BACKGROUND: Research has indicated that the disease burden of alopecia areata (AA) in China exceeds the global average. Therefore, accurate and updated epidemiological information is crucial for policymakers. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively assess the disease burden of AA in China. METHODS: The following four key indicators were utilized: the prevalence of cases; disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs); the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR); and the age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) of AA according to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2021. We analyzed the epidemiological burden of AA in China during 2021, examined changes between 1990 and 2021, and performed a Bayesian age-period-cohort analysis to predict trends over the course of the next decade (2022-2030). Additionally, a Gaussian process regression model was applied to estimate the relationship between the gross domestic product (GDP) and the ASPR and ASDR of AA at the provincial level between 1992 and 2021. RESULTS: In 2021, the estimated number of patients with AA in China was approximately 3.49 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 3.37-3.62 million); of these patients, 1.20 million (95% UI, 1.16-1.25 million) were male and 2.29 million (95% UI, 2.20-2.37 million) were female. This large number of patients with AA resulted in a total of 114,431.25 DALYs (95% UI, 74,780.27-160,318.96 DALYs). Additionally, the ASPR and ASDR were 224.61 per 100,000 population (95% UI, 216.73-232.65 per 100,000 population) and 7.41 per 100,000 population (95% UI, 4.85-10.44 per 100,000 population), respectively; both of these rates were higher than the global averages. The most affected demographic groups were young and female individuals 25-39 years of age. Slight regional disparities were observed, with the northern and central regions of China bearing comparatively higher burdens. Between 1990 and 2021, the health loss and disease burden caused by AA in China remained relatively stable. The ASPR and ASDR of AA increased with the GDP when the annual GDP was less than 2 trillion Chinese yuan; however, a downward trend was observed as the GDP surpassed 2 trillion Chinese yuan. A slight upward trend in the disease burden of AA in China is predicted to occur over the next decade. CONCLUSIONS AA continues to be a public health concern in China that shows no signs of declining. Targeted efforts for young individuals and females are necessary because they experience a disproportionately high burden of AA.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Alopecia Areata/epidemiology* ; Global Burden of Disease ; Female ; Male ; Adult ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Bayes Theorem ; Child ; Quality-Adjusted Life Years ; Child, Preschool

Objective:To investigate the effects of brief mindfulness-based stress reduction(MBSR)on preoperative anxiety in pa-tients undergoing painless gastrointestinal endoscopy.Methods:We enrolled 100 patients scheduled to undergo elective painless gas-trointestinal endoscopy at The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from September 2024 to April 2025.The inclusion cri-teria were:age,18-60 years;body mass index,18.0-28.0 kg/m2;American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status,class Ⅰ orⅡ;and no gender restriction.The patients were assigned to experimental group(n=50)or control group(n=50)using a random num-ber table.A dedicated nursing team implemented the brief MBSR protocol.At 30 minutes before endoscopy,both groups underwent anxiety assessment using the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale(APAIS).All the patients received routine preop-erative education.Guided by the nurses,the experimental group received the brief MBSR intervention consisting of mindful body scan-ning,mindful breathing,and mindful music listening,for 12 minutes each at 30 and 15 minutes before the procedure.We recorded the APAIS score,bispectral index(BIS),heart rate(HR),systolic blood pressure(SBP),diastolic blood pressure(DBP),and mean arterial pressure(MAP)at 30 minutes before the procedure(T0),after brief MBSR(T1),and immediately before anesthesia induction(T2);the length of stay in the post-anesthesia care unit(PACU)and postoperative adverse reactions;and the APAIS score and degree of sat-isfaction of patients at discharge from the PACU(T3).Results:Com-(all P<0.05).However,no significant differences were observed be-pared with the control group,the experimental group exhibited sig-nificantly lower APAIS scores,significantly reduced BIS values,and significantly lower HR values at T1 and T2 and a significantly lower APAIS score and a significantly higher degree of satisfaction at T3 tween the groups in SBP,DBP,MAP,postoperative adverse events,or PACU length of stay at any time point(all P>0.05).Conclusion:Brief MBSR is an effective non-pharmacological intervention to cope with perioperative negative emotions in patients undergoing pain-less gastrointestinal endoscopy,which can alleviate preoperative anxiety,reduce electroencephalographic arousal,and improve patient satisfaction.

