Objective To explore the biological functions and mechanisms of PIWI-interacting RNA(piRNA)in cervical cancer(CC).Methods RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression level of piRNA-2732 in CC tissue,CaSki cells and End1/E6E7 cells.EpiQuik m6A RNA methylation quantification kit was used to detect the methylation level of m6A RNA in CaSki cells.The expression levels of methyltransferases(METTL3,METTL14 and WTAP)and demethylases(FTO,ALKBH5)mRNA in CaSki cells were detected by RT-qPCR.After culturing CaSki cells to logarithmic growth stage,they were divided into six groups:piRNA-2732 mimic negative control group(mi-NC group),piRNA-2732 mimic group(mi-2732 group),piRNA-2732 inhibitor negative control group(in-NC group),piRNA-2732 inhibitor group(in-2732 group),piRNA-2732 mimic+METTL3 knockdown control group(mi-2732+si-NC group),and piRNA-2732 mimic+METTL3 knockdown group(mi-2732+si-METTL3 group).The viability of CaSki cells was detected by CCK8 assay.Colony formation assay was used to detect the proliferation ability of CaSki cells.Transwell experiment was used to detect the migration and invasion ability of CaSki cells.RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of methyltransferase like protein 3(METTL3).Transfected METTL3 wild-type(METTL3-WT)and METTL3 mutant(METTL3-MUT)in the mi-NC group,mi-2732 group,in-NC group,and in-2732 group respectively,and detected the effect of piRNA-2732 on METTL3 through dual luciferase reporter gene assay.Results Compared with the adjacent tissues,the expression of piRNA-2732(3.84±1.08 vs 1.32±0.53)was significantly higher in the cancer tissues of CC patients,and the difference was statistically significant(t=5.115,P<0.001).Compared with end1/E6E7 cells,the expression of piRNA-2732(1.00±0.13 vs 1.67±0.16)in CaSki cells was significantly higher,and the difference was statistically significant(t=5.632,P<0.01).Compared with mi-NC group,mi-2732 group promoted the viability,proliferation,migration and invasion of CaSki cells,and the differences were statistically significant(t=4.410～11.040,all P<0.01).Compared with mi-NC group,mi-2732 group increased m6A RNA methylation level and METTL3 mRNA and protein,the differences were statistically significant(t=6.176,9.211,12.550,all P<0.05).The results of dual luciferase reporter gene testing showed that compared with the mi-NC+METTL3-WT group,the relative luciferase activity of mi-2732+METTL3-WT group was significantly increased(t=11.850).Compared with mi-2732+METTL3-WT group,the relative luciferase activity of mi-2732+METTL3-MUT group was significantly lower(t=12.740),and the difference was statistically significant(all P<0.000 1).Compared with in NC+METTL3-WT group,the relative luciferase activity of in-2732+METTL3-WT group was significantly lower(t=7.828),compared with in-2732+METTL3-WT group,the relative luciferase activity of CaSki cells in in-2732+METTL3-MUT group was significantly increased(t=8.146),and the difference was statistically significant(all P<0.001).Compared with mi-2732+si-NC group,the expression level of m6A in mi-2732+si-METTL3 group was significantly lower,and the difference was statistically significant(t=7.630,P<0.01).Compared with mi-2732+si-NC group,the proliferation ability,colony number,cell migration and invasion ability of CaSki cells in mi-2732+si-METTL3 group were significantly decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(t=3.695～4.891,all P<0.001).Conclusion piRNA-2732 is overexpressed in CC tissues and cells,and piRNA-2732 promotes tumor development in CC through METTL3 mediated m6A methylation.

