To explore the correlation between MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism and hypertension, hyperhomocysteinemia(Hcy), and hyperlipidemia in the Tibetan population of Tibet.

Objective To explore the clinical factors influencing complete response in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). Methods Clinical data of LARC patients treated in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Beijing Shijitan Hospital between January 2013 and December 2024 were retrospectively collected. All patients received nCRT, after which surgery or a watch-and-wait approach was adopted based on treatment response. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors influencing complete response. A clinical prediction model was constructed based on the multivariable analysis results, and its predictive performance was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results A total of 113 eligible patients were included. After nCRT, 19 patients (16.8%) achieved complete response, including 3 with clinical complete response and 16 with pathological complete response. Univariable analysis indicated that pretreatment clinical N stage, extramural venous invasion, carcinoembryonic antigen level, and neoadjuvant treatment regimen were associated with complete response after nCRT (P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified pretreatment extramural venous invasion, carcinoembryonic antigen level, and neoadjuvant treatment regimen as independent influencing factors for complete response (P<0.05). A prediction model incorporating these independent factors yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.813 (95% confidence interval: 0.713-0.913), with a sensitivity of 89.5% and a specificity of 60.6%, demonstrating good predictive performance. Conclusion Pretreatment extramural venous invasion, carcinoembryonic antigen level, and neoadjuvant treatment regimen are independent factors influencing complete response after nCRT in LARC patients. The prediction model combining these factors may assist in evaluating treatment efficacy following nCRT in LARC patients.

Objective To compare the dosimetric and radiobiological differences of helical tomotherapy (HT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in craniospinal irradiation. Methods The CT images of 15 patients who received craniospinal irradiation in our hospital were selected. The target volumes and organs at risk (OARs) were contoured, and HT and VMAT plans were designed. The dosimetric parameters of the two plans were compared. A Matlab program based on equivalent uniform dose was developed to calculate the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP). The NTCP values of the two plans were compared. Results The homogeneity index of the target volume in the HT group was better than that in the VMAT group, with values of 0.06 ± 0.01 and 0.08 ± 0.24, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.03). However, there was no significant difference in the conformity index of the target volume (P>0.05). There were significant differences in key indicators (D_mean, V₅, D_max) of the lungs, liver, lens, and eyeballs between the two groups (P<0.05). Regarding OARs, the NTCP values of the lens, optic chiasm, lungs, and liver in the HT and VMAT groups were as follows: 0.04 ± 0.03 vs. 0.1 ± 0.06 in the left lens, 0.04 ± 0.06 vs. 0.1 ± 0.07 in the right lens, 0.16 (0.14-0.17) vs. 0.21 (0.18-0.24) in the optic chiasm, 3.89 × 10⁻⁴ (2.45 × 10⁻⁴-7.3 × 10⁻⁴) vs. 8.95 × 10⁻⁴ (5.19 × 10⁻⁴-1.75 × 10⁻³) in the lungs, and 3.45 × 10⁻⁸ (6.0 × 10⁻⁹-1.036 × 10⁻⁷) vs. 9.54 × 10⁻⁸ (1.70 × 10⁻⁸-2.056 × 10⁻⁷) in the liver; the HT group was superior to the VMAT group, and all differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The NTCP values of the heart in the two groups were 1.35 × 10⁻⁸ (6.34 × 10⁻⁹-2.06 × 10⁻⁹) vs. 5.06 × 10⁻⁹ (2.29 × 10⁻⁹-7.9 × 10⁻⁹), significantly lower in the VMAT group than in the HT group (P<0.05). Conclusion HT has high homogeneity and consistency. The two plans have their own advantages in OAR protection. For OARs with no significant differences in physical dosimetry, NTCP results can be used as a reference. Therefore, comparing the dosimetric parameters and OAR NTCP of HT and VMAT plans can help select the optimal clinical treatment strategy.

