T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a highly aggressive hematologic malignancy with a poor prognosis, despite advancements in treatment. Many patients struggle with relapse or refractory disease. Investigating the role of the super-enhancer (SE) regulated gene ubiquitin-specific protease 20 (USP20) in T-ALL could enhance targeted therapies and improve clinical outcomes. Analysis of histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) data from six T-ALL cell lines and seven pediatric samples identified USP20 as an SE-regulated driver gene. Utilizing the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) and BloodSpot databases, it was found that USP20 is specifically highly expressed in T-ALL. Knocking down USP20 with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) increased apoptosis and inhibited proliferation in T-ALL cells. In vivo studies showed that USP20 knockdown reduced tumor growth and improved survival. The USP20 inhibitor GSK2643943A demonstrated similar anti-tumor effects. Mass spectrometry, RNA-Seq, and immunoprecipitation revealed that USP20 interacted with hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF1A) and stabilized it by deubiquitination. Cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag) results indicated that USP20 co-localized with HIF1A, jointly modulating target genes in T-ALL. This study identifies USP20 as a therapeutic target in T-ALL and suggests GSK2643943A as a potential treatment strategy.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an autoimmune disorder involving complex immune regulation, where balancing localized and systemic immunosuppression is a key challenge. This study aimed to enhance the therapeutic efficacy by engineering the probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN). We removed endogenous plasmids pMUT1 and pMUT2 from wild-type EcN and expressed the mPD-L1 (19‒238 aa)-mFc fusion protein on the bacterial surface using a cytolysin A (ClyA) fragment. This modification stabilized mPD-L1 (19‒238 aa) protein expression and promoted its recruitment to outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). The engineered strain, EcNΔ_pMUT1/2-ClyA-mPD-L1-mFc (EcN-ePD-L1-mFc), features conditional ePD-L1-mFc expression under the araBAD promoter, enhancing gut-targeted release and reducing systemic side effects. This strain improved treatment targeting and efficiency by enabling direct ePD-L1-mFc interaction with immune cells at inflammation sites. OMVs from this strain induced Treg proliferation, inhibited effector T cell proliferation in vitro, and significantly improved intestinal inflammation and colonic epithelial barrier repair in vivo. Additionally, the bacterium restored intestinal microbiota balance, increasing Lactobacillaceae and reducing Bacteroides. This study highlights the engineered bacterium's potential for targeted intestinal immune modulation and offers a novel local IBD treatment approach with promising clinical prospects.

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. is a characteristic oil crop rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly α-linolenic acid, which has important development and utilization value. The Dof transcription factor is one of the plant-specific transcription factor families, which is widely involved in important biological processes such as plant growth, development, and metabolic regulation. In order to explore the key Dof transcription factors involved in the oil biosynthesis and systematically analyze their regulatory mechanisms of P. frutescens seeds, a total of 56 PfDof gene family members were identified from the genome and transcriptome data of P. frutescens and classified into four subfamilies according to sequence characteristics. All PfDofs contained highly conserved C₂-C₂ zinc finger domains, with gene duplication being the primary mechanism driving their evolution and expansion. Genes within the same subgroup exhibited similar gene structures and conserved motifs. The 56 PfDofs were predicted as unstable hydrophilic proteins, with α-helixes and random coils as their predominant structural components. The RNA-seq results revealed that 11 PfDofs exhibited differential expression during different developmental stages of P. frutescens seeds. RT-qPCR was performed to further validate the expression patterns of these 11 members across various tissue samples (root, stem, leaf, and flower) of P. frutescens and at different developmental stages of its seeds. The results showed that PfDof29 exhibited the highest expression level in seeds, which was consistent with the transcriptome data. Subcellular localization studies demonstrated that PfDof29 was localized to the nucleus and had a transcriptional activation activity. Overexpression of PfDof29 in Nicotiana tabacum resulted in a significant increase in total oil content of tobacco leaves, accompanied by reductions in starch and soluble sugar content, while the protein content remained unchanged. Additionally, the metabolic balance between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in the transgenic tobacco leaves was altered, with a significant increase in α-linolenic acid content. The expression levels of the fatty acid desaturase genes NtFAD2, NtFAD3, and NtFAD8 were significantly upregulated. A yeast one-hybrid assay revealed that PfDof29 could directly bind to the promoter region of PfFAD8, thereby regulating its expression. This study provides an initial understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of PfDof transcription factors in the synthesis and accumulation of oil in P. frutescens. These findings offer new insights into the enhancement of oil content and quality of P. frutescens seeds.
Transcription Factors/physiology* ; Perilla frutescens/metabolism* ; Plant Proteins/metabolism* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; alpha-Linolenic Acid/biosynthesis* ; Lipids/biosynthesis* ; Seeds/genetics*