Objective To explore the correlation between triglyceride-glucose(TyG)index and hyperuricemia in men with normal fasting blood glucose(FPG)levels.Methods A total of 309 men with normal FPG who participated in a health examination at the Ninth Medical Center of the People's Liberation Army General Hospital in April 2024 were enrolled in this study.All the subjects were divided into the normal uric acid(NUA,n=218)group and the hyperuricemia(HUA,n=91)group according to serum uric acid(SUA)levels.Results Scr,TG,weight,SBP,DBP,BMI,ALT,AST,γ-GGT,and TyG index were higher in the HUA group than in the NUA group(P<0.05).Pearson and Spearman correlation analysis showed that SUA were positively correlated with Scr,eGFR,TG,weight,SBP,DBP,BMI,ALT,AST,γ-GGT and TyG(P<0.05),and negatively correlated with HDL-C(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for confounding factors,TyG index remained an important influencing factor for HUA.ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve of TyG index predicting hyperuricemia in men with normal FPG was 0.665,with an cutoff value of 8.45.Conclusions TyG index in men with normal FPG are influencing factors for hyperuricemia,indicating that hyperuricemia has a close association with insulin resistance,and is an important component of metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND:Unlike non-inflammatory cell apoptosis,pyroptosis is a form of inflammatory cell death,characterized by membrane integrity disruption and release of pro-inflammatory intracellular substances.Thus,it is associated with various diseases.The sirtuin family is a group of histone deacetylases dependent on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.In addition to deacetylation,it also possesses other enzymatic activities such as desuccinylation,demalonylation,adenosine diphosphate-ribosylation and playing crucial roles in the regulation of pyroptosis.OBJECTIVE:To review the role of the sirtuins in pyroptosis.METHODS:The first author conducted a search on PubMed,Web of Science,CNKI,and WanFang Data from inception to March 2024,using the Chinese and English search terms"Sirtuins,Sirtuin1,Sirtuin2,Sirtuin3,Sirtuin4,Sirtuin5,Sirtuin6,Sirtuin7,pyroptosis",resulting in the inclusion of 71 articles.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The sirtuin family all participates in the regulation of pyroptosis.(2)Overexpression of sirtuin1 and sirtuin4 can inhibit pyroptosis through various pathways,thus alleviating the damage caused by pyroptosis to the organism.(3)In addition to affecting the classical pathway of pyroptosis,sirtuin3 can also inhibit pyroptosis by enhancing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species scavenging capacity and mitosis.(4)Sirtuin5 is involved in the regulation of intracellular metabolism and energy balance,including energy intake,storage,and consumption.(5)Sirtuin6 can influence pyroptosis through various pathways and also affect macrophage M1 polarization,generation of reactive oxygen species,and cleavage of pyroptosis-related factor sclerotin D to inhibit pyroptosis.(6)Overexpression of sirtuin7 can suppress pyroptosis.(7)Sirtuin2,unlike other family members,can restrain pyroptosis only after knockdown,but there are fewer reports,requiring more in-depth and comprehensive research.

This study aims to describe the population and regional distribution characteristics of smoking behavior among adult twins in the China Twin Registry (CNTR), as well as the concordance rates for smoking behavior in monozygotic and dizygotic twins, and estimate the heritability. The study population included adult twins in CNTR who had smoking questionnaire data. A random-effects regression model was used to describe the distribution of smoking behavior among different subgroups based on various characteristics. The concordance of smoking behavior between different zygosity groups was calculated, and heritability was estimated. A total of 28 444 twin pairs were included in this study, with an average age of (36.6±12.0) years. Among male twins, 41.2% were current smokers, while only 1.2% of females smoked. Higher smoking rates were observed among male smokers in the 50-59 age group ( z=23.0, P<0.001), northern regions ( z=2.9, P<0.01), rural areas ( z=-5.2, P<0.001), those who were divorced/widowed ( z=3.8, P<0.001), and first-born twins ( z=-4.3, P<0.001), while lower smoking rates were found in those with higher education ( z=-16.1, P<0.001) and unmarried individuals ( z=-16.0, P<0.001). The smoking concordance rate for male monozygotic twins was 69.6%, significantly higher than the 57.3% concordance rate for dizygotic twins ( χ 2=105.0, P<0.05). The heritability of smoking behavior in male twins was estimated at 28.9% (95% CI: 24.3%-33.4%). Stratified analyses showed differences in heritability across regions and age groups: the heritability in northern regions was 32.6% (95% CI: 27.3%-38.0%), higher than the 21.0% (95% CI: 12.4%-29.5%) observed in southern regions; the highest heritability of 35.1% (95% CI: 26.3%-43.9%) was found in the 18-29 age group, with heritability decreasing with age. In conclusion, the smoking rate and influencing factors in the twin population are similar to those in the general population, with unique characteristics, such as higher smoking rates in first-born twins. Genetic factors have a significant impact on smoking behavior.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization in patients with middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed; the clinical data of 46 patients with middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms accepted Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization in First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Beijing Tiantan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University and First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2022 to March 2024 were collected. There were 28 ruptured aneurysms (60.87%) and 18 unruptured aneurysms (39.13%). Follow-up was performed for more than 3 months; Raymond-Roy grading was used to evaluate the aneurysm embolization immediately after embolization and during follow-up; perioperative hemorrhagic or ischemic complications were recorded; modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to evaluate the prognosis of the patients at discharge and during follow-up (mRS score≤2: good prognosis, and mRS score>2: poor prognosis).Results:Coil embolization was successful in all 46 patients. DSA immediately after embolization showed that 41 patients (89.13%) had completely occluded aneurysms (Raymond-Roy grading I), 2 patients (4.35%) had residual aneurysm neck (Raymond-Roy grading Ⅱ) and 3 patients (6.52%) had partially occluded aneurysms (Raymond-Roy grading Ⅲ). Perioperative complications occurred in 5 patients, including 2 with postoperative cerebral infarction, 1 with hydrocephalus, 1 with postoperative pneumonia leading to respiratory failure, and 1 with stent thrombosis during embolization. Both at discharge and 3 months after embolization, 43 patients (93.48%) had good prognosis and 3 patients (6.52%) had poor prognosis. No obvious ischemic complications (such as stent restenosis) or hemorrhagic complications (such as re-rupture of the aneurysms) were found in all patients. Thirty patients (65.22%) had imaging follow-up for 6-12 months: 26 (86.67%) had Raymond-Roy grading I, 3 (10.00%) had Raymond-Roy grading II, and 1 (3.33%) had Raymond-Roy grading III.Conclusion:Neuroform Atlas stent-assisted coil embolization has good short-term efficacy and high safety in middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms, but long-term follow-up observation is still needed to verify its efficacy.

