BRF1 reveal longer survival period and better prognosis after they accepted the hormone treatment by Tamoxifen (Tam), compared to the cases with low level BRF1. It seems like a contradiction. Most of the cases with high levels of BRF1 belong to ER+ status. Tam has been used to treat ER+ cases of breast cancer after diagnosis and surgery. Thus, hormone therapy, such as Tam, is more effective on these patients. This is because, on one hand, that Tam competes with E2 (17β-estradiol) to bind to estrogen receptor α (ERα), but does not dissociate to occupy the receptors, blocking E2 binding to this receptor and inhibiting its biological effects. On other hand, Tam can inhibit the expression of BRF1, leading to a decline of intracellular BRF1 levels. Therefore, the actual levels of BRF1 are lower in the patients with ER+ breast cancer. It appears the prognosis of the high BRF1 expression cases better than that of the low BRF1 expression cases. Myocardial hypertrophy manifests magnification of cardiomyocyte volume rather than number increasing in the postnatal heart. Myocardial hypertrophy is a critical risk factor underlying cardiovascular diseases. No matter how myocardial hypertrophy occur, it will ultimately lead to myocardial dysfunction and heart failure. Hypertrophic growth of cardiomyocytes requires a large amount of protein synthesis to meet its needs of cardiomyocyte growth. Animal models and cell experiments have shown that myocardial hypertrophy stimulates a significant increase in BRF1 expression and transcription of tRNAs and 5S rRNA. Interestingly, elevated levels of BRF1 are found in the myocardium tissues of patients with myocardial hypertrophy. These studies demonstrate that BRF1 indeed plays a critical role in myocardial hypertrophy. In summary, high levels of BRF1 are found in patients suffering from different cancers and myocardial hypertrophy. It implies that BRF1 is a promising biological target of cancer and cardiomyopathy. BRF1 is expected to become a common biomarker for early diagnosis and prognostic observation of different human cancers. It is also an important biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiomyopathy. BRF1 not only holds an important position in the field of basic medical research but also has great prospects for translational medicine. In the present article, we summarize the progress on studies of BRF1 expressions in cancer and cardiomyopathy, proposes future research directions. It is a new research area. Here, we emphasize the significancy of BRF overexpression in the two huge diseases of human, cancer and cardiomyopathy to raise people's attention to this field.

Direct electrical stimulation of the human cortex can produce subjective visual sensations, yet these sensations are unstable. The underlying mechanisms may stem from differences in electrophysiological activity within the distributed network outside the stimulated site. To address this problem, we recruited 69 patients who experienced visual sensations during invasive electrical stimulation while intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) data were recorded. We found significantly flattened power spectral slopes in distributed regions involving different brain networks and decreased integrated information during elicited visual sensations compared with the non-sensation condition. Further analysis based on minimum information partitions revealed that the reconfigured network interactions primarily involved the inferior frontal cortex, posterior superior temporal sulcus, and temporoparietal junction. The flattened power spectral slope in the inferior frontal gyrus was also correlated with integrated information. Taken together, this study indicates that the altered electrophysiological signatures provide insights into the neural mechanisms underlying subjective visual sensations.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Visual Perception/physiology* ; Electric Stimulation ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; Electrocorticography ; Electroencephalography ; Brain Mapping

Cemental tear is a rare and indetectable condition unless obvious clinical signs present with the involvement of surrounding periodontal and periapical tissues. Due to its clinical manifestations similar to common dental issues, such as vertical root fracture, primary endodontic diseases, and periodontal diseases, as well as the low awareness of cemental tear for clinicians, misdiagnosis often occurs. The critical principle for cemental tear treatment is to remove torn fragments, and overlooking fragments leads to futile therapy, which could deteriorate the conditions of the affected teeth. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate interventions are vital for managing cemental tear. Novel diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), microscopes, and enamel matrix derivatives, have improved early detection and management, enhancing tooth retention. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, combined with improved clinical awareness among dental professionals, serves to mitigate risks of diagnostic errors and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. This expert consensus reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cemental tear, aiming to provide a clinical guideline and facilitate clinicians to have a better understanding of cemental tear.
Humans ; Dental Cementum/injuries* ; Consensus ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Tooth Fractures/therapy*