For middle-aged and elderly patients with conditions such as spinal fractures and degenerative spinal diseases, spinal internal fixation is a core surgical procedure for reconstructing spinal stability, heavily relying on the biomechanical stability provided by pedicle screw systems. Whereas, these patients are often complicated by osteoporosis that can significantly compromise the stability of the bone-pedicle screw interface, leading to a marked increase in pedicle screw loosening and surgical failure rates. The bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique, which involves injecting bone cement into the vertebral body or screw trajectory to optimize the mechanical properties of the bone-pedicle screw composite, has been proven to significantly enhance fixation strength and effectively prevent screw-related failures, thereby reducing the incidence of internal fixation failure in high-risk populations undergoing spinal fusion. However, the widespread clinical application of this technique has faced challenges such as inaccurate clinical decision-making (indication and contraindication selection), non-standardized operative practices, and insufficient awareness of complication prevention, resulting in considerable variability in clinical outcomes and even severe complications. To address this, Prof. Luo Fei from First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University initiated the project and the Chinese Association Orthopaedic Surgeons organized relevant experts to develop the Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique ( version 2025), based on current evidence. The guidelines put forward 8 recommendations regarding the clinical value, scope of application, and operational standards of the technique, aiming to provide evidence-based medical support and technical standardization for clinical decision-making.

We retrospectively analyzed 8 patients who had been on hemodialysis for over 30 years from two dialysis centers in Dalian, China. A literature review was conducted by searching PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang databases,and Chinese Medical Journal Network for cases of patients on hemodialysis for over 30 years. The 8 patients had good baseline health, with chronic glomerulonephritis as the primary renal disease and no comorbidities before initiating dialysis. They started hemodialysis between 21 and 38 years of age, predominantly using arteriovenous fistulas for vascular access. Dialysis was regular and adequate (KT/V 1.23-1.88). Key laboratory parameters, including hemoglobin (88-118 g/L), albumin (27.7-39.7 g/L), calcium (1.88-2.55 mmol/L), and phosphate (0.76-1.99 mmol/L), were generally within target ranges. Body mass index ranged from 15.20 to 22.96 kg/m2. This literature review of the study included 12 case reports and 4 orginal articles. Factors influencing long-term survival included baseline health status, primary renal disease, absence of comorbidities before dialysis initiation, age at dialysis initiation, type of vascular access, dialysis adequacy, complication management, and medical support. Standardized management and timely correction of complications can significantly improve prognosis and enhance long-term survival in hemodialysis patients.

Objective: To investigate the hematological characteristics of the rare McLeod phenotype associated with X-linked chronic granulomatous disease, KEL and XK gene analysis, identification of unexpected antibodies, serological characteristics of high-frequency antigen antibodies, and transfusion strategies. Methods: Serological methods were employed to determine the ABO, Rh, and other blood group system antigen phenotypes of the child, along with screening and identification of unexpected antibodies. The titers of high-frequency antigen antibodies were measured using tube antihuman globulin and microcolumn gel card techniques. Kell blood group typing was performed using serological and genotyping methods, while XK gene sequencing was conducted via next-generation sequencing. Peripheral blood smears from the child's mother were examined for erythrocyte morphology. Results: The child's serological results were as follows: blood group O, ccDEE, MM, Le(a-b+), JK(a+b+), Fy(a+b-), and Kell phenotype K-k+, Kp(a-b+). Plasma analysis revealed alloantibodies anti-C、e, as well as a high-frequency antigen antibody anti-KL, with titers of 512 (tube method) and 2 048 (microcolumn gel method). Genotyping results showed KEL genotype K-k+, Kp(a-b+), Js(a-b+), while XK gene NGS identified a hemizygous deletion of exons 1-3 (XK N. 01), consistent with XK: -1 or Kx-(McLeod). The mother's peripheral blood smear exhibited prominent acanthocytes. Conclusion: The hematological features of this rare McLeod phenotype with X-CGD include weakened Kell antigen expression and a complete exon deletion in the XK gene. Early clinical attention should be given to the symptoms and laboratory diagnosis of X-linked chronic granulomatous disease in pediatric patients. XK genotyping for McLeod phenotype should be prioritized to guide cautious transfusion strategies, preventing life-threatening complications due to incompatible blood products.

