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.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for novel preventive and therapeutic strategies. Emerging research highlights the crucial role of the gut microbiota, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and their metabolites, in the pathogenesis of CRC. Dysbiosis, characterized by an imbalance in microbial composition, contributes to tumorigenesis through immune modulation, metabolic reprogramming, and genotoxicity. Specific bacterial species, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum and enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis , along with fungal agents like Candida species, have been implicated in CRC progression. Moreover, viral factors, including Epstein-Barr virus and human cytomegalovirus, are increasingly recognized for their roles in promoting inflammation and immune evasion. This review synthesizes the latest evidence on host-microbiome interactions in CRC, emphasizing microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids and bile acids, which may act as both risk factors and therapeutic agents. We further discuss the latest advances in microbiota-targeted clinical applications, including biomarker-assisted diagnosis, next-generation probiotics, and microbiome-based interventions. A deeper understanding of the role of gut microbiome in CRC pathogenesis could pave the way for diagnostic, preventive, and personalized therapeutic strategies.
Humans ; Dysbiosis/microbiology* ; Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology* ; Animals

Objective To observe the value of multi-task improved nnU-Net model based on enhanced CT for segmenting primary oral cancer and predicting patients'relapse free survival(RFS).Methods Enhanced CT data of 186 cases of primary oral cancer were retrospectively analyzed,and a multi-task improved nnU-Net model was constructed for tumor segmentation and survival prediction tasks.Pre-training of tumor segmentation was completed with nnU-Net as the baseline network,and the accuracy of recognizing and segmenting tumor was improved by enhancing the decoder through the modified skip connection.Then univariable and multivariable regression analyses were used to select clinical features closely associated with RFS.Radiomics and deep learning features were also extracted to construct a survival prediction model,with fine-tuning of the above model.The training set,validation set and test set were divided at a ratio of 7∶2∶1.Dice similarity coefficient(DSC)was used to evaluate the segmentation performance of the modified model,and the consistency index C-index was used to verify the performance of the improved model for predicting RFS.Results DSC of the multi-task improved nnU-Net model(0.78)for segmenting primary oral cancer was superior to that of 3D Inception ResNet(0.65),3D InceptSENet(0.75)and 3D U-Net models(0.69),respectively,its C-index for predicting RFS(0.798)was higher than that of Cox regression model(0.744),ICARE model(0.761),random forest model(0.744),DeepSurv model(0.735),nnU-Net model(0.760)and radiology+nnU-Net model(0.744),respectively.DSC for segmenting primary oral cancer and C-index for predicting RFS of multi-task improved nnU-Net model were both superior to those of simple baseline network(0.653 and 0.649),baseline network+multi-scale convolution fusion(0.755 and 0.752),as well as baseline network combined with clinical features(0.764 and 0.759),radiomics features(0.770 and 0.764)and clinical+radiomics features(0.773 and 0.761),respectively.Conclusion Multi-task improved nnU-Net model could be used to effectively improve the accuracy of tumor segmentation and predicting patients'RFS.

Objective:To explore and demonstrate the effect of general-specialty hierarchical management mode for chronic heart failure (CHF) in community.Methods:This was a single-blind, randomized, controlled study. A total of 530 CHF inpatients who attended Weifang Community Health Service Center (WCHSC) in Pudong New Area from February 2018 to September 2019 were consecutively enrolled. A random number table method was used to divide the patients into the management group ( n=265) and control group ( n=265). The demographic data and past medical history were collected 1 day before enrolment (baseline), and patients were assessed for New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac function classification and tested for blood N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide proteins (NT-proBNP) levels, while Doppler echocardiography was performed to obtain the relevant indexes. The management group used a comprehensive management mode, co-delivered by both WCHSC (offering primary care) and RHSJUSM (offering specialty care) at Renji-Weifang CHF Studio in WCHSC , using the jointly developed CHF hierarchical CHF diagnosis and treatment criteria and referral procedure under the condition of sharing drugs and laboratory test results for CHF. The control group received routine heart failure care. Intergroup comparisons were made on baseline data obtained before follow-up and on NT-proBNP , left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), NYHA functional class , re-hospitalization rate and mortality rate at the end of the 6-month follow-up. Results:A total of 506 cases completed the follow-up. There were 253 patients in the management group, aged (68.26±9.41) years, 117 males (46.2%); 253 were in the control group, aged (66.98±9.63) years, 115 males (45.5%). There were no statistically significant differences in age, sex, marital status, education level, and comorbidities between the two groups (all P>0.05). At baseline, the differences in LVEF and NT-proBNP between the two groups were not statistically significant (all P>0.05), and at 6 months of intervention, LVEF, and NT-proBNP had significantly improved in both groups (all P<0.05) . Moreover, LVEF was higher in the management group than in the control group, and NT-proBNP was lower than in the control group (both P<0.01). At baseline, there were 166 cases (65.6%) in the control group with NYHA class Ⅲ/Ⅳ, and 145 cases (57.3%) in the comprehensive management group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05). At 6 months of intervention, the percentage of NYHA class Ⅲ/Ⅳ patients in the comprehensive management group was lower than at baseline ( P<0.01),while that in the control group was higher than at baseline ( P<0.01), and the comprehensive management group was lower than that in the control group ( P<0.01). During the follow-up period, the rehospitalization rate for CHF in the management group was 13.83%(35/253), which was lower than that in the control group, which was 26.88%(68/253) ( P<0.001). Conclusion:The comprehensive management mode of CHF in the community through collaboration between general and specialized departments can significantly improve the management effect, suggesting that this mode is effective and can be promoted.

