Objective To explore the application of plasma 7 microRNA (miR7) testing in the differential diagnosis of very early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods This study is a multicenter real-world study. Patients with single hepatic lesion (maximum diameter≤2 cm) who underwent plasma miR7 testing at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Anhui Provincial Hospital, and Peking University People’s Hospital between January 2019 and December 2024 were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into very early-stage HCC group and non-HCC group, and the clinical pathological characteristics of the two groups were compared. The value of plasma miR7 levels, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) in the differential diagnosis of very early-stage HCC was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC). In patients with both negative AFP and DCP (AFP＜20 ng/mL, DCP＜40 mAU/mL), the diagnostic value of plasma miR7 for very early-stage HCC was analyzed. Results A total of 64 528 patients from 4 hospitals underwent miR7 testing, and 1 682 were finally included, of which 1 073 were diagnosed with very early-stage HCC and 609 were diagnosed with non-HCC. The positive rate of miR7 in HCC patients was significantly higher than that in non-HCC patients (67.9% vs 24.3%, P＜0.001). ROC curves showed that the AUCs for miR7, AFP, and DCP in distinguishing HCC patients from the non-HCC individuals were 0.718, 0.682, and 0.642, respectively. The sensitivities were 67.85%, 43.71%, and 44.45%, and the specificities were 75.70%, 92.78%, and 83.91%, respectively. The pairwise comparison of AUCs showed that the diagnostic efficacy of plasma miR7 detection was significantly better than that of AFP or DCP (P＜0.05). Although its specificity was slightly lower than AFP and DCP, the sensitivity was significantly higher. Among patients negative for both AFP and DCP, miR7 maintained an AUC of 0.728 for diagnosing very early-stage HCC, with 67.82% sensitivity and 77.73% specificity. Conclusions Plasma miR7 testing is a potential molecular marker with high sensitivity and specificity for the differential diagnosis of small hepatic nodules. In patients with very early-stage HCC lacking effective molecular markers (negative for both AFP and DCP), miR7 can serve as a novel and effective molecular marker to assist diagnosis.

Aim To explore the effect of CXCL7/CX-CR2 axis on obesity-related cognitive dysfunction at both animal and cellular levels.Methods The novel object recognition test was performed to assess the cog-nition.After the preparation of the frozen sections,the activation of microglia and astrocytes in hippocampi and the level of PSD95 were determined by immunoflu-orescence staining.The content of CXCL7 in hipp-ocampi was determined by enzymelinked immunosor-bent assay.The dendritic spine density of hippocampal neurons was observed by Golgi staining.Furthermore,HT22 cells were treated with the recombinant mouse CXCL7 and/or si-RNA targeting CXCR2.After the treatment,the levels of CXCL7 and PSD95 were ob-served by immunocytochemistry staining.Results Compared with animals in the control group,there was significantly decreased discrimination index,increased activation of microglia and astrocytes,decreased con-tent of PSD95,decreased density of dendritic spine,and increased content of CXCL7 in hippocampi in the DIO group.Compared with animals in the DIO group,there were significantly increased discrimination index in the AWL group.In HT22 cells,the level of PSD95 significantly decreased in the Ctrl+CXCL7 group com-pared with the control group.This decrease was attenu-ated in the si-CXCR2+CXCL7 group compared with the Ctrl+CXCL7 group.Conclusion Chronic high-fat diet induces neuroinflammation and subsequently induces cognitive dysfunction,which may be related to the synaptic plasticity mediated by the CXCL7/CXCR2 axis.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)is the most prevalent chronic liver disease globally,with only one Food and Drug Administration(FDA)-approved drug for its treatment.Given MASLD's complex pathophysiology,ther-apies that simultaneously target multiple pathways are highly desirable.One promising approach is dual-modulation of the famesoid X receptor(FXR),which regulates lipid and bile acid metabolism.However,FXR agonists alone are insufficient due to their limited anti-inflammatory effects.This study aimed to dto identify natural products capable of both FXR activation and inflammation inhibition to provide a comprehensive therapeutic approach for MASLD.Potential FXR ligands from the Natural Product Library were predicted via virtual screening using the Protein Preparation Wizard module in Schrodinger(2018)for molecular docking.Direct binding and regulation of candidate compounds on FXR were analyzed using surface plasmon resonance(SPR)binding assay,reporter gene ana-lysis,and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).The anti-inflammatory properties of these compounds were eval-uated in AML12 cells treated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α).Dual-function compounds with FXR agonism and inflamma-tion inhibition were further identified in cells transfected with Fxr siRNA and treated with TNF-α.The effects of these dual-function compounds on lipid accumulation and inflammation were evaluated in cells treated with palmitic acid.Results revealed that 17 natural products were predicted via computational molecular docking as potential FXR agonists,with 15 exhibiting a strong affinity for FXR recombinant protein.Nine isoflavone compounds significantly enhanced FXR reporter luciferase activity and the mRNA expressions of Shp and Ostb.Structure-activity relationship analysis indicated that introducing isopropyl or methoxy groups at the C7 position or a methoxy group at the C6 position could enhance the agonistic efficacy of isoflavones.Three compounds(2,6,and 8)were identified as dual-function natural products functioning as FXR agonists and inflammatory inhibitors,while one compound(12)acted as an FXR agonist to inhibit inflammation.These natural products protected hepatocytes against palmitic acid-induced lipid accumulation and in-flammation.In conclusion,compounds 2,6,and 8(genistein,biochanin A,and 7-methoxyisoflavone,respectively)were identified as dual-function bioactive products that transactivate FXR and inhibit inflammation,serving as potential candidates or lead compounds for MASLD therapy.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of epilepsy in patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO) and the effect of PFO closure on seizures. Patients diagnosed with PFO were recruited and underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging, electrocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, and transthoracic echocardiography with right ventriculography. In patients with epilepsy, electroencephalography was performed. A total of 110 patients completed the assessment. A chief complaint of chest tightness or palpitations was proportionately higher in patients aged<18 years, whereas headaches and seizures were higher in patients aged≥18 years ( χ2=4.69 ,P<0.05). Comorbid epilepsy was observed in 20.9% of patients with PFO. The age at admission in the epileptic group (14-66(27±14)years) was significantly lower than that in the non-epileptic group (16-81(38±21)years) and that in patients with headache as the chief complaint (16-68(39±12)years) ( t=3.29, P<0.05). The multivariate analysis found no risk factors related to the prognosis of epilepsy. The incidence of epilepsy was significantly higher in patients with PFO than in the general population.

