Background/Aims: Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic steatosis. Ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29) plays pivotal roles in hepatic ischemiareperfusion injury and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its role in MASLD remains unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the effects and underlying mechanisms of USP29 in MASLD progression. Methods: USP29 expression was assessed in liver samples from MASLD patients and mice. The role and molecular mechanism of USP29 in MASLD were assessed in high-fat diet-fed and high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-fed mice and palmitic acid and oleic acid treated hepatocytes. Results: USP29 protein levels were significantly reduced in mice and humans with MASLD. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were significantly exacerbated by USP29 deletion and relieved by USP29 overexpression. Mechanistically, USP29 significantly activated the expression of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) under metabolic stimulation, directly interacted with long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 5 (ACSL5) and repressed ACSL5 degradation by increasing ACSL5 K48-linked deubiquitination. Moreover, the effect of USP29 on hepatocyte lipid accumulation and MASLD was dependent on ACSL5. Conclusions USP29 functions as a novel negative regulator of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 to promote FAO. The activation of the USP29-ACSL5 axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for MASLD.

Background/Aims: Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic steatosis. Ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29) plays pivotal roles in hepatic ischemiareperfusion injury and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its role in MASLD remains unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the effects and underlying mechanisms of USP29 in MASLD progression. Methods: USP29 expression was assessed in liver samples from MASLD patients and mice. The role and molecular mechanism of USP29 in MASLD were assessed in high-fat diet-fed and high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-fed mice and palmitic acid and oleic acid treated hepatocytes. Results: USP29 protein levels were significantly reduced in mice and humans with MASLD. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were significantly exacerbated by USP29 deletion and relieved by USP29 overexpression. Mechanistically, USP29 significantly activated the expression of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) under metabolic stimulation, directly interacted with long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 5 (ACSL5) and repressed ACSL5 degradation by increasing ACSL5 K48-linked deubiquitination. Moreover, the effect of USP29 on hepatocyte lipid accumulation and MASLD was dependent on ACSL5. Conclusions USP29 functions as a novel negative regulator of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 to promote FAO. The activation of the USP29-ACSL5 axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for MASLD.

With the widespread adoption of low-dose CT screening and the extensive application of high-resolution CT, the detection rate of sub-centimeter lung nodules has significantly increased. How to scientifically manage these nodules while avoiding overtreatment and diagnostic delays has become an important clinical issue. Among them, lung nodules with a consolidation tumor ratio less than 0.25, dominated by ground-glass shadows, are particularly worthy of attention. The therapeutic challenge for this group is how to achieve precise and complete resection of nodules during surgery while maximizing the preservation of the patient's lung function. The "watershed topography map" is a new technology based on big data and artificial intelligence algorithms. This method uses Dicom data from conventional dose CT scans, combined with microscopic (22-24 levels) capillary network anatomical watershed features, to generate high-precision simulated natural segmentation planes of lung sub-segments through specific textures and forms. This technology forms fluorescent watershed boundaries on the lung surface, which highly fit the actual lung anatomical structure. By analyzing the adjacent relationship between the nodule and the watershed boundary, real-time, visually accurate positioning of the nodule can be achieved. This innovative technology provides a new solution for the intraoperative positioning and resection of lung nodules. This consensus was led by four major domestic societies, jointly with expert teams in related fields, oriented to clinical practical needs, referring to domestic and foreign guidelines and consensus, and finally formed after multiple rounds of consultation, discussion, and voting. The main content covers the theoretical basis of the "watershed topography map" technology, indications, operation procedures, surgical planning details, and postoperative evaluation standards, aiming to provide scientific guidance and exploration directions for clinical peers who are currently or plan to carry out lung nodule resection using the fluorescent microscope watershed analysis method.

Background/Aims: Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic steatosis. Ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29) plays pivotal roles in hepatic ischemiareperfusion injury and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its role in MASLD remains unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the effects and underlying mechanisms of USP29 in MASLD progression. Methods: USP29 expression was assessed in liver samples from MASLD patients and mice. The role and molecular mechanism of USP29 in MASLD were assessed in high-fat diet-fed and high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-fed mice and palmitic acid and oleic acid treated hepatocytes. Results: USP29 protein levels were significantly reduced in mice and humans with MASLD. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were significantly exacerbated by USP29 deletion and relieved by USP29 overexpression. Mechanistically, USP29 significantly activated the expression of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) under metabolic stimulation, directly interacted with long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 5 (ACSL5) and repressed ACSL5 degradation by increasing ACSL5 K48-linked deubiquitination. Moreover, the effect of USP29 on hepatocyte lipid accumulation and MASLD was dependent on ACSL5. Conclusions USP29 functions as a novel negative regulator of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 to promote FAO. The activation of the USP29-ACSL5 axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for MASLD.

