ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the action mechanism by which Banxia Xiexintang （BXT） inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT） in chronic atrophic gastritis （CAG） rats by regulating the interleukin-17（IL-17）/extracellular regulated protein kinases（ERK）/CCAAT enhancer binding protein β（C/EBPβ）signaling pathway， thereby providing new theoretical evidence for the treatment of CAG with classic traditional Chinese medicine formulas. MethodsA CAG rat model was established by using the combined factor method. After successful modeling， the rats were randomly divided into the model group， low-， medium-， and high-dose groups （0.549， 1.098， 2.196 g·kg^-1， respectively） of BXT， and the positive drug group （vitacoenzyme， 0.3 g·kg^-1）. A normal control group was also set up. After 8 weeks of intervention， the pathological changes of gastric tissue were evaluated. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect the contents of IL-17， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， cyclooxygenase-2 （COX-2）， and C/EBPβ in serum， as well as the contents of EMT markers in gastric mucosal tissue including E-cadherin， N-cadherin， and vimentin. The immunohistochemistry method was employed to determine the localization and protein expression levels of IL-17， p-ERK， and C/EBPβ in gastric mucosal tissue. Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of C/EBPβ， ERK， and its phosphorylated form （p）-ERK in gastric mucosa. Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was applied to measure the mRNA expression levels of ERK， COX-2， and C/EBPβ in gastric mucosa. ResultsCompared with those in the normal control group， the rats in the model group showed gastric mucosal glandular atrophy and inflammatory cell infiltration. The protein and their related mRNA expressions of C/EBPβ， ERK， and p-ERK in gastric mucosa were significantly increased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The levels of IL-17， TNF-α， COX-2， and C/EBPβ in serum were significantly increased （P<0.01）. The contents of N-cadherin and vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly increased， while the content of E-cadherin was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， after intervention with different doses of BXT， the pathological damage of the gastric mucosa was improved to varying degrees. The protein and mRNA expressions of C/EBPβ， ERK， and p-ERK in gastric mucosa were significantly reduced （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The levels of IL-17， TNF-α， COX-2， and C/EBP β in serum were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The contents of N-cadherin and vimentin in gastric mucosa tissue were decreased， while the content of E-cadherin was increased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. ConclusionBXT can effectively improve the pathological damage of gastric mucosal tissue in CAG rats. Its action mechanism may be related to reducing the levels of IL-17 and TNF-α in serum， regulating the IL-17/ERK/C/EBPβ signaling pathway and inhibiting the EMT process.

Objective To investigate the role and regulatory mechanism of LINC00657 in the progression of cervical cancer. Methods Bioinformatics analysis predicted potential binding sites between LINC00657 and miR-30a-5p and between miR-30a-5p and Skp2. These sites were verified by using RNA immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter experiments. LINC00657, miR-30a-5p, and Skp2 mRNA expression levels in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines were assessed by utilizing RT-qPCR. Western blot analysis was employed to examine the protein levels of Skp2 in cells and subcutaneous xenograft tumor models in nude mice. Immunohistochemistry was applied to analyze Skp2 expression in animal tissues. The cellular processes of cervical cancer cell lines were evaluated through CCK-8, scratch, and Transwell assays. Results LINC00657 and Skp2 presented binding sites for miR-30a-5p. In cervical cancer, LINC00657 and Skp2 showed high expression levels (P<0.05), whereas miR-30a-5p displayed low expression (P<0.05). Functional experiments demonstrated that linc00657 upregulates Skp2 expression, a process that is dependent on its sequestration of miR-30a-5p. Conclusion LINC00657 promoted the malignant progression of cervical cancer by upregulating Skp2 expression through specifically sequestering miR-30a-5p, thereby relieving its inhibitory effect on the target gene Skp2.

