ObjectiveINF2 is a member of the formins family. Abnormal expression and regulation of INF2 have been associated with the progression of various tumors, but the expression and role of INF2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. HCC is a highly lethal malignant tumor. Given the limitations of traditional treatments, this study explored the expression level, clinical value and potential mechanism of INF2 in HCC in order to seek new therapeutic targets. MethodsIn this study, we used public databases to analyze the expression of INF2 in pan-cancer and HCC, as well as the impact of INF2 expression levels on HCC prognosis. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression level of INF2 in liver cancer cells and human HCC tissues. The correlation between INF2 expression and clinical pathological features was analyzed using public databases and clinical data of human HCC samples. Subsequently, the effects of INF2 expression on the biological function and Drp1 phosphorylation of liver cancer cells were elucidated through in vitro and in vivo experiments. Finally, the predictive value and potential mechanism of INF2 in HCC were further analyzed through database and immunohistochemical experiments. ResultsINF2 is aberrantly high expression in HCC samples and the high expression of INF2 is correlated with overall survival, liver cirrhosis and pathological differentiation of HCC patients. The expression level of INF2 has certain diagnostic value in predicting the prognosis and pathological differentiation of HCC. In vivo and in vitro HCC models, upregulated expression of INF2 triggers the proliferation and migration of the HCC cell, while knockdown of INF2 could counteract this effect. INF2 in liver cancer cells may affect mitochondrial division by inducing Drp1 phosphorylation and mediate immune escape by up-regulating PD-L1 expression, thus promoting tumor progression. ConclusionINF2 is highly expressed in HCC and is associated with poor prognosis. High expression of INF2 may promote HCC progression by inducing Drp1 phosphorylation and up-regulation of PD-L1 expression, and targeting INF2 may be beneficial for HCC patients with high expression of INF2.

Objective: To explore the influencing factors for implementation of weight management services in primary medical and healthcare institutions, so as to provide references for implementing sustainable services of weight management. Methods: From May to June 2025, Pinghu City, Zhejiang Province was selected as the survey site. Personnel responsible for weight management in primary medical and healthcare institutions were selected as the survey subjects using a combined method of purposive sampling and snowball sampling. Based on the five core domains of the consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR), a semi-structured interview outline for weight management services in primary medical and healthcare institutions was designed. Original data was collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Interview data was organized and analyzed using framework analysis. Factors affecting weight management services were quantitatively analyzed by referencing CFIR's structural rating criteria. Results: A total of 21 participants completed interviews, covering positions in nutrition, endocrinology, traditional Chinese medicine, general practice, maternal health, and public health. There were 9 males and 12 females. Fifteen participants (71.43%) were aged 35 years and above, 18 (85.71%) held a bachelor's degree or higher, and 15 (71.43%) were frontline medical staff. Fifteen factors affecting weight management services were identified across five domains: innovation, outer setting, inner setting, individuals, and implementation process. Six barrier factors were identified: difficulties in policy implementation, time-consuming interventions, limited incentive measures, lack of professional skills, unclear weight-loss plans and goal setting, and imperfect follow-up and evaluation mechanisms. Three neutral factors were identified: the development and refinement of policies and regulations, the implementation of weight management training, and the optimization of the referral process within integrated healthcare systems (medical alliances / communities). Six facilitating factors were identified: the relatively significant advantages of lifestyle interventions, collaboration and coordination across multiple departments, cooperative communication among different units within the institution, the inherent convenience of primary care settings, a strong sense of professional responsibility, and the establishment of multidisciplinary teams. Conclusions The delivery of weight management services in primary medical and healthcare institutions is influenced by a wide array of factors across multiple domains. It requires policy support, multi-department coordination, a practice-oriented training system, optimized team resource allocation, incentives, and improved professional skills of medical staff to jointly promote long-term implementation.

