OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of total flavonoids from Carthamus tinctorius L. （TFCTL） on hepatic stellate cell （HSC） activation based on the microRNA （miRNA）-204/NUAK family SNF1-like kinase 1 （NUAK1）/Hippo signaling axis， thereby elucidating the potential mechanism underlying their antifibrotic effects. METHODS The HSC-T6 cells were divided into control group， model group， TFCTL low-concentration group （20 μg/mL）， TFCTL medium-concentration group （40 μg/mL）， and TFCTL high-concentration group （60 μg/mL）. Except for control group， the remaining groups were treated with 5 ng/mL of transforming growth factor-β to induce the activation of hepatic stellate cells， followed by the addition of corresponding drug solutions/culture medium and incubation for 24 hours. Cell apoptosis was assessed， the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA）， type Ⅰ collagen （Collagen Ⅰ） and proteins associated with the Hippo/Yes-associated protein （YAP） pathway [YAP， large tumor suppressor kinase 1 （LATS1）， and mammalian STE20-like kinase 1 （MST1）] were detected. Additionally， cell transfection was used to investigate the activity of the miRNA-204/NUAK1/Hippo signaling axis at both the genetic and protein levels. RESULTS After intervention with TFCTL， the apoptosis rate of HSC-T6 cells and the protein expressions of MST1 （except for the TFCTL high-concentration group） and LATS1 were significantly increased （P＜0.05）， while the protein expressions of α-SMA， CollagenⅠ， and YAP （except for the TFCTL medium-concentration group） were significantly decreased （P＜0.05）. Further results from cell transfection experiments revealed that after transfection with miRNA-204 mimics， the mRNA it’s protein expressions of α-SMA， CollagenⅠ， NUAK1， and YAP in HSC-T6 cells were significantly decreased （P＜0.05）， while the mRNA and protein expressions of LATS1 and the mRNA expression of MST1 were significantly increased （P＜0.05）. Conversely， the results were opposite following transfection with miRNA-204 inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS TFCTL can exert anti-hepatic fibrosis effects by up-regulating the expression of miRNA-204， thereby down- regulating the expressions of NUAK1， inactivating the Hippo/YAP pathway， which in turn suppresses the activation of HSC and promotes their apoptosis.

Objective To investigate the regulatory effect of miR-372 on Runx2 expression and its impact on osteoblast mineralization.Methods Bioinformatic software(Target Scan,miRanda,RNAhybrid)was used to predict microRNAs(miRNAs)that target Runx2,the binding ability of miR-372 to Runx2 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter gene experiments.Western blotting analysis was performed to evaluate the regulatory effects of miR-372 on Runx2 protein expression.Osteoblast mineralization was induced using ascorbic acid andβ-glycerophosphate treatment.The functional impact of miR-372 mediated Runx2 regulation on osteoblast mineralization was assessed by measuring Alkaline Phosphatase(ALP)activity and mineralized nodules formation.Results Dual-luciferase reporter gene experiments confirmed direct binding of miR-372 to the Runx2.Western blotting indicated that overexpression of miR-372 in transfected osteoblasts signficantly suppressed Runx2 protein expression,while silencing miR-372 led to elevated Runx2 protein levels.After mineralization induction,ALP activity and mineralization quantitative detection showed miR-372 reuced ALP activity(P＜0.05)and inhibited minerali-zation(P＜0.05)by suppressing Runx2 expression,which was more obvious especially after Runx2 silencing.Conclusion miR-372 can inhibits osteoblast mineralization by downregulating Runx2 expression.

Objective To develop a virtual reality rehabilitation support system and evaluate its effects on improving discharge readiness in caregivers of laryngectomy patients.Methods The system is equipped with a virtual reality-based home nursing skills guidance module for post-laryngectomy patients and an evidence-based artificial intelligence Q&A module.A convenience sampling method was adopted to select 64 caregivers of patients who underwent laryngectomy for the first time in the otorhinolaryngology head and neck surgery department of a tertiary A hospital in Beijing from July 2024 to January 2025 for a systematic study on application effects.To avoid cross-contamination between an experimental group and a control group,ward-based grouping was applied.A coin toss was used to assign Ward 1 to an experimental group and Ward 2 to a control group,with 32 cases in each group.The experimental group received discharge guidance based on the virtual reality technology,while the control group was provided with conventional verbal and written discharge instructions.The readiness for hospital discharge and the quality of discharge teaching scores of caregivers were compared between the 2 groups after the intervention.Results No sample detachment.After the intervention,the patient caregivers in the experimental group scored significantly higher than those in the control group in terms of discharge readiness and quality of discharge guidance,with a statistically significant difference(P＜0.001).Conclusion This study developed the virtual reality rehabilitation system for laryngeal cancer patients demonstrated good feasibility and effectiveness.The application of this system for discharge education significantly improved discharge readiness of caregivers and quality of discharge guidance for post-laryngectomy patients.It also helped with the optimization of health education models,enhancement of nursing resource utilization efficiency,and improvement of transitional care.