BACKGROUND:Unlike non-inflammatory cell apoptosis,pyroptosis is a form of inflammatory cell death,characterized by membrane integrity disruption and release of pro-inflammatory intracellular substances.Thus,it is associated with various diseases.The sirtuin family is a group of histone deacetylases dependent on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.In addition to deacetylation,it also possesses other enzymatic activities such as desuccinylation,demalonylation,adenosine diphosphate-ribosylation and playing crucial roles in the regulation of pyroptosis.OBJECTIVE:To review the role of the sirtuins in pyroptosis.METHODS:The first author conducted a search on PubMed,Web of Science,CNKI,and WanFang Data from inception to March 2024,using the Chinese and English search terms"Sirtuins,Sirtuin1,Sirtuin2,Sirtuin3,Sirtuin4,Sirtuin5,Sirtuin6,Sirtuin7,pyroptosis",resulting in the inclusion of 71 articles.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The sirtuin family all participates in the regulation of pyroptosis.(2)Overexpression of sirtuin1 and sirtuin4 can inhibit pyroptosis through various pathways,thus alleviating the damage caused by pyroptosis to the organism.(3)In addition to affecting the classical pathway of pyroptosis,sirtuin3 can also inhibit pyroptosis by enhancing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species scavenging capacity and mitosis.(4)Sirtuin5 is involved in the regulation of intracellular metabolism and energy balance,including energy intake,storage,and consumption.(5)Sirtuin6 can influence pyroptosis through various pathways and also affect macrophage M1 polarization,generation of reactive oxygen species,and cleavage of pyroptosis-related factor sclerotin D to inhibit pyroptosis.(6)Overexpression of sirtuin7 can suppress pyroptosis.(7)Sirtuin2,unlike other family members,can restrain pyroptosis only after knockdown,but there are fewer reports,requiring more in-depth and comprehensive research.

Objective:To describe the distribution characteristics of alcohol consumption in adult twins in the Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR), and further explore the influence of genetic factors on alcohol consumption in adult twins.Methods:The subjects of the study were twins registered by CNTR in 11 project areas across China from 2010 to 2018. A total of 56 966 twins (28 483 pairs) aged 18 years and above who answered questions about drinking behavior were included, and the random effect model was used to describe the population and regional distribution characteristics of alcohol consumption. Intra-pair analysis was performed to calculate the concordance rate and heritability of their alcohol consumption.Results:The age of all subjects was (36.6±12.0) years, and current drinkers accounted for 16.6% (9 461/56 966) of all subjects. In men, those aged 50-59 years, those in northern China, those living in rural area, those with low education level and those with high BMI, the proportions of current drinkers were higher. After excluding 468 pairs of twins who had stopped alcohol use and 21 764 pairs of twins who had no drink or had small amount drink, an intra-pair analysis was conducted in 4 929 pairs of same-sex twins, and found that the concordance rate of alcohol consumption was 64.0% (2 059/3 215) in monozygotic twins, and 52.6% (902/1 714) in dizygotic twins, the difference was significant ( P<0.001), and the heritability of alcohol consumption was 24.1% (95% CI: 18.9%- 29.3%). The further stratified analysis found that in southern men, the heritability was highest in those aged 40-49 years (36.1%, 95% CI: 21.6%-50.7%), while in northern men, the heritability was highest in those aged 50-59 years (34.2%, 95% CI: 18.1%-50.3%). Conclusions:In adult twins in China, there were population and regional differences in the distribution of alcohol consumption behavior, and alcohol consumption was influenced by genetic factors, and gender, age and region had potential modifying effects.

