Background: High-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) is a chromatin-binding protein involved in arthritis, ischemia, sepsis, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, meningitis, and cancer. HMGB1 exhibits dual roles in cancer, acting as either a tumor suppressor or oncoprotein depending on context. Objective: This research aimed to elucidate HMGB1’s functional significance in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Methods: We overexpressed HMGB1 in cSCC cell lines using recombinant adenovirus and examined its effects on cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell migration. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed elevated HMGB1 expression levels in cSCC tissue relative to normal epidermis. To assess the influence of HMGB1, we employed recombinant adenoviruses expressing HMGB1 to transduce SCC cell lines (SCC12 and SCC13). Enhanced HMGB1 expression significantly promoted cellular proliferation and colony formation capacity.Notably, HMGB1 overexpression elevated the levels of proliferation regulators, including P63, SOX2, CDK4 and CDK6. Furthermore, HMGB1 overexpression substantially enhanced tumor invasiveness, accompanied by upregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers. Mechanistically, overexpression of HMGB1 enhanced transforming growth factor-β signaling by increasing phosphorylation of SMAD2/3, the key mediators of EMT. Conclusion These data imply that HMGB1 acts as a tumor-promoting factor in cSCC.

ObjectiveTo systematically identify the main chemical components of Linggui Zhugan granules （LGZGG）， and to explore the pharmacodynamic substance basis for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis （MASH）. MethodsThe chemical components of LGZGG were systematically analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry （UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS）. The protein-protein interaction （PPI） network and "compound prescription-disease-component-target" network were constructed by network target analysis to predict the potential pharmacodynamic substances and core targets of LGZGG in the treatment of MASH. The potential pharmacodynamic substances were enriched by macroporous adsorption resin， and the chemical composition of the LGZGG-50% ethanol elution fraction （LGZGG-50） was analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. The mouse model of MASH was established by feeding a high-fat， high-cholesterol， and high-fructose diet for 12 weeks. Mice were randomly allocated into normal， model， positive drug （MGL-3196， 1 mg·kg^-1）， LGZGG （crude drug， 34 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， LGZGG-50 （crude drug， 34 g·kg^-1·d^-1） groups. The levels of aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， total cholesterol （TC）， triglyceride （TG）， low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）， and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C） in the serum were measured， and the pathological changes in the liver tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） and Sirius red staining. The in vivo efficacy of LGZGG and LGZGG-50 in the treatment of MASH was evaluated on the basis of the findings. The expression levels of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase （AMPK）， phosphorylated AMPK （p-AMPK）， silent information regulator 2-related enzyme 1 （SIRT1）， peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α （PPARα）， and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A （CPT1A） in the liver tissue were determined by Western blot to verify the regulatory effects of core targets. ResultsA total of 83 chemical components were identified from LGZGG， including 20 flavonoids， 13 terpenoids， 17 organic acids， 7 amino acids， 11 glycosides， 3 nucleosides， 3 aromatics， 3 alkaloids， 2 phenylpropanoids， 2 sugars， 1 nucleic acid， and 1 steroid. A total of 134 common targets were obtained by network target analysis. The core targets included SIRT1， PPARα， nuclear factor-kappa B subunit 1 （NF-κB1）， and interleukin-6 （IL-6）. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） enrichment analysis revealed that the targets were mainly enriched in the AMPK， PPAR and other signaling pathways. The topological analysis of the "compound prescription-disease-component-target" network showed that the potential pharmacodynamic substances of LGZGG against MASH were flavonoids and terpenoids. The relative content of flavonoids and terpenes in LGZGG-50 were 74.00% and 62.41% in positive and negative ion modes， respectively， indicating that LGZGG-50 effectively enriched total flavonoids and total terpenoids. The results of in vivo efficacy showed that compared with the model group， LGZGG and LGZGG-50 reducef the body weight， liver weight， serum TG， GLU， and ALT levels of MASH mice （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and LGZGG additionally increased the HDL-C level （P<0.01）. Both groups alleviated the pathological damage in the liver tissue. The results of Western blot showed that compared with the model group， the protein levels of p-AMPK/AMPK， SIRT1， PPARα， and CPT1A were up-regulated in the LGZGG group （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and those of p-AMPK/AMPK and CPT1A were up-regulated in the LGZGG-50 group （P<0.01）. ConclusionLGZGG ameliorates MASH， with the main pharmacodynamic substances being flavonoids and terpenoids. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of AMPK/SIRT1/PPARα signaling pathway， improvement of lipid metabolism， and alleviation of pathological damage in the liver tissue.