Objective To analyze the effect of releasing the lower pulmonary ligament on right residual lung expansion after right upper lobe resection under different body mass index (BMI) levels. Methods The clinical data of patients who underwent thoracoscopic right upper lobe resection in the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University from 2021 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into a group A (17 kg/m2＜BMI≤23 kg/m2), a group B (23 kg/m2＜BMI≤29 kg/m2) and a group C (BMI＞29 kg/m2) according to BMI. The presence of residual cavity was judged by chest X-ray at 7-10 days after operation, the degree of compensation change of the right main bronchus angle was measured, and the changes in lung volume were determined by CT three-dimensional reconstruction. Results A total of 157 patients who underwent thoracoscopic right upper lobe resection were included, including 71 males and 86 females, with an average age of (59.7±11.2) years. There were 50 patients in the group A, 75 patients in the group B, and 32 patients in the group C. In the group A, compared with those without releasing the lower pulmonary ligament, patients with releasing had a lower incidence of postoperative residual cavity (P=0.016), greater changes in bronchus angle (P<0.001), and smaller changes in lung volume (P<0.001). In the group B and C, there was no significant effect of releasing the lower pulmonary ligament on postoperative residual cavity, bronchus angle, and lung volume changes (P>0.05). Conclusion For patients with thin and long body shape and low BMI, releasing the lower pulmonary ligament is helpful to promote the expansion of the residual lung after right upper lobe resection and reduce the occurrence of postoperative residual cavity in patients.

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Tangbikang granules improve diabetic peripheral neuropathy based on ferroptosis mediated by the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 （AMPK/Nrf2） signaling pathway. MethodsA diabetes model was established using spontaneous male Zucker diabetic fatty （ZDF） rats. After successful modeling， the rats were divided into a normal group， a model group， high-， medium-， and low-dose Tangbikang granules groups， and a metformin hydrochloride group. The high-， medium-， and low-dose Tangbikang granules groups were administered by gavage at doses of 2.5， 1.25， 0.625 g·kg^-1， respectively. The metformin hydrochloride group received 0.135 g·kg^-1 by gavage， while the remaining groups received an equal volume of deionized water. Administration continued for 12 weeks. Blood glucose levels were measured after administration， and at 4， 8， 12 weeks. Following the 12-week intervention， the thermal pain threshold and the sciatic nerve conduction velocity （SNCV） were measured. The levels of malondialdehyde （MDA）， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， and adenosine triphosphate （ATP） in the sciatic nerve were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Morphological changes in the sciatic nerve were observed using hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining， and the ultrastructural changes were examined using transmission electron microscopy. The levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPx4） were detected using immunofluorescence （IF） assay. The protein expression levels of p-AMPK， Nrf2， GPx4， and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 （ACSL4） were detected using Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group had significantly higher blood glucose levels after administration and at weeks 4， 8 and 12 （P<0.01）. The thermal pain threshold was significantly prolonged （P<0.01）， and the SNCV was significantly slowed down （P<0.01）. The SOD and ATP levels significantly decreased （P<0.01）， while the MDA levels significantly increased （P<0.01）. Pathologically， the sciatic nerve fibers in the model group showed a dispersed structure， disordered and sparse arrangement， axonal atrophy， irregular myelin sheath halo， increased and swollen Schwann cell nuclei， obvious endoneurial fibrosis， and collagen hyperplasia. Immunofluorescence assay revealed fragmented red fluorescence and significantly reduced expression of GPx4 （P<0.01）. Western blot analysis showed significantly decreased protein expression levels of p-AMPK， Nrf2， and GPx4 （P<0.01）， and significantly increased expression of ACSL4 （P<0.01） in the model group. Compared with the model group， fasting blood glucose level decreased significantly in the high-dose Tangbikang granules group at weeks 4 and 12 （P<0.05）. The thermal pain threshold was significantly shortened in the high- and medium-dose Tangbikang granules groups （P<0.01）. The SNCV was significantly accelerated in the high- and medium-dose Tangbikang granules groups （P<0.01）. The SOD levels were significantly elevated in the high-dose Tangbikang granules group （P<0.01）. The MDA levels significantly decreased in all Tangbikang granules groups （P<0.01）. Both the metformin hydrochloride group and the high-dose Tangbikang granules group exhibited relatively orderly and densely arranged sciatic nerve fibers with more regular myelin sheath halos. The GPx4 expression significantly increased in both the metformin hydrochloride group and all Tangbikang granules groups （P<0.01）. The protein expression levels of p-AMPK， Nrf2， and GPx4 were significantly increased （P<0.01）， while ACSL4 protein expression significantly decreased （P<0.01）. ConclusionTangbikang granules may improve peripheral neuropathy by suppressing ferroptosis through the regulation of the AMPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Objective: To establish a real-time quality control scheme based on the median (MD-IC) of internal control cycle threshold value in negative samples (NEG-IC-CT), so as