Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear. Methods: We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results: We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin. Conclusions PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.

Objective:To block family transmission of a small fragment copy number variation (CNV) with combined 1 Mb resolution preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) and target region preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disease (PGT-M) strategies.Methods:A couple who attended the Reproductive and Genetic Medicine Center of Dalian Women and Children′s Medical Center (Group) in 2024 were selected as the study subject. Upon the woman′s two pregnancies, ultrasound examination revealed fetal abnormalities, and CNV-seq based on low-depth whole genome sequencing revealed that both fetuses had carried a maternal 17p12 microduplication of approximately 1.43 Mb. Microduplication in this region has been associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A. In view of the fact that the resolution of conventional PGT-A detection cannot meet the requirement of small fragment CNV analysis, and conventional PGT-M assay cannot directly determine the CNV, two detection schemes were adopted. On the one hand, PGT-A testing with 1 Mb resolution was performed on the embryo to directly determine whether it carries the above microduplication. At the same time, the couple and their fetus were subjected to chromosomal typing scheme for the 17p12 region to indirectly identify embryos carrying the risk chromosome for microduplication. This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Hospital (Ethics No: FEJT-KY-2025-51).Results:Three embryos were tested after the first PGT cycle, of which 1 was not carrying the pathogenic variant and was euploid, whilst the other 2 embryos were carrying the 17p12 microduplication, and 1 of them was aneuploid. After genetic counseling, the euploid embryo without the 17p12 microduplication was selected for transfer, and prenatal diagnosis based on amniotic fluid sample showed that the fetal chromosomal karyotype was normal and did not carry the 17p12 microduplication.Conclusion:The combined application of high-resolution PGT-A and PGT-M typing detection of the target region can effectively block family transmission of the CNVs of small fragments.

Objective To identify the key immune-related genes and potential drug targets of Krabbe disease by using neural stem cells(NSCs)derived from induced pluripotent stem cells(iPSCs)generated from patients with Krabbe disease.Methods 1)The transcriptome data of GLD-NSCs(GSE212512)was analyzed using GEO2R and Sangerbox;2)Differential expression genes(DEGs)related to immunity were identified through various methods;3)Functional enrichment and pathway analysis were performed using DAVID;4)The protein-protein interaction network was constructed and analyzed using STRING and Cytoscape;5)Key immune-related genes were deter-mined through topological analysis;6)Potential therapeutic drugs were screened using DGIdb and drug MAP data-bases;7)Molecular docking was performed using CB-DOCK2.Results 1)Sixty-one immune-related DEGs were identified in patient NSCs,with GDNF,EGF,KDR,FGF10,and MET being identified as key immune-related genes;2)Drug candidates with high binding affinity to these genes were identified,including gentamicin for GDNF,cetuximab for EGF,tivozanib for KDR,and capmatinib for MET.Conclusions The predictions suggest cetuximab,gentamicin,tivozanib,and capmatinib exhibit high binding affinity with EGF,GDNF,KDR,and MET,respectively,indicating their potential application value in GLD targeted therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To block family transmission of a small fragment copy number variation (CNV) with combined 1 Mb resolution preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) and target region preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disease (PGT-M) strategies. METHODS: A couple who attended the Reproductive and Genetic Medicine Center of Dalian Women and Children's Medical Center (Group) in 2024 were selected as the study subject. Upon the woman's two pregnancies, ultrasound examination revealed fetal abnormalities, and CNV-seq based on low-depth whole genome sequencing revealed that both fetuses had carried a maternal 17p12 microduplication of approximately 1.43 Mb. Microduplication in this region has been associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A. In view of the fact that the resolution of conventional PGT-A detection cannot meet the requirement of small fragment CNV analysis, and conventional PGT-M assay cannot directly determine the CNV, two detection schemes were adopted. On the one hand, PGT-A testing with 1 Mb resolution was performed on the embryo to directly determine whether it carries the above microduplication. At the same time, the couple and their fetus were subjected to chromosomal typing scheme for the 17p12 region to indirectly identify embryos carrying the risk chromosome for microduplication. This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Hospital (Ethics No: FEJT-KY-2025-51). RESULTS: Three embryos were tested after the first PGT cycle, of which 1 was not carrying the pathogenic variant and was euploid, whilst the other 2 embryos were carrying the 17p12 microduplication, and 1 of them was aneuploid. After genetic counseling, the euploid embryo without the 17p12 microduplication was selected for transfer, and prenatal diagnosis based on amniotic fluid sample showed that the fetal chromosomal karyotype was normal and did not carry the 17p12 microduplication. CONCLUSION The combined application of high-resolution PGT-A and PGT-M typing detection of the target region can effectively block family transmission of the CNVs of small fragments.
Humans ; Female ; DNA Copy Number Variations/genetics* ; Preimplantation Diagnosis/methods* ; Pregnancy ; Pedigree ; Genetic Testing/methods* ; Male ; Adult ; Aneuploidy ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 17/genetics* ; China ; East Asian People

