Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality, characterized by poor prognosis due to its high proliferative and invasive potential. Tumor metabolic reprogramming, particularly involving glucose metabolism, is essential for tumor survival. This study investigates the role of the Hippo pathway effector transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in regulating gluconeogenesis and promoting tumorigenesis in HCC. Methods: TAZ expression in HCC was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas data and validated in clinical samples and cell lines. TAZ was overexpressed or silenced in HCC cell lines to evaluate its effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. The expression and prognostic relevance of the gluconeogenesis-related genes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC) were examined, along with their correlation with TAZ expression. Tumor growth was assessed in nude mice. Interactions between TAZ and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) were investigated using co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Results: TAZ was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. TAZ overexpression enhanced proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and promoted migration and invasion. In contrast, PCK1 and G6PC were downregulated in HCC and showed a negative correlation with TAZ expression. Conclusion TAZ modulates gluconeogenesis and accelerates tumor growth, whereas its knockdown attenuates tumor progression. TAZ interacts with GR, suppressing its transcriptional activity on gluconeogenic gene promoters.

Objective:To compare the effectiveness of video laryngoscopy and traditional direct laryngoscopy in neonatal endotracheal intubation teaching.Methods:A total of 52 undergraduate clinical interns in the Department of Neonatology at the First Clinical School of Medicine of Zhengzhou University in June 2024 were selected.The participants were randomly divided into a video laryngoscopy group and a traditional direct laryngoscopy group.After the training，skill assessments were conducted.And a questionnaire was used to evaluate whether there were differences in terms of teaching arrangement, teaching methods, classroom interaction, and teachers' attitudes.Results:The skill assessment score of the video laryngoscope group was (72.85 ± 3.36) points, significantly higher than that of the direct laryngoscope group[(65.81 ± 2.80) points], with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). The glottis recognition rate in the video laryngoscope group (88.46%) was higher than that in the direct laryngoscope group (61.54%) ( P<0.05).The intubation success rate in the video laryngoscope group (69.23%) was also higher than that in the direct laryngoscope group (38.7%) ( P<0.05). The results of the teaching satisfaction survey questionnaire showed that the satisfaction ratio for teaching methods in the video laryngoscope group was higher than that in the direct laryngoscope group ( P<0.05), while there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of teaching arrangements, classroom interaction, assessment and evaluation methods, and teacher attitudes ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Using video laryngoscopy for teaching helps interns better master neonatal tracheal intubation skills and is worth promoting.

Objective:To explore the value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio（NLR）in early prediction of retinopathy of prematurity（ROP）.Methods:The medical records of 325 preterm infants with a gestational age <32 weeks who were admitted to the Neonatology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 1,2019 to December 31,2019 were retrospectively reviewed.The complete blood cell results at 7-10 days of age were collected，including white blood cell，neutrophil，lymphocyte，monocyte，and platelet counts.The NLR，lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio（LMR），and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio（PLR）were calculated.Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the risk factors associated with ROP.The receiver operating characteristic curve was performed to evaluate the value of NLR in the early prediction of ROP.Results:A total of 325 infants were involved,including 110（33.8%）with ROP and 215（61.2%）without ROP.The gestational age，birth weight，platelet count，lymphocyte count，and LMR were significantly lower in the ROP group（ P<0.05），whereas the neutrophil count and NLR were found to be significantly higher（ P<0.05）.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that small gestational age，low birth weight,and high NLR were major risk factors for the development of ROP.The sensitivity and specificity of NLR in early predicting ROP were 90.1% and 74.4%，respectively. Conclusion:The NLR at the first week after birth can serve as a simple method for early prediction of the development of ROP.

