Background/Aims: MicroRNA (miRNA) isoforms (isomiRs) broaden the regulatory landscape of canonical miRNAs, but their role in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) remains unknown. We aimed to characterize the hepatic isomiR landscape in MASLD and define their association with disease activity and fibrosis. Methods: Small RNA (sRNA) sequencing was performed on liver biopsies from 79 patients across the histological spectrum of MASLD. IsomiRs were annotated and quantified. Their association to disease activity and fibrosis score was assessed by differential expression, ordinal regression, and machine learning. Parallel mRNA sequencing and pathway enrichment were used to map isomiR–mRNA interactions and regulatory networks, which were validated against an independent dataset. Results: MiRNAs accounted for 75% of sRNAs in liver tissue, of which 67% were isomiRs. Across MASLD severity, 173 isomiRs correlated with disease activity and 58 with fibrosis stage. Key findings included a miR-122 isomiR uniquely targeting INSIG1 (cholesterol metabolism) and a miR-21 isomiR targeting PPARA and HMGCS2 (lipid and fibrosis pathways). Integration with mRNA data revealed 33 dysregulated pathways, including PPAR signaling, insulin resistance, and TGF-β response. Several novel isomiRs from miR-26b, let-7c, and miR-32 families were also linked to lipid metabolism and fibrosis progression. Conclusions IsomiRs represent the majority of hepatic miRNAs and uncover novel regulatory networks masked by canonical miRNA analysis. These findings provide new insights into the molecular heterogeneity of MASLD, highlight candidate pathways driving disease progression, and identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for precision hepatology.

Objectives: This study aimed to achieve expert consensus on menopause management in the Asia-Pacific region, taking into account patient diversity, the latest evidence, and current treatment options. Methods: A focused literature search was performed to identify clinical practice statements on menopause management. Menopause experts were nominated by members of the Asia-Pacific Menopause Federation (APMF) society. A modified Delphi methodology, involving iterative rounds of anonymous surveys, was employed until consensus was reached for each statement. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% of experts voting ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ for a given clinical practice statement. Results: A total of 39 participants from 14 different APMF member societies were involved. Eighty-five clinical practice statements reached a consensus. Based on the clinical practice statements, an algorithm was created as a tool to guide clinicians on menopause management. APMF experts agreed that, in addition to vasomotor symptoms, Asian women experiencing somatic or psychological symptoms may also benefit from treatment with menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). MHT should also be considered for the prevention of osteoporosis in asymptomatic peri- and postmenopausal women. Conclusions This APMF consensus statement supersedes the previous one published in 2008. It provides guidance to gynecologists, endocrinologists, family physicians, and other healthcare professionals in delivering optimal care to menopausal women in the ethnically and culturally diverse Asia-Pacific region.

Objectives: This study aimed to achieve expert consensus on menopause management in the Asia-Pacific region, taking into account patient diversity, the latest evidence, and current treatment options. Methods: A focused literature search was performed to identify clinical practice statements on menopause management. Menopause experts were nominated by members of the Asia-Pacific Menopause Federation (APMF) society. A modified Delphi methodology, involving iterative rounds of anonymous surveys, was employed until consensus was reached for each statement. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% of experts voting ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ for a given clinical practice statement. Results: A total of 39 participants from 14 different APMF member societies were involved. Eighty-five clinical practice statements reached a consensus. Based on the clinical practice statements, an algorithm was created as a tool to guide clinicians on menopause management. APMF experts agreed that, in addition to vasomotor symptoms, Asian women experiencing somatic or psychological symptoms may also benefit from treatment with menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). MHT should also be considered for the prevention of osteoporosis in asymptomatic peri- and postmenopausal women. Conclusions This APMF consensus statement supersedes the previous one published in 2008. It provides guidance to gynecologists, endocrinologists, family physicians, and other healthcare professionals in delivering optimal care to menopausal women in the ethnically and culturally diverse Asia-Pacific region.