to monitor anomalies such as progressive drift in nucleic acid testing system not covered by conventional internal quality control (IQC) in blood center nucleic acid laboratories, and to verify its feasibility. Methods: The internal control CT values of 54 426 negative samples were retrospectively collected. These samples were from four reagent batches of the two new and old equipment sets during the operation of the Wantai nucleic acid testing system in our blood center. The daily median of NEG-IC-CT values was used as the research indicator. Control limits were calculated using median absolute deviation (MAD) to construct the Median-MAD quality control chart. The monitoring performance of this scheme for the operation status of the testing system was simultaneously evaluated. Results: Statistical analysis showed significant differences in NEG-IC-CT value distribution between the new and old equipment sets, as well as between the two different reagent batches of the old equipment (P<0.000 1). The NEG-IC-CT value performance of the two different reagent batches of the new equipment was no significant difference in distribution (P>0.05). This scheme identified three typies of distinct anomalies. The out-of-control events observed with the old equipment in both the O1 and O2 reagent batches suggested potential performance decay due to equipment aging. The unreported change of reagent batch in time of Phase B with new equipment caused a stepwise drift on the quality control chart. In the later stage of Phase A with the new equipment, an alert was triggered, indicating potential quality risks associated with practices such as the mixed use of the remaining reagents and extremely long operator working hours. Conclusion: The realtime quality control scheme based on NEG-IC-CT value established in this study has been preliminarily validated for its monitoring effectiveness in nucleic acid testing in our blood center. This scheme performed well in detecting differences among testing systems and reagent batches, serving as an effective supplement to routine internal quality control. It can provide an intuitive and effective evaluation method for monitoring the performance of the nucleic acid testing process at blood center.

ObjectiveTo investigate the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of depressive symptoms among middle school (junior, senior, and vocational high school) students in Yunnan Province, China, and to inform evidence-based intervention strategies for adolescent mental health. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted between October and November 2023 using stratified random cluster sampling. Students from eight counties (districts) across four prefectures (cities) in Yunnan Province were included. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine factors associated with depressive symptoms, with stratified analyses conducted by gender, educational stage, and ethnicity. ResultsA total of 4 672 questionnaires were distributed, with 4 670 valid questionnaires retrieved, yielding a valid response rate of 99.96%. The surveyed participants were predominantly female students (50.81%), junior high school students (49.13%), ethnic minorities (52.78%), and urban residents (79.29%). The mean CES-D score for middle school students in Yunnan Province was (15.31±10.83). Female students had a significantly higher mean score (16.63±11.41) than male students (13.95±10.02) (P<0.001). Senior high school students had a significantly higher mean score (16.61±10.61) compared to both junior high school students (14.74±11.45) and vocational high school students (13.10±7.71) (all pairwise comparisons P<0.001). The prevalence of depressive symptoms among middle school students in Yunnan Province was 28.18%. The prevalence was significantly higher in females (34.09%) than in males (22.07%). By school type, the detection rate was highest among senior high school students (33.39%), followed by junior high school students (26.29%) and vocational high school students (17.27%) (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that female gender (OR=2.16, 95%CI: 1.86‒2.50), being in junior high school (OR=2.43, 95%CI: 1.84‒3.20) or senior high school (OR=2.27, 95%CI: 1.73‒2.98), not living with parents (OR=1.24, 95%CI: 1.07‒1.44), irregular breakfast consumption (OR=1.52, 95%CI: 1.33‒1.75), lack of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (OR=1.69, 95%CI: 1.37‒2.09), sleep duration ≤5 h per night (OR=2.52, 95%CI: 2.02‒3.14) or 6‒7 h per night (OR=1.47, 95%CI: 1.25‒1.73), smoking (OR=1.86, 95%CI: 1.56‒2.23), and alcohol consumption (OR=1.81, 95%CI: 1.54‒2.13) were positively associated with depressive symptoms. In contrast, screen time ≤1 h (OR=0.71, 95%CI: 0.59‒0.86) was negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Stratified analyses showed that female students not living with parents (OR=1.29, 95%CI: 1.06‒1.58), senior high school students (OR=1.51, 95%CI: 1.21‒1.88), and Han Chinese students (OR=1.37, 95%CI: 1.11‒1.69) were more likely to experience depressive symptoms. Han Chinese students who smoked were also more likely to have depressive symptoms (OR=1.72, 95%CI: 1.34‒2.21). In contrast, male students with screen time ≤1 h (OR=0.71, 95%CI: 0.53‒0.95) and ethnic minority students (OR=0.74, 95%CI: 0.58‒0.95) were less likely to experience depressive symptoms. Regardless of gender, irregular breakfast consumption, lack of MVPA, sleep duration less than 8 h per night, smoking, and alcohol consumption were all positively associated with depressive symptoms (P<0.05). Among both junior and senior high school students, irregular breakfast consumption, lack of MVPA, smoking, and alcohol consumption were positively associated with depressive symptoms (all P<0.05), while screen time ≤1 h was negatively