Objective To explore the mechanism by which zinc-regulated transporters, iron-regulated transporter-likeprotein 4 (ZIP4) regulates glycolysis and its impact on tumor progression in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), providing a theoretical basis for targeted therapy of CCA. Methods ZIP4 expression in CCA was analyzed using the GEPIA database. Immuno-histochemistry (IHC) was used to detect ZIP4 expression in 20 paired CCA and adjacent non-tumor tissues. Stable ZIP4-overexpressing CCA cell lines (ZIP4-OE) were established. Gene set enrichment analysis was used to screen differentially expressed genes and pathways in ZIP-OE CCA cells. ZIP4, N-myc proto-oncogene protein (MYCN), and histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2E (KMT2E) were knocked down using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). The expression of glycolysis-related gene (glucose transporter 1 [Glut1], hexokinase 2 [HK2], and lactate dehydrogenase A [LDHA]) was measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Glycolytic activity was assessed by measuring the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR). Cell proliferation was evaluated using colony formation assays, and cell migration was assessed using Transwell assays. A xenograft mouse model was constructed to examine CCA tumor growth. Protein levels of ZIP4, KMT2E, H3K4me3 (tri-methylation of lysine 4 on histone H3), and MYCN were detected by Western blotting. Results GEPIA database analysis and IHC results confirmed significantly higher ZIP4 expression levels in CCA tissues compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues (P＜0.05). Compared to the control group, the ZIP4-OE group exhibited a significantly increased ECAR, along with significantly enhanced proliferation and migration abilities (P＜0.01). Conversely, knockdown of ZIP4 suppressed CCA cells proliferation and migration. GEPIA analysis indicated that ZIP4 upregulates the transcription of oncogene MYCN, as well as glycolysis-related genes. Knockdown of MYCN abolished the ZIP4 overexpression-induced upregulation of Glut1, HK2, and LDHA gene transcription, reduced glycolysis, and significantly inhibited CCA cell proliferation and migration (P＜0.05). Mechanistic studies demonstrated that ZIP4 increases H3K4me3 level via KMT2E, leading to MYCN transcription. Knockdown of KMT2E in CCA cells suppressed the ZIP4 overexpression-induced enhancement in H3K4me3 modification, resulting in MYCN downregulation and significantly reduced CCA cells proliferation and migration (P＜0.05). Conclusions ZIP4 upregulates H3K4me3 modification through KMT2E, which recruits transcription factors to activate the transcription of MYCN. This subsequently enhances cellular glycolysis and promotes the proliferation and migration of CCA cells.

OBJECTIVES: To study the molecular mechanisms of LDH-loaded si-NEAT1 for regulating paclitaxel resistance and tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) polarization in breast cancer. METHODS: qRT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of lncRNA NEAT1, miR-133b, and PD-L1 in breast cancer SKBR3 cells and paclitaxel-resistant SKBR3 cells (SKBR3-PR). The effects of transfection with si-NEAT1 and miR-133b mimics on MRP, MCRP and PD-L1 expressions and cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis were investigated using qRT-PCR, Western blotting, scratch and Transwell assays, and flow cytometry. Rescue experiments were conducted using si-NEAT1 and miR-133b inhibitor. Human THP-1 macrophages were cultured in the presence of conditioned media (CM) derived from SKBR3 and SKBR3-PR cells with or with si-NEAT1 transfection for comparison of IL-4-induced macrophage polarization by detecting the surface markers. LDH@si-NEAT1 nanocarriers were constructed, and their effects on MRP, MCRP and PD-L1 expressions and cell behaviors of the tumor cells were examined. THP-1 cells were treated with the CM from LDH@si-NEAT1-treated tumor cells, and the changes in their polarization were assessed. RESULTS: SKBR3-PR cells showered significantly upregulated NEAT1 and PD-L1 expressions and lowered miR-133b expression as compared with their parental cells. Transfection with si-NEAT1 and miR-133b mimics inhibited viability, promoted apoptosis and enhanced MRP and BCRP expressions in SKBR3-PR cells. NEAT1 knockdown obvious upregulated miR-133b and downregulated PD-L1, MRP and BCRP expressions. The CM from SKBR3-PR cells obviously promoted M2 polarization of THP-1 macrophages, which was significantly inhibited by CM from si-NEAT1-transfected cells. Treatment with LDH@si-NEAT1 effectively inhibited migration and invasion, promoted apoptosis, and reduced MRP, BCRP and PD-L1 expressions in the tumor cells. The CM from LDH@si-NEAT1-treated SKBR3-PR cells significantly downregulated Arg-1, CD163, IL-10, and PD-L1 and upregulated miR-133b expression in THP-1 macrophages. CONCLUSIONS LDH@si-NEAT1 reduces paclitaxel resistance of breast cancer cells and inhibits TAM polarization by targeting the miR-133b/PD-L1 axis.
Humans ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics* ; Paclitaxel/pharmacology* ; Breast Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; B7-H1 Antigen/metabolism* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Female ; Tumor-Associated Macrophages ; Apoptosis ; Cell Proliferation ; Macrophages ; Cell Movement