Objectives: This study aimed to achieve expert consensus on menopause management in the Asia-Pacific region, taking into account patient diversity, the latest evidence, and current treatment options. Methods: A focused literature search was performed to identify clinical practice statements on menopause management. Menopause experts were nominated by members of the Asia-Pacific Menopause Federation (APMF) society. A modified Delphi methodology, involving iterative rounds of anonymous surveys, was employed until consensus was reached for each statement. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% of experts voting ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ for a given clinical practice statement. Results: A total of 39 participants from 14 different APMF member societies were involved. Eighty-five clinical practice statements reached a consensus. Based on the clinical practice statements, an algorithm was created as a tool to guide clinicians on menopause management. APMF experts agreed that, in addition to vasomotor symptoms, Asian women experiencing somatic or psychological symptoms may also benefit from treatment with menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). MHT should also be considered for the prevention of osteoporosis in asymptomatic peri- and postmenopausal women. Conclusions This APMF consensus statement supersedes the previous one published in 2008. It provides guidance to gynecologists, endocrinologists, family physicians, and other healthcare professionals in delivering optimal care to menopausal women in the ethnically and culturally diverse Asia-Pacific region.

The development of polysaccharide conjugate vaccines, which convert polysaccharide antigens into T-cell-dependent immunogens through covalent conjugation with protein carriers, represents a critical strategy for enhancing immune protection in infants and young children. Globally licensed conjugate vaccines currently employ carrier proteins including Tetanus Toxoid, Diphtheria Toxoid, and Cross-Reacting Material 197. Recent advances have focused on three key areas: novel carrier protein discovery, optimized conjugation strategies, and evaluation of immune interference during co-administration of multivalent formulations. These efforts aim to achieve broader serotype coverage, prolonged protective efficacy, and simplified immunization schedules. This review synthesizes recent progress in carrier protein development, encompassing vaccine design principles, manufacturing processes, safety profiles, and epidemiological effectiveness. Furthermore, it critically examines current selection criteria for carrier proteins, their clinical applications, and persistent challenges, providing strategic insights to inform future conjugate vaccine development and immunization policy optimization in China.

Cemental tear is a rare and indetectable condition unless obvious clinical signs present with the involvement of surrounding periodontal and periapical tissues. Due to its clinical manifestations similar to common dental issues, such as vertical root fracture, primary endodontic diseases, and periodontal diseases, as well as the low awareness of cemental tear for clinicians, misdiagnosis often occurs. The critical principle for cemental tear treatment is to remove torn fragments, and overlooking fragments leads to futile therapy, which could deteriorate the conditions of the affected teeth. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate interventions are vital for managing cemental tear. Novel diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), microscopes, and enamel matrix derivatives, have improved early detection and management, enhancing tooth retention. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, combined with improved clinical awareness among dental professionals, serves to mitigate risks of diagnostic errors and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. This expert consensus reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cemental tear, aiming to provide a clinical guideline and facilitate clinicians to have a better understanding of cemental tear.
Humans ; Dental Cementum/injuries* ; Consensus ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Tooth Fractures/therapy*

Objective:To investigate the clinical and genetic variation characteristics of a child with autosomal dominant lateral temporal lobe epilepsy caused by de novo variation of the MICAL1 gene. Methods:Clinical data of the patient with autosomal dominant lateral temporal lobe epilepsy caused by MICAL1 gene variation diagnosed in Children′s Hospital of Soochow University in August 2019 were collected. The whole exome sequencing was performed on the core members of the family, and the characteristics of gene variations were analyzed. Results:The proband, a 10 years and 5 months old boy, was admitted to the hospital because of "intermittent convulsions for 7 years". The clinical manifestations included focal or generalized tonic-clonic seizures and hearing aura, with normal language and intellectual development. No abnormalities were found in the T 1 and fluid attenuated inversion recovery sequences of the cranial 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging and 3D thin-slice magnetic resonance imaging.Long-range video electroencephalogram showed the distribution of spinous and slow spinous waves in the left frontal and temporal areas. The results of whole exome gene sequencing in the core family members showed heterozygous de novo missense variation in the MICAL1 gene of the proband (NM_022765): c.763G>T(exon6)(p.Val255Leu) that had not been reported. According to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and Association for Molecular Pathology guidelines (2015), the mutation was considered potentially pathogenic. The application of antiepileptic drugs was effective in controlling epileptic seizures. Conclusions:Auditory symptoms are main clinical manifestations for the child with autosomal dominant lateral temporal lobe epilepsy. Antiepileptic drugs can effectively control epileptic seizures of the child, and the MICAL1 gene c.763G>T (p.Val255Leu) mutation is the genetic cause of the proband.