Objective To compare the clinical outcomes between oblique lumbar interbody fusion(OLIF)and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(TLIF)for patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis during 2-year follow-ups.Methods Patients with symptomatic degenerative spondylolisthesis who underwent OLIF(46 cases)and TLIF(45 cases)between July 2017 and September 2020 with 2-year follow-ups were retrospectively reviewed.One level or two-level lumbar fusion were included.The primary outcomes were Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)and Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)at 2 years after surgery.The secondary outcomes included radiographic parameters,fusion rate,cage subsidence rate,and permanent nerve injury rate.Results No significantly different changes were noted in VAS-back[2(2,3)vs.2(2,2),P=0.943],VAS-leg[2(2,2)vs.2(2,2),P=0.988],and ODI[17％(10％,22％)vs.14％(10％,22％),P=0.417]between the OLIF group and the TLIF group,respectively.Greater restoration of disc height and segmental lordosis were obtained in the OLIF group[mean,(11.9±1.5)mm and 15.7°±7.2°]than in the TLIF group[mean,(9.2±2.0)mm and 12.5°±5.9°]at postoperative 2-year(P＜0.001 and P=0.029).The subsidence rate was lower in the OLIF group than in the TLIF group[19.6％(9/46)vs.40.0％(16/40),P=0.037].The fusion rates at postoperative 2-year were 93.5％(43/46)in the OLIF group and 87.5％(35/40)in the TLIF group,having no significant difference(P=0.562).The rates of permanent nerve injury were similar between the two groups[4.3％(2/46)vs.6.7％(3/45),P=0.980]at postoperative 2-year.Conclusion Short segment OLIF doesn't show better clinical outcomes and fusion rate than TLIF for degenerative spondylolisthesis,except for greater disc height restoration,greater segmental lordosis,and lower subsidence rate at postoperative 2-year.

Objective To analyze the bed utilization efficiency of various clinical departments in a public hospital and provide reference for the rational allocation of departmental bed resources.Methods Based on the data from a tertiary specialized hospital in 2022,traditional bed efficiency indicators were used as the basis.The Case Mix Index(CMI)was introduced for ad-justment,and the reasonable range of beds for each department was calculated.Data Envelopment Analysis(DEA)was em-ployed to comprehensively evaluate the input-output efficiency of each clinical department and determine the direction for optimi-zing bed allocation.Results Among the 39 departments included in the study,10 departments had inappropriate bed settings.Among them,5 departments needed additional beds,while 5 departments needed to reduce the number of beds.Conclusion By adjusting the bed efficiency indicators using CMI and combining the DEA method,hospitals can obtain a scientific basis for dy-namically adjusting the number of beds in clinical departments.Hospitals should make rational use of bed resources and scientifi-cally plan departmental beds.