Objective:To investigate the differential impact of ultra-high-resolution photon-counting detector CT (UHR PCD-CT) and energy-integrating detector CT (EID-CT) on image quality and calcified plaque-induced luminal stenosis in coronary CT angiography (CCTA).Methods:This retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent both EID-CT and UHR PCD-CT CCTA at the Geriatric Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January 2021 and November 2024. A total of 141 patients were included in the study, within 46 patients having scans within a 12-month interval. Image quality of all coronary artery segments was subjectively evaluated. Patients with paired scans (interval≤12 months) were included for calcified plaque analysis. Subjective visualization of calcified plaques evaluated. The blooming artifact was calculated as an objective evaluation index for assessing the calcified plaques. Additionally, the degree of coronary artery lumen stenosis resulting from calcified plaques was assessed, along with the measurement of plaque volume and the Agatston score. Changes in lumen stenosis between the two scans were also evaluated. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the subjective scores of coronary artery image quality and calcified plaques between the two groups, and paired-sample t-tests were used to compare the blooming artifact and lumen stenosis degree. Results:The PCD-CT image quality score was significantly higher than that of EID-CT [PCD-CT : 5 (4,5), EID-CT: 4 (4,5); Z=-21.38, P<0.001]. Compared to EID-CT, PCD-CT reduced the blooming artifact (PCD-CT: 38.88%±9.09%, EID-CT: 50.11%±11.52%; t=-12.97, P<0.001), significantly improving the subjective score for visualization of calcified plaques [PCD-CT: 5 (4,5), EID-CT: 3 (2,3); Z=-9.68, P<0.001], and the measured lumen stenosis was notably lower in PCD-CT(PCD-CT:34.88%±18.20%, EID-CT:45.31%±23.42%; t=-9.93, P<0.001). Among 129 analyzed calcified plaques, luminal stenosis was reduced on PCD-CT in 110 plaques (85.3%) and increased in 19 (14.7%), including 4 plaques that had unclear boundaries with the adjacent lumen in EID-CT CCTA images, making the stenosis difficult to assess. Conclusion:Compared to EID-CT, UHR PCD-CT for CCTA significantly improves coronary artery image quality, provides clearer visualization of calcified plaques and adjacent lumen details, and it can reduce the overestimation of coronary artery caleified plaque stenosis.

Objective To investigate the mechanism by which miR-148a affects M2 macrophage polarization and inhibits liver cancer cell proliferation through Wnt3a/β-catenin. Methods The mRNA expression levels of miR-148a, CD206 and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in tumor tissues and adjacent non-tumor liver tissues of 84 patients with liver cancer were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. THP-1 cells were separated into blank group (conventional culture), M2 group (200 nmol/L phorbol ester, 20 ng/mL IL-4, 20 ng/mL IL-13), M2 combined with negative control (miR-NC) group (transfected with miR-NC on the basis of M2 group), M2 combined with miR-148a mimics (transfected with miR-148a mimics on the basis of M2 group) group, M2 combined with miR-148a mimics combined with Wnt3a (treated with 100 μg/L Wnt3a on top of M2 combined with miR-148a mimics group) group. The proliferation of HuH7 cells was detected by CCK-8 and EdU methods. Apoptosis and M2 macrophage marker CD206 was detected by flow cytometry. The level of IL-10 in cell supernatant was detected by chemiluminescence method; The mRNA levels of miR-148a, CD206 and IL-10 were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. The protein levels of Wnt3a and β-catenin were detected by Western blot. Results The expressions of CD206, IL-10 mRNA, Wnt3a and β-catenin in tumor tissue were higher than those in non-tumor liver tissues, and the miR-148a level was decreased. The mRNA expression of M2 macrophage markers CD206 and IL-10 were significantly increased. Compared with the blank group, the OD450 value, EdU positive rate, the mRNA expressions of CD206 and IL-10, the level of IL-10 in the supernatant, and the expressions of Wnt3a and β-catenin were increased in M2 group, while the apoptotic rate and miR-148a level were decreased. Compared with M2 group and M2 combined with miR-NC group, the OD₄₅₀ value, EdU positive rate, the mRNA expressions of CD206 and IL-10, the level of IL-10 in the supernatant, and the expressions of Wnt3a and β-catenin were decreased in M2 combined with miR-148a mimics group, while the apoptotic rate and miR-148a level were increased. Wnt3a reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-148a overexpression on the proliferation of liver cancer cells. Conclusion Overexpression of miR-148a inhibits M2 polarization of macrophages and prevents the proliferation of liver cancer cells, which may be related to the inhibition of the Wnt3a/β-catenin pathway.
Humans ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Wnt3A Protein/metabolism* ; Liver Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Cell Proliferation/genetics* ; beta Catenin/genetics* ; Macrophages/metabolism* ; Interleukin-10/metabolism* ; Apoptosis/genetics* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Female ; Male ; Mannose Receptor ; Lectins, C-Type/metabolism* ; Mannose-Binding Lectins/metabolism* ; Middle Aged ; Receptors, Cell Surface/metabolism*

Peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) have emerged as a promising modality in precision oncology, enabling targeted delivery of cytotoxic payloads while minimizing off-target toxicity. The integration of covalent warheads, such as those based on sulfur(VI) fluoride exchange (SuFEx) chemistry, enhances drug-target residence time and tumor accumulation. However, existing screening methods for covalent peptide (CP) libraries require post-translational warhead conjugation, limiting throughput. Here, we present an integrated mRNA display platform that incorporates covalent warheads during ribosomal synthesis, enabling efficient screening of ultra-diverse covalent macrocyclic peptide libraries (>10¹³ variants). This approach, using site-specific incorporation of N-chloroacetyl-d-phenylalanine and fluorosulfate-l-tyrosine, accelerated the discovery of irreversibly binding (K _i = 3.58 μmol/L) Nectin-4-targeting peptide CP-N1-N₃ via proximity-triggered SuFEx. The peptide was further conjugated to cytotoxic payloads, yielding the covalent PDC CP-N1-MMAE with potent cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ ≈ 43 nmol/L) against MDA-MB-468 cells. This platform establishes a new paradigm for precision covalent drug discovery.

AIM:To investigate the role and mechanism of cell death-inducing DNA fragmentation factor al-pha(DFFA)-like effector B(Cideb)in promoting palmitic acid(PA)-induced lipid deposition in human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells.METHODS:The HepG2 cells were divided into control group,model group,negative control silencing(siR-NC)group and Cideb silencing(siR-Cideb)group.The cells were treated with PA to establish a cellular model of lipid deposition.Specific siRNAs were used to silence the expression of Cideb,and the intracellular lipid content was mea-sured.Lipid deposition was observed by oil red O staining.RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of Cideb,sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c(SREBP1c),acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1(ACC1),fatty acid synthase(FAS),stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1(SCD1)and AMP-activated protein kinase α(AMPKα)in the cells.The ef-fects of Cideb overexpression on HepG2 cells were observed by transfection with a Cideb eukaryotic expression plasmid.RESULTS:Compared with control group,the cells in PA model group presented lipid deposition,significantly increased triglyceride(TG)and total cholesterol(TC)content,elevated expression levels of Cideb,SREBP1c,ACC,FAS and SCD1,and decreased expression of AMPKα(P＜0.05).Compared with siR-NC group,the cells in siR-Cideb group pre-sented decreased lipid deposition,reduced intracellular TG and TC content,decreased SREBP1c,ACC,FAS and SCD1 expression levels,and increased AMPKα expression(P＜0.05).The overexpression of Cideb increased the lipid deposi-tion,TG and TC content,and the expression levels of SREBP1c,ACC,FAS and SCD1 in HepG2 cells,but decreased the expression of AMPKα(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION:Reduction of Cideb alleviates PA-induced lipid deposition in HepG2 cells by down-regulating the SREBP1c/ACC/FAS/SCD1 pathway and up-regulating the AMPKα pathway.

[Purpose]To analyze the incidence and mortality of malignant tumors in cancer regis-tration areas of Heilongjiang Province in 2019 and the trend from 2013 to 2019.[Methods]The incidence and mortality data of malignant tumors reported by the Heilongjiang provincial cancer registries from 2013 to 2019 were collected,and the quality of data was assessed.The crude in-cidence/mortality rate,age-standardized incidence/mortality rate by Chinese standard population(ASIRC/ASMRC)and world standard population(ASIRW/ASMRW),0～74 years old cumulative rate were calculated.Joinpoint 4.6.0 software was used to calculate the average annual percentage change(AAPC)of ASIRC/ASMRC for the trend analysis from 2013 to 2019.[Results]In 2019,there were 16 732 new cases of malignant tumors in the cancer registration areas of Heilongjiang Province,including 8 639 males and 8 093 females.The crude incidence rate was 295.37/105,with an ASIRC and ASIRW of 167.10/105 and 164.18/105,respectively.There were 10 988 malig-nant tumor deaths,including 6 540 males and 4 448 females.The crude mortality rate was 193.97/105,with an ASMRC and ASMRW of 101.22/105 and 101.66/105,respectively.The inci-dence and mortality of malignant tumors increased rapidly after the age of 55,and the incidence and mortality of males were slightly higher than those of females.The top five malignant tumors of high incidence were lung cancer,female breast cancer,colorectal cancer,liver cancer and thy-roid cancer,and the top five malignant tumors of high mortality were lung cancer,liver cancer,colorectal cancer,stomach cancer and female breast cancer.From 2013 to 2019,the ASIRC of malignant tumors in cancer registration areas increased from 153.08/105 in 2013 to 167.10/105 in 2019,and the ASMRC increased from 92.22/105 in 2013 to 101.22/105 in 2019,but there was no statistical difference in the change trend.[Conclusion]The incidence and mortality of malignant tumors in Heilongjiang Province remain high.Lung cancer,female breast cancer,colorectal can-cer,liver cancer and stomach cancer should be the focus of cancer prevention and control.

