Background: While observational studies have suggested a potential link between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and an increased risk of colon polyps, the causal nature of this association remains uncertain. This study used a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to evaluate the relationship between MetS and colon polyps. Methods: A two-sample MR analysis was performed using data on MetS, its indicators, and colon polyps obtained from publicly available genome-wide association studies in the Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU) and MAGIC databases. Outliers were removed using Mendelian Randomization Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO), followed by MR calculations and false discovery rate (FDR) correction. The primary analysis was conducted with the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method. Results: The IVW results indicated no association between hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or diabetes and the risk of colon polyps. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P=0.005), 2-hour glucose (P=0.004), glycated hemoglobin A1c (P=0.004), and the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids (P<0.001) were negatively associated with colon polyps. Conversely, body mass index (BMI) (P<0.001), body fat percentage (P=0.002), waist-to-hip ratio adjusted for BMI (P=0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (P=0.002), triglycerides (TG) (P<0.001), and both omega-3 (P<0.001) and omega-6 fatty acid levels (P=0.02) were positively associated with colon polyps. The relationships between these metabolic indicators and colon polyps remained significant after FDR correction. Conclusion Obesity-related traits, TC, and TG may increase the risk of colon polyps, while HDL-C may have a protective effect.

Objective: To elucidate the biological basis of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes from the perspective of “same syndrome, different diseases” in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), liver cirrhosis (LC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), thereby providing a complementary approach for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic liver diseases (CLD). Methods: To investigate the dynamic characteristics of TCM syndromes in CLD, transcriptomic profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was performed from patients with CHB, LC, or HCC presenting with three TCM syndromes: liver gallbladder dampness heat syndrome (LGDHS), liver depression spleen deficiency syndrome (LDSDS), and liver kidney Yin deficiency syndrome (LKYDS). These participants were recruited at Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between August 1, 2018 and December 31, 2021. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the random variance model (RVM) F test with false discovery rate (FDR) correction. Principal component analysis (PCA) and unsupervised hierarchical clustering were applied to visualize sample grouping. Dynamic network biomarkers (DNB) analysis was employed to detect critical transition stages during syndrome evolution, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses to characterize the functional roles and pathway involvement of the DNB members. Random forest (RF) analysis and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC) were used to rank the importance of candidate genes. External validation was performed using microarray data from an independent CLD cohort (GSE89377) and RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (TCGA-LIHC) dataset. Additionally, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed on an independent cohort of LC patients to validate the expression levels of the candidate genes. Results: The study included a total of 132 participants. DNB analysis identified LDSDS stage as a critical tipping point during TCM syndrome evolution across CHB, LC, and HCC. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K-AKT) signaling pathway was consistently enriched in the DNB analysis across all three types of CLD, suggesting its potential involvement in the critical transition of TCM syndromes. Among the 24 core DNB members of the PI3K-AKT pathway, four genes—integrin subunit beta 1 (ITGB1), collagen type IV alpha 1 chain (COL4A1), collagen type IV alpha 2 chain (COL4A2), and DNA damage inducible transcript 3 (DDIT3)—were identified by RF analysis (Gini score > 1) and ROC analysis. ROC analysis demonstrated high discriminative ability for distinguishing LGDHS from LKYDS in CHB patients, with AUC of 0.7891 for ITGB1, 0.7070 for COL4A1, 0.7148 for COL4A2, and 0.8945 for DDIT3. In the independent CLD cohort (GSE89377), all four genes showed significant stepwise upregulation from normal to CHB, LC, and HCC (all P < 0.05). In the TCGA-LIHC dataset, their expression progressively increased with tumor stage. RT-qPCR validation in an independent LC cohort (30 LGDHS vs. 30 LKYDS) confirmed that ITGB1, COL4A2, and DDIT3 were significantly upregulated in LKYDS compared with LGDHS (P = 0.0152, 0.0186, and 0.0247, respectively), whereas COL4A1 showed a non-significant upward trend (P = 0.1201). Conclusion This study introduces a novel approach to understanding the molecular features underlying TCM syndrome evolution in CLD. The PI3K-AKT pathway and four identified genes (ITGB1, COL4A1, COL4A2, and DDIT3) play crucial roles in the transition from excess (LGDHS) to deficiency (LKYDS) via the critical LDSDS stage. These findings offer potential quantitative biomarkers and therapeutic targets for TCM syndrome differentiation and may help arrest syndrome progression in CLD.

