Background/Aims: Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues. Results: We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts. Conclusion Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.

ObjectiveAbnormal intestinal angiogenesis and dysregulation of the mucosal immune microenvironment are important mechanisms underlying the occurrence and progression of ulcerative colitis (UC). This study aimed to identify biomarkers associated with angiogenesis in UC through integrated bioinformatics analysis and to validate their expression patterns and effects on vascular endothelial cell function through in vivo and in vitro experiments. MethodsSix UC-related datasets were retrieved from the GEO database. GSE48959, GSE59071, and GSE73661 were batch-corrected using the ComBat algorithm and used as the discovery cohort, while GSE47908, GSE92415, and GSE206285 were used as independent external validation cohorts. Differentially expressed genes were identified using the limma package, and a weighted gene co-expression network was constructed using WGCNA. The DEGs, WGCNA core module genes, and angiogenesis-related genes were intersected to obtain candidate genes. Multiple machine learning methods were further integrated to screen candidate features, followed by DNN and SHAP-based analysis of candidate gene feature contributions. PPI network topology analysis was further performed to identify hub genes, and the CIBERSORT algorithm was used to evaluate candidate genes and immune infiltration features. In addition, a DSS-induced mouse model of colitis and a TNF-α-stimulated HUVECs inflammatory model were established for experimental validation, combined with hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunofluorescence staining, Western blotting, wound healing assays, Transwell invasion assays, and Matrigel tube formation assays. ResultsA total of 481 upregulated and 285 downregulated genes were identified in the discovery cohort, and these genes were mainly enriched in pathways related to leukocyte migration and the complement and coagulation cascades. WGCNA identified the yellow module as the module most strongly associated with UC. The intersection of DEGs, WGCNA core module genes, and angiogenesis-related genes yielded 26 candidate genes. Four machine learning algorithms further identified C2, TIMP1, and TGM2 as common candidate features, while DNN-SHAP analysis and PPI network topology analysis further highlighted TIMP1 as a key hub gene. After multi-step screening, TIMP1 was ultimately identified as a key candidate gene. Validation across multiple datasets showed that TIMP1 was significantly upregulated in UC tissues and exhibited favorable discriminatory performance (all AUCs>0.85). In the DNN model, TIMP1 showed a relatively high feature contribution, supporting its potential relevance to UC classification. CIBERSORT analysis indicated that TIMP1 expression was positively correlated with neutrophils and resting NK cells, but negatively correlated with regulatory T cells and CD8⁺ T cells. In vivo and in vitro experiments further confirmed that TIMP1 expression was markedly increased under inflammatory conditions. In DSS-induced colitis mice, increased CD31-positive vascular signals were accompanied by elevated TIMP1 expression and reduced VE-cadherin expression. Moreover, TIMP1 knockdown significantly inhibited endothelial cell migration, invasion, and tube formation, accompanied by decreased expression of VEGFA, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3. ConclusionTIMP1 may participate in UC-associated abnormal angiogenesis and changes in vascular endothelial cell function under inflammatory conditions, highlighting its potential as a biomarker and a candidate for further therapeutic investigation.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy is a globally prevalent type of primary glomerulonephritis, characterized by complex symptoms and diverse clinical manifestations. The internationally recognized " multiple hit hypothesis" explains the systemic immune disease features of IgA nephropathy. However, current treatment strategies primarily focus on local pathological changes, inadequately addressing its complex systemic mechanisms. The " qi cycle in round" theory, an integral concept of the academic thought of HUANG Yuanyu, a prominent medical expert from the Qing Dynasty, offers a concise and insightful framework for understanding complex pathologies. For example, this theory provides valuable insights for elucidating the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy and guiding its clinical management by simplifying intricate systemic processes. This study applies the " qi cycle in round" theory to postulate that patients with IgA nephropathy experience disrupted qi flow owing to spleen-stomach qi deficiency and dampness-heat accumulation. These imbalances manifest as internal symptoms, such as diarrhea; external vulnerability to illness; upper body symptoms, like sore throat; and lower body symptoms, such as hematuria and proteinuria. Pathologically, the condition is characterized by immune complex deposition. This article also emphasizes strategies that prioritize tonifying spleen-stomach qi to enhance the pivotal functions of transportation and transformation. Regulating qi and relieving stagnation are emphasized to harmonize ascending and descending dynamics. Additionally, eliminating turbidity and unblocking collaterals are highlighted to promote qi transformation. These approaches aim to restore the harmonious operation of organ qi dynamics and harmonious qi transformation functions. This study aims to provide a reference for syndrome differentiation and IgA nephropathy treatment using traditional Chinese medicine based on the " qi cycle in round" theory.