The working principle of TMC BC ROBO 6 intelligent blood collection system was described in brief.The causes of three faults during daily operation of the system were analyzed,and the countermeasures were put forward accordingly.References were provided for clinical engineers to treat similar faults.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(6):113-116]

Non-communicable diseases(NCDs),including cardiovascular diseases,cancer,metabolic diseases,and skeletal diseases,pose significant challenges to public health worldwide.The complex pathogenesis of these diseases is closely linked to oxidative stress and inflammatory damage.Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2),a critical transcription factor,plays an important role in regulating antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses to protect the cells from oxidative damage and inflammation-mediated injury.Therefore,Nrf2-targeting therapies hold promise for preventing and treating NCDs.Quercetin(Que)is a widely available flavonoid that has significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.It modulates the Nrf2 signaling pathway to ameliorate oxidative stress and inflammation.Que modulates mitochondrial function,apoptosis,autophagy,and cell damage biomarkers to regulate oxidative stress and inflammation,highlighting its efficacy as a therapeutic agent against NCDs.Here,we discussed,for the first time,the close association between NCD pathogenesis and the Nrf2 signaling pathway,involved in neurodegenerative diseases(NDDs),cardiovascular disease,cancers,organ damage,and bone damage.Furthermore,we reviewed the availability,pharmacokinetics,pharmaceutics,and therapeutic applica-tions of Que in treating NCDs.In addition,we focused on the challenges and prospects for its clinical use.Que represents a promising candidate for the treatment of NCDs due to its Nrf2-targeting properties.

NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is a flavin protease highly expressed in various cancer cells. NQO1 catalyzes a futile redox cycle in substrates, leading to substantial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. This ROS generation results in extensive DNA damage and elevated poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1)-mediated consumption of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺), ultimately causing cell death. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), the rate-limiting enzyme in the NAD⁺ salvage synthesis pathway, emerges as a critical target in cancer therapy. The concurrent inhibition of NQO1 and NAMPT triggers hyperactivation of PARP1 and intensive NAD⁺ depletion. In this study, we designed, synthesized, and assessed a novel series of proqodine A derivatives targeting both NQO1 and NAMPT. Among these, compound T8 demonstrated potent antitumor properties. Specifically, T8 selectively inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 cells and induced apoptosis through mechanisms dependent on both NQO1 and NAMPT. This discovery offers a promising new molecular entity for advancing anticancer research.
Humans ; NAD/metabolism* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Nicotinamide Phosphoribosyltransferase/metabolism* ; Cytokines/metabolism* ; Quinones ; Oxidoreductases

ObjectiveTo investigate the incidence of hypertension and its influencing factors in community-dwellers at risk for high blood pressure in Minhang District of Shanghai， and to provide scientific evidence for the community management. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted using the electronic health records of community-dwellers at risk for high blood pressure in Minhang District， Shanghai from January 1， 2011 to December 31， 2017. The study end-point was the occurrence of hypertension，and the followup was finished in December 2021. A total of 17 265 community-dwellers at risk for high blood pressure were enrolled in our study. Log-rank test and Cox regression analysis were used to determine the influencing factors. ResultsAfter 6.04 years of follow-up， the hypertension incidence among community-dwellers at risk for high blood pressure in Minhang District of Shanghai was 25.5%. Family history of hypertension （HR=1.250， 95%CI： 1.168‒1.338）， family history of stroke （HR=1.295， 95%CI： 1.080‒1.553）， history of diabetes （HR=1.203， 95%CI： 1.076‒1.345）， daily smoking （HR=1.187， 95%CI： 1.087‒1.296）， overweight （HR=1.393， 95%CI：1.308‒1.484）， obesity（HR=1.903， 95%CI： 1.719‒2.106）， high values of normal blood pressure （HR=1.275， 95%CI： 1.195‒1.359） and advanced age （HR=1.033， 95%CI： 1.030‒1.036） were all risk factors. Emaciation （HR=0.649， 95%CI： 0.500‒0.840） was a protective factors. ConclusionBlood pressure monitoring should be strengthened for people elderly， with family history of hypertension， family history of stroke， diabetes or high values of normal blood pressure， so as to diagnose hypertension early. Timely intervention measures should be taken for community-dwellers with unhealthy lifestyles such as smoking， overweight and obesity.