Objective To evaluate the longitudinal imaging features of coronary artery plaques in elderly male patients with CHD and myocardial bridges and explore the longitudinal changing pat-terns.Methods A total of 117 elderly male CHD patients who underwent two examinations of coronary computed tomography angiography in our medical center from January 2018 to Septem-ber 2023 were enrolled in this study.Then 216 small plaques(0.1-50 mm3 in size)were subjec-ted,and classified into the proximal myocardial bridge group(98 plaques)and other heart part group(118 plaques)according to the site of the plaques.Plaque volume,plaque composition vol-ume,FAI,and CT-derived fraction flow reserve(CT-FFR)were calculated and recorded.Results In the 2 groups of plaques,there were no statistically differences in the plaque length,plaque nec-rotic core volume,and FAI derived from the second examination than the baseline one(P＞0.05).The plaque volume,intra-plaque fibers,and dense calcified volume of plaques in the second exami-nation were significantly greater than those at baseline,and CT-FFR was obviously smaller than the baseline level in both groups(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).In the proximal myocardial bridge group,the intra-plaque fibrofat volume in the second examination was significantly larger than that of baseline,while opposite phenomenon was observed in the plaques of the other heart part group(P＜0.05).The annual changing rates of intraplaque fibrofat volume and FAI were significantly higher in the proximal myocardial bridge group than the other heart part group[0.51％(-0.32％,0.51％)vs 0.02％(-0.46％,0.20％),P=0.046;0.55％(-2.44％,1.76％)vs 0.33％(-1.36％,2.63％),P=0.044].Conclusion In elderly male patients,the intraplaque fibrofat vol-ume,FAI and CT-FFR are more likely to change in the proximal plaques of the left anterior de-scending artery myocardial bridge than the plaques of other parts of heart,so the proximal plaques of the left anterior descending artery need more clinical attention and early intervention.

Objective:To compare the effectiveness of video laryngoscopy and traditional direct laryngoscopy in neonatal endotracheal intubation teaching.Methods:A total of 52 undergraduate clinical interns in the Department of Neonatology at the First Clinical School of Medicine of Zhengzhou University in June 2024 were selected.The participants were randomly divided into a video laryngoscopy group and a traditional direct laryngoscopy group.After the training，skill assessments were conducted.And a questionnaire was used to evaluate whether there were differences in terms of teaching arrangement, teaching methods, classroom interaction, and teachers' attitudes.Results:The skill assessment score of the video laryngoscope group was (72.85 ± 3.36) points, significantly higher than that of the direct laryngoscope group[(65.81 ± 2.80) points], with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). The glottis recognition rate in the video laryngoscope group (88.46%) was higher than that in the direct laryngoscope group (61.54%) ( P<0.05).The intubation success rate in the video laryngoscope group (69.23%) was also higher than that in the direct laryngoscope group (38.7%) ( P<0.05). The results of the teaching satisfaction survey questionnaire showed that the satisfaction ratio for teaching methods in the video laryngoscope group was higher than that in the direct laryngoscope group ( P<0.05), while there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of teaching arrangements, classroom interaction, assessment and evaluation methods, and teacher attitudes ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Using video laryngoscopy for teaching helps interns better master neonatal tracheal intubation skills and is worth promoting.

Objective:To explore the value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio（NLR）in early prediction of retinopathy of prematurity（ROP）.Methods:The medical records of 325 preterm infants with a gestational age <32 weeks who were admitted to the Neonatology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 1,2019 to December 31,2019 were retrospectively reviewed.The complete blood cell results at 7-10 days of age were collected，including white blood cell，neutrophil，lymphocyte，monocyte，and platelet counts.The NLR，lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio（LMR），and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio（PLR）were calculated.Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the risk factors associated with ROP.The receiver operating characteristic curve was performed to evaluate the value of NLR in the early prediction of ROP.Results:A total of 325 infants were involved,including 110（33.8%）with ROP and 215（61.2%）without ROP.The gestational age，birth weight，platelet count，lymphocyte count，and LMR were significantly lower in the ROP group（ P<0.05），whereas the neutrophil count and NLR were found to be significantly higher（ P<0.05）.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that small gestational age，low birth weight,and high NLR were major risk factors for the development of ROP.The sensitivity and specificity of NLR in early predicting ROP were 90.1% and 74.4%，respectively. Conclusion:The NLR at the first week after birth can serve as a simple method for early prediction of the development of ROP.

