ObjectiveTo explore the association between metabolic score for visceral fat（METS-VF） and cardiometabolic multimorbidity（CMM） as well as cognitive function in the elderly population， revealing the role of METS-VF as an assessment tool in this population， and providing evidence and new perspectives for the early screening and intervention strategies of CMM and cognitive function. MethodsThis study is based on cross-sectional data from the Hubei memory and aging cohort study（HMACS）， which includes elderly individuals aged 60 and above. The METS-VF index was calculated and divided into quartiles（Q1-Q4）. CMM was assessed through a questionnaire， defining CMM as the coexistence of at least two of the following conditions： diabetes， heart disease， and stroke. Standardized cognitive tests were used to evaluate overall cognition， memory， language， executive function， and attention. Logistic and Linear regression analysis was performed to explore the association between METS-VF and the risk of CMM as well as cognitive function. A restricted cubic spline was used to test the dose-response relationship， and subgroup analysis was conducted to assess the variation of METS-VF in different populations. Additionally， multinomial unordered logistic regression was used to evaluate the performance of METS-VF in predicting CMM morbidity patterns. ResultsA total of 3 790 elderly participants aged 60 and above were included. After adjusting for confounding factors， compared with the lowest quartile（Q1）， the Q4 group of METS-VF was associated with a higher risk of CMM ［OR=3.00，95%CI （2.18， 4.16）］， and with lower scores in overall cognition ［b=-0.12， 95%CI （-0.21，-0.04）］， attention ［b=-0.14， 95%CI （-0.24，-0.05）］， and executive function ［b=-0.10， 95%CI （-0.20，-0.00）］. Dose-response analysis did not show a nonlinear relationship between METS-VF and either CMM or cognitive function （P for nonlinear > 0.05）. Subgroup analysis revealed that the male group with higher METS-VF had lower overall cognitive scores， while the female group showed lower executive function scores （P for interaction ＜ 0.05 for both）. Multinomial unordered logistic regression analysis indicated that the METS-VF index was associated with an increased risk of diabetes with coronary heart disease ［OR=2.62，95%CI （1.66， 4.15）］ or concomitant stroke ［OR=2.66，95%CI （1.73， 4.09）］， especially in the group with both diabetes and stroke and coronary heart disease， where the association between METS-VF and the risk was strongest. ConclusionsAn increased METS-VF is associated with a higher risk of CMM and lower scores in overall cognition， attention， and executive function in the elderly population. Diabetes may be a key driving factor in the multimorbidity model. The METS-VF index can serve as a dual-purpose tool for screening cardiovascular metabolic risks and assessing cognitive function.

Background/Aims: Transmembrane 4 L six family member 1 (TM4SF1) is highly expressed and contributes to the progression of various malignancies. However, how it modulates hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and senescence remains to be elucidated. Methods: TM4SF1 expression in HCC samples was evaluated using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Cellular senescence was assessed through SA-β-gal activity assays and Western blot analysis. TM4SF1-related protein interactions were investigated using immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry, co-immunoprecipitation, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and immunofluorescence. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The HCC mouse model was established via hydrodynamic tail vein injection. Results: TM4SF1 was highly expressed in human HCC samples and murine models. Knockdown of TM4SF1 suppressed HCC proliferation both in vitro and in vivo, inducing non-secretory senescence through upregulation of p16 and p21. TM4SF1 enhanced the interaction between AKT1 and PDPK1, thereby promoting AKT phosphorylation, which subsequently downregulated p16 and p21. Meanwhile, TM4SF1-mediated AKT phosphorylation enhanced PD-L1 expression while reducing major histocompatibility complex class I level on tumor cells, leading to impaired cytotoxic function of CD8+ T cells and an increased proportion of exhausted CD8+ T cells. In clinical HCC samples, elevated TM4SF1 expression was associated with resistance to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Targeting TM4SF1 via adeno-associated virus induced tumor senescence, reduced tumor burden and synergistically enhanced the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy. Conclusions Our results revealed that TM4SF1 regulated tumor cell senescence and immune evasion through the AKT pathway, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in HCC, particularly in combination with first-line immunotherapy.