Objective:To investigate the combined application of cytology, cell block histology and immunohistochemistry to improve the diagnostic accuracy of solid pancreatic lesions in endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) samples.Methods:The pathological data of EUS-FNA in 311 cases of solid pancreatic lesions submitted to the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China from May 2019 to September 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The cases included pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC, 172 cases), solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN, 12 cases), neuroendocrine tumors (PNET, 14 cases) and chronic pancreatitis (113 cases). The cytological features of smears, the histology of cell block sections and the diagnostic markers in PDAC, SPN and PNET were analyzed. The diagnostic accuracies of cytology, cell block histology/immunohistochemistry and combination of the two methods for classifying these pancreatic solid lesions were evaluated.Results:Irregular arrangement of atypical (cancer) cells, anisonucleosis and nuclear atypia were the typical cytological features of PDAC, while presence of pseudopapillae with a myxoid/hyalinized fibrovascular core and low adhesion/salt-and-pepper chromatin were diagnostic features of SPN and NET, respectively. Immunohistochemical results showed that CK7 and CK19 were the most sensitive markers of pancreatic ductal epithelia, and the diffuse strong expression of S-100P (102/111, 91.9%) and aberrant expression of p53 (80/111, 72.1%) were important immunophenotypic markers of PDAC. Various degrees of CDX2 expression could be found in 66.4% PDAC. The expression of CD10, PR, vimentin, CD99 and cyclinD1 and the aberrant expression of β-catenin were the immunophenotypic features of SPN, while the expression of CgA, Syn and CD56 were indispensable immunemarkers for the diagnosis of PNET. Overall, cytology had higher sensitivity than cell block histology (93.9% versus 82.8%) and lower specificity (92.9% versus 99.1%), while the combination of the two methods significantly improved the sensitivity to 96.9% in solid pancreatic lesions. The combination of cytology and cell block histology could significantly improve the diagnostic efficacy of EUS-FNA in PDAC.Conclusions:Integrated diagnosis based on cytology (including rapid on-site evaluation), cell block histology and immunohistochemical findings could significantly improve the diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA in classifying solid pancreatic lesions.

Objective:To investigate the combined application of cytology, cell block histology and immunohistochemistry to improve the diagnostic accuracy of solid pancreatic lesions in endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) samples.Methods:The pathological data of EUS-FNA in 311 cases of solid pancreatic lesions submitted to the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China from May 2019 to September 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The cases included pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC, 172 cases), solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN, 12 cases), neuroendocrine tumors (PNET, 14 cases) and chronic pancreatitis (113 cases). The cytological features of smears, the histology of cell block sections and the diagnostic markers in PDAC, SPN and PNET were analyzed. The diagnostic accuracies of cytology, cell block histology/immunohistochemistry and combination of the two methods for classifying these pancreatic solid lesions were evaluated.Results:Irregular arrangement of atypical (cancer) cells, anisonucleosis and nuclear atypia were the typical cytological features of PDAC, while presence of pseudopapillae with a myxoid/hyalinized fibrovascular core and low adhesion/salt-and-pepper chromatin were diagnostic features of SPN and NET, respectively. Immunohistochemical results showed that CK7 and CK19 were the most sensitive markers of pancreatic ductal epithelia, and the diffuse strong expression of S-100P (102/111, 91.9%) and aberrant expression of p53 (80/111, 72.1%) were important immunophenotypic markers of PDAC. Various degrees of CDX2 expression could be found in 66.4% PDAC. The expression of CD10, PR, vimentin, CD99 and cyclinD1 and the aberrant expression of β-catenin were the immunophenotypic features of SPN, while the expression of CgA, Syn and CD56 were indispensable immunemarkers for the diagnosis of PNET. Overall, cytology had higher sensitivity than cell block histology (93.9% versus 82.8%) and lower specificity (92.9% versus 99.1%), while the combination of the two methods significantly improved the sensitivity to 96.9% in solid pancreatic lesions. The combination of cytology and cell block histology could significantly improve the diagnostic efficacy of EUS-FNA in PDAC.Conclusions:Integrated diagnosis based on cytology (including rapid on-site evaluation), cell block histology and immunohistochemical findings could significantly improve the diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA in classifying solid pancreatic lesions.