AIM To establish a UPLC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous content determination of liquiritin,liquiritin apioside,verbascoside,narirutin,isoacteoside,apigetrin,hesperidin,isoliquiritin,ononin,liquiritigenin,glycyrrhizic acid,isoliquiritigenin,honokiol,obovatol,pogostone and magnolol in Jiawei Huoxiang Zhengqi Soft Capsules.METHODS The analysis was performed on a 40 ℃ thermostatic ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18 column(2.1 mm×100 mm,1.8 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of 0.1％formic acid-acetonitrile flowing at 0.4 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and electron spray ionization source was adopted in positive and negative ion scanning with multiple reaction monitoring mode.RESULTS Sixteen constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(r＞0.990 0),whose average recoveries were 83.74％-105.12％with the RSDs of 1.10％-4.8％.CONCLUSION This accurate,sensitive,stable and reproducible method can provide a reference for the overall quality control of Jiawei Huoxiang Zhengqi Soft Capsules.

Objective:To propose a novel radiotherapy marking method-the"#"-character method,which aimed at improving the accuracy and repeatability of positioning during radiotherapy.Methods:A specially"cross-shaped"stamp was designed by this study,which consisted of a handheld square base with a"cross-shaped"protrusion.Using this stamp,the extreme positions of end-expiration and end-inspiration were marked respectively at the laser-guided regions on the directly above and bilateral sides of the patient's body,and each position was printed a"+"character.Finally,a"#-shaped"signal was formed,which represented the full range of respiratory motion of patients.The study included two parts:surface displacement caused by respiration was simulated through a three-dimensional(3D)motion platform,which was used to conduct a phantom experiment for anthropomorphic dummy,A randomized controlled study involving 40 patients,who were treated between January and June 2024 at the Department of Radiotherapy,Cancer Hospital,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences,were conducted.The cohort included 20 patients with breast tumor(Positioning the outer contour by exposing the chest)and 20 patients with thoracic tumor(fixed position of using thermoplastic film).These patients were divided into two groups for comparison,which received respectively the"#-shaped"method and the conventional"+-shaped"method.The cone-beam computed tomography(CBCT)images before treatment were used to compare the influences of the two kinds of marking methods on the positioning errors of patients with breast tumor and patients with thoracic tumor.Then,the statistical analysis was used to assess precision and accuracy of positioning.Results:The result of phantom experiment indicated that the positioning error of the"#-shaped"method was significantly better than that of the"+-shaped"method under various parameters of respiratory movement.Under three kinds of different respiratory cycles(3,4,and 5 seconds)and amplitudes(8,12,and 15 mm),the positioning errors of the"#-shaped"method were respectively(0.15±0.04)cm,(0.19±0.05)cm and(0.35±0.14)cm,while the"+-shaped"method were respectively(0.42±0.16)cm,(0.64±0.28)cm and(0.88±0.37)cm,and the differences were statistically significant(t=8.347,3.416,2.901,P<0.05).The results of actual patients indicated the positioning error[(0.97±0.32)cm]of the"#-shaped"method was significantly lower than[(1.62±0.47)cm]of the"+-shaped"method for patients with breast tumor(Positioning the outer contour by exposing the chest),and the difference was significant(t=3.615,P<0.05).On the other hand,the positioning error[(0.69±0.24)cm]of the"#-shaped"method was significantly lower than[(0.97±0.39)cm]of the"+-shaped"method for patients with thoracic tumor(fixed position of using thermoplastic film),and the difference also was significant(t=1.934,P<0.05).Conclusion:Compared to the conventional"+-shaped"method,the"#-shaped"method appears higher accuracy and repeatability during the positioning process of radiotherapy,which especially is suitable to the treatment for breast tumor and thoracic tumor that need accurately control the influences of respiratory motion.

