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.

Objective: To explore the relationship between socio ecological risk factors (SERF), physical activity (PA) developmental trajectories, and depressive symptoms among junior and senior high school students in Tianjin, in order to provide theoretical support for comprehensive interventions for adolescent depression. Methods: A longitudinal follow up design was adopted. In September 2022, a baseline survey was conducted using a stratified cluster random sampling method in two junior high schools and two senior high schools in Tianjin, collecting data on students basic information, SERF, PA, and depressive symptoms. Two follow up surveys were conducted in September 2023 and 2024, yielding 588 valid participants. Latent class growth analysis (LCGA) was used to identify PA developmental trajectory categories among junior and senior high school students. Logistic regression was applied to examine the associations between depressive symptoms and SERF as well as PA trajectories. Results: The detection rates of depressive symptoms among Tianjin junior and senior high school students over the three years were 26.53%, 20.24%, and 21.26 %, respectively. Depressive symptoms were positively correlated with SERF ( OR=1.04, 95%CI=1.03-1.05, P <0.05). The highest risks were observed in the individual dimension and family dimension ( OR =1.28, 1.21, both P <0.05). LCGA identified three PA trajectory groups:persistently low level (80.65%), persistently high level (4.58%), and slowly increasing group ( 14.77 %). Multivariate regression analysis showed that compared with the persistently low level PA, the slowly increasing PA significantly reduced the risk of depressive symptoms ( OR=0.44, 95%CI =0.20-0.88), while SERF still increased the risk of depressive symptoms ( OR=1.04, 95%CI =1.03-1.05) (both P <0.05). Conclusion SERF are risk factors for depression symptoms among junior and senior high school students, whereas slowly increasing PA development trajectory demonstrates a protective effect.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang (BZYQT) combined with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after fracture fixation in aged rabbits.Methods:Thirty-two elderly New Zealand rabbits of either sex, aged 36 months, weighing 3.5-4.0 kg, were divided into 4 groups ( n=8 each) using the random number table method: control group (C group), fracture fixation group (F group), low molecular weight heparin group (L group) and BZYQT combined with LMWH group (BL group). A model of fixation surgery for right femoral shaft fracture was established in anesthetized rabbits in F, L and BL groups. Starting from postoperative day 1, BL group received BZYQT at 3.6 ml/kg via gavage, F and L groups received normal saline at 3.6 ml/kg via gavage, L and BL groups received subcutaneous injection of LMWH at 200 IU/kg, and all the administrations were performed daily at 08: 00 for 7 consecutive days. On postoperative day 7, ultrasound examination was performed to assess lower limb DVT. Blood samples were collected from the marginal ear vein for determination of the serum concentrations of cortisol (COR), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Femoral vein specimens were obtained under anesthesia for microscopic examination of the pathological changes of the femoral vein lumen and endothelial tissues (by HE staining) and of the morphology of vascular endothelial cells (by the transmission electron microscopy). Results:Compared with C group, the concentrations of serum COR, TNF-α, IL-6 and ET-1 were significantly increased in F, L and BL groups, and the incidence of lower limb DVT within 7 days after surgery was significantly increased in F and L groups ( P<0.05). Compared with F group, the incidence of lower limb DVT within 7 days after surgery was significantly decreased in L and BL groups, and the concentrations of serum COR, TNF-α, IL-6 and ET-1 were significantly decreased ( P<0.05), and the pathological damage was significantly reduced in BL group. Compared with L group, the incidence of lower limb DVT and concentration of IL-6 were significantly decreased ( P<0.05), and pathological damage was significantly alleviated in BL group. Conclusions:BZYQT combined with LMWH can prevent the occurrence of lower limb DVT after fracture fixation in aged rabbits.