Objective:To investigate the clinical phenotype and genotype features of children with Epileptic encephalopathy caused by PCDH19 variant. Methods:Four children with epilepsy caused by PCDH19 gene variant who were treated at Shanghai Children′s Medical Center from August 2015 to May 2024 were selected as study subjects. A retrospective study method was used to collect the clinical data of the patients. Peripheral venous blood samples (2 mL each) were collected from the patients and their parents. Genomic DNA was extracted, and whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed, followed by family verification of candidate variants by Sanger sequencing. Pathogenicity of the candidate variants was classified according to the " Genetic Variation Classification Standards and Guidelines" established by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Shanghai Children′s Medical Center (Approval No. SCMCIRB-K2020060-1). Results:The patients comprised of 3 females and 1 male, all presenting symptoms before the age of 3. Patients 1-3 exhibited generalized tonic-clonic seizures, while patient 4 manifested focal seizures accompanied by impaired consciousness. In addition to epilepsy, patient 2 showed language delay and patient 3 had frequent panic attacks. WES results identified four pathogenic PCDH19 variants in these patients, including 2 previously unreported frameshifting mutations, 1 hotspot missense mutation, and 1 mosaic missense mutation with a 32.4%mutation rate. The pathogenic variant in patient 2 was inherited from her father, while the remaining 3 patients had de novo pathogenic variant. Conclusion:Children with PCDH19 gene mutations may exhibit early-onset refractory epilepsy, cognitive impairment, and developmental delay. Females are predominantly affected by the PCDH19 variant, although males with mosaic variant can also be affected. The genetic and clinical heterogeneity observed among patients 1-4 indicated the diverse nature of epilepsy related to the PCDH19 gene variant. PCDH19 gene variant may be the genetic cause of epilepsy in these affected children, which also enriched the mutational spectrum of the PCDH19 gene.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness for the construction of the "mosquito-free village" in Jinzishan Village, Fuling District, Chongqing Municipality, so as to provide references for improving mosquito control practices in hilly and mountainous rural areas. Methods: The "mosquito-free village" initiative in Fuling District was launched in April 2023. Mosquito density monitoring was conducted annually from April to October. Larval mosquito density was monitored using the path method and scoop-catch method, and adult mosquito density was monitored using human-baited landing catch. One hundred and fifty-two villagers were randomly conducted before the "mosquito-free village" construction (April 2023) and one hundred and sixty-seven villagers were randomly conducted after the construction (November 2024). Knowledge awareness rate and correct behavioral practices regarding mosquito control among villagers were assessed. The satisfaction among villagers were evaluated in November 2024. The effectiveness of the initiative was evaluated based on mosquito density data, health education outcomes from 2023 to 2024, and satisfaction. Results: The average larval mosquitoes path index in Jinshanzi Village decreased from 1.50 spots/km in 2023 to 0.07 spots/km in 2024 (P<0.05). The average sampling spoon index of larval mosquitoes decreased from 3.43% in 2023 to 0 in 2024. The average landing rate index of adult mosquitoes decreased from 3.90 mosquitoes/(person·time) in 2023 to 0.38 mosquitoes/(person·time) in 2024 (P<0.05). The awareness rate of mosquito control knowledge and the formation rate of correct behaviors among villagers increased from 59.87% and 57.24% in 2023 to 92.22% and 90.42% in 2024, respectively (both P<0.05). In 2024, the satisfaction of villagers was 92.81%. Conclusion The mosquito density, health education effectiveness, and satisfaction of villagers in Jinzishan Village have all met the evaluation criteria for a "mosquito-free village", providing a replicable model for promotion in hilly and mountainous rural areas.