Background: Sex-based differences often influence the therapeutic efficacy and safety of medications. Semen Cuscutae is a traditional tonic botanical drug with sex-specific characteristics, traditionally indicated for conditions such as impotence (exclusive to males) and restless fetus (exclusive to pregnant females). However, most existing studies have focused on a single sex. Objective: To evaluate the sex-specific biological effects of Semen Cuscutae in rats and explore its molecular mechanisms, with the aim of uncovering its pharmacological characteristics through a multiomics approach. Methods: A traditional aqueous extract of Semen Cuscutae (SCA) was used as the experimental material. Forty adult Sprague-Dawley rats (equal numbers of males and females) were randomly divided into 4 groups: male control, male SCA treatment (240 mg/kg), female control, and female SCA treatment (240 mg/kg), with 10 rats in each group. The biological effects were comprehensively evaluated using a combination of open field test, biochemical analyses, proteomics, and gut microbiota profiling. Results: As a tonic botanical drug, SCA appeared to directly affect the mental and behavioral state of rats. It significantly altered the time spent by rats in the center area during the open field test, showing a sex-dependent reversal of behaviors. Proteomic analysis of brain tissue identified 624 differentially expressed proteins across the groups, with 10 key differentially expressed proteins related to sex differences, including fibroblast growth factor receptor 3, transcription elongation factor A protein-like 1, 40S ribosomal protein S25, neural cell adhesion molecule, and anion exchange protein 2 (SLC4A2). Enrichment analysis revealed that in male rats, SCA upregulated proteins involved in biological processes such as ribosome function and energy derivation, supporting protein synthesis and enhancing energy supply, showing an overall gain effect. In contrast, in female rats, SCA downregulated proteins associated with processes such as positive regulation of target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling and vesicle transport, suggesting suppression of neuronal signaling and material transport, indicative of a shift toward a more restrained physiological state. Furthermore, SCA reduced gut microbiota diversity in female rats but increased it in males, including the abundance of Akkermansia, which may serve as a crucial mediator. Conclusion: Overall, the biological effects of SCA differ significantly between male and female rats, with evidence suggesting greater health benefits in males. These findings help elucidate the scientific basis of its traditional applications and provide guidance for the precise application of SCA as a functional health food.

ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of 21 respiratory pathogens in influenza-like illness (ILI) cases in Jing’an District, Shanghai in 2024, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of respiratory infectious diseases. MethodsData of1 907 ILI cases at four sentinel hospitals in Jing’an District were collected from January to December 2024. Nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected and tested for 21 respiratory pathogens using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. Chi-square test and Cochran-Armitage trend test were used for data analyses. ResultsAmong the 1 907 ILI cases, 1 340 were tested positive (70.27%), including 1 160 (60.83%) virus-positive cases, 424 (22.23%) bacteria-positive cases , and 86 (4.51%) positive cases of other pathogens (fungi, mycoplasma, and chlamydia). The top five viruses by detection rate were: influenza virus (14.84%), SARS-CoV-2 (14.47%), rhinovirus (12.69%), adenovirus (7.08%), and parainfluenza virus (6.71%). The top two bacteria by detection rate were Streptococcus pneumoniae (14.47%) and Haemophilus influenzae (10.33%). Among other pathogens (fungi, mycoplasma, and chlamydia), Mycoplasma pneumoniae showed the highest detection rate (4.30%). In terms of age distribution, statistically significant differences were observed in the detection rates of SARS-CoV-2, Legionella, and Klebsiella pneumoniae (P<0.05), with the highest rates found in individuals aged 65 years and above. Statistically significant differences were also found in the detection rates of rhinovirus, adenovirus, enterovirus, common coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, bocavirus, parainfluenza virus, human metapenu-movirus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae among different age groups (P<0.05), all showing the highest detection rates in the 0‒<15 years age group. In terms of seasonal distribution, SARS-CoV-2, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, enterovirus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae showed epidemic peaks in summer; rhinovirus, common coronavirus, bocavirus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae had higher detection rates in autumn. Influenza virus exhibited a peak incidence during winter, while human metapenu-movirus peaked in winter and spring. Significant differences in co-infection detection rates were observed among age groups, with the rate in children aged 0‒<15 years (34.81%) being the highest. The co-infection detection rate was higher in males than in females (P=0.019). Both the single-pathogen detection rate and the co-infection detection rate (P<0.001) varied significantly across seasons: the single-pathogen detection rate was highest in winter (62.06%), while the co-infection detection rate peaked in summer (31.20%) and was lowest in winter (14.52%). ConclusionBased on detection rates, the main pathogens in the ILI population of Jing’an District, Shanghai, 2024 were influenza virus, SARS-CoV-2, rhinovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, common coronavirus, enterovirus, Human metapenu-movirus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Pathogen detection rates varied by age and season. Coinfection rates were much higher in children than in adults, higher in males than in females, and peaked in summer while being lowest in winter.