Objective To investigate the correlation between platelet-to-albumin ratio(PAR)and occurrence of cerebral infarction after left atrial appendage closure(LAAC)in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation(NVAF).Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 259 NVAF patients undergoing LAAC in our department between 2019 and 2023.According to occurrence of cerebral infarction after LAAC or not,they were divided into a control group(241 cases)and a study group(18 cases).Their general data were collected,and Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify the risk factors for cerebral infarction.ROC curve was plotted to assess the predictive value of PAR for cerebral infarction in NVAF patients after LAAC,and the AUC value was calculated.Kaplan-Meier survival curve was drawn to analyze the incidence of cerebral infarction after LAAC in NVAF patients with different PAR values.Results The study group had significantly advanced age,higher SBP at admission,increased WBC,neutrophil,monocyte and platelet counts,longer thrombin time,elevated international normalized ratio(INR)and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP)level,and higher PAR than the control group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that PAR(HR=2.286,95％CI:1.182-4.420,P＜0.05)was an independent risk factor for cerebral infarction in NVAF patients after LAAC.ROC curve indicated that the AUC value of PAR in predicting cerebral infarction after LAAC in NVAF patients was 0.721(95％CI:0.586-0.856,P＜0.01),with an optimal cut-off value of 4.137,a sensitivity of 66.39％,and a specificity of 77.78％.Kaplan-Meier survival curve revealed that the higher the PAR value was,the higher the risk of cerebral infarction was(P＜0.01).Conclusion PAR is significantly correlated with cerebral infarction in NVAF patients after LAAC.The higher the PAR,the higher the risk of cerebral infarction,demonstrating its predictive value and being worthy of clinical promotion.

Objective:To explore the impact of the stimulator of interferon genes(STING)-interferon regulatory factor 3(IRF3)pathway on the senescence of rapid pacing HL-1 myocytes.Methods:HL-1 cells were divided into five groups: the control group(HL-1 cells without any treatment), pacing group(HL-1 cells paced for 48 hours), STING siRNA group(HL-1 cells paced for 48 hours and transfected with STING siRNA), NC siRNA group(HL-1 cells paced for 48 hours and transfected with NC siRNA), and H151 inhibitor group(HL-1 cells paced for 48 hours with the addition of 1 μmol/L STING inhibitor H151). Mitochondrial membrane potential was assessed in control and pacing group cells, and mitochondrial MitoTracker and TFAM co-localization staining was performed on these cells.Cellular senescence was evaluated using β-galactosidase staining in each group, and the positive rate of cellular senescence was observed and calculated.Western blotting was employed to detect the expression levels of STING, IRF3, P-IRF3, P16, P21, and P53 proteins in all groups.Immunofluorescence was utilized to examine the expression distribution of STING and P21 across the various groups.ELISA was performed to measure the concentrations of interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 in the cell supernatants from each group as part of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype(SASP).Results:Compared with the control group, the ratio of mitochondrial JC-1 multimer to monomer was significantly decreased in the pacing group( t=16.42, P<0.05), the co-localization of mitochondrial MitoTracker and TFAM in the cells was significantly weakened, the proportion of cells with positive cellular senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining significantly increased in the pacing group, the expression levels of STING, P-IRF3/IRF3, P16, P21, and P53 proteins were significantly elevated in the pacing group, and the concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 in the cell supernatants were markedly increased.Compared with the pacing group, the proportion of cells with positive cellular senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining decreased in the STING siRNA group and H151 inhibitor group ( F= 18.13, P<0.05), the expression levels of STING, P-IRF3/IRF3, P16, P21, and P53 were reduced in the STING siRNA group and H151 inhibitor group ( F=16.84, 26.56, 74.70, 31.80, 31.23, all P<0.05), and the concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 in the cell supernatants decreased( F=197.80、1 339.00、1 308.00, all P<0.001). Conclusions:Rapid pacing of HL-1 cells can promote mtDNA release into the cytoplasm, activate the STING-IRF3 pathway, accelerate cellular senescence, and enhance the secretion of SASP.Inhibiting the expression of STING can delay the senescence induced by the rapid pacing of HL-1 cells and reduce SASP secretion.