This paper reviews the published articles of recent years on the application of deep learning methods in automatic localization of acupoint, and summarizes it from 3 key links, i.e. the dataset construction, the neural network model design, and the accuracy evaluation of acupoint localization. The significant progress has been obtained in the field of deep learning for acupoint localization, but the scale of acupoint detection needs to be expanded and the precision, the generalization ability, and the real-time performance of the model be advanced. The future research should focus on the support of standardized datasets, and the integration of 3D modeling and multimodal data fusion, so as to increase the accuracy and strengthen the personalization of acupoint localization.
Deep Learning ; Acupuncture Points ; Humans ; Neural Networks, Computer

Microorganisms, abundant in nature, are prolific producers of a diverse array of natural products (NPs) that are fundamental in the development of innovative therapeutics. Despite their significant potential, the field faces considerable challenges, including the continuous emergence of potential health threats, as well as novel pathogen strains and viruses. The advent and implementation of advanced technologies, such as culture strategies, genomics mining, and artificial intelligence (AI), are facilitating a paradigm shift in pharmaceutical research, introducing innovative methodologies and perspectives. The development and maturation of these technologies have enhanced the exploration of microbial-derived NPs, thereby advancing pharmaceutical research and development. This review synthesizes recent developments in this context, emphasizing their applications in pharmaceutical discovery and development. Through systematic analysis and synthesis, it provides objective insights into the promising prospects and future direction of this essential field.
Biological Products/chemistry* ; Drug Discovery ; Humans ; Artificial Intelligence ; Bacteria/metabolism*

Based on a letrozole-induced rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), serum metabolomics was employed to characterize metabolic abnormalities, identify potential biomarkers, and investigate their roles in the pathogenesis and progression of PCOS. Metabolomic analyses revealed significantly decreased levels of cholesterol, pregnenolone, leucine, and citrate in the serum of model rats, accompanied by elevated levels of androsterone glucuronide (ADTG) and linoleic acid, indicating dysregulation of key pathways including steroid biosynthesis, branched-chain amino acid metabolism, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and lipid metabolism. To elucidate the tissue origins and molecular mechanisms underlying these metabolic alterations, ovarian proteomics and qRT-PCR analyses were further integrated. The results confirmed the upregulation of key enzymes involved in the related metabolic pathways, such as 17α-hydroxylase (CYP17A1), 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD11B1), branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase (BCAT2), fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2), and oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (OGDH). These findings suggest that both “cholesterol precursor depletion-androgen accumulation” and “energy/lipid metabolic reprogramming” constitute core features of metabolic disturbances in PCOS. Through multi-omic cross-validation, six serum metabolites with high stability and clinical translational potential were identified as promising combinational biomarkers for the auxiliary diagnosis of PCOS. This study employed a metabolomics-guided strategy, supported by proteomic and transcriptomic validation, which has not only deepened our understanding of PCOS metabolic mechanisms but also provided us with a theoretical foundation for its auxiliary diagnosis.