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear. Methods: We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results: We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin. Conclusions PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear. Methods: We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results: We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin. Conclusions PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.

Objective To study the clinical efficacy of buccal acupuncture in the treatment of refractory tinnitus in the elderly.Methods In this study,50 elderly patients with refractory tinnitus were randomly divided into two groups:the experimental group(n=26)received buccal acupuncture therapy on the neck,upper neck,scapula zone,shoulder,back,mastoid process,thoracic plexus,abdominal plexus and pelvic plexus on the affected side,and the control group(n=24)received sound therapy.After 8 weeks of treatment intervention,the two groups were comprehensively evaluated for the changes in the tinnitus evaluation scale(TEQ),self-rating depression scale(SDS),and blood rheological indexes,including whole blood high-cut viscosity(HSV),plasma viscosity(PSV)and fibrinogen in blood(FIB)clotting.Results After treatment,the total effective rate of the experimental group was 84.6％(22/26),higher than 54.2％(13/24)in the con-trol group.The difference in total effective rate and efficacy level between the two groups was statistically significant(P＜0.05).TEQ and SDS were significantly lower in the two groups compared to pre-treatment(P＜0.05),and HSV,PSV and FIB in the experimental group were significantly lower compared to pre-treatment(P＜0.05).The experimental group demonstrated better post-treatment outcomes in TEQ,SDS,HSV,and FIB compared to the control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Buccal acupuncture treatment is effective in improving the symptoms of refractory tinnitus in the elderly,relie-ving the depression complicated by tinnitus,and is helpful in changing blood flow resistance and reducing blood coagulation probably.

Objective To develop the Expert Consensus on Sensitive Indicators for Assessment of the Quality of Nursing in Operating Theatre and provide a scientific and practical guidance for improving the quality of nursing in operating theatre.Methods The writing team established by the Operating Room Nursing Professional Committee of Guangdong Nursing Association conducted systematic literature retrieval and screening,and used the updated clinical Guidelines for Research and Evaluation Ⅱ in UK 2017.AGREE Ⅱ and the evidence evaluation system of the Australian JBI(Joanna Briggs Institute,JBI)Evidence-Based Health Care Center evidence level system(2016 Edition)comprehensively analyzed the evidence related to the sensitive indicators for evaluating the quality of operating room nursing and the suggestions of the writing group members.The first draft was formed based on the three-dimensional quality evaluation theoretical framework of"structure-process-result".Through the Delphi method,after two rounds of expert consultations and members'votes,the first draft was deeply revised and improved.Results Based on the three-dimensional quality evaluation theoretical framework of"structure-process-outcome"proposed by American scholar Donabedian,the expert consensus finally included five primary indicators:basic nursing quality,quality indicators of patient safety,quality indicators of hospital infection control,quality indicators of medication and safety management,and quality indicators of specialised nursing in operating theatre.The secondary indicators consisted of one structural indicator(management of commonly used instrument and equipment in operating theatre)and 17 process indicators(e.g.,infusion and blood transfusion management,body temperature management,etc.).The tertiary indicators included 26 process indicators and 11 outcome indicators(e.g.,incidence of adverse reactions of infusion during surgery,incidence of intra-operative hypothermia,etc.).Conclusion The evidence-and guideline-based Expert Consensus on Sensitive Indicators for Assessment of the Quality of Nursing in Operating Theatre based on eviclence and guidelines was established through rigorous evidence-based methods.It is operational and practical,and offers theoretical support and practical guidance for the managers of operating theatre to improve the quality of nursing.