Tianxiangdan (TXD), a traditional Chinese herbal remedy, demonstrates efficacy in mitigating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced damage. This study employed network pharmacology to evaluate the therapeutic targets and mechanisms of TXD in treating I/R. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) identified 86 compounds in TXD. Network pharmacological analysis predicted potential target genes and their modes of action. Cardiac function, ischaemic ST changes, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, myocardial fiber, and infarct size were assessed using in vivo and in vitro I/R injury models. Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) protein expression and estradiol (E2) levels were measured to confirm TXD's impact on estrogen levels and ERα expression. To examine if TXD reduces I/R injury through ERα, an AZD group (300 nmol·L^-1 AZD9496 and 15% TXD serum) was compared to a TXD group (15% TXD serum). The study hypothesized that TXD upregulates the ERα-mediated iron metamorphosis pathway. I/R injury-induced ferroptosis was identified using a Fer-1 group (1.0 μmol·L^-1 Fer-1 and 15% TXD serum) to elucidate the potential association between ferroptosis and ERα proteins. A DCFH-DA probe detected reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Fe²⁺, while Western blotting assessed target protein expression. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that TXD attenuated I/R injury by reducing elevated ST-segment levels, improving cardiac injury biomarkers (LDH, MDA, and SOD), alleviating pathological features, and preventing I/R-induced loss of cell viability in vitro. The effects and mechanisms of TXD on I/R injury-associated ferroptosis were investigated using I/R-induced H9c2 cells. The TXD group showed significantly decreased ROS and Fe²⁺ levels, while the AZ group (treated with AZD9496) exhibited increased levels. The TXD group demonstrated enhanced expression of ERα and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), with reduced levels of P53 protein and ferritin-heavy polypeptide 1 (FTH1). The AZ group exhibited contrasting effects on these expression levels. The literature indicated a novel connection between ERα and ferroptosis. TXD activates the ERα signaling pathway, promoting protection against I/R-induced myocardial cell ferroptosis. This study provides evidence supporting TXD use for myocardial ischemia treatment, particularly in older female patients who may benefit from its therapeutic outcomes.
Animals ; Ferroptosis/drug effects* ; Estrogen Receptor alpha/genetics* ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Male ; Mice ; Humans ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Estradiol/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE To explore the clinical characteristics of Tropheryma whipplei(TW)infection and observe the application of pathogenic metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS)in diagnosis of TW infection.METHODS The clinical data were collected from 1 patient who was diagnosed by mNGS in the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University on Apr.9,2022.The data including the results of laboratory tests and treatment out-comes were summarized,and a literature review was conducted.RESULTS A 50-year-old woman presented to the hospital with chest tightness and chest pain lasting for 3 days,accompanied by dyspnea,palpitations,and expec-toration.The chest plain CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)scan suggested a high probability of pul-monary infection.Normal flora were isolated by culture of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF);TW and human βherpes virus type 7 were detected in BALF by mNGS,with the sequence numbers 327 000 and 9,respectively.The pulmonary symptoms of the patient were improved after joint treatment of the infection with etimicin,levo-floxacin and minocycline.The patient repeatedly sought for medical treatment due to the pain of shoulder joint and limitation of motion.CONCLUSIONS TW is one of major pathogens leading to the infections of systemic multiple systems,and it is necessary to attach great importance to the diagnosis and treatment.The traditional laboratory test method can not achieve ideal diagnosis effect and is more likely to make a missed diagnosis.mNGS is more ac-curate and more efficient than the traditional detection method in diagnosis of TW-induced diseases.Early use of mNGS can make a rapid identification of pathogens and facilitate the reasonable clinical use of antibiotics.It is of great significance for control of the disease progression,improvement of prognosis and prevention of recurrence.