PURPOSE: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the left and right lower extremities was treated in the same way, but the left and right extremities received different levels of attention. This study aimed to investigate the differences between the right and left lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (LEDVT). METHODS: Clinical characteristics of LEDVT patients from July 2020 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed to compare the incidence of LEDVT on different limbs, demographics, predisposing factors, and anatomical characteristics. The exclusion criteria were bilateral LEDVT and recurrent thrombosis. Measured data was analyzed using independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney test. Count data were analyzed by Chi-square test. A p < 0.05 was considered a statistically significant difference. RESULTS: There were 478 patients included in this study and the ratio of left to right LEDVT on the left and right limbs was 3.16:1 (363:115). Left LEDVT predominantly affected female, with the major aged > 50 years (50 - 60 years: 16.80%; > 60 years: 57.30%). The primary predisposing factor was iliac vein compression syndrome, with iliofemoral thrombosis being the main type. Male patients with LEDVT on the right limb were predominant and the age of onset was usually ≤ 60 years (52.17%). The main predisposing factor was recent surgery or trauma (< 30 days) and femoropopliteal thrombosis was the main type. In more detail, the left iliac vein was compressed mainly in the proximal segment, and the right iliac vein was compressed mainly in the intermediate and distal segments. Recent surgery or trauma to the locomotor system and genitourinary system often induced LEDVT. CONCLUSION The incidence of LEDVT on the left is significantly higher than that on the right. LEDVT on different sides has different characteristics, which is crucial for prevention and diagnosis in the relevant population so there are also differences in treatment of the affected limbs.
Humans ; Venous Thrombosis/etiology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Lower Extremity/blood supply* ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Aged ; Age Factors ; Sex Factors ; Risk Factors ; Acute Disease ; Incidence ; Aged, 80 and over ; Young Adult ; Adolescent

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) manual, sperm concentration should be measured using an improved Neubauer hemocytometer, while sperm motility should be measured by manual assessment. However, in China, thousands of laboratories do not use the improved Neubauer hemocytometer or method; instead, the Makler counting chamber is one of the most widely used chambers. To study sources of error that could impact the measurement of the apparent concentration and motility of sperm using the Makler counting chamber and to verify its accuracy for clinical application, 67 semen samples from patients attending the Department of Andrology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University (Chengdu, China) between 13 September 2023 and 27 September 2023, were included. Compared with applying the cover glass immediately, delaying the application of the cover glass for 5 s, 10 s, and 30 s resulted in average increases in the sperm concentration of 30.3%, 74.1%, and 107.5%, respectively (all P < 0.0001) and in the progressive motility (PR) of 17.7%, 30.8%, and 39.6%, respectively (all P < 0.0001). However, when the semen specimens were fixed with formaldehyde, a delay in the application of the cover glass for 5 s, 10 s, and 30 s resulted in an average increase in the sperm concentration of 6.7%, 10.8%, and 14.6%, respectively, compared with immediate application of the cover glass. The accumulation of motile sperm due to delays in the application of the cover glass is a significant source of error with the Makler counting chamber and should be avoided.
Humans ; Male ; Sperm Motility/physiology* ; Sperm Count ; Semen Analysis/methods* ; Spermatozoa/physiology* ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the value of ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE and ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT imaging in staging and treatment decision for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NEN). METHODS: This retrospective analysis was conducted in 49 patients with GEP-NEN undergoing ¹⁸F-FDG and ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT imaging at our hospital from August, 2020 to March, 2023, including 34 newly diagnosed patients and 15 patients with recurrence or metastasis after treatment. GEP-NEN were classified into G1, G2, and G3 neuroendocrine tumors (NET) and neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC) based on pathological typing. The detection efficiency were classified into 4 patterns based on the number of positive tumor lesions detected by the two tracers: ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE>¹⁸F-FDG (A); ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE=¹⁸F-FDG (B); ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE<¹⁸F-FDG (C); and complementation (D). The value of dual-modality imaging in staging and treatment decision were evaluated by visual analysis. RESULTS: In the 49 patients with GEP-NEN, ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT was superior to ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT for detecting systemic tumor lesions (P<0.001) and more sensitive for detecting primary/recurrent lesions, lymph node metastasis, liver metastasis, and bone metastasis (P<0.05), while ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT had higher detection rates for lung metastasis and peritoneal metastasis (P<0.05). In terms of the detection efficiency, Pattern A was found in 46.9% (23/49) patients, Pattern B in 38.8% (19/49), Pattern C in 12.2% (6/49), and Pattern D in 2.0% (1/49). The complementary value of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT to ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT was 0% in G1 NET patients (0/13), 8.3% in G2 NET patients (2/24), 50% in G3 NET patients (3/6), and 33.3% in NEC patients (2/6). 12.2% (6/49) of the patients had their staging confirmed or changed due to additional lesions detected by ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT imaging, resulting subsequently in establishment or adjustment of their treatment plans. CONCLUSIONS ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT imaging should be the primary choice for GEP-NEN patients. Additional ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT imaging can potentially improve precision of staging and treatment decision-making for G2, G3 and NEC patients but provides virtually no clinical benefits for G1 NET patients.
Humans ; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography/methods* ; Neuroendocrine Tumors/therapy* ; Pancreatic Neoplasms/therapy* ; Retrospective Studies ; Organometallic Compounds ; Stomach Neoplasms/therapy* ; Neoplasm Staging ; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 ; Intestinal Neoplasms/therapy* ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Adult