Objective To investigate the eye lens and hand dose levels of interventional radiology workers in Baoji City, China, and to provide data reference for radiation protection. Methods In two general hospitals, the eye lens and finger doses of 121 interventional radiology workers were monitored between 2021 and 2023. The average annual dose levels and dose distribution were analyzed based on years, job positions, surgical sites, and duties during surgery. Results The average annual dose to the eye lens was 3.36 mSv, with the highest dose of 16.36 mSv. The average annual dose to the fingers was 3.38 mSv, with the highest dose of 17.72 mSv. The average annual dose to the eye lens and fingers decreased from 2021 to 2023. The average annual dose to the eye lens of the interventional surgeons was higher than those of the technicians and nurses, while the average annual dose to the fingers of the interventional surgeons was higher than that of the technicians. The average annual doses to the eye lens and fingers of the first operator were similar to those of the second operator, but both were higher than other personnel involved in the interventional surgery, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). There were linear regression relationships between the annual doses to the eye lens and fingers and the effective whole-body dose of the interventional radiology workers. A paired test was conducted on the annual dose to the eye lens and fingers of the interventional workers for different surgical sites. The cardiovascular and peripheral vascular interventional workers had higher average annual doses to the eye lens than to the fingers, the cerebrovascular interventional workers had a higher average annual dose to the fingers than to the eye lens, and the differences were statistically significant. Conclusion The annual doses to the eye lens and fingers of the interventional radiology workers in Baoji City were lower than the national limits. However, some workers showed eye lens annual doses close to the new international standard limit (20 mSv). Special attention should be given to interventional physicians, especially the first and second surgeons.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of veno-venous extra corporeal carbon dioxide removal (V-V ECCO₂R) on local mechanical power and gas distribution in the lungs of patients with mild to moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) receiving non-invasive ventilation. METHODS: Retrospective research methods were conducted. Sixty patients with mild to moderate ARDS complicated with renal insufficiency who were transferred to the respiratory intensive care unit (RICU) through the 96195 platform critical care transport green channel from January 2018 to January 2020 at the collaborative hospitals of Henan Provincial People's Hospital were enrolled. According to different treatment methods, they were divided into a conventional treatment group and an ECCO₂R group, with 30 patients in each group. Both groups received standard treatments including primary disease treatment, airway management, and non-invasive ventilation. The conventional treatment group received bedside continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), and the ECCO₂R group received V-V ECCO₂R treatment. General information of patient such as gender, age, cause of disease, and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) were recorded; arterial blood gas analysis was performed before treatment and at 12 hours and 24 hours during treatment, recording arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂), arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂), and oxygenation index (PaO₂/FiO₂). Respiratory mechanics parameters [tidal volume, respiratory rate, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP)] were recorded, and the rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) was calculated; electrical impedance tomography (EIT) was used to measure regional of interest (ROI) values in different lung areas at 12 hours and 24 hours of treatment, and the pulmonary mechanical energy was calculated. RESULTS: The arterial blood gas analysis indicators, respiratory mechanics parameters, and pulmonary mechanical energy of patients in the conventional treatment group and ECCO₂R group improved significantly after 24 hours of treatment compared to 12 hours of treatment (all P < 0.05). The levels of PaCO₂, RSBI, total mechanical power, and non-dependent zone mechanical power in the ECCO₂R group were significantly lower than those in the conventional treatment group at both 12 hours and 24 hours during the treatment [PaCO₂ (mmHg, 1 mmHg ≈ 0.133 kPa): 44.03±2.96 vs. 49.96±2.50 at 12 hours, 41.65±3.21 vs. 48.53±2.33 at 24 hours; RSBI (times×min^-1×L^-1): 88.67±4.05 vs. 92.35±4.03 at 12 hours, 77.66±4.64 vs. 90.98±4.21 at 24 hours; total mechanical power (mJ): 10.40±1.15 vs. 12.93±1.68 at 12 hours, 11.13±1.18 vs. 14.05±1.69 at 24 hours; non-dependent zone mechanical power (mJ): 7.15±0.84 vs. 7.98±0.75 at 12 hours, 7.77±0.93 vs. 9.13±1.10 at 24 hours], and MEP and MIP in the ECCO₂R group were significantly higher than those in the conventional treatment group at both 12 hours and 24 hours during the treatment [MEP (cmH₂O, 1 cmH₂O ≈ 0.098 kPa): 89.88±5.04 vs. 86.09±5.57 at 12 hours, 96.57±2.59 vs. 88.66±2.98 at 24 hours; MIP (cmH₂O): 47.64±2.82 vs. 41.93±2.44 at 12 hours, 60.11±6.53 vs. 43.63±2.80 at 24 hours], the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS V-V ECCO₂R combined with non-invasive ventilation can effectively reduce the regional tidal volume, mechanical power, and respiratory rate in the non-gravitational dependent zones of patients with mild to moderate ARDS, and improve respiratory distress and oxygenation status.
Humans ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome/physiopathology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Carbon Dioxide ; Blood Gas Analysis ; Lung/physiopathology* ; Intensive Care Units ; Male ; Female ; Noninvasive Ventilation/methods* ; Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy/methods* ; APACHE ; Middle Aged