Objective:To evaluate the impact of roxadustat on thyroid function and to identify the associated factors in patients undergoing maintenance peritoneal dialysis (PD).Methods:This study was a single-center retrospective study. PD patients who received roxadustat or recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) treatment at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital between January 2020 and June 2024 were included. The general and clinical information as well as laboratory indexes were collected. Serum free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were compared before and after treatment initiation. Hemoglobin (Hb) responses were also observed between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the factors associated with thyroid function changes.Results:A total of 120 patients were enrolled, with an age of (55.17±16.42) years, including 66 males (55.0%). There were 81 patients received roxadustat (roxadustat group) and 39 patiens received rHuEPO (rHuEPO group). Compared to the rHuEPO group, the roxadustat group had a higher proportion of patients with diabetes ( χ 2= 4.172, P=0.041), a shorter PD vintage ( Z=-3.406, P=0.002), a lower serum level of total cholesterol ( Z=-2.082, P=0.037) and a lower level of fasting blood glucose ( Z=-2.589, P=0.010). Following treatment with roxadustat, the levels of FT4 ( Z=-5.349, P<0.01) and TSH ( Z=-3.720, P<0.01) decreased significantly. In contrast, no significant changes in FT4 or TSH levels were observed in the rHuEPO group (both P>0.05). For both roxadustat and rHuEPO groups, there were no significant changes in FT3 levels after treatment (both P>0.05). Multivariate analysis identified that higher baseline TSH (TSH≥2.27 μIU/ml, OR=1.581, 95% CI 1.196-2.089, P=0.001) and roxadustat exposure ( OR=3.432, 95% CI 1.410-8.355, P=0.007) as independent associated factors of subsequent TSH decline, and identified that higher baseline FT4 (FT4≥14.9 pmol/L, OR=1.390, 95% CI 1.162-1.662, P=0.001) and roxadustat exposure ( OR=5.798, 95% CI 2.225-15.113, P=0.001) as independent associated factors of subsequent FT4 decline. The degrees of hemoglobin changes after roxadustat or rHuEPO treatment did not differ significantly between roxadustat group and rHuEPO group ( t=-1.062, P=0.290). Of the 31 patients who underwent a second thyroid function test during roxadustat treatment, 24 continued with the original regimen, while 7 discontinued roxadustat. Among 24 patients who maintained roxadustat treatment, TSH ( Z=-0.400, P=0.689) and FT4 ( t=0.143, P=0.888) remained stable between the second and third tests. All 7 patients who discontinued roxadustat treatment showed TSH rebound and the changes of TSH levels were more significant than that in continuers ( Z=-2.505, P=0.012). FT4 recovery occurred in only 3 of them, with no significant difference in FT4 change between discontinuers and continuers ( Z=-0.685, P=0.493). Conclusions:Roxadustat commonly suppresses TSH and FT4, but not FT3, in PD patients. Baseline levels of TSH and FT4 are key associated factors of the inhibitory effect of roxadustat on thyroid function. This suppression does not intensify with prolonged exposure and is reversible after discontinuation, with TSH levels normalizing more quickly than FT4. Roxadustat-induced thyroid suppression does not compromise its efficacy in treating renal anemia.