ObjectiveTo elucidate the critical role of rehabilitation medical records (including electronic records) in rehabilitation medicine's clinical practice and management, comprehensively analyzed the structure, core content and data standards of rehabilitation medical records, to develop a standardized medical record data architecture and core dataset suitable for rehabilitation medicine and to explore the application of rehabilitation data in performance evaluation and payment. MethodsBased on the regulatory documents Basic Specifications for Medical Record Writing and Basic Specifications for Electronic Medical Records (Trial) issued by National Health Commission of China, and referencing the World Health Organization (WHO) Family of International Classifications (WHO-FICs) classifications, International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10/ICD-11), International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), and International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI Beta-3), this study constructed the data architecture, core content and data standards for rehabilitation medical records. Furthermore, it explored the application of rehabilitation record summary sheets (home page) data in rehabilitation medical statistics and payment methods, including Diagnosis-related Groups (DRG), Diagnosis-Intervention Packet (DIP) and Case Mix Index. ResultsThis study proposed a systematic standard framework for rehabilitation medical records, covering key components such as patient demographics, rehabilitation diagnosis, functional assessment, rehabilitation treatment prescriptions, progress evaluations and discharge summaries. The research analyzed the systematic application methods and data standards of ICD-10/ICD-11, ICF and ICHI Beta-3 in the fields of medical record terminology, coding and assessment. Constructing a standardized data structure and data standards for rehabilitation medical records can significantly improve the quality of data reporting based on the medical record summary sheet, thereby enhancing the quality control of rehabilitation services, effectively supporting the optimization of rehabilitation medical insurance payment mechanisms, and contributing to the establishment of rehabilitation medical performance evaluation and payment based on DRG and DIP. ConclusionStructured rehabilitation records and data standardization are crucial tools for quality control in rehabilitation. Systematically applying the three reference classifications of the WHO-FICs, and aligning with national medical record and electronic health record specifications, facilitate the development of a standardized rehabilitation record architecture and core dataset. Standardizing rehabilitation care pathways based on the ICF methodology, and developing ICF- and ICD-11-based rehabilitation assessment tools, auxiliary diagnostic and therapeutic systems, and supporting terminology and coding systems, can effectively enhance the quality of rehabilitation records and enable interoperability and sharing of rehabilitation data with other medical data, ultimately improving the quality and safety of rehabilitation services.

BackgroundDepression is a prevalent emotional problem in adolescents， and parental psychological control is an important predictor of adolescent depression. However， existing research on the acting mechanism between the two is not adequate. ObjectiveTo explore the pathway of negative perfectionism and academic stress between parental psychological control and depressive symptoms among secondary school students， so as to provide references for reducing the incidence risk of depression in such population. MethodsFrom February to April 2023， 1 100 students across 2 middle schools and 2 high schools in Zhongshan city were selected as subjects. The survey was conducted adopting Parental Psychological Control Questionnaire， Chinese Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale （CFMPS）， sense of academic stress subscale in Mental Health Inventory of Middle School Student （MMHI-60） and Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale （CES-D）. Spearman correlation analysis was adopted to examine the correlation between scores of all scales above， and Amos 24.0 was used to test the mediating path of negative perfectionism and academic stress between parental psychological control and depressive symptoms among secondary school students. ResultsAmong the 1 009 valid questionnaires withdrew （91.73% of the total）， 261 students were detected to have depressive symptoms （25.87%）. As the results of Spearman correlation analysis showed， the scores of the Parental Psychological Control Questionnaire， score of negative perfectionism dimension in CFMPS， score of sense of academic stress subscale in MMHI-60 and CES-D score were positively correlated with each other （r=0.323~0.644， P<0.05 or 0.01）. The direct effect value of parental psychological control on depressive symptoms in secondary school students was 0.128 （95% CI： 0.061~0.201）， accounting for 31.37% of the total effect. Negative perfectionism and academic stress played independently as intermediatory roles between parental psychological control and depressive symptoms in secondary school students， and the indirect effect values were 0.099 （95% CI： 0.068~0.133） and 0.100 （95% CI： 0.060~0.143）， accounting for 24.27% and 24.51% of the total effect， respectively. Negative perfectionism and academic stress acted combinedly as the chain effect pathway between parental psychological control and depressve symptoms in secondary school students， with the indirect effect value of 0.081 （95% CI： 0.060~0.106） accounting for 19.85% of the total effect. ConclusionParental psychological control can affect the depressive symptoms among secondary school students directly， and through independent or chain paths of negative perfectionism and academic stress indirectly. ［Funded by Zhongshan Social Welfare Technology Research Project （number， 2022B1060）］