Background/Aims: Transmembrane 4 L six family member 1 (TM4SF1) is highly expressed and contributes to the progression of various malignancies. However, how it modulates hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and senescence remains to be elucidated. Methods: TM4SF1 expression in HCC samples was evaluated using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Cellular senescence was assessed through SA-β-gal activity assays and Western blot analysis. TM4SF1-related protein interactions were investigated using immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry, co-immunoprecipitation, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and immunofluorescence. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The HCC mouse model was established via hydrodynamic tail vein injection. Results: TM4SF1 was highly expressed in human HCC samples and murine models. Knockdown of TM4SF1 suppressed HCC proliferation both in vitro and in vivo, inducing non-secretory senescence through upregulation of p16 and p21. TM4SF1 enhanced the interaction between AKT1 and PDPK1, thereby promoting AKT phosphorylation, which subsequently downregulated p16 and p21. Meanwhile, TM4SF1-mediated AKT phosphorylation enhanced PD-L1 expression while reducing major histocompatibility complex class I level on tumor cells, leading to impaired cytotoxic function of CD8+ T cells and an increased proportion of exhausted CD8+ T cells. In clinical HCC samples, elevated TM4SF1 expression was associated with resistance to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Targeting TM4SF1 via adeno-associated virus induced tumor senescence, reduced tumor burden and synergistically enhanced the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy. Conclusions Our results revealed that TM4SF1 regulated tumor cell senescence and immune evasion through the AKT pathway, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in HCC, particularly in combination with first-line immunotherapy.

Radiochemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (OM) is a common oral complication in patients with tumors following head and neck radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Erosion and ulcers are the main features of OM that seriously affect the quality of life of patients and even the progress of tumor treatment. To date, differences in clinical prevention and treatment plans for OM have been noted among doctors of various specialties, which has increased the uncertainty of treatment effects. On the basis of current research evidence, this expert consensus outlines risk factors, clinical manifestations, clinical grading, ancillary examinations, diagnostic basis, prevention and treatment strategies and efficacy indicators for OM. In addition to strategies such as basic oral care, anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents, anti-infective agents, pro-healing agents, and photobiotherapy recommended in previous guidelines, we also emphasize the role of traditional Chinese medicine in OM prevention and treatment. This expert consensus aims to provide references and guidance for dental physicians and oncologists in formulating strategies for OM prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, standardizing clinical practice, reducing OM occurrence, promoting healing, and improving the quality of life of patients.
Humans ; Chemoradiotherapy/adverse effects* ; Consensus ; Risk Factors ; Stomatitis/etiology*

Inflammatory bowel disease （IBD）， a chronic gastrointestinal inflammatory disorder， is currently limited by conventional therapies due to its lack of specificity and pronounced drug resistance. Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor （S1PR） modulators， as novel precision therapeutic agents， demonstrate promising efficacy in IBD treatment. This review synthesizes the mechanistic insights and recent advances in the treatment of IBD with S1PR. Our analysis reveals that S1PR modulators suppress intestinal inflammatory responses through three core mechanisms: regulating lymphocyte migration， inducing receptor degradation， and exerting subtype-specific S1PR modulation. Currently， Ozanimod and Etrasimod have been approved for IBD treatment， while Amiselimod， KRP-203， Fingolimod and Ceralifimod are not approved for clinical use， but have shown great potential for IBD disease.

Background/Aims: Transmembrane 4 L six family member 1 (TM4SF1) is highly expressed and contributes to the progression of various malignancies. However, how it modulates hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and senescence remains to be elucidated. Methods: TM4SF1 expression in HCC samples was evaluated using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Cellular senescence was assessed through SA-β-gal activity assays and Western blot analysis. TM4SF1-related protein interactions were investigated using immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry, co-immunoprecipitation, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and immunofluorescence. Tumor-infiltrating immune cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The HCC mouse model was established via hydrodynamic tail vein injection. Results: TM4SF1 was highly expressed in human HCC samples and murine models. Knockdown of TM4SF1 suppressed HCC proliferation both in vitro and in vivo, inducing non-secretory senescence through upregulation of p16 and p21. TM4SF1 enhanced the interaction between AKT1 and PDPK1, thereby promoting AKT phosphorylation, which subsequently downregulated p16 and p21. Meanwhile, TM4SF1-mediated AKT phosphorylation enhanced PD-L1 expression while reducing major histocompatibility complex class I level on tumor cells, leading to impaired cytotoxic function of CD8+ T cells and an increased proportion of exhausted CD8+ T cells. In clinical HCC samples, elevated TM4SF1 expression was associated with resistance to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Targeting TM4SF1 via adeno-associated virus induced tumor senescence, reduced tumor burden and synergistically enhanced the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy. Conclusions Our results revealed that TM4SF1 regulated tumor cell senescence and immune evasion through the AKT pathway, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in HCC, particularly in combination with first-line immunotherapy.