Objective To detect the expression of cytochrome c oxidase assembly factor 6(COA6)in breast cancer,study its clinical significance,and analyze the effect of COA6 on immune infiltration in breast cancer.Methods Differential genes were screened by the whole transcriptome sequencing and the expression of COA6 was explored with TCGA(The Cancer Genome Atlas Program)database.The tissues of 125 breast cancer and adjacent tissues were stained by immunohistochemistry to detect COA6 protein expression and analyze the correlation with clinical features.The COA6 mRNA and protein expression in breast cancer cells and tissues were determined by qRT-PCR and Western blot,respectively.The TIMER(Tumor Immune Estimation Resource)database was used to analyze the correlation between high COA6 gene expression and immune cell infiltration.Results The positive expression rate of COA6 in breast cancer tissues was 88％(110/125),which was higher than that of paracarinoma tissues(7.2％,9/125)(P＜0.05)and was positively correlated with tumor size and histological grade.In fresh breast cancer tissues,COA6 protein expression was significantly higher than that in adjacent tissues.Both COA6 mRNA and protein expression were significantly increased in the breast cancer cell lines.COA6 was positively cor-related with the infiltration of helper T cells,NK cells,CD8+T cells,M1 type macrophages,regulatory T cells,dendritic cells,and memory CD4+T cells in the tumor microenvironment.Conclusions The expression level of COA6 is increased in breast cancer and is positively correlated with tumor immune infiltration,which provides a po-tential therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Weiyan Tongluo Granules in treating chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG)and explore its potential mechanisms.METHODS From June 2020 to December 2022,100 CAG patients with spleen defi-ciency and blood stasis syndrome were enrolled and randomly divided into a trial group(n=50)and a control group(n=50)using a random number table.The trial group received Weiyan Tongluo Granules plus a folic acid placebo,while the control group received fo-lic acid tablets plus a traditional Chinese medicine granule placebo.The treatment course for both groups was 24 weeks,with 8 and 10 dropouts in the trial and control groups,respectively.Post-treatment comparisons included OLGA/OLGIM staging reversal rates,low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia regression rate,SSDPRO-CG(Patient-Reported Outcome Scale for Chronic Gastritis in Spleen-Stomach Diseases)scores,TCM syndrome scores,and safety indicators.Serum levels of PG I,PGⅡ,PGR,and G-17 were measured via ELISA before and after treatment.Gastric mucosal p-NF-κB and CDX2 protein expression levels were analyzed by Western blot,while mRNA levels of IL-1β,IL-6,VIL1,and MUC2 were quantified via qPCR.RESULTS After treatment,the trial group showed sig-nificantly higher OLGA and OLGIM stage reversal rates than the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01),though no significant difference was observed in low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia regression.Both groups exhibited significant improvements in physiological domain scores and total SSDPRO-CG scores(P<0.01),with the trial group outperforming the control group in physiological,independence,psychological domains,and total scores(P<0.05,P<0.01).TCM syndrome scores(total and sub-items:gastric distension,pain,poor appetite,bloating)decreased significantly in both groups(P<0.01),while the trial group showed greater reductions in loose stools and dull complexion(P<0.01).After-treatment,the trial group had significantly lower TCM syndrome scores than the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Serum PG I,PGⅡ,PGR,G-17,gastric mucosal p-NF-κB,CDX2,and IL-1β,IL-6,VIL1,MUC2 mRNA levels improved significantly in the trial group(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the control group improved only in PGⅡ(P<0.05,P<0.01).The trial group's improvements in these biomarkers surpassed the control group's(P<0.05,P<0.01).No treatment-related adverse events occurred in either group.CONCLUSION Weiyan Tongluo Granules ameliorate gastric mucosal pathology,clinical symptoms,psychological state,and quality of life in CAG patients without significant adverse effects.Its mechanism may involve sup-pressing the NF-κB pathway to reduce IL-1β and IL-6 expression,downregulating CDX2 to inhibit VIL1 and MUC2 transcription,thereby reversing the vicious cycle of inflammation-intestinal metaplasia.