OBJECTIVES: To explore the therapeutic effect of LuoFuShan Rheumatism Plaster (LFS) on neuropathic pain (NP) and its molecular mechanism. METHODS: Mouse models of sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI) were treated with low, medium, and high doses (2.2, 4.4, and 8.8 cm², respectively) of LFS by topical application for 14 consecutive days. The therapeutic effects were assessed by evaluating the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT), paw withdrawal latency (PWL), plasma IL-6 and TNF-α levels, and histopathology of the sciatic nerve. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to identify the key targets and signaling pathways. The key targets were verified by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. The biosafety of LFS was evaluated by measuring the organ indices and damage indicators of the heart, liver, and kidneys. RESULTS: Compared with the CCI group, LFS dose-dependently increased MWT and PWL, reduced plasma IL-6 and TNF-α levels, and alleviated sciatic nerve inflammation in the mouse models. Network pharmacology identified 378 bioactive compounds targeting 279 NP-associated genes enriched in TLR and TNF signaling. Molecular docking showed that quercetin and ursolic acid in LFS could stably bind to TLR4 and TNF‑α. In the mouse models of sciatic nerve CCI, LFS significantly downregulated the mRNA expression levels of Tlr4 and Tnf-α in the spinal cord in a dose-dependent manner and lowered the protein expressions of TLR4 and TNF-α in the sciatic nerve. LFS treatment did not cause significant changes in the organ indices or damage indicators of the heart, liver and kidneys as compared with those in the CCI model group and sham-operated group. CONCLUSIONS LFS alleviates NP in mice by suppression of TLR4/TNF-α-mediated neuroinflammation with a good safety profile.
Animals ; Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism* ; Neuralgia/metabolism* ; Mice ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Sciatic Nerve/injuries* ; Male ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Disease Models, Animal ; Interleukin-6

In this comprehensive review, we delve into the evolution of drug delivery systems in reproductive medicine with a focus on the emerging role of exosomes, a class of extracellular vesicles. Exosomes offer unique advantages in overcoming these challenges due to their inherent biocompatibility, stability, and ability to facilitate targeted delivery. This review provides a detailed examination of exosome biogenesis and their function in cellular communication, setting the stage for understanding their potential as drug delivery vehicles. We explore the mechanisms through which exosomes can be loaded with small molecule drugs and the benefits they offer over synthetic nanoparticles. The review highlights groundbreaking case studies that illustrate the successful application of exosome-mediated drug delivery in reproductive health, including enhancing fertility treatments, supporting gamete and embryo development, and facilitating maternal-fetal communication. This study aims to provide a precise understanding of how exosomal drug delivery can revolutionize treatments for reproductive health disorders, paving the way for future therapeutic applications. Lastly, we touch upon the promising therapeutic implications of exosomal delivery for proteins and genes, offering a window into future treatments for reproductive health disorders.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the sequential mediating roles of body pain and self-reported health in the association between sleep duration and self-reported life satisfaction among elderly Chinese adults. METHODS: Data from the fifth wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS) were used to analyse the relationships between sleep duration and body pain, self-reported health, and life satisfaction through logistic regression and Restricted Cubic Spline (RCS) analyses. The sequential mediation effects of body pain and self-reported health status were examined via chain mediation analysis. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis showed that sleeping fewer than 6 hours or 6-7 hours was linked to higher risks of body pain, poor health, and dissatisfaction with life compared to sleeping 7-8 hours (all P < 0.05). Additionally, those sleeping more than 9 hours also had increased risks of poor health and dissatisfaction with life compared to those sleeping 7-8 hours (all P < 0.05). Chain mediation analysis showed that body pain and self-reported health status sequentially mediated 46.15% of the association between sleep duration and life satisfaction. CONCLUSION Body pain and self-reported health may shape the relationship between sleep duration and life satisfaction in elderly Chinese adults.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Personal Satisfaction ; Sleep ; Health Status ; Self Report ; China ; Middle Aged ; Longitudinal Studies ; Pain/psychology* ; Sleep Duration