To address the scarcity of annotated data for pediatric abdominal CT imaging and the insufficient generalization capability of existing models, we constructed a self-supervised pretraining architecture tailored for pediatric CT domain adaptation based on the visual foundation model DINOv3, and validated its performance in the task of pediatric abdominal multi-organ segmentation.

ObjectiveTo explore the listed varieties and prescription characteristics of Chinese patent medicines for stroke in China， explore the medication rules of Chinese medicine for stroke， and provide guidance for further clinical research and development of Chinese patent medicines. MethodsExcel 2021 and the Ancient and Modern Medical Record Cloud Platform （V2.3.5） were used to systematically mine and analyze the varieties and prescriptions of Chinese patent medicines for stroke in China. ResultsA total of 244 Chinese patent medicines （two for different dosage forms of the same prescription）， 1 736 approval documents for Chinese patent medicines， 792 manufacturers， and 83 varieties of protected Chinese patent medicines were finally included in the database. The top three dosage forms were capsules （75）， pills （53）， and tablets （42）. There were 28 Chinese patent medicines for stroke in the National Essential Drug Catalogue （2018）， 129 in the National Essential Medical Insurance， Industrial Injury Insurance and Maternity Insurance Drug Catalogue （2023）， and 4 in the National Non-prescription Drug Catalogue. Among the 138 prescriptions screened out， Chinese patent medicines mainly treated stroke patients with the syndrome of Qi deficiency and blood stasis. The top three most frequent medicinal herbs were Chuanxiong Rhizoma （63）， Pheretima （47）， and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma （47）. The medicinal herbs used were mainly warm， pungent， with the meridian tropism to the liver meridian. The correlation analysis showed that the herb pair with the highest support was Astragali Radix-Chuanxiong Rhizoma， and that with the highest confidence was Carthami Flos-Chuanxiong Rhizoma. Five herb combinations were identified based on the cluster analysis. ConclusionThe Chinese patent medicines for stroke mainly treat patients with the syndrome of Qi deficiency and blood stasis. The medicinal herbs used in the prescriptions mainly have the functions of activating blood and resolving stasis， extinguishing wind and stopping convulsions. Drug compatibility usually focuses on activating blood and resolving stasis， as well as expelling phlegm and opening orifices. This review of the varieties and prescription characteristics of Chinese patent medicines for stroke helps optimize clinical decision-making， guide drug research and development， promote medical research and scientific progress， and provide more effective support and guarantee for the treatment of stroke patients.

Objective To explore the correlation between the pathogenesis of toxins damaging liver collateral and the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)based on the theory of five circuits and six qi.Methods A total of 986 patients with T2DM treated in the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine from February 2019 to October 2023 were selected as the study subjects.The influences of circuit and qi indicators in the theory of five circuits and six qi on the constitutional characteristics of T2DM patients and the role of pathogenesis of toxins damaging liver collateral in the incidence of T2DM were investigated.Results(1)The five-circuit and six-qi analysis showed that the yearly circuit and sitian/zaiquan conditions had no significant effect on the constitutional characteristics of patients with T2DM(P＞0.05).However,dominant circuit,guest circuit,dominant qi and guest qi significantly influenced the constitutional characteristics of patients with T2DM(P＜0.05).For the distribution of circuit-qi indicators at birth among the 986 patients,dominant circuit was predominated by the terminal circuit of taiyang cold-water,guest circuit was characterized by deficient wood circuit or excessive water circuit,dominant qi was predominated by yangming dry-metal,and guest qi was characterized by taiyin damp-earth.(2)The correlation between the pathogenesis of toxins damaging liver collateral and the incidence of T2DM through comparative analysis revealed that the conveying and dispersing function of the liver plays a leading role in maintaining the body's yin-yang balance and ensuring free movement of qi,indicating that the critical role of toxins damaging liver collateral is the key to the incidence of diabetes.Conclusion Circuit-qi indicators have a certain influence on the constitutional characteristics of T2DM patients.The circuit-qi features at birth of the individuals prone to T2DM are as follows:dominant circuit predominated by the terminal circuit of taiyang cold-water,guest circuit characterized by deficient wood circuit or excessive water circuit,dominant qi being yangming dry-metal,and guest qi being taiyin damp-earth.Pathogenesis of toxins damaging liver collateral is closely related to the incidence of T2DM.Therefore,in treatment,the regulatory role of the liver should be emphasized,and liver-soothing herbs should be used based on syndrome differentiation,aiming for holistic treatment of the physique and the spirit and enhancing the therapeutic efficacy.The exploration will provide a new perspective and approach for the treatment of T2DM.