Background::Growth retardation is a common complication of chronic kidney disease in children, which can be partially relieved after renal transplantation. This study aimed to develop and validate a predictive model for growth patterns of children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) after kidney transplantation using machine learning algorithms based on genomic and clinical variables.Methods::A retrospective cohort of 110 children who received kidney transplants between May 2013 and September 2021 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were recruited for whole-exome sequencing (WES), and another 39 children who underwent transplant from October 2021 to March 2022 were enrolled for external validation. Based on previous studies, we comprehensively collected 729 height-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in exon regions. Seven machine learning algorithms and 10-fold cross-validation analysis were employed for model construction.Results::The 110 children were divided into two groups according to change in height-for-age Z-score. After univariate analysis, age and 19 SNPs were incorporated into the model and validated. The random forest model showed the best prediction efficacy with an accuracy of 0.8125 and an area under curve (AUC) of 0.924, and also performed well in the external validation cohort (accuracy, 0.7949; AUC, 0.796). Conclusions::A model with good performance for predicting post-transplant growth patterns in children based on SNPs and clinical variables was constructed and validated using machine learning algorithms. The model is expected to guide clinicians in the management of children after renal transplantation, including the use of growth hormone, glucocorticoid withdrawal, and nutritional supplementation, to alleviate growth retardation in children with ESRD.

Objective To construct and validate of a nomogram predictive model for high-volume lymph node metastasis(HVM)in multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma(MPTC).Methods Between January 2010 to January 2024,a total of 1146 and 234 patients with multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma(MPTC)were diagnosed at Hangzhou First People's Hospital(Center A)and Hangzhou Cancer Hospital(Center B),respectively.Patients from Center A were randomly allocated to training set(n=803)and testing set(n=343)in a 7:3 ratio,while those from Center B(n=234)comprised an external validation set.Independent risk factors for HVM in MPTC patients were identified through univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis in training set,leading to the development of a nomogram predictive model.The generalizability of this model was subsequently assessed using both testing set and external validation set.The area under the curve(AUC)of receiver operating characteristic curve,sensitivity,and specificity evaluate the discriminative ability of the model.Results The incidence of HVM was 13.3％at center A and 12.8％at center B.Logistic regression identified male gender(OR=2.91,95％CI:1.835-4.599),maximum lesion diameter(OR=1.05,95％CI:1.021-1.070),and age(OR=0.95,95％CI:0.936-0.972)as independent risk factors for HVM.Anomogram based on these factors showed an AUC of 0.767 with 72.6％sensitivity and 70.2％specificity in training set,and 0.838 with 94.9％sensitivity and 68.4％specificity in testing set,and 0.769 with 63.3％sensitivity and 84.3％specificity in external validation set.The calibration curve demonstrated good agreement with the ideal curve.Conclusion The prediction model constructed based on clinical risk factors can effectively predict the probability of HVM in MPTC patients.

Objective In order to offer a theoretical foundation for Cremastae Pseudobulbus/Pleiones Pseudobulbus original species scientific introduction and site selection for expansion.Methods We gathered sample distribution information for the original species of Cremastae Pseudobulbus/Pleiones Pseudobulbus nationwide by consulting various databases and conducting field investigations.A total of 257 effective distribution data were gathered.Altitude,temperature,solar radiation,precipitation,and water vapor pressure were among the 68 environment factors that were chosen from 5 categories.The ecological suitability of Cremastae Pseudobulbus/Pleiones Pseudobulbus original species was investigated using Maxent and ArcGIS.Results The investigation revealed that precipitation,solar radiation,and altitude were the core environment factors influencing the ecological suitability of Cremastae Pseudobulbus/Pleiones Pseudobulbus.The most important environment factors varied significantly between diverse original species.The most suitable potential areas for the growth of Cremastra appendicutata,Pleione bulbocodioides,and Pleione yunnanensis were concentrated in Taiwan,South China,and the adjacent areas of Yunnan and Sichuan,respectively.Conclusion Further ecological suitability levels were classified for their potential distribution areas,providing a scientific basis for the rational introduction,cultivation,and artificial stanhbzyydxdardized expansion of the Cremastae Pseudobulbus/Pleiones Pseudobulbus.