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynecologic cancers in the world.Over the past few decades,there has been considerable research reporting on the mechanisms of cancer development and progression,with multiple nerve as well as neurotransmitters involved.Nerve innervation is also found in ovarian cancer.And in ovarian cancer,various nerves and neurotransmitters play different roles.They are involved in ovarian cancer cells'proliferation metastasis,apoptosis and changes in the tumor microenvironment.Further understanding of the role of these nerve endings in the development of ovarian cancer is essential for understanding the mechanisms of cancer progression.This will be important for subsequent research focusing on tumor regulation.While glucocorticoids and sympathetic nerve-released norepinephrine are able to promote ovarian cancer progression,serotonin may inhibit cancer cell growth.Also,parasympathetic and sensory nerves are capable of having either a positive or negative effect on ovarian tumors.These relevant studies offer the possibility of new therapeutic options for oncology,it may be possible to mitigate the progression of cancer with inexpensive receptor inhibitors or agonists.This will facilitate the subsequent exploration of therapeutic possibilities forovarian cancer and other cancer-related treatments.In this review,we also present some insights into the role of the nervous system in the regulation of ovarian cancer,which we hope will provide new insights into the innervation and progression of ovarian cancer.

Objective To investigate the clinical application of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty(PTA)in treating dysfunctional central vein caused by tunnel-cuffed catheter(TCC)under digital subtraction angiography(DS A)guidance.Methods A total of 13 patients with indwelling TCC-related central vein complications,who were admitted to the Department of Nephrology of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University of China between July 2018 and July 2022,were enrolled in this study.The average indwelling duration of TCC was 35.2 months(range of 6-70 months).The dysfunctional TCC was removed with the help of a stiff guide wire,and angiography showed that the central vein was narrowed or occluded.PT A was performed to reopen the central vein,and a new TCC was placed in situ or in another site.Results Of the 13 patients,original TCC was successfully removed in 12,and failure of removal was seen in one.The site of central venous stenosis included the right jugular vein,innominate vein,superior vena cava,and right iliac vein,and successful placement of a new TCC was accomplished in all patients after PTA,and no stent implantation was employed.The average follow-up period was 23.1 months(range of 6-48 months),and the TCC functioned well.Conclusion Under DSA guidance,the recanalization of TCC-related central venous stenosis or occlusion by PT A and the implantation of a new TCC catheter can successfully establish a new dialysis access for patients with poorly functioning TCC,in this way the lifespan of the pathway can be extended.

Objective Establish the fingerprint of the group and optimize the extraction process of the Yunpi Huatan Tongqiao decoction.Methods The macroscopic characterization and similarity analysis of the extract fingerprint were carried out by applying the total statistical moment method.With baicalin,wogonin,rosmarinic acid,liquiritin,glycyrrhizic acid and paste yield as key quality attributes,and extraction time,water addition and extraction times as key process parameters,the optimal extraction process was selected by AHP-independent weight method,and the process was verified.Results Establishing a total statistical moment similarity evaluation method,and the average statistical moment similarity of the total amount of fingerprints of different extraction methods was 0.8807.The ANOVA results of the process evaluation model function are displayed that P<0.0001,R2=0.9904,indicating that the model was statistically significant.The best extraction process was determined as follows:adding 10-fold volume of water in the whole prescription,extracting for 1.5 h and extracting twice.Conclusion The total statistical moment analysis method that conforms to the fingerprint characteristics of the fingerprint of the extract was established,which was stable and reliable,which provided a reference basis for the quality control of the whole process of the subsequent process research.

A rapid quantitative immunochromatographic assay for procalcitonin(PCT)using metal-organic frameworks modified with gold and platinum nanoparticles(MAPs)as labels was established in this work.The detection probe was prepared by conjugating MAPs with anti-PCT monoclonal antibody via an electrostatic adsorption method.Anti-PCT polyclonal antibody and sheep anti-mouse IgG were sprayed onto the nitrocellulose(NC)membrane as the test line and quality control line,respectively,to construct immunochromatographic strip for PCT quantitative detection via signal-amplification-based sandwich immunoassay.The results showed that the MAP-based immunochromatographic test had high sensitivity,high specificity,and good stability.The dynamic range for detection of PCT was 0.61 pg/mL-320 ng/mL,the detection limit was 0.25 pg/mL,and the intra-day and inter-day precision(Relative standard deviation)were less than 15%.The results of real sample analysis showed that a quite low volume of sample was required for detection of PCT in whole blood,which was of great significance for the early diagnosis,monitoring and treatment,and prognosis of inflammation.