Objective To analyze the cognitive function and sleep quality of the elderly in Shanghai community, and explore the related influencing factors. Methods A stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 8 community health centers in Shanghai for a questionnaire survey, including 3 677 elderly individuals who completed the “Comprehensive Health Status Survey of Elderly Residents in Shanghai” from September 2023 to November 2023. Basic information of the elderly was collected, including age, gender, education level, smoking, drinking, mahjong playing behavior, and exercise habits. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was used to assess the sleep quality of the elderly, subjective cognitive decline (SCD) self-assessment questionnaire and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were used to evaluate cognitive function, while the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used to assess anxiety and depression levels, and the mini nutritional assessment (MNA) was used to evaluate nutritional status. According to the MMSE scores, the elderly were divided into three groups: no cognitive impairment (MMSE ≥ 27), mild cognitive impairment (MMSE 21-26), and moderate to severe cognitive impairment (MMSE ≤ 20). The general data, lifestyle habits, and scale scores of the three groups were compared. Ordered logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of sleep quality. Results There were statistically significant differences in age, gender, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), education level, pet ownership, smoking, drinking, mahjong playing behavior, exercise habits, and scale scores among the three groups (P＜0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that age, waist circumference, gender, drinking habits, mahjong playing behavior, and chronic comorbidities are influencing factors for the PSQI grading in the elderly (P＜0.05). The MMSE score (OR＝1.037, P＝0.001), SCD score (OR＝1.123, P＜0.001), HAMA score (OR＝1.183, P＜0.001), PHQ-9 score (OR＝1.249, P＜0.001) are positive influencing factors for PSQI grading, while the MNA score is a negative influencing factor (OR＝0.960, P＝0.037). Conclusions Advanced age, female gender, low education level, no pet ownership, no mahjong playing behavior, no exercise habits, and poor sleep quality are risk factors for cognitive impairment in the elderly. Advanced age, female gender, no mahjong playing behavior and poor nutritional status are influencing factors for poor sleep quality in the elderly, and severe comorbidities, anxiety, depression, and subjective decline in cognitive function all affect sleep quality.

Background: Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients. Methods: Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines. Results: Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher. Conclusion MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.

Background/Aims: Liver transplantation is the most effective treatment for the sickest patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). However, the influence of donor age on liver transplantation, especially in ACLF patients, is still unclear. Methods: In this study, we used the data of the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. We included patients with ACLF who received liver transplantation from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2017, and the total number was 13,857. We allocated the ACLF recipients by age intogroup I (donor age ≤17 years, n=647); group II (donor age 18–59 years, n=11,423); and group III (donor age ≥60 years, n=1,787). Overall survival (OS), graft survival, and mortality were com-pared among the three age groups and the four ACLF grades. Cox regression was also analyzed. Results: The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 89.6%, 85.5%, and 82.0% in group I; 89.4%, 83.4%, and 78.2% in group II; and 86.8%, 78.4%, and 71.4% in group III, respectively (p<0.001).When we analyzed the different effects of donor age on OS with different ACLF grades, in groupsII and III, we observed statistical differences. Finally, the cubic spline curve told us that the relative death rate changed linearly with increasing donor age. Conclusions Donor age is related to OS and graft survival of ACLF patients after transplanta-tion, and poorer results were associated with elderly donors. In addition, different donor ages have different effects on recipients with different ACLF grades.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), the leading cause of death globally. HCM can precipitate heart failure (HF) by causing the cardiac tissue to weaken and stretch, thereby impairing its pumping efficiency. Moreover, HCM increases the risk of atrial fibrillation, which in turn elevates the likelihood of thrombus formation and stroke. Given these significant clinical ramifications, research into the etiology and pathogenesis of HCM is intensifying at multiple levels. In this review, we discuss and synthesize the latest findings on HCM pathogenesis, drawing on key experimental studies conducted both in vitro and in vivo. We also offer our insights and perspectives on these mechanisms, while highlighting the limitations of current research. Advancing fundamental research in this area is essential for developing effective therapeutic interventions and enhancing the clinical management of HCM.
Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic/physiopathology* ; Humans ; Animals