The development of polysaccharide conjugate vaccines, which convert polysaccharide antigens into T-cell-dependent immunogens through covalent conjugation with protein carriers, represents a critical strategy for enhancing immune protection in infants and young children. Globally licensed conjugate vaccines currently employ carrier proteins including Tetanus Toxoid, Diphtheria Toxoid, and Cross-Reacting Material 197. Recent advances have focused on three key areas: novel carrier protein discovery, optimized conjugation strategies, and evaluation of immune interference during co-administration of multivalent formulations. These efforts aim to achieve broader serotype coverage, prolonged protective efficacy, and simplified immunization schedules. This review synthesizes recent progress in carrier protein development, encompassing vaccine design principles, manufacturing processes, safety profiles, and epidemiological effectiveness. Furthermore, it critically examines current selection criteria for carrier proteins, their clinical applications, and persistent challenges, providing strategic insights to inform future conjugate vaccine development and immunization policy optimization in China.

Objective:To investigate the clinical and genetic variation characteristics of a child with autosomal dominant lateral temporal lobe epilepsy caused by de novo variation of the MICAL1 gene. Methods:Clinical data of the patient with autosomal dominant lateral temporal lobe epilepsy caused by MICAL1 gene variation diagnosed in Children′s Hospital of Soochow University in August 2019 were collected. The whole exome sequencing was performed on the core members of the family, and the characteristics of gene variations were analyzed. Results:The proband, a 10 years and 5 months old boy, was admitted to the hospital because of "intermittent convulsions for 7 years". The clinical manifestations included focal or generalized tonic-clonic seizures and hearing aura, with normal language and intellectual development. No abnormalities were found in the T 1 and fluid attenuated inversion recovery sequences of the cranial 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging and 3D thin-slice magnetic resonance imaging.Long-range video electroencephalogram showed the distribution of spinous and slow spinous waves in the left frontal and temporal areas. The results of whole exome gene sequencing in the core family members showed heterozygous de novo missense variation in the MICAL1 gene of the proband (NM_022765): c.763G>T(exon6)(p.Val255Leu) that had not been reported. According to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and Association for Molecular Pathology guidelines (2015), the mutation was considered potentially pathogenic. The application of antiepileptic drugs was effective in controlling epileptic seizures. Conclusions:Auditory symptoms are main clinical manifestations for the child with autosomal dominant lateral temporal lobe epilepsy. Antiepileptic drugs can effectively control epileptic seizures of the child, and the MICAL1 gene c.763G>T (p.Val255Leu) mutation is the genetic cause of the proband.

Abstract: Heterologous boost COVID-19 vaccination can solved the problem of decreased efficacy caused by single dose of vaccine. Heterologous booster with adenoviral-vectored COVID-19 vaccine (Ad5-nCoV) following primary immunization with inactivated COVID-19 vaccines is a widely-used vaccination strategy in clinic, while different routes of Ad5-nCoV administration exist and pose a question which route could be more optimal. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated and compared the vaccine immunity induced in mice immunized according to three different vaccination regimens: “3×phosphate buffered solution(3× PBS)”, “2×inactivated vaccine + 1×inactivated vaccine (3×INA)”, “2×inactivated vaccine + 1×Ad5-nCoV (intramuscular)[2×INA+Ad5(im)]”and“2×inactivated vaccine + 1×Ad5-nCoV (intranasal)[2×INA+Ad5(in)]”. We found that heterologous booster with Ad5-nCoV, irrespective of the route of administration, induced significantly higher levels of anti-Spike IgG and subclasses (IgG1and IgG2c), Spike-specific T cells, class-switched Spike+ memory B cells (MBCs) than homologous booster with 3rd dose of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine. Of note, compared with the intramuscular given, intranasal given of Ad5-nCoV as a booster dose clearly induced higher levels of serum and bronchoalveolar bavage fluid anti-spike immunoglobulin A, and moreover, induced stronger infiltration of major innate effector cells like neutrophils, natural killer cells and dendritic cells into the lung tissue, which suggested that mucosal vaccine responses are generated upon intranasal booster with Ad5-nCoV. Altogether, our study analyzed the vaccine immunity induced by different COVID-19 vaccines administered using different regimens, which may guide the clinical use of other types of prophylactic vaccines aiming to mount improved vaccine responses.