Objective:To investigate factors influencing frequent episodes (≥ 4 episodes within 1 year) in children with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in China.Methods:A national multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients under the age of 18 years diagnosed with moderate-to-severe AD were enrolled at dermatology clinics in 18 medical institutions across 12 provinces and municipalities in China between June 12 and August 8, 2023. At the time of the visit, their guardians completed a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, clinical features of AD, personal and family history, factors associated with frequent episodes of moderate-to-severe AD, compliance with treatment, and disease awareness. Statistical analyses included t tests, one-way analysis of variance, rank-sum tests, and chi-square tests, with multiple-response analysis applied for multiple-choice questions. Results:A total of 965 valid questionnaires were collected, and 965 children with moderate-to-severe AD were included. Among them, there were 531 males and 434 females, 678 (70.3%) were aged 2 - < 12 years, 837 (86.7%) were from urban areas, the age at onset was 2.47 ± 3.03 years, and the median frequency of AD episodes in the past year was 4 times. These children were divided into 2 groups based on the median episode frequency: < 4-episode group (439 cases, 45.5%) and ≥ 4-episode group (526 cases, 54.5%). Compared with the < 4-episode group, children in the ≥ 4-episode group showed younger ages at onset (2.22 ± 2.98 years vs. 2.76 ± 3.06 years, P = 0.006) and higher proportions of patients with comorbid allergic diseases in both the children themselves (82.9% [436/526] vs. 69.7% [306/439], χ2 = 23.42, P < 0.001) and their relatives (66.0% [347/526] vs. 57.4% [252/439], χ2 = 7.46, P = 0.006). Children in the ≥ 4- episode group also had higher monthly usage of moisturizers (150 [30, 300] g vs. 60 [6, 200] g) and daily frequency of moisturizer use, greater disease awareness, but more severe fear of medication use (all P < 0.05). The region and the human development index level were both significantly associated with the episode frequency (both P < 0.001), with the highest proportion of children from South China in the ≥ 4- episode group (36.3%, 191/526). Children in the ≥ 4-episode group also had a longer duration of topical glucocorticoid use than those in the < 4-episode group ( Z = -2.21, P = 0.027). External triggers associated with AD episodes mainly included heat exposure (50.36%, 486/965), hot water bathing (40.73%, 393/965), seafood (23.52%, 227/965), and dust mites (33.37%, 322/965) . Conclusion:In children with moderate-to-severe AD in China, factors influencing frequent episodes may include residence in southern or economically developed regions, earlier age at onset, having a personal or family history of allergic diseases, and fear of medication use.

Cardiovascular diseases and psychological disorders represent two major threats to human physical and mental health. Research on electrocardiogram (ECG) signals offers valuable opportunities to address these issues. However, existing methods are constrained by limitations in understanding ECG features and transferring knowledge across tasks. To address these challenges, this study developed a multi-resolution feature encoding network based on residual networks, which effectively extracted local morphological features and global rhythm features of ECG signals, thereby enhancing feature representation. Furthermore, a model compression-based continual learning method was proposed, enabling the structured transfer of knowledge from simpler tasks to more complex ones, resulting in improved performance in downstream tasks. The multi-resolution learning model demonstrated superior or comparable performance to state-of-the-art algorithms across five datasets, including tasks such as ECG QRS complex detection, arrhythmia classification, and emotion classification. The continual learning method achieved significant improvements over conventional training approaches in cross-domain, cross-task, and incremental data scenarios. These results highlight the potential of the proposed method for effective cross-task knowledge transfer in ECG analysis and offer a new perspective for multi-task learning using ECG signals.
Humans ; Electrocardiography/methods* ; Mental Health ; Algorithms ; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Machine Learning ; Arrhythmias, Cardiac/diagnosis* ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Neural Networks, Computer ; Mental Disorders

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, and its pathogenesis is largely modulated by abnormal angiogenesis. Previous research has indicated that AlkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5), an important demethylase affecting N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) modification, plays a role in regulating angiogenesis in cardiovascular and eye diseases. Our present study found that ALKBH5 was upregulated and co-localized with cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) in the skin of IMQ group compared with control group. ALKBH5-deficient mice decreased IMQ-induced psoriatic dermatitis and exhibited histological improvements, including decreased epidermal thickness, hyperkeratosis, numbers of dermal capillary vessels and inflammatory cell infiltration. ALKBH5-KO mice alleviated angiogenesis in psoriatic lesions by downregulating the protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Additionally, the expression of ALKBH5 was significantly upregulated in IL-17A-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), which further promoted the expression of angiogenesis-related cytokines and endothelial cell proliferation. Cell proliferation and angiogenesis were suppressed in ALKBH5 knockdown group, whereas ALKBH5 overexpression promoted these processes. The regulation of angiogenesis in HUVECs by ALKBH5 was facilitated through the AKT-mTOR pathway. Collectively, ALKBH5 plays a pivotal role in psoriatic dermatitis and angiogenesis, which may offer a new potential targets for treating psoriasis.
Animals ; Psoriasis/chemically induced* ; Mice ; Humans ; Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics* ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/metabolism* ; AlkB Homolog 5, RNA Demethylase/genetics* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism* ; Cell Proliferation ; Mice, Knockout ; Disease Models, Animal ; Signal Transduction ; Male ; Skin/blood supply* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Angiogenesis