associated with depressive symptoms (all P<0.05). For junior high school students, engaging in 1‒2 days of MVPA per week, screen time more than 2 h per day, and sleep duration 6‒7 h per night were all positively associated with depressive symptoms (all P<0.05). Among junior high, senior high, and vocational high school students, sleep duration ≤5 h per night was positively associated with depressive symptoms (P<0.05). For both Han Chinese and ethnic minority students, irregular breakfast consumption, lack of MVPA, sleep duration less than 8 h per night, and alcohol consumption were all positively associated with depressive symptoms (all P<0.05). ConclusionThe prevalence of depressive symptoms among middle school students in Yunnan Province is comparable to that in central China and higher than that in northern regions. Prevention and control efforts should prioritize female students and those in junior and senior high school stages. Universal improvements in lifestyle behaviors among middle school students, such as regular breakfast consumption, MVPA, sufficient sleep (≥8 h), and abstinence from smoking and alcohol. Particular attention should be given to limiting excessive screen time among junior high school students and addressing the mental health needs of females not living with their parents, senior high school students, and Han Chinese students.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effects and potential mechanism of alisol B 23-acetate on acute alcoholic liver injury in mice. METHODS Fifty male Kunming mice were divided into the blank group， model group， and alisol B 23-acetate low-， medium- and high-dose groups （10， 20， 40 mg/kg）， with 10 mice in each group. Each group was given relevant drug solution or normal saline intragastrically， once a day， for 2 consecutive weeks. On the 15th day， mice in the blank group were given normal saline intragastrically， while the other four groups were given 12 mL/kg white wine intragastrically， twice at six-hour intervals， to establish an acute alcoholic liver injury model. On the 16th day of the experiment， the liver indexes of mice in each group were calculated； the serum levels of alanine transaminase （ALT）， aspartate transaminase （AST）， total cholesterol （TC）， triglycerides （TG）， malondialdehyde （MDA） and glutathione （GSH） were also determined. The histopathological morphology of their liver tissues was observed and scored. The protein expressions of cytochrome P450 2E1 （CYP2E1）， Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 （Keap1）， nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 （Nrf2） and NAD（P）H： quinone oxidoreductase 1 （NQO1） were measured in liver tissue. RESULTS Compared with model group， mice in each dosage group of alisol B 23-acetate showed varying degrees of recovery in body weight， along with improvements in pathological changes in liver tissues such as inflammatory cell infiltration and fatty vacu oles. Their liver indexes， histopathological scores of liver tissue， serum levels of ALT， AST， TC， TG and MDA， as well as the protein expressions of CYP2E1 and Keap1 in liver tissue， were all significantly decreased （ P ＜0.05 or P ＜0.01）. The serum GSH levels and the protein expressions of Nrf2 （except for the alisol B 23-acetate low-dose group） and NQO1 in liver tissue were significantly increased （ P ＜0.05 or P ＜0.01）， and the changes in the above quantitative indicators showed a dose-dependent pattern. CONCLUSIONS Alisol B 23-acetate can ameliorate acute alcoholic liver injury in mice， and its mechanism may be related to improving antioxidant capacity by regulating the Keap1/Nrf2/NQO1 signaling pathway while simultaneously improving liver lipid metabolism-related indexes.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical and genetic characteristics of a child with 46,XX Ovotesticular disorder of sex development (46,XX OTDSD) due to copy number variation of SOX3 gene. METHODS: A 46,XX male patient presented at the Capital Center for Children's Health, Capital Medical University in November 2024 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the child was collected. Peripheral blood samples were taken from the child and his parents and subjected to trio whole-genome sequencing. Skewed X-chromosome inactivation was tested in the child and his mother. A literature review was carried out on 46,XX males associated with mutations of the SOX3 gene. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Hospital (Ethics No.: SHERLL2025056). RESULTS: The 10-year-old boy presented with hypospadias and cryptorchidism at birth. Chromosome analysis at one year and a half revealed a 46,XX karyotype. Gonadal biopsy showed testicular tissue, while ultrasound at the age of 10 detected ovotesticular tissue. Whole-genome sequencing identified a 660 kb duplication in the Xq27.1 region, which was derived from his mother. X-chromosome inactivation testing showed random inactivation in the child and mild non-random inactivation in the mother. Literature review has found 11 publications involving 15 patients (including our case), among whom 14 had a male social gender. They had primarily presented with hypospadias at birth but had no significant endocrine abnormalities. Most patients had experienced testicular failure after puberty. SOX3 related 46,XX males are mainly caused by de novo duplications, although a few maternal carriers had been discovered. CONCLUSION Duplication of the SOX3 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis is this 46,XX male. Individuals with 46,XX SRY negative male phenotypes should be routinely screened for SOX3 gene variants. Structural variations of the SOX3 gene can lead to complete or partial sex reversal in 46,XX individuals with minimal impact on intellectual and motor development, as well as other endocrine hormones.