Objective To investigate the relationship between calcium-sensing receptor(CaSR)gene rs17251221,rs60388563 loci polymorphisms and the genetic susceptibility of breast cancer(BC).Methods A total of 122 patients with breast cancer admitted to Hengshui Second People's Hospital from January 2022 to June 2024 were selected as the BC group,and 100 healthy women without blood relationship at the same time were selected as the control group.The polymorphisms of CaSR gene rs17251221,rs60388563 loci were detected by polymerase chain reaction(PCR).The clinical data,genotype distribution and allele frequency were compared between the two groups.Non-conditional Logistic regression model was used to analyze the correlation between CaSR gene polymorphism and genetic susceptibility of BC patients.Results Comparing the general data of the two group,the proportion of family history of cancer in the BC group was significantly higher than that in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(t=12.246,P<0.05).The genotype distribution of CaSR gene rs17251221 and rs60388563 loci in the control group and the BC group was consistent with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium law(χ2=0.087～1.202,P＞0.05),which was representative of the population.Under the co-dominant model of rs17251221 and rs60388563 loci,the risk of BC in GG genotype was significantly increased(OR=1.493,95%CI=1.070～2.108;OR=1.483,95%CI=1.034～2.121).Under the dominant model(AA vs GA+GG)and recessive model(GG vs GA+AA),the rs17251221 locus carrying G allele(OR=1.371,95%CI=1.023～1.824)and A allele(OR=0.524,95%CI=0.221～0.926)was significantly associated with the risk of BC(P<0.05).Under the dominant model(CC vs GC+GG)and recessive model(GG vs GC+CC),the rs60388563 locus carrying G allele(OR=1.245,95%CI=1.107～1.461)and C allele(OR=0.682,95%CI=0.523～0.974)was significantly associated with the risk of BC(P<0.05).Conclusion The rs17251221,rs60388563 loci polymorphisms of CaSR gene are closely related to BC susceptibility,and the risk of BC is high in individuals carrying G allele.

Objective To explore the clinical features,treatment and prognosis of traumatic subdural effusion(TSE)in infants.Methods Data of 51 cases of traumatic subdural effusion in infants admitted to the single center of Dalian Women and Children Medical Center(Group)from February 2013 to February 2020 were retrospectively analyzed,and their clinical manifestations,imaging features,treatment methods and prognosis were summarized and analyzed.Results Fifty-one cases(26 males and 25 females),ranging in age from 1 month to 3 years old of traumatic subdural effusion in infants were reviewed in our hospital,all cases were confirmed by Computed Tomography(CT)examination.31 cases were treated conservatively,29 cases were cured,and 2 cases were treated surgically due to poor conservative treatment.Surgical treatment was performed in 22 cases(including 2 cases who received surgical treatment due to poor conservative treatment).One patient underwent puncture and continuous drainage at the lateral Angle of the anterior fontanelle and was cured.Twenty-one cases underwent cranial drilling,subdural space catheterization for external drainage,and 17 cases(80.95％,17/21)were cured at one time.There were 4 cases(19.05％,4/21)of recurrence after external drainage with catheterization.Two cases were cured by external drainage with Ommaya capsule insertion and intermittent aspiration and fluid drainage.It was changed to subdural peritoneal shunt surgery,and 2 cases were cured after the operation.There was no surgical infection or death in all the children in the group.The median follow-up time ranged from 3 months to 60 months,and the conditions were all stable.Conclusion Traumatic subdural effusion is a common complication after craniocerebral injury in infants and young children.Due to its lack of self-expression,the hidden condition is often ignored.Moreover,the brain tissue of infants and young children is in the growth and development stage,which will affect the development of brain tissue after its onset.

Objective To explore the clinical features,treatment and prognosis of traumatic subdural effusion(TSE)in infants.Methods Data of 51 cases of traumatic subdural effusion in infants admitted to the single center of Dalian Women and Children Medical Center(Group)from February 2013 to February 2020 were retrospectively analyzed,and their clinical manifestations,imaging features,treatment methods and prognosis were summarized and analyzed.Results Fifty-one cases(26 males and 25 females),ranging in age from 1 month to 3 years old of traumatic subdural effusion in infants were reviewed in our hospital,all cases were confirmed by Computed Tomography(CT)examination.31 cases were treated conservatively,29 cases were cured,and 2 cases were treated surgically due to poor conservative treatment.Surgical treatment was performed in 22 cases(including 2 cases who received surgical treatment due to poor conservative treatment).One patient underwent puncture and continuous drainage at the lateral Angle of the anterior fontanelle and was cured.Twenty-one cases underwent cranial drilling,subdural space catheterization for external drainage,and 17 cases(80.95％,17/21)were cured at one time.There were 4 cases(19.05％,4/21)of recurrence after external drainage with catheterization.Two cases were cured by external drainage with Ommaya capsule insertion and intermittent aspiration and fluid drainage.It was changed to subdural peritoneal shunt surgery,and 2 cases were cured after the operation.There was no surgical infection or death in all the children in the group.The median follow-up time ranged from 3 months to 60 months,and the conditions were all stable.Conclusion Traumatic subdural effusion is a common complication after craniocerebral injury in infants and young children.Due to its lack of self-expression,the hidden condition is often ignored.Moreover,the brain tissue of infants and young children is in the growth and development stage,which will affect the development of brain tissue after its onset.