Objective To explore the mechanism of excessive mechanical stress regulated ferroptosis induced by Piezo1 channel in mouse chondrocytes.Methods The experiment was performed on mouse ATDC5 chondrocytes.siRNA-Piezo1 interference plasmid and Piezo1 overexpression plasmid were used to transfect chondrocytes,and mechanical stress stimulation was given.The control group,the mechanical stress stimulation group(MS group),the MS+siRNA-Piezo1 group(MS+sh group)and the MS+Piezo1 overexpression group(MS+OV group)were constructed,respectively.The cell viability,Fe2+,ROS levels,the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins SLC7A11 and GPX4,and the expression of Collagen Ⅱ,MMP-13,Aggrecan and p53 proteins were detected in each group.Results Compared with the control group,the cell viability was decreased in the MS group(P＜0.05).Levels of Fe2+,reactive oxygen species(ROS)and malondialdehyde(MDA)were increased(P＜0.05).Levels of reduced glutathione(GSH)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)were decreased(P＜0.05),and the mitochondrial ridge was decreased detected by transmission electron microscopy.Protein levels of SLC7A11,GPX4,Collagen Ⅱ and Aggrecan were decreased(P＜0.05),while protein levels of p53 and MMP-13 were increased(P＜0.05).Compared with the MS group,Fe2+,ROS and MDA levels were decreased in the MS+sh group(P＜0.05),GSH and SOD levels were increased(P＜0.05),and protein levels of SLC7A11,Collagen Ⅱ,GPX4 and Aggrecan were increased(P＜0.05).The protein levels of MMP-13 and p53 were decreased(P＜0.05).Compared with the MS group,cell viability was decreased(P＜0.05),Fe2+,ROS and MDA levels were increased(P＜0.05),GSH and SOD levels were decreased(P＜0.05),and protein levels of SLC7A11,Collagen Ⅱ,GPX4 and Aggrecan were decreased in the MS+OV group(P＜0.05).Levels of MMP-13 and p53 protein were increased(P＜0.05).Conclusion Excessive mechanical stress can induce chondrocyte ferroptosis and promote extracellular matrix degradation via Piezo1 channel protein.

BACKGROUND:Early diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis is the foundation for timely antifibrotic drug therapy.Therefore,exploring and discovering ideal biomarkers that can be effectively used for the early diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis is crucial for the treatment of the disease.OBJECTIVE:To conduct an in-depth analysis of key autophagy-related genes involved in the process of pulmonary fibrosis by means of bioinformatics and machine learning techniques,in order to investigate whether autophagy-related core genes of pulmonary fibrosis can be used as reliable biomarkers in the assessment of the progression of pulmonary fibrosis.METHODS:Two datasets of pulmonary fibrosis,GSE24206 and GSE110147,were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database(a public database developed and maintained by the U.S.National Center for Biotechnology Information to store and share bioinformatics data),and the gene expression matrices of these two datasets were normalized by using the"limma"package in R software.The autophagy-related genes were extracted from GeneCards database(a database created by the U.S.National Center for Biotechnology Information,which automatically integrates gene-centric data from about 200 Web sources,including genomic,transcriptomic,proteomic,genetic,clinical,and functional information).Differential gene analysis was performed on the pulmonary fibrosis dataset,and the common genes were extracted by cross-comparing the differential genes with the autophagy genes,so as to identify autophagy genes that may play a role in the process of pulmonary fibrosis.The intersecting genes were analyzed for functional enrichment and cellular immune infiltration by gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes.Core genes of pulmonary fibrosis associated with autophagy were screened by protein-protein interactions and machine learning,and core genes were subjected to the enrichment analysis.Diagnostic models were constructed from the identified core genes.Calibration curves were used to assess the predictive ability of the line graph model.An external dataset,GSE21369,was used to perform a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to validate the expression profiles of pulmonary fibrosis genes associated with autophagy,as well as to predict Chinese herbs associated with the genes IL6 and COL1A2 via the Coremine database.Finally,human embryonic lung fibroblasts were cultured and modelled by transforming growth factor-β1 treatment,and the relative expression of genes in the model cells was verified using qRT-PCR.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 51 pulmonary fibrosis differential genes and 25 genes intersecting with autophagy genes were obtained.Gene ontology analysis showed that the 25 intersecting genes were related to extracellular matrix tissue,collagen metabolism,collagen pro-fibroblasts,and growth factor binding,etc.The results of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis indicated that they were mainly related to the Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway and the signaling pathway of the extracellular matrix-receptor interactions.(2)Immunoinfiltration analysis revealed that the expression of activated memory CD4+T cells,M0 macrophages,and resting dendritic cells was significantly elevated in the pulmonary fibrosis group(P＜0.05),showing a strong correlation.(3)Two autophagy signature genes involved in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis were identified:COL1A2 and IL6.The column-line diagram model showed that the two core genes predicted the onset of pulmonary fibrosis more accurately,and the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the two characteristic genes had diagnostic significance.COL1A2 and IL6 were related to the cell-cycle pathway,mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway,Janus kinase-signal transduction and activator of transcription signaling pathway and cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions.A total of 20 Chinese herbs were predicted to be related to COL1A2 and IL6 genes,and their efficacies were mainly to clear away heat and detoxify toxins and to invigorate blood and move qi.COL1A2 and IL6 were verified to be highly expressed in pulmonary fibrosis.To conclude,COL1A2 and IL6 may be potential diagnostic biomarkers for pulmonary fibrosis,but its specificity to pulmonary fibrosis needs to be further investigated.