Child ; Humans ; Male ; 46, XX Disorders of Sex Development/genetics* ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; Gene Duplication ; Phenotype ; SOXB1 Transcription Factors/genetics*

ObjectiveProtein-protein interactions (PPIs) are fundamental to the execution of biological functions within living cells. However, traditional biochemical methods, such as co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), often fail to capture transient, weak, or membrane-associated interactions due to the stringent detergent requirements for cell lysis. Proximity labeling (PL) has emerged in recent years as a transformative technology for mapping the proteomes of specific subcellular compartments and identifying dynamic interactomes in situ. Golgi protein 73 (GP73, also known as GOLPH2), a resident type II Golgi transmembrane protein, is a well-recognized clinical biomarker for liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite its clinical significance, the comprehensive physiological and pathological functions of GP73 remain partially understood. This study aims to establish an APEX2-mediated proximity labeling system specifically targeting GP73 to map its interactome in a living cellular environment, thereby providing new insights into its molecular roles and regulatory mechanisms. MethodsTo achieve spatial specificity, we first constructed a stable cell line expressing a fusion protein consisting of GP73 and the engineered soybean peroxidase APEX2. The localization of the GP73-APEX2 fusion protein was validated to ensure it correctly targeted the Golgi apparatus. The proximity labeling reaction was initiated by incubating the cells with biotin-phenol (BP) for 30 min, followed by a brief (1 min) treatment with1 mmol/L hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). This catalytic reaction converts BP into highly reactive, short-lived biotin-phenoxyl radicals that covalently attach to endogenous proteins within a small labeling radius of the GP73-APEX2 enzyme. Subsequently, the cells were quenched, and biotinylated proteins were enriched using high-affinity streptavidin-coated magnetic beads. The captured “neighbor” proteins were subjected to on-bead digestion and analyzed via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for high-throughput identification. Rigorous bioinformatics analysis, including Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and protein-protein interaction network mapping, was performed to interpret the biological significance of the identified candidates. ResultsOur results demonstrate the successful establishment of a robust and sensitive APEX2-based proximity labeling system for GP73. We identified a total of 95 high-confidence interacting proteins that were significantly enriched in the GP73 proximity proteome compared to control groups. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that these interactors were predominantly associated with biological processes such as vesicular transport, protein localization, and, most notably, molecular functions related to “ribosome binding” and “translation regulation”. This suggested an unexpected role for the Golgi-resident GP73 in the cellular translation machinery. To validate these findings, we performed targeted biochemical assays which confirmed a direct interaction between GP73 and the subunits of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 (eIF3) complex, specifically EIF3G and EIF3I. Furthermore, functional validation using the surface sensing of translation (SUnSET) assay—a non-radioactive method to monitor protein synthesis—revealed that the overexpression of GP73 significantly promoted global protein translation levels in the cell, whereas its depletion or inhibition resulted in reduced translation efficiency. ConclusionThis study successfully utilized APEX2-mediated proximity labeling to provide the first systematic map of GP73 interactome in living cells. Our findings uncover a novel, unconventional function of GP73 as a regulator of cellular protein translation, likely mediated through its interaction with the eIF3 complex. This discovery significantly broadens our understanding of the biological roles of GP73 beyond its traditional function in the Golgi apparatus and suggests that it may act as a bridge between Golgi-related trafficking and the protein synthesis machinery. Furthermore, the technical framework established in this study provides a valuable template for investigating other complex organelle-associated protein networks and resolving transient macromolecular interactions in various physiological and pathological contexts.