Intervertebral disc degeneration(IDD)is a prevalent clinical degenerative disease that currently can only be treated through conservative and surgical treatments,which only alleviate symptoms and are not significantly effective.In recent years,nanoparticles have been widely studied in the biomedical field due to their biodegradability,biocompatibility,extended body circulation,sustained and controlled release,and precise drug targeting.Nanoparticle drug delivery systems have the potential to deliver a range of therapeutic agents including proteins,drugs,genes,and cells,thereby promoting tissue and cell repair and regeneration,which offers hope for IDD treatment.However,there are still challenges in translating experimental data into practical therapies applicable to humans.This review summarizes recent research progress on drug delivery systems for IDD treatment based on nanoparticles and provides insights and prospects for the challenges faced by nanoparticles,aiming to provide a reference for the clinical translation of nanoparticle-based treatment for IDD.

Objective To analyze the characteristics and risk factors associated with postoperative deep vein thrombosis(DVT)of the lower extremities in patients undergoing surgery for lumbar degenerative diseases.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 298 patients who were hospitalized for lumbar degenerative diseases and underwent lumbar spine surgery treatment in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from October 1,2022 to April 15,2023.Patients were divided into DVT group(n=71)and non-DVT group(n=227)according to whether DVT of the lower limbs occurred within 1 week postoperatively.The incidence and distribution characteristics of postoperative DVT were analyzed.Univariate and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for DVT,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to determine cut-off values for relevant risk factors.Results A total of 298 patients were included,among whom 159 were males(53.4%)and 139 were females(46.6%),with an average age of(64.5±9.8)years.DVT occurred in 71 patients,and the incidence of lower extremity DVT was 23.8%.In the DVT group,there were 49 cases(69.0%)of intermuscular vein thrombosis,and 22 cases of other types of thrombosis(7 cases of peroneal vein thrombosis,4 cases of posterior tibial vein thrombosis,3 cases of common femoral vein thrombosis,1 case of anterior tibial vein thrombosis,and 7 cases of multiple thrombosis);58 cases(81.7%)had DVT in one lower extremity,and 13 cases(18.3%)had DVT in both lower extremities.Univariate analysis results showed that age,body mass index(BMI),length of hospital stay,history of hypertension,operative time,and intraoperative blood loss were associated with the occurrence of lower extremity DVT after surgery for lumbar degenerative diseases(P<0.05).Binary logistic regression analysis results indicated that older age(OR=1.079,P<0.01),higher BMI(OR=1.130,P=0.01),history of hypertension(OR=2.992,P<0.01),and larger intraoperative blood loss(OR=1.002,P=0.03)were independent risk factors for the occurrence of lower extremity DVT.ROC curve analysis demonstrated that patients with age>58.5 years,BMI>24.01 kg/m2,history of hypertension,and intraoperative blood loss>550 ml had a significantly increased risk of postoperative lower limb DVT.Conclusions The incidence of lower extremity DVT after surgery for lumbar degenerative disease is high,and intermuscular venous thrombosis is more common.Older age,higher BMI,history of hypertension,and larger intraoperative blood loss are independent risk factors for the occurrence of lower extremity DVT after surgery.