Objective To measure radiation filed distribution in the treatment room of the Varian Halcyon medical linear accelerator, and to provide a basis for shielding design and potential exposure analysis of treatment rooms for this type of accelerator. Methods Under the 6 MV X-ray (FFF) mode at a maximum dose rate of 800 MU/min and a maximum irradiation field of 28.00 cm × 28.00 cm, a total of 540 MU was delivered during gantry rotation. Radiation field distribution was measured using thermoluminescence dosimeters located at multiple points in the room. The measured data were then applied to shielding calculations, and the results were compared with those obtained using empirical formulas. Results The overall radiation levels in the treatment room were in the range of 12.2 µGy/540 MU to 5.520 Gy/540 MU, with the highest dose (5.520 Gy/540 MU) observed at the isocenter, and the lowest dose (12.2 µGy/540 MU) recorded at approximately 6.5 m from the gantry head. The radiation levels at most points were within the range of 100-1000 µGy/540 MU. At heights of 0.5, 1.1, and 1.7 m, the radiation field exhibited a rapid attenuation from the beam center outward, with a faster decay along the treatment couch direction (Y-axis) than along the perpendicular direction (X-axis). Shielding calculations based on the measured radiation field yielded required wall thicknesses of 1219 mm (east wall), 949 mm (south wall), 1235 mm (west wall), and 1252 mm (north wall), all of which were smaller than those calculated using empirical formulas. Conclusion Thermoluminescence dosimeter is suitable for multi-point in situ measurement of radiation field distribution in Halcyon accelerator treatment rooms. The measurement results can be used to optimize the shielding design of Halcyon accelerator treatment rooms.

Objective:To explore the role of spinal Reelin protein (RELN) in neuropathic pain and its related mechanisms.Methods:A rat model of neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) was established using the sciatic nerve ligation method. The mechanical threshold and thermal threshold of the injured side and contralateral side in the sham-operation group and CCI group were compared. Western blot was used to detect the differences in the expressions of spinal RELN, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ (CAMKⅡ) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) proteins. On the 7th day after CCI modeling, the CCI model rats were further divided into three groups: CCI group (without any treatment), CCI+ RELN overexpression group (intrathecal injection of 15 μl of 5 μg/μl RELN overexpression plasmid, once a day for 2 consecutive days) and CCI+ PBS group (intrathecal injection of PBS). The mechanical threshold and thermal threshold among the three groups were compared, and Western blot was used again to detect the differences in the expressions of RELN, CaMKⅡ and p-ERK1/2 proteins in the three groups.Results:CCI successfully induced neuropathic pain in rats. On the 7th day after CCI, compared with the contralateral hind paw or the injured hind paw in the sham-operation group, the mechanical threshold and thermal threshold of the injured hind paw in the CCI group were significantly lower, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.001). Western blot results showed that compared with the sham-operation group, the protein expression of RELN in the spinal dorsal horn of the injured side in the CCI group was lower ( P=0.031), the protein expression of CAMKⅡ and the level of p-ERK1/2 were higher (all P<0.05), and there was no statistically significant difference in the level of ERK1/2 among the groups ( P>0.05). The thermal threshold and mechanical threshold of the injured side in the CCI+ RELN overexpression group were significantly higher than those in the CCI group and CCI+ PBS group (all P<0.05). Western blot results showed that 24 hours after the transfection of RELN overexpression plasmid, compared with the CCI+ PBS group, the protein expression of RELN in the CCI+ RELN overexpression group was significantly increased, with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.05), indicating that the transfection of RELN overexpression plasmid was successful. Compared with the CCI+ PBS group, the protein expression of CAMKⅡ and the phosphorylation level of ERK2 in the CCI+ RELN overexpression group were lower (all P<0.05), while there was no statistically significant difference in the phosphorylation level of ERK1 ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The overexpression of the RELN gene in the spinal cord weakens the maintenance of neuropathic pain by inhibiting the activation of the CAMKⅡ/ERK2 pathway, which suggests that RELN may become a new target for pain treatment.