Objective To investigate the effects of aerobic exercise and different exercise habits on skeletal muscle function and the possible molecular mechanisms in colorectal cancer-loaded mice.Methods Thirty-five 5-week-old BABL/c male mice were acclimatized to feeding for 1 week and then divided randomly into the following groups:control(D),tumor(M),exercise preconditioning(QAM),lifetime exercise(AM),and exercise(HAM)groups(n=7 mice per group).Mice in the QAM and AM groups underwent aerobic exercise regimen 1 from weeks 2～6.At week 7,mice in the experimental groups received 0.2 mL of CT26 colon cancer cell suspension subcutaneously in the dorsal aspect of the left hind limb,while control mice received 0.2 mL of saline at the corresponding site.Mice in the AM and HAM groups were subjected to aerobic exercise regimen 2 for weeks 7～9.The general status and skeletal muscle mass and function were monitored in all mice throughout the experiments.After completion of the experiment,samples were collected and the cross-sectional area of gastrocnemius muscle fibers(CSA)was measured by hematoxylin and eosin staining and expression levels of proteins related to synthesis and catabolism of the gastrocnemius muscle were analyzed by Western Blot.Results(1)The weight ratio of the gastrocnemius muscle was significantly lower in mice in the M,QAM,and HAM groups compared with group D,and was significantly higher in AM mice compared with M,QAM,and HAM mice.(2)Grip strength,endurance,skeletal muscle circumference,and CSA were significantly lower in group D mice compared with the other groups,and was most enhanced in group HAM.Endurance and CSA were consistently enhanced in groups QAM,AM,and HAM.(3)Muscle RING-finger protein-1(MuRF1)expression levels were significantly lower in groups M,QAM,AM,and HAM than in group D,significantly lower in groups AM and HAM than in group M,and significantly lower in group HAM than in group QAM.(4)Fibronectin type Ⅲ domain-containing protein 5(FNDC5)expression levels were significantly lower in group M than in groups D and QAM.(5)Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha expression levels were significantly lower in the QAM and HAM groups compared with group M.(6)Expression levels of phospho(p)-AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/AMPK and p-AMPK were significantly higher in group QAM than in groups D and M,p-AMPK expression significantly lower in groups AM and HAM was than in group QAM,and AMPK expression was significantly lower in groups QAM,AM,and HAM than in group D.Conclusions Exercise preconditioning and continuous aerobic exercise can improve skeletal muscle mass and function in CT26 colon cancer-loaded mice by activating AMPK phosphorylation to stimulate skeletal muscle secretion of FNDC5,thereby regulating the expression of MuRF1 protein.

Objective To investigate the effects of aerobic exercise and different exercise habits on skeletal muscle function and the possible molecular mechanisms in colorectal cancer-loaded mice.Methods Thirty-five 5-week-old BABL/c male mice were acclimatized to feeding for 1 week and then divided randomly into the following groups:control(D),tumor(M),exercise preconditioning(QAM),lifetime exercise(AM),and exercise(HAM)groups(n=7 mice per group).Mice in the QAM and AM groups underwent aerobic exercise regimen 1 from weeks 2～6.At week 7,mice in the experimental groups received 0.2 mL of CT26 colon cancer cell suspension subcutaneously in the dorsal aspect of the left hind limb,while control mice received 0.2 mL of saline at the corresponding site.Mice in the AM and HAM groups were subjected to aerobic exercise regimen 2 for weeks 7～9.The general status and skeletal muscle mass and function were monitored in all mice throughout the experiments.After completion of the experiment,samples were collected and the cross-sectional area of gastrocnemius muscle fibers(CSA)was measured by hematoxylin and eosin staining and expression levels of proteins related to synthesis and catabolism of the gastrocnemius muscle were analyzed by Western Blot.Results(1)The weight ratio of the gastrocnemius muscle was significantly lower in mice in the M,QAM,and HAM groups compared with group D,and was significantly higher in AM mice compared with M,QAM,and HAM mice.(2)Grip strength,endurance,skeletal muscle circumference,and CSA were significantly lower in group D mice compared with the other groups,and was most enhanced in group HAM.Endurance and CSA were consistently enhanced in groups QAM,AM,and HAM.(3)Muscle RING-finger protein-1(MuRF1)expression levels were significantly lower in groups M,QAM,AM,and HAM than in group D,significantly lower in groups AM and HAM than in group M,and significantly lower in group HAM than in group QAM.(4)Fibronectin type Ⅲ domain-containing protein 5(FNDC5)expression levels were significantly lower in group M than in groups D and QAM.(5)Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha expression levels were significantly lower in the QAM and HAM groups compared with group M.(6)Expression levels of phospho(p)-AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/AMPK and p-AMPK were significantly higher in group QAM than in groups D and M,p-AMPK expression significantly lower in groups AM and HAM was than in group QAM,and AMPK expression was significantly lower in groups QAM,AM,and HAM than in group D.Conclusions Exercise preconditioning and continuous aerobic exercise can improve skeletal muscle mass and function in CT26 colon cancer-loaded mice by activating AMPK phosphorylation to stimulate skeletal muscle secretion of FNDC5,thereby regulating the expression of MuRF1 protein.

Objective To investigate the acupoint selection patterns for treating diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy(DCAN)using data mining techniques,providing evidence for clinical practice.Methods Literature on acupuncture treatment for DCAN was retrieved from CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,and PubMed.The publication dates of the included literature ranged from the inception of each database to April 2024.Descriptive analysis,association rule analysis,and cluster analysis were performed on acupoint prescriptions,with the selection patterns of meridians and acupoints were summarized.Results A total of 27 articles were included,involving 18 acupoints.The top 10 high-frequency acupoints were Neiguan(PC6),Xinshu(BL15),Pishu(BL20),Zusanli(ST36),Sanyinjiao(SP6),Shenmen(HT7),Taixi(KI3),Lingtai(GV10),Shendao(GV11),and Shenshu(BL23).The primary meridians selected were the bladder meridian of foot-taiyang and the pericardium meridian of hand-jueyin.Specific acupoint categories predominantly included back-shu points and five transport points.Association rule and cluster analyses identified core acupoint combinations centered on Xinshu,Neiguan,Pishu,and Zusanli.Conclusion The core acupoint combination for treating DCAN with acupuncture comprises Xinshu,Neiguan,Pishu,and Zusanli.