Objective To study the clinical efficacy of buccal acupuncture in the treatment of refractory tinnitus in the elderly.Methods In this study,50 elderly patients with refractory tinnitus were randomly divided into two groups:the experimental group(n=26)received buccal acupuncture therapy on the neck,upper neck,scapula zone,shoulder,back,mastoid process,thoracic plexus,abdominal plexus and pelvic plexus on the affected side,and the control group(n=24)received sound therapy.After 8 weeks of treatment intervention,the two groups were comprehensively evaluated for the changes in the tinnitus evaluation scale(TEQ),self-rating depression scale(SDS),and blood rheological indexes,including whole blood high-cut viscosity(HSV),plasma viscosity(PSV)and fibrinogen in blood(FIB)clotting.Results After treatment,the total effective rate of the experimental group was 84.6％(22/26),higher than 54.2％(13/24)in the con-trol group.The difference in total effective rate and efficacy level between the two groups was statistically significant(P＜0.05).TEQ and SDS were significantly lower in the two groups compared to pre-treatment(P＜0.05),and HSV,PSV and FIB in the experimental group were significantly lower compared to pre-treatment(P＜0.05).The experimental group demonstrated better post-treatment outcomes in TEQ,SDS,HSV,and FIB compared to the control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Buccal acupuncture treatment is effective in improving the symptoms of refractory tinnitus in the elderly,relie-ving the depression complicated by tinnitus,and is helpful in changing blood flow resistance and reducing blood coagulation probably.

Objective To develop the Expert Consensus on Sensitive Indicators for Assessment of the Quality of Nursing in Operating Theatre and provide a scientific and practical guidance for improving the quality of nursing in operating theatre.Methods The writing team established by the Operating Room Nursing Professional Committee of Guangdong Nursing Association conducted systematic literature retrieval and screening,and used the updated clinical Guidelines for Research and Evaluation Ⅱ in UK 2017.AGREE Ⅱ and the evidence evaluation system of the Australian JBI(Joanna Briggs Institute,JBI)Evidence-Based Health Care Center evidence level system(2016 Edition)comprehensively analyzed the evidence related to the sensitive indicators for evaluating the quality of operating room nursing and the suggestions of the writing group members.The first draft was formed based on the three-dimensional quality evaluation theoretical framework of"structure-process-result".Through the Delphi method,after two rounds of expert consultations and members'votes,the first draft was deeply revised and improved.Results Based on the three-dimensional quality evaluation theoretical framework of"structure-process-outcome"proposed by American scholar Donabedian,the expert consensus finally included five primary indicators:basic nursing quality,quality indicators of patient safety,quality indicators of hospital infection control,quality indicators of medication and safety management,and quality indicators of specialised nursing in operating theatre.The secondary indicators consisted of one structural indicator(management of commonly used instrument and equipment in operating theatre)and 17 process indicators(e.g.,infusion and blood transfusion management,body temperature management,etc.).The tertiary indicators included 26 process indicators and 11 outcome indicators(e.g.,incidence of adverse reactions of infusion during surgery,incidence of intra-operative hypothermia,etc.).Conclusion The evidence-and guideline-based Expert Consensus on Sensitive Indicators for Assessment of the Quality of Nursing in Operating Theatre based on eviclence and guidelines was established through rigorous evidence-based methods.It is operational and practical,and offers theoretical support and practical guidance for the managers of operating theatre to improve the quality of nursing.