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic value of visual endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy (vERAT) in pediatric patients with acute suppurative appendicitis (ASA).Methods:This was a retrospective cohort study. A total of 55 ASA patients who underwent vERAT at the Pediatric Department of the Tangdu Hospital of Air Force Medical University between November 2023 and January 2025 were selected and divided into groups based on the presence or absence of fecaliths: fecalith group and non-fecalith group. The baseline characteristics, initial treatment success rates, treatment costs, hospital stay duration, procedure time, and recurrence rates between two groups were compared. Mann-Whitney U test and χ2 test were used to evaluate group differences. Results:A total of 55 ASA patients were enrolled, including 38 males and 17 females, with the age of 11.2 (9.2, 13.1) years. Based on the presence of fecaliths, patients were divided into two groups: fecalith group (32 cases) and non-fecalith group (23 cases). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, gender, duration of abdominal pain, white blood cell count, neutrophil percentage, diameter of appendix, thickness of appendix clinical symptoms or signs (all P>0.05). The initial treatment success rates were 91% (29/32) in fecalith group and 96% (22/23) in non-fecalith group, with no statistically significant difference ( P=0.632). However, significant differences were noted in stent placement ( χ2=5.85, P=0.026) and procedure time ( Z=4.75, P<0.001). The follow-up duration time was 6.0 (2.0, 12.0) and 7.0 (2.0, 8.5) months for the fecalith and non-fecalith groups, respectively, with no significant difference ( Z=0.05, P=0.962). The recurrence rates were 14% (4/29) in fecalith group and 5% (1/22) in non-fecalith group, with no statistically significant difference ( P=0.375). Conclusions:vERAT can safely and effectively treat pediatric ASA, regardless of the presence or absence of fecaliths. It can provide a new treatment option for ASA.

Objective:To explore the role of spinal Reelin protein (RELN) in neuropathic pain and its related mechanisms.Methods:A rat model of neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) was established using the sciatic nerve ligation method. The mechanical threshold and thermal threshold of the injured side and contralateral side in the sham-operation group and CCI group were compared. Western blot was used to detect the differences in the expressions of spinal RELN, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ (CAMKⅡ) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) proteins. On the 7th day after CCI modeling, the CCI model rats were further divided into three groups: CCI group (without any treatment), CCI+ RELN overexpression group (intrathecal injection of 15 μl of 5 μg/μl RELN overexpression plasmid, once a day for 2 consecutive days) and CCI+ PBS group (intrathecal injection of PBS). The mechanical threshold and thermal threshold among the three groups were compared, and Western blot was used again to detect the differences in the expressions of RELN, CaMKⅡ and p-ERK1/2 proteins in the three groups.Results:CCI successfully induced neuropathic pain in rats. On the 7th day after CCI, compared with the contralateral hind paw or the injured hind paw in the sham-operation group, the mechanical threshold and thermal threshold of the injured hind paw in the CCI group were significantly lower, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.001). Western blot results showed that compared with the sham-operation group, the protein expression of RELN in the spinal dorsal horn of the injured side in the CCI group was lower ( P=0.031), the protein expression of CAMKⅡ and the level of p-ERK1/2 were higher (all P<0.05), and there was no statistically significant difference in the level of ERK1/2 among the groups ( P>0.05). The thermal threshold and mechanical threshold of the injured side in the CCI+ RELN overexpression group were significantly higher than those in the CCI group and CCI+ PBS group (all P<0.05). Western blot results showed that 24 hours after the transfection of RELN overexpression plasmid, compared with the CCI+ PBS group, the protein expression of RELN in the CCI+ RELN overexpression group was significantly increased, with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.05), indicating that the transfection of RELN overexpression plasmid was successful. Compared with the CCI+ PBS group, the protein expression of CAMKⅡ and the phosphorylation level of ERK2 in the CCI+ RELN overexpression group were lower (all P<0.05), while there was no statistically significant difference in the phosphorylation level of ERK1 ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The overexpression of the RELN gene in the spinal cord weakens the maintenance of neuropathic pain by inhibiting the activation of the CAMKⅡ/ERK2 pathway, which suggests that RELN may become a new target for pain treatment.