Objective:To explore the application of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the preoperative evaluation of carotid body tumor (CBT).Methods:The clinical data of 13 CBT patients undergoing contrast enhanced ultrasound test and surgical treatment at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from Nov 2017 to Aug 2021 was retrospectively analyzed.Results:Among the 13 patients, 7 patients had bilateral lesions. 18 tumors were identified by contrast enhanced ultrasound, which showed rich blood supply, with marked enhancement in 13 tumors and moderate enhancement in 5 tumors. The origins of the arterial supply for tumors were identified by contrast enhanced ultrasound. Time-intensity curve analysis showed that the tumors had enhancement characteristics of fast wash in and slow wash out. The mean contrast wash in time was (3.33±1.40) s, the mean peak intensity was (10.41±1.74) dB, and the mean wash out time was (56.47±22.28) s. A total of 13 cases underwent successful surgical removal. Five cases of external carotid artery ligation and 2 cases of internal carotid artery reconstruction were performed during surgery. Postoperative transient neurological injury occurred in 5 cases. There were no cases of cerebral infarction or death in the perioperative period. Mean postoperative follow-up was 14.31 months. Five cases of neurological injury had satisfactory recovery and no other adverse events occurred.Conclusions:Contrast enhanced ultrasound is an effective method of preoperative imaging assessment for CBT, which helps the surgical planning and preoperative preparation.

Objective To investigate the regulatory effect of miR-372 on Runx2 expression and its impact on osteoblast mineralization.Methods Bioinformatic software(Target Scan,miRanda,RNAhybrid)was used to predict microRNAs(miRNAs)that target Runx2,the binding ability of miR-372 to Runx2 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter gene experiments.Western blotting analysis was performed to evaluate the regulatory effects of miR-372 on Runx2 protein expression.Osteoblast mineralization was induced using ascorbic acid andβ-glycerophosphate treatment.The functional impact of miR-372 mediated Runx2 regulation on osteoblast mineralization was assessed by measuring Alkaline Phosphatase(ALP)activity and mineralized nodules formation.Results Dual-luciferase reporter gene experiments confirmed direct binding of miR-372 to the Runx2.Western blotting indicated that overexpression of miR-372 in transfected osteoblasts signficantly suppressed Runx2 protein expression,while silencing miR-372 led to elevated Runx2 protein levels.After mineralization induction,ALP activity and mineralization quantitative detection showed miR-372 reuced ALP activity(P＜0.05)and inhibited minerali-zation(P＜0.05)by suppressing Runx2 expression,which was more obvious especially after Runx2 silencing.Conclusion miR-372 can inhibits osteoblast mineralization by downregulating Runx2 expression.

Objective To systematically evaluate the psychometric properties of specific self-reported outcome assessment tools for patients undergoing Endoscopic Transnasal Transsphenoidal Surgery(ETTS),with the aim of pro-viding clinical healthcare professionals with evidence to guide the selection of appropriate assessment tools.Methods A systematic search was performed across multiple databases,including the North American Skull Base Society,PubMed,Embase,CINAHL,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,CNKI,VIP database,Wanfang database,and the China Biomedical Literature Database,for studies published from the inception of each database to January 9,2025,that are related to ETTS-specific symptom assessment tools.Totally 2 independent researchers screened the literature and extracted relevant data.The consensus-based health measurement tool selection bias risk checklist and quality standards were used to evaluate the methodological quality and psychometric properties of the included studies,which helped to form the development of recommendations.Results A total of 11 articles were included,covering 8 specific self-reported outcome assessment tools for patients undergoing endonasal transsphenoidal pituitary tumor resection.Of these,the Pituitary Outcome Score and the Leiden Bother and Needs Questionnaire for patients with pituitary disease 2 tools were rated as Grade A recommendations,and 6 tools were rated as Grade B recommendations.Conclusion POS and LBNQ-Pituitary are recommended due to their relatively strong overall methodological quality and psychometric properties.However,further validation with larger sample sizes is necessary.