Objective:To explore the value of lumbar volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) measured by quantitative computed tomography (QCT) in predicting coronary artery calcification (CAC).Methods:This retrospective, cross-sectional study included a total of 991 patients (504 male and 487 female) who underwent coronary artery CT angiography (CTA) and chest, abdomen, or lumbar spine CT examinations at Taihe County People′s Hospital from January 2023 to June 2024. Lumbar vBMD was measured by QCT. The coronary artery calcification score (CACS) was calculated using an artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostic system. Patients were categorized into a low calcification group (CACS≤100, 592 cases) and a moderate-to-severe calcification group (CACS>100, 399 cases). Independent-sample t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, or χ2 tests were employed to analyze the differences in clinical data and lumbar vBMD between the two groups. Binary logistic regression was employed to control confounding factors and analyze the correlation between lumbar vBMD and moderate-to-severe CAC. Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of moderate-to-severe CAC and construct a combined prediction model. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the efficacy of lumbar vBMD and the combined model in predicting moderate-to-severe CAC. The comparison of the area under the curve (AUC) was conducted using the DeLong test. Results:The age, incidence of diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis were significantly higher in the moderate-to-severe calcification group than in the low calcification group, while lumbar vBMD was significantly lower in the former group (all P<0.05). The body mass index, smoking history, and hyperlipidemia had no statistical differences between the two groups (all P>0.05). Following adjustment for potential confounding variables, the results of binary logistic regression analysis revealed that lumbar vBMD was not significantly associated with the presence of moderate-to-severe CAC in the overall study population or in male ( OR=0.998, 95% CI 0.993-1.003, P=0.379; OR=1.000, 95% CI 0.993-1.006, P=0.918). However, lumbar vBMD was a statistically significant predictor in females ( OR=0.992, 95% CI 0.985-0.999, P=0.032). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis further demonstrated that age ( OR=1.048, 95% CI 1.019-1.077, P=0.001), hypertension ( OR=2.649, 95% CI 1.719-4.082, P<0.001), and lumbar vBMD ( OR=0.992, 95% CI 0.984-0.999, P=0.022) were independent predictors of moderate-to-severe CAC in women. The AUC of lumbar vBMD for predicting moderate-to-severe CAC in female patients was 0.684 (95% CI 0.641-0.725), and the AUC of the combined model was 0.746 (95% CI 0.705-0.784), with a statistically significant difference ( Z=3.26, P=0.001). Conclusions:Lumbar vBMD measured by QCT is an independent predictor of moderate-to-severe CAC in women and demonstrates moderate predictive value. The predictive performance can be enhanced by integrating age and hypertension into a combined predictive model.

Objective To investigate the mortality and risk factors of HIV-infected patients complicated with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy(PML)to inform the outcomes of these patients.Methods The clinical data of people living with HIV related PML who were treated at Chongqing Public Health Medical Treatment Center from January 1,2019 to December 31,2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis.Log-rank test was performed.Cox regression model was used for multivariate analysis.Results A total of 42 people living with HIV related PML were enrolled,including 34 males(81.0％).The median age was 44.5(36.3,51.0)years.PML was confirmed in 76.2％(32/42)of patients,and possible PML was diagnosed in 23.8％(10/42)of patients.The median time to diagnosis was 32.5(14.8,58.3)days.The median CD4+T cell count was 69.0(39.8,112.0)cells/μL.The median HIV viral load was 5.05(2.62,5.77)log10 copies/mL.The overall mortality rate was 54.8％(23/42)for patients with HIV related PML.CD4+T cell count ≤50 cells/μL and initial modified Rankin scale(mRS)score ≥4 points were independent risk factors for the overall mortality of people living with HIV related PML(P＜0.05).Conclusions People living with HIV related PML have a high mortality rate.Low CD4+T cell count and high initial mRS score were independent risk factors for the mortality of patients with HIV related PML.Currently,no definitive and effective drug treatment is available for PML.Early detection,diagnosis and initiation of antiretroviral therapy may improve the outcomes of patients.

Objective To investigate the predictive value of the red cell distribution width/platelet count ratio(RPR)for lower extremity deep vein thrombosis(DVT)after transurethral resection of the prostate(TURP).Methods A total of 104 benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)patients who underwent TURP in the hospital from January 2022 to December 2024 were selected as the study subjects.Patients who developed postoperative lower extremity DVT were assigned to the DVT group(n=25),while those without DVT were assigned to the non-DVT group(n=79).Red cell distribution width(RDW),platelet count(PLT)and RPR at admission were compared between the two groups.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of RDW,PLT,and RPR for lower extremity DVT after TURP.Multivariate Logistic stepwise regression analysis was performed to explore influencing factors for lower extremity DVT after TURP.Results RDW and RPR in the DVT group were significantly higher than those in the non-DVT group(P<0.05),while PLT was significantly lower(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the area un-der the curve(AUC)of RDW,PLT,and RPR for predicting postoperative lower extremity DVT in BPH pa-tients were 0.749(95%CI:0.704-0.799),0.822(95%CI:0.777-0.872),and 0.913(95%CI:0.868-0.963),with cut off values of 16.64%,219.15×109/L,and 0.07,respectively.The AUC of RPR was signifi-cantly higher than that of RDW or PLT alone(Z=9.805,P<0.001,Z=11.491,P<0.001).The DVT group had higher levels of D-dimer,fibrinogen,intraoperative blood loss,and a higher proportion of patients with a history of cerebral infarction compared to the non-DVT group(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic stepwise re-gression analysis showed that D-dimer(OR=2.280,95%CI:1.274-4.080),fibrinogen(OR=2.479,95%CI:1.220-5.041),and RPR(OR=3.885,95%CI:1.964-7.684)were independent risk factors for postop-erative lower extremity DVT(P<0.05).Conclusion The elevation of RPR is closely related to the risk of postoperative lower extremity DVT in patients with BPH,and this indicator is expected to become an impor-tant reference for predicting the risk of lower extremity DVT.