In recent years,3D bioprinting technology has developed rapidly,becoming an essential tool in the fields of cancer research,tissue engineering,disease modeling and mechanistic studies.This paper reviewed the fundamental principles of bioprinting technology and its current applications in cancer research and tissue engineering.Bioprinting is an additive manufacturing technology that constructs complex three-dimensional tissue structures by digitally controlling the layer-by-layer deposition of biomaterials and living cells.The core steps of bioprinting include designing a 3D model,selecting appropriate bioprinting techniques and materials,printing layer by layer,followed by post-processing involving cell culture and functionalization.In cancer research,3D bioprinting can create complex tumor models that simulate the tumor microenvironment,revealing new mechanisms of tumor initiation and progression.Traditional in vitro models,such as 2D cell cultures or animal models,often fail to accurately replicate the complexity of human tumors.However,3D bioprinted tumor models,which mimic the dynamic interactions between tumor cells and their environment such as immune cells,stroma and blood vessels,offer a more biomimetic platform for studying tumor growth,invasion and metastasis.These models provide a research platform that closely mirrors actual tumor behavior.Additionally,Bioprinted models and scaffolds can be leveraged in personalized precision therapies by efficiently constructing patient-specific 3D models from their own cells.These models enable the prediction of patient's sensitivity to drugs and radiotherapy.Additionally,localized scaffolds can be developed to meet individual patient needs,allowing for the formulation of appropriate drug types and dosages.Furthermore,3D-printed scaffolds can support drug delivery by targeting specific areas,reducing drug-related side effects.They can also be used to facilitate local immunotherapy,cytokine therapy,cancer vaccines,and chimeric antigen receptor cell therapy,enhancing therapeutic outcomes.In tissue engineering,traditional tissue repair methods often struggle to address the complex requirements of constructing intricate tissue structures.3D bioprinting offers a novel solution by enabling the creation of complex tissue architectures and promoting tissue regeneration.Basic tissues,such as bone,cartilage and skin,which have higher regenerative capacities,are gradually being incorporated into clinical practice.Significant progress has also been made in the repair and reconstruction of more complex organs like the liver and heart,though considerable challenges remain before these advancements can be fully translated into clinical applications.Finally,this paper discussed the current challenges and future directions of 3D bioprinting in these fields,aiming to provide reference for researchers.

Objective:To report the results of national surveillance on the distribution and antimicrobial resistance profile of clinical Gram-positive bacteria isolates from bloodstream infections in China in 2022.Methods:The clinical isolates of Gram-positive bacteria from blood cultures in member hospitals of National Bloodstream Infection Bacterial Resistant Investigation Collaborative System（BRICS）were collected during January 2022 to December 2022. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were conducted by agar dilution or broth dilution methods recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute（CLSI）. WHONET 5.6 and SPSS 25.0 software were used to analyze the data.Results:A total of 3 163 strains of Gram-positive pathogens were collected from 51 member units，and the top five bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus（ n=1 147，36.3%），coagulase-negative Staphylococci（ n=928，29.3%）， Enterococcus faecalis（ n=369，11.7%）， Enterococcus faecium（ n=296，9.4%）and alpha-hemolyticus Streptococci（ n=192，6.1%）. The detection rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus（MRSA）and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococci（MRCNS）were 26.4%（303/1 147）and 66.7%（619/928），respectively. No glycopeptide and daptomycin-resistant Staphylococci were detected. The sensitivity rates of Staphylococcus aureus to cefpirome，rifampin，compound sulfamethoxazole，linezolid，minocycline and tigecycline were all >95.0%. Enterococcus faecium was more prevalent than Enterococcus faecalis. The resistance rates of Enterococcus faecium to vancomycin and teicoplanin were both 0.5%（2/369），and no vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium was detected. The detection rate of MRSA in southern China was significantly lower than that in other regions（ χ2=14.578， P=0.002），while the detection rate of MRCNS in northern China was significantly higher than that in other regions（ χ2=15.195， P=0.002）. The detection rates of MRSA and MRCNS in provincial hospitals were higher than those in municipal hospitals（ χ2=13.519 and 12.136， P<0.001）. The detection rates of MRSA and MRCNS in economically more advanced regions（per capita GDP≥92 059 Yuan in 2022）were higher than those in economically less advanced regions（per capita GDP<92 059 Yuan）（ χ2=9.969 and 7.606， P=0.002和0.006）. Conclusions:Among the Gram-positive pathogens causing bloodstream infections in China， Staphylococci is the most common while the MRSA incidence decreases continuously with time；the detection rate of Enterococcus faecium exceeds that of Enterococcus faecalis. The overall prevalence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci is still at a low level. The composition ratio of Gram-positive pathogens and resistant profiles varies slightly across regions of China，with the prevalence of MRSA and MRCNS being more pronounced in provincial hospitals and areas with a per capita GDP≥92 059 yuan.