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effectiveness of ultrasound-guided percutaneous catheterization for continuous negative pressure drainage combined with polidocanol in treating large thyroid cysts.Method:Clinical data of 38 patients with large thyroid cysts who were treated consecutively with catheter drainage combined with polidocanol sclerotherapy by the same doctor at Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital from Jan 2021 to May 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. The effectiveness and safety were statistically evaluated, and the relationship between drainage volume and cyst volume was analyzed.Results:Among the 38 patients with thyroid cysts who completed the treatment, the median follow-up was 9 months (range: 3-24 months). The effectiveness rate was 92% (35/38), of which 32 cases (84%) met the cure standard. The maximum diameter of the cysts before treatment was (4.8±1.0) cm, and the maximum diameter of the residual nodules after treatment was (1.5±1.1) cm, the difference was statistically significant ( t=17.389, P<0.01). The amount of drainage exudate is related to the volume of the cyst and the maximum diameter before treatment ( t=-3.149, P=0.003; t=-3.057, P<0.005). 19% of patients showed transient low fever after the injection of polidocanol, with no other complications. Conclusion:For large thyroid cysts, ultrasound-guided percutaneous catheterization for continuous negative pressure drainage combined with polidocanol sclerotherapy is a safe and effective method.

Objective:To explore whether changes in the deltoid muscle tone of the affected side before and after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) are correlated with shoulder joint pain and shoulder joint function.Methods:A total of 55 patients (22 males and 33 females, aged 60.44±9.54 years with a range of 41 to 78 years, BMI 25.86±4.25 kg/m 2 with a range of 18.82 to 42.32 kg/m 2, symptom duration 5.94±7.27 months with a range of 0.3 to 36.0 months) diagnosed with rotator cuff tear and underwent ARCR at the First Affiliated Hospital of Tsinghua University between December 2019 and June 2023 were included. All the patients suffered from unilateral symptom (23 left side and 32 right side), the size of rotator cuff tear was 16.47±5.98 mm (range, 6.92-36.38 mm). Following the operation, postoperative rehabilitation exercises were arranged with a minimum follow-up duration of six months. The muscle tone of the deltoid was measured bilaterally using a muscle tone tester before the operation and at 1, 3, 6 months after operation. The area under curve (AUC) of the pressure-displacement curve was used to reflect the muscle tone, with larger AUC values represent less muscle tone. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Constant-Murley score were evaluated and recorded at the same time points. Results:At 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, the VAS scores were all significantly reduced compared to preoperative values, with the Constant-Murley scores and the AUC values of the pressure-displacement of the affected-side deltoid significantly increased ( P<0.05). The postoperative AUC values of the pressure-displacement of the affected side deltoid muscle were significantly lower than those of the contralateral side ( P<0.05). There was no significant correlation between the changes in deltoid muscle pressure-displacement AUC and age, gender, disease duration, or BMI ( P>0.05), while a significant positive correlation was observed between the AUC and the size of the rotator cuff tear ( r=0.369, P=0.006). There was a positive correlation between the change in VAS and the change in deltoid muscle pressure-displacement AUC ( t=0.424, P<0.001), and the unary linear regression equation was: change in VAS=4.314+0.837×(change in deltoid muscle pressure-displacement AUC). There was a positive correlation between the changes in Constant-Murley shoulder score and the changes in deltoid AUC ( t=5.336, P<0.001), and the unary linear regression equation was: change in Constant-Murley score=24.838+6.097×(change in deltoid muscle pressure-displacement AUC). Conclusions:ARCR can reduce the affected side deltoid muscle tone, relieve shoulder pain and improve shoulder joint function. The changes in deltoid muscle tone are positively correlated with the degree of shoulder pain and function.

Purpose To investigate the changes of free water(FW)values in the key basal ganglia of dopamine system in the brain of early Parkinson's disease(PD)by free water imaging,and to reveal the potential relationship between the changes and early PD.Materials and Methods From February to December 2023,62 patients with early PD and 27 healthy controls were enrolled in the Parkinson's Disease Progression Markers Project database,and 25 age-and sex-matched healthy controls were self-recruited from Henan Provincial People's Hospital.All subjects underwent clinical scale assessment and MRI data collection.Free water imaging was used to calculate the FW values of key nuclei in dopamine system,and the difference of FW values between PD group and healthy controls group,the correlation between FW values of PD group and clinical scale scores were analyzed.Results The FW values of compact part of substantia nigra(SNc)and ventral tegmental area(VTA)in PD group were significantly higher than those in healthy controls group(Z=2.458-3.914,all P<0.05).Regression analysis showed that FW values of SNc were correlated with the movement disorder society-sponsored revision unified Parkinson′s disease rating scale(MDS-UPDRS)Ⅲ scores and state-trait anxiety inventory(STAI)scores on both sides(r2=0.223,P<0.001;r2=0.125,P=0.018;r2=0.151,P=0.003;r2=0.128,P=0.017),the FW value of VTA on the left was significantly correlated with MDSUPDRS Ⅲ score(r2=0.143,P=0.004)and the FW value of the right VTA was significantly correlated with the STAI score(r2=0.125,P=0.019).Conclusion The FW values of SNc and VTA in PD patients are significantly increased in the early stage,and are correlated with motor and non-motor symptoms in PD patients.FW values may reflect brain degeneration,and this change may be related to the decline of motor and non-motor function in patients.