Background/Aims: Dysregulated cholesterol metabolism is a hallmark of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that drives tumor initiation and progression. However, clinical targeting of cholesterol metabolism has yielded limited benefits due to stringent feedback in tumor cells. Identifying a central mediator capable of restoring cholesterol homeostasis within the cell’s intrinsically fine-tuned regulatory framework is urgently needed. Methods: We integrated a proteomic dataset from patients with cholesterol-dysregulated HCC into a global cholesterol metabolic regulatory network to identify potential therapeutic targets for disrupted cholesterol homeostasis. The prognostic significance of the candidate targets was further validated in an independent cohort through immunohistochemistry. Functional and mechanistic studies were conducted in vitro using HCC cell lines and in vivo using mouse models. The pharmacological efficacy of the candidate agent was evaluated in both subcutaneous and orthotopic HCC mouse models. Results: ER lipid raft-associated 1 (ERLIN1), a pivotal regulator of cholesterol metabolism reprogramming, was identified as an independent favorable prognostic indicator in HCC. ERLIN1 constrains HCC progression both in vitro and in vivo by stabilizing the INSIG1–SCAP–SREBP2 axis and maintaining the metabolic balance of intracellular cholesterol. Under hypoxia, impaired factor-inhibiting hypoxia-1-dependent hydroxylation of ASB11 at asparagine residues 90 and 92 enhances ASB11-mediated ERLIN1 degradation. Pharmacological targeting of this axis using zoledronic acid (ZoA) attenuated HCC progression by weakening the ASB11–ERLIN1 interaction and restoring cholesterol homeostasis. Conclusions ERLIN1 represents a druggable metabolic vulnerability in cholesterol-dysregulated HCC. Targeting the ASB11–ERLIN1 axis with the clinically approved ZoA reestablishes cholesterol homeostasis and offers a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome the current limitations of cholesterol-targeted HCC therapies.

In this study, we employed a combination of genome mining and heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC)-based small molecule accurate recognition technology (SMART) technology to search for fernane-type triterpenoids. Initially, potential endophytic fungi were identified through genome mining. Subsequently, fine fractions containing various fernane-type triterpenoids were selected using HSQC data collection and SMART prediction. These triterpenoids were then obtained through targeted isolation and identification. Finally, their antifungal activity was evaluated. As a result, three fernane-type triterpenoids, including two novel compounds, along with two new sesquiterpenes and four known compounds were isolated from one potential strain, Diaporthe discoidispora. Their structures were elucidated through analysis of high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations were determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and electron capture detector (ECD) analysis. Compound 3 exhibited moderate antifungal activity against Candida albicans CMCC 98001 and Aspergillus niger.
Triterpenes/isolation & purification* ; Antifungal Agents/isolation & purification* ; Molecular Structure ; Candida albicans/drug effects* ; Ascomycota/genetics* ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Aspergillus niger/drug effects* ; Genome, Fungal ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests

Objective:To analyze the effectiveness of different localization methods in colostomy localization among rectal cancer patients with colostomy.Methods:A total of 158 rectal cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic Dixon operation combined with temporary ileostomy from January 2020 to December 2022 at the Peking University Third Hospital were retrospectively selected for the study. Patients were divided into a traditional localization group ( n=86) and a modified localization group ( n=72) based on preoperative colostomy localization methods. The preoperative colostomy localization adoption rate and the incidence of peristoma fecal dermatitis were compared between the two groups. Results:The preoperative colostomy localization adoption rate in modified localization group was higher than that in traditional localization group, and the incidence of peristoma fecal dermatitis was lower than that in traditional localization group, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:The modified rectangular area localization method is accurate for colostomy localization and reduces the risk of colostomy complications in postoperative patients.

Objective:To analyze the effectiveness of different localization methods in colostomy localization among rectal cancer patients with colostomy.Methods:A total of 158 rectal cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic Dixon operation combined with temporary ileostomy from January 2020 to December 2022 at the Peking University Third Hospital were retrospectively selected for the study. Patients were divided into a traditional localization group ( n=86) and a modified localization group ( n=72) based on preoperative colostomy localization methods. The preoperative colostomy localization adoption rate and the incidence of peristoma fecal dermatitis were compared between the two groups. Results:The preoperative colostomy localization adoption rate in modified localization group was higher than that in traditional localization group, and the incidence of peristoma fecal dermatitis was lower than that in traditional localization group, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:The modified rectangular area localization method is accurate for colostomy localization and reduces the risk of colostomy complications in postoperative patients.

Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and imaging manifestations of ovarian collision tumors.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted. The clinical data of 9 patients with ovarian collision tumors diagnosed by surgical pathology and with complete clinical and imaging data from Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital betweenJanuary 2013 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Tumor markers, ultrasound and CT examinations were performed in all patients. Ovarian-adnexal reporting and data system (O-RADS) scoring was used to observe the imaging features of tumors, and to make comparison with clinical features and pathological results.Results:The median age [ M ( Q1, Q3)] of the 9 patients was 42 years (29 years, 64 years); clinical symptoms included lower abdominal pain, suffocation with lumbar drowsiness in 2 cases, vaginal bleeding in 1 case, intermittent malaise and vomiting in 1 case, and asymptomatic in 5 cases; 2 cases had elevated carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), 1 case had elevated carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199), 1 case had elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA199 and CA125, and 1 case had elevated CEA, CA199, and human epitope protein 4 (HE4). O-RADS scoring: 4 cases had 2 points, 2 cases had 3 points, 3 cases had 4 points. CT result showed a large or huge cystic solid lesion, with tumor diameter of 3-25 cm, a smooth edge and a variety of density or signal components in 9 cases. All the 9 cases were composed of germ cell-derived and surface epithelial-derived tumors. Conclusions:The clinical symptoms and imaging manifestations of ovarian collision tumors are non-specific. O-RADS scoring plays a certain role in predicting the nature of ovarian collision tumors. Its pathological types are mostly germ cell-derived tumors and surface epithelial-derived tumors.

Virtual reality technology plays a significant role as a novel distraction method in alleviating pain associated with venous punctures in children. This review explores the application of virtual reality technology in the management of such pain, covering the current state of non-pharmacological management of pain associated with venous punctures in children, an overview of virtual reality technology and its application in managing pain associated with venous punctures in children. The article summarizes the existing shortcomings and looks forward to future developments, aiming to provide a reference for the management of pain associated with venous punctures in children.

Objective:To analyze the abnormal features of brain structure and functional connection (FC) in adolescent female patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and to explore the relationship between brain structure and clinical severity.Method:Eighteen female patients with BPD and 18 healthy controls matched with sex, age and education level aged 12—17 were examined by resting functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The differences of gray matter volume (GMV) and functional connection between the two groups were compared by voxel-based morphometric measurement and functional connection method, and t-test was used to compare the differences between the two groups. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between abnormal brain regions, brain regions with different functional connections and Borderline Symptom List (BSL-23) scores. Result:The GMV of the left inferior temporal gyrus ( t=4.23), the right inferior temporal gyrus ( t=4.85), and the left middle orbital frontal gyrus ( t=4.16) were significantly larger in the BPD group than those in the healthy controls (GRF corrected voxel P<0.005, cluster P<0.05 two-tails). FC decreased in left inferior temporal gyrus and right middle temporal gyrus ( t=-6.20), increased in the left inferior temporal gyrus and the right fusiform gyrus ( t=5.75), the left inferior temporal gyrus and the left inferior parietal marginal angular gyrus ( t=4.38;GRF corrected voxel P<0.005, cluster P<0.05, two-tailed). In the BPD group, the increase in orbital frontal gray matter volume was negatively correlated with the emotional items BSL9 (tension; r=-0.523, P=0.023), BSL14 (rapid emotional changes; r=-0.549, P=0.018), BSL15 (tolerated pain; r=-0.589, P=0.010), BSL17 (vulnerable; r=-0.554, P=0.017), BSL5 (self-injury; r=-0.616, P=0.006) and BSL18 (suicide attraction; r=-0.661, P=0.003) in the BSL-23. Conclusion:There are differences in the GMV of the inferior temporal and the left middle orbital frontal lobe in adolescent female patients with BPD. The FC abnormalities of the left inferior temporal and right middle temporal gyrus, the left inferior temporal gyrus and the right fusiform gyrus, the left inferior temporal gyrus and the left inferior parietal marginal angular gyrus, especially the changes of GMV in the orbital frontal brain structure might participate in the pathological mechanism of emotion regulation injury in patients with BPD.

Objective:To analyze the abnormal features of brain structure and functional connection (FC) in adolescent female patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and to explore the relationship between brain structure and clinical severity.Method:Eighteen female patients with BPD and 18 healthy controls matched with sex, age and education level aged 12—17 were examined by resting functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The differences of gray matter volume (GMV) and functional connection between the two groups were compared by voxel-based morphometric measurement and functional connection method, and t-test was used to compare the differences between the two groups. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between abnormal brain regions, brain regions with different functional connections and Borderline Symptom List (BSL-23) scores. Result:The GMV of the left inferior temporal gyrus ( t=4.23), the right inferior temporal gyrus ( t=4.85), and the left middle orbital frontal gyrus ( t=4.16) were significantly larger in the BPD group than those in the healthy controls (GRF corrected voxel P<0.005, cluster P<0.05 two-tails). FC decreased in left inferior temporal gyrus and right middle temporal gyrus ( t=-6.20), increased in the left inferior temporal gyrus and the right fusiform gyrus ( t=5.75), the left inferior temporal gyrus and the left inferior parietal marginal angular gyrus ( t=4.38;GRF corrected voxel P<0.005, cluster P<0.05, two-tailed). In the BPD group, the increase in orbital frontal gray matter volume was negatively correlated with the emotional items BSL9 (tension; r=-0.523, P=0.023), BSL14 (rapid emotional changes; r=-0.549, P=0.018), BSL15 (tolerated pain; r=-0.589, P=0.010), BSL17 (vulnerable; r=-0.554, P=0.017), BSL5 (self-injury; r=-0.616, P=0.006) and BSL18 (suicide attraction; r=-0.661, P=0.003) in the BSL-23. Conclusion:There are differences in the GMV of the inferior temporal and the left middle orbital frontal lobe in adolescent female patients with BPD. The FC abnormalities of the left inferior temporal and right middle temporal gyrus, the left inferior temporal gyrus and the right fusiform gyrus, the left inferior temporal gyrus and the left inferior parietal marginal angular gyrus, especially the changes of GMV in the orbital frontal brain structure might participate in the pathological mechanism of emotion regulation injury in patients with BPD.