Objective:To evaluate the value of the proposed interpretable denoising deep learning model-grouped sharing convolutional attention-visual transformer（GSCAViT）for classifying normal fetal echocardiograms.Methods:A total of 2 501 images from 358 fetuses who underwent cardiac ultrasound examinations at Xiangya Second Hospital of Central South University from January to November 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. GSCAViT was constructed based on fetal echocardiograms from the three-vessel and trachea view，apical four-chamber view，long-axis view of the aortic arch，bicaval view，left ventricular outflow tract view，three-vessel view and right ventricular outflow tract view were compared with both baseline and improved models in the validation set to assess the performance of the classification echocardiography in terms of accuracy，precision，recall and F1-score. Its generalizability across test sets was assessed using the area under the ROC curve（AUC），sensitivity，specificity and F1-score. The impact of image features was interpreted using SHapley Additive exPlanations（SHAP）.The effectiveness of the GSCA module was compared through visual analysis，image parameter metrics and classification performance.Results:The GSCAViT model achieved classification performance for fetal echocardiograms second only to MaxViT，with an accuracy of 97.1%，precision of 97.1%，recall of 97.0%，and an F1-score of 97.0%. In the E10，E20 and E8 test sets，the AUCs of GSCAViT for the prediction of 7 types of fetal echocardiograms were 0.994，0.928 and 0.932，the sensitivities were 99.4%，81.3% and 72.9%，the specificities were 99.7%，96.8% and 94.8%，the F1-scores were 99.4%，81.3% and 67.6%，respectively. SHAP visualization indicated that the model could identify key structural features within the images. Images processed by the denoising-guided group-sharing convolutional attention module best captured and enhanced important regional features，achieving the highest contrast-to-noise ratio，peak signal-to-noise ratio and optimal classification performance，which demonstrated the module's effectiveness.Conclusions:The proposed GSCAViT model exhibits superior performance in classifying seven types of normal fetal echocardiograms compared to the baseline and some improved models. Furthermore，SHAP visualization enhances the interpretability of the classification results，and visual comparisons，image parameter analyses，as well as classification performance metrics confirming the effectiveness of the denoising-guided group-sharing convolutional attention module in the visual transformer model.

Objective:We summarize the clinical characteristics of surgeries in which the thyroid lobe is used as a transfer flap to treat early pharyngeal fistula following total laryngectomy.We also provide useful data for improving the diagnosis and management of this condition.Methods:Retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 8 patients with pharyngocutaneous fistulas after total laryngectomy for laryn-geal and pharyngeal cancer patients admitted to Hunan Provincial People's Hospital(The First Hospital Affiliated to Hunan Normal University)between October 2016 and October 2023.The surgeons performed a double-layer repair technique that included local inversion and a purse-string suture of the fistula using the thyroid lobe as a transfer flap.Clinical data were collected to analyze postoperative outcomes.Results:All eight patients experienced successful pharyngeal fistula repair.Postoperatively,these patients were managed with nasogastric tube feed-ing,liquid diet,and prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection.After 10 days,their diet was changed to oral liquids,and their nasogastric tubes were removed.All patients were discharged after complete recovery.Conclusions:Use of the thyroid lobe as a transfer flap in a double-layer repair technique involving local inversion of the fistula is an effective method for repairing early pharyngeal fistula after total laryngectomy.This approach offers several advantages,including ease of flap harvesting,shortened operation time,reduced patient discom-fort,high transfer flap survival rate,and rapid postoperative recovery.The clinical efficacy of this technique is well-supported,making it a re-liable option for the management of early pharyngeal leaks.