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and application value of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the management of delayed pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD) hemorrhage(PPH).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 38 patients who underwent DSA for delayed PPH at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, between January 2019 and December 2024. The technical success rate and clinical outcomes of interventional treatment were the primary focus of the evaluation.Results Among 726 patients who underwent PD, 38 (5.2%) experienced delayed bleeding. Of these, 30 (78.9%) showed positive findings on DSA. The distribution of bleeding sites was as follows: gastroduodenal artery (18 cases), common hepatic artery (1 case), the first branch of the jejunal artery (2 cases), proper hepatic artery (2 cases), right hepatic artery (1 case), middle hepatic artery (1 case), left hepatic artery (3 cases), origin of the splenic artery (1 case), and right gastroepiploic artery (1 case). Interventional treatments included microcoil embolization (17 cases), microcoil combined with gelatin sponge embolization (4 cases), covered stent implantation (7 cases), and gelatin sponge embolization alone and microspheres embolization (1 case each). Successful hemostasis was achieved in 28 (93.3%) patients through DSA-guided interventional treatment, while 2 patients required surgical hemostasis due to recurrent bleeding.Conclusions DSA-guided interventional embolization offers advantages such as minimal invasiveness, precise localization, and effective hemostasis, making it the preferred treatment strategy for delayed PPH.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical phenotype and genotype features of children with Epileptic encephalopathy caused by PCDH19 mutations. METHODS: Four children with epilepsy caused by PCDH19 gene mutations who were treated at Shanghai Children's Medical Center from August 2015 to May 2024 were selected as study subjects. A retrospective study method was used to collect the clinical data of the patients. Peripheral venous blood samples (2 mL each) were collected from the patients and their parents. Genomic DNA was extracted, and whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed, followed by family verification of candidate variants by Sanger sequencing. Pathogenicity of the candidate variants was classified according to the "Genetic Variation Classification Standards and Guidelines" established by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Shanghai Children's Medical Center (Approval No. SCMCIRB-K2020060-1). RESULTS: The patients comprised of 3 females and 1 male, all presenting symptoms before the age of 3. Patients 1-3 exhibited generalized tonic-clonic seizures, while patient 4 manifested focal seizures accompanied by impaired consciousness. In addition to epilepsy, patient 2 showed language delay and patient 3 had frequent panic attacks. WES results identified four pathogenic PCDH19 variants these patients, including 2 previously unreported frameshifting mutations,1 hotspot missense mutation, and 1 mosaic missense mutation with a 32.4% mutation rate. The pathogenic mutation in patient 2 was inherited from her father, while the remaining 3 patients had de novo pathogenic mutations. CONCLUSION Children with PCDH19 gene mutations may exhibit early-onset refractory epilepsy, cognitive impairment, and developmental delay. Females are predominantly affected by the PCDH19 mutations, although males with mosaic mutations can also be affected. The genetic and clinical heterogeneity observed among patients 1-4 indicated the diverse nature of epilepsy related to the PCDH19 gene mutations. PCDH19 gene mutations may be the genetic cause of epilepsy in these affected children, which also enriched the mutational spectrum of the PCDH19 gene.
Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Cadherins/genetics* ; Epilepsy/genetics* ; Exome Sequencing ; Mutation ; Phenotype ; Protocadherins ; Retrospective Studies

Acute urinary retention(AUR)occurs frequently among astronauts on orbit.The current treatment is complex and easy to damage the urethra,which seriously affects the life and work of astronauts.In contrast,acupuncture,a traditional Chinese remedy,has shown promising results in managing urinary retention.However,the specific acupoints that could potentially prevent AUR remain uncertain due to the unique physiological conditions experienced by individuals in space compared to those on Earth.To address this gap,our research delved into the mechanisms of AUR and acupuncture within both traditional Chinese medicine and modern medical practices.We conducted a thorough literature review from Pubmed,Web of Science,CNKI,Wanfang database,VIP database and Chinese Medical Code database.A hierarchical evidence-scoring approach was utilized to analyze the included literatures,thus devised acupuncture protocols for the treatment of AUR.The outcomes of our study aim to establish a foundation for the application of acupuncture in managing AUR.