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of serum miRNA-9-5p (miR-9-5p), miRNA-21-5p (miR-21-5p) and miRNA-3923 (miR-3923) in patients with cervical cancer.Methods:The data of 100 cervical cancer patients in Shanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital from July 2016 to June 2018 (the experimental group) and 100 healthy subjects (the healthy control group) during the same period were collected. The real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) combined with probe hybridization was used to detect the expression levels of human papillomavirus (HPV) E6/E7 mRNA in paraffin-embedded tissues of patients with cervical cancer and in cervical exfoliated cells of the healthy control people. Ct value ≤ 40 cycles was considered as HPV E6/E7 positive. Serum samples from 3 patients with cervical cancer and 3 healthy people were taken out; microRNA (miRNA) Array was used to detect the expression level of 384 miRNA; the differential expression of miRNA was screened out and cluster analysis was performed, and then the screened miRNAs was verified by using qRT-PCR. Finally, the receiver operation characteristics (ROC) curves of screened miRNAs alone and HPV E6/E7 alone or the combination of three miRNAs and HPV E6/E7 in the diagnosis of cervical cancer were drawn to make comparison of diagnostic efficacy.Results:Among the paraffin-embedded tissues from 100 patients with cervical cancer, there were 65 cases (65%) HPV E6/E7 positive; in the healthy control group, HPV E6/E7 in cervical exfoliated cells of 100 people was negative. A total of 248 differentially expressed miRNAs were detected from the serum samples in 3 patients with cervical cancer and 3 healthy people. The cluster analysis finally identified 16 abnormally regulated miRNAs. qRT-PCR verification confirmed that differences in the expression levels of miR-9-5p, miR-21-5p and miR-3923 in the healthy control group and cervical cancer group were statistically significant (all P < 0.01), and then the three were selected to make diagnosis of cervical cancer. The expression levels of miR-9-5p, miR-21-5p and miR-3923 in HPV E6/E7 positive cervical cancer group were higher than those in the healthy control group (all P < 0.05), expression levels of miR-21-5p and miR-3923 in HPV E6/E7 negative cervical cancer group were increased ( P = 0.008, P = 0.038); expression levels of the three miRNAs in HPV E6/E7 positive group were higher than those in HPV E6/E7 negative group (all P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of miR-3923 was the biggest (0.843), the specificity was the highest (82%, the cut-off value was 2.88) and the sensitivity of miR-21-5p was the highest (85%, the cut-off value was 4.08) when miR-9-5p, miR-21-5p and miR-3923 were respectively applied to diagnose the cervical cancer; AUC (0.924), the sensitivity and the specificity (85%, 94%; the cut-off value was 4.04) of the combination of the three indicators were higher than those of the single indicator in the diagnosis of cervical cancer. AUC was 0.766 when HPV E6/E7 was kused alone to diagnose. The diagnostic efficacy of HPV E6/E7 combined with miR-9-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-3923 respectively was further improved, the corresponding AUC was 0.914, 0.848, 0.932, respectively; the diagnostic efficacy of the combination of the four indicators was the highest (AUC was 0.942). Conclusion:miR-9-5p, miR-21-5p and miR-3923 may be helpful in the diagnosis of cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of individualized scalp acupuncture base on location of brain function for motor dysfunction in stroke patients.

METHODSA total of 180 patients were randomly assigned into an individualized scalp acupuncture (ISA) group, a conventional scalp acupuncture (CSA) group and a rehabilitation group, 60 cases in each one. In the ISA group, we stimulated Sishencong (EX-HN 1), motor area and balance area, matched with pre-motor area for higher muscle tension, application area and's three-needle for involuntary motion, application area for poor motor coordination, forehead five-needle for cognitive disorder, sensory area for sensory disturbance. In the CSA group, the affected Dingnieqianxiexian (MS 6), Dingniehouxiexian (MS 7) and Zhenxiapangxian (MS 14) were selected. Rehabilitation was used during needle retained in the two groups. Simple rehabilitation was used in the rehabilitation group. All the treatment was given from Monday to Friday for 4 weeks, once a day for 20 times. Eight-week follow-up was applied. The Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) for motor function, modified Barthel Index (MBI) were used to evaluate clinical effect.

RESULTSAfter treatment and at follow-up, FMA and MBI scores increased compared with those before treatment in the three groups（all<0.01）, with significant differences among the three groups (all<0.000 1) and better results in the ISA group compared with those in the other two groups (<0.05,<0.01) at the two time points. The FMA and MBI scores in the CSA group were higher than those in the rehabilitation group after treatment and at follow-up (all<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe individualized scalp acupuncture can improve motor dysfunction and self-care ability of daily life for stroke patients.