Objective To investigate the antitumor effects of triptolide against CT26 colon cancer and its impact on the expression of Polo-like kinase-1(PLK-1)protein.Methods Forty clean grade BALB/c mice,each mouse was implanted with 1×106 CT26 cells into the dorsal side of the right forelimb to establish a tumor-bearing mouse model.Experimental animals were randomly divided into four groups,the tumor model group(saline control),the positive drug group[oxaliplatin,5 mg/(kg·d)],the low-dose triptolide group[50 μg/(kg·/d)],and the high-dose triptolide group[100 μg/(kg·d)].The drugs were administered through intraperitoneal injection(10 times in total,once every other day).The in vitro effects of the drugs on the proliferation,migration,invasion,and mitosis of CT26 cells were also assessed.Results Triptolide significantly inhibited the proliferation,migration,and invasion of CT26 colon cancer cells,and disrupted the separation of centrosomes and the correct arrangement of chromosomes during the prophase of mitosis in tumor cells.The binding energy of triptolide and PLK-1 protein was-7.1 kcal/mol,and it could down-regulate the expression of PLK-1 in CT26 cells.Conclusion Triptolide exerts its antitumor effects against CT26 colon cancer by downregulating the expression of PLK-1.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of GJB2 gene c.109G>A (p.V37I) variant among infants with congenital hearing loss and analyze the initial audiological characteristics of children harboring the variant, compare the audiometric difference among individuals with various genotypes, and explore genetic and audiological manifestations of the affected families. METHODS: One hundred twenty six infants diagnosed with congenital hearing loss at the Neonate Screening Center of Ningbo City from June 2021 to December 2024 were selected as the study subjects. The neonates, in addition with members from 16 of their families, had undergone genetic screening for variants of 208 hotspot sites within 24 deafness-associated genes. For cases identified with monoallelic variants and concurrent hearing loss, the full GJB2 gene was sequenced. Meanwhile, a retrospective analysis was carried out on 23 children whom were confirmed to have hearing loss and the c.109G>A variant by whole exome sequencing from March 2022 to December 2024. And 102 children who were excluded to have hearing loss and pathogenic variants by whole exome sequencing were selected as normal controls. Audiological features of individuals harboring the c.109G>A variant were compared. This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of The Affiliated Women and Children's Hospital of Ningbo University (Ethics No.: EC2023-009). RESULTS: For the 126 infants with congenital hearing loss, prospective screening has identified 58 (46.03%) to harbor the c.109G>A variant. These included 38 homozygotes and 16 compound heterozygotes. Retrospective review of the 23 c.109G>A positive children has identified 15 as homozygotes and 8 as compound heterozygotes. Genetic testing of the 16 pedigrees has identified 7 homozygotes and 1 compound heterozygote. For the homozygotes combined (n = 53), 96.2% exhibited bilateral symmetric hearing loss, with 78.3% showing high-frequency sloping patterns, and 98.1% having a hearing threshold ranging from 20 to 65 dB. For the compound heterozygotes combined (n = 24), 95.8% showed symmetric loss, with 59.4% having high-frequency sloping, and 97.9% had a hearing threshold ranging from 20 to 65 dB. Both groups showed significantly elevated ABR/PTA thresholds compared with the normal controls (P = 0.000). The compound heterozygous group had higher ABR thresholds (43.3 ± 15.0 dB nHL) compared with the homozygous group (39.1 ± 12.0 dB nHL, P = 0.005). CONCLUSION Infants harboring the GJB2 c.109G>A variant primarily manifest as mild-to-moderate, symmetric, high-frequency sloping hearing loss. Nearly one-third of affected children have thresholds between 20 to 35 dB nHL, suggesting that ABR > 35 dB nHL alone may underestimate the hearing impairment in this population. Compared with homozygotes, compound heterozygotes with the the GJB2 c.109G>A variant can confer a more severe hearing loss.
Humans ; Connexin 26/genetics* ; Female ; Male ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant ; Hearing Loss/genetics* ; Retrospective Studies ; Child, Preschool ; Child ; Genotype ; Connexins/genetics* ; Mutation