Objectives:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and incidence trends of chronic hepatitis B in Shenzhen from 2005 to 2023, develop a prediction models with performance evaluation, explore its associations with social demographic index (SDI) and inform targeted prevention strategy development.Methods:Based on surveillance data of infectious diseases, descriptive epidemiological methods were applied to analyze the spatiotemporal and population distribution characteristics. A multifactorial prediction model integrating the SDI was established, and its predictive performance was evaluated by using data from 2020-2023. Model accuracy was evaluated by using root mean square error and mean absolute percentage error ( MAPE). The association between SDI and incidence rates was assessed through generalized linear models. Results:A total of 235 703 chronic hepatitis B cases were reported cumulatively in Shenzhen from 2005-2023, with an annual average incidence rate of 98.84/100 000. Long-term trends revealed a significant increase in the incidence from 2005 to 2019. The incidence rate was 2.48 times higher in men than in women, and the majority of cases occurred in age group 20-50 years. The cases were mainly workers in manufacturing and services. Seasonal incidence peaks were observed in March and during May to November. The overall SDI exhibited a consistent upward trend, and the positive correlation between SDI and incidence rate was observed in central urban districts (Futian and Nanshan). In contrast, industrial zones (Guangming and Bao'an) saw a significant decline in incidence rates due to intensified prevention interventions despite the increase of SDI level. Model predictions indicated that the multivariate long short-term memory (LSTM) deep learning model integrating SDI parameters outperformed both the spatiotemporal covariate- enhanced model and the augmented Bayesian structural time series model, with MAPE of 4.71%, 7.66% and 10.30%, respectively. Conclusion:SDI is a key social determinant associated with hepatitis B transmission risks, and dynamic thresholds can be established to develop tiered early warning mechanisms. It is suggested to integrate multisource SDI data into the LSTM framework, implement targeted interventions such as "rapid antibody screening in key areas + vaccination boosters for high-risk populations" and improve the timeliness of epidemic response through hybrid models to reduce disease burden level.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective:To construct a nanoparticle vaccine displaying the prefusion F (preF) protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) using the I53-50 protein nanoparticle platform, and to systematically evaluate its immunogenicity and protective efficacy.Methods:The RSV preF trimer antigen was genetically fused to I53-50A and assembled in vitro with I53-50B to form preF-I53-50 nanoparticles, theoretically displaying 20 preF antigens per particle. The structure and purity were characterized by size-exclusion chromatography, SDS-PAGE, and negative-stain electron microscopy. BALB/c mice were intramuscularly immunized with varying doses (1 μg or 5 μg) of preF antigen or an equimolar amount of preF-I53-50 nanoparticles. Humoral immunity, B-cell responses, and protective efficacy were assessed following intranasal viral challenge.Results:The preF-I53-50 nanoparticles self-assembled into spherical structures (50-60 nm in diameter) with uniformly arrayed antigens. The nanoparticle vaccine enhanced RSV-specific IgG1 and IgG2a antibody responses, promoting a Th1-biased immune profile. At equimolar preF doses, the neutralizing antibody titers induced by 1 μg and 5 μg nanoparticle formulations were 2.8-fold and 2.3-fold higher, respectively, than those elicited by preF alone ( P<0.05). Notably, even the low-dose nanoparticle group outperformed the high-dose preF group (1.6-fold increase). Viral challenge experiments demonstrated that preF-I53-50 effectively suppressed pulmonary viral replication, mitigated pathological damage, and induced stronger germinal center and memory B-cell responses, suggesting enhanced B-cell affinity maturation and long-term immune memory. Conclusion:The preF-I53-50 vaccine improves the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of RSV preF through multivalent antigen display.