Chronic kidney disease(CKD)is a major global health threat owing to its progressive nature and limited means of early diagnosis,with a significant majority of patients diagnosed in the mid-to-late stages of the disease and high mortality rates.With recent advancements in technology,the importance of disease prediction models in the management of CKD has increased.Disease incidence risk prediction models can identify high-risk groups at an early stage and provide support for timely intervention and management.These disease prognosis models can accurately assess the risk of future adverse events and optimize management strategies for patients.The aim of this review is to discuss the progress of disease prediction models in assessing the occurrence and prognosis of CKD and explore their potential for improving the early diagnosis of the disease,optimizing treatment,and improving patient prognosis.These advancements would assist in effectively preventing and treating CKD as well as improving treatment efficacy and quality of life of patients.

[Purpose]To analyze the incidence and mortality of malignant tumors in cancer regis-tration areas of Heilongjiang Province in 2019 and the trend from 2013 to 2019.[Methods]The incidence and mortality data of malignant tumors reported by the Heilongjiang provincial cancer registries from 2013 to 2019 were collected,and the quality of data was assessed.The crude in-cidence/mortality rate,age-standardized incidence/mortality rate by Chinese standard population(ASIRC/ASMRC)and world standard population(ASIRW/ASMRW),0～74 years old cumulative rate were calculated.Joinpoint 4.6.0 software was used to calculate the average annual percentage change(AAPC)of ASIRC/ASMRC for the trend analysis from 2013 to 2019.[Results]In 2019,there were 16 732 new cases of malignant tumors in the cancer registration areas of Heilongjiang Province,including 8 639 males and 8 093 females.The crude incidence rate was 295.37/105,with an ASIRC and ASIRW of 167.10/105 and 164.18/105,respectively.There were 10 988 malig-nant tumor deaths,including 6 540 males and 4 448 females.The crude mortality rate was 193.97/105,with an ASMRC and ASMRW of 101.22/105 and 101.66/105,respectively.The inci-dence and mortality of malignant tumors increased rapidly after the age of 55,and the incidence and mortality of males were slightly higher than those of females.The top five malignant tumors of high incidence were lung cancer,female breast cancer,colorectal cancer,liver cancer and thy-roid cancer,and the top five malignant tumors of high mortality were lung cancer,liver cancer,colorectal cancer,stomach cancer and female breast cancer.From 2013 to 2019,the ASIRC of malignant tumors in cancer registration areas increased from 153.08/105 in 2013 to 167.10/105 in 2019,and the ASMRC increased from 92.22/105 in 2013 to 101.22/105 in 2019,but there was no statistical difference in the change trend.[Conclusion]The incidence and mortality of malignant tumors in Heilongjiang Province remain high.Lung cancer,female breast cancer,colorectal can-cer,liver cancer and stomach cancer should be the focus of cancer prevention and control.

AIM:To investigate the role and mechanism of cell death-inducing DNA fragmentation factor al-pha(DFFA)-like effector B(Cideb)in promoting palmitic acid(PA)-induced lipid deposition in human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells.METHODS:The HepG2 cells were divided into control group,model group,negative control silencing(siR-NC)group and Cideb silencing(siR-Cideb)group.The cells were treated with PA to establish a cellular model of lipid deposition.Specific siRNAs were used to silence the expression of Cideb,and the intracellular lipid content was mea-sured.Lipid deposition was observed by oil red O staining.RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of Cideb,sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c(SREBP1c),acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1(ACC1),fatty acid synthase(FAS),stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1(SCD1)and AMP-activated protein kinase α(AMPKα)in the cells.The ef-fects of Cideb overexpression on HepG2 cells were observed by transfection with a Cideb eukaryotic expression plasmid.RESULTS:Compared with control group,the cells in PA model group presented lipid deposition,significantly increased triglyceride(TG)and total cholesterol(TC)content,elevated expression levels of Cideb,SREBP1c,ACC,FAS and SCD1,and decreased expression of AMPKα(P＜0.05).Compared with siR-NC group,the cells in siR-Cideb group pre-sented decreased lipid deposition,reduced intracellular TG and TC content,decreased SREBP1c,ACC,FAS and SCD1 expression levels,and increased AMPKα expression(P＜0.05).The overexpression of Cideb increased the lipid deposi-tion,TG and TC content,and the expression levels of SREBP1c,ACC,FAS and SCD1 in HepG2 cells,but decreased the expression of AMPKα(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION:Reduction of Cideb alleviates PA-induced lipid deposition in HepG2 cells by down-regulating the SREBP1c/ACC/FAS/SCD1 pathway and up-regulating the AMPKα pathway.