ObjectiveTo investigate the differential expression of LEFTY1 in peritoneal dialysis （PD）-associated peritoneal fibrosis （PF） and its clinical value. MethodsLevels of LEFTY1， transforming growth factor-β （TGF-β）， and fibronectin （FN） in peritoneal dialysis effluent were measured in 72 PD patients， and clinical data were collected. Differences in these indicators were compared among groups with different dialysis durations， and the correlation between LEFTY1 and clinical parameters was analyzed to evaluate its predictive value for ultrafiltration insufficiency. ResultsLEFTY1 levels decreased progressively with longer dialysis duration： short-term group ［（2 262.49±270.47） ng/mL］ > mid-term group ［（1 853.52±226.06） ng/mL］ > long-term group ［（1 767.24±264.57） ng/mL］， with significant differences among groups （P<0.001）. TGF-β and FN levels increased with prolonged dialysis duration （P<0.05）. Correlation analysis revealed that LEFTY1 was significantly negatively correlated with FN （r=-0.327， P=0.004）， dialysis duration （r=-0.496，P<0.001）， peritoneal Kt/V （r=-0.333， P=0.004）， peritoneal creatinine clearance （r=-0.239， P=0.043）， and serum calcium （r=-0.410， P<0.001）， while positively correlated with total creatinine clearance （r=0.283， P=0.016）. The area under the ROC curve for LEFTY1 combined with peritoneal Kt/V and peritoneal Ccr in predicting ultrafiltration insufficiency was 0.739. Multivariate regression analysis identified dialysis duration as an independent influencing factor for LEFTY1 expression （P=0.001）. ConclusionThe expression of LEFTY1 in the peritoneal dialysis effluent of PD patients decreases with prolonged dialysis duration and is negatively correlated with pro-fibrotic indicators， suggesting that it may play a potential anti-fibrotic role in the progression of PF. The combined detection of LEFTY1 and solute removal indicators holds value for the early identification of ultrafiltration dysfunction.

Objective: To explore effects of cumulative family risk in university students on individuals internalizing problems, to elucidate the mediating roles of perceived social support and self esteem in the relationship, so as to provide a basis for promoting university student s mental health. Methods: Using longitudinal design, 1 207 freshmen from a university in Tianjin were randomly selected and surveyed in November 2023 (T1) and November 2024 (T2). The instruments included the Cumulative Family Risk Scale, the Perceived Social Support Scale, the Self esteem Scale, and the College Student Mental Health Screening Scale. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was constructed, with Bootstrap method used to test mediating effects and to examine gender differences. Results: The results showed that cumulative family risk at T1 with internalizing problems at T1( r =0.30) and internalizing problems at T2 ( r =0.32) were significantly positively correlated (both P <0.01). Mediation analysis indicated that the independent mediating effect of perceived social support at T1，cumulative family risk at T1 and internalizing problems at T2 was 0.03 (95% CI =0.02-0.05), and the independent mediating effect of self esteem at T1 was 0.08 (95% CI = 0.06 -0.10) (both P <0.05). The chain mediating effect of perceived social support and self esteem at T1 was 0.02 (95% CI =0.02-0.03) ( P <0.05). Significant gender differences were observed in the path from cumulative family risk to self esteem ( β male =-0.24, β female =-0.35) and in the path from perceived social support to self esteem ( β male =0.41, β female =0.25) (all P <0.05). Conclusion Cumulative family risk reduces internalizing behaviors in university students via internal and external development resources, with gender specific mechanisms.

Given the increasing concern regarding antibacterial resistance, the antimicrobial properties of naphthoquinones have recently attracted significant attention. While 1,4-naphthoquinone and its derivatives have been extensively studied, the antibacterial properties of 5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives remain relatively unexplored. This study presents a comprehensive in vitro and in vivo analysis of the antibacterial activity of 35 naturally sourced and chemically synthesized derivatives of 5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone. Kirby-Bauer antibiotic testing identified three compounds with activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with one compound (PNP-02) demonstrating activity comparable to vancomycin in minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and time-kill assays. Microscopic and biochemical analyses revealed that PNP-02 adversely affects the cell wall and cell membrane of MRSA. Mechanistic investigations, including proteomic sequencing analyses, Western blotting, and RT-qPCR assays, indicated that PNP-02 compromises cell membrane integrity by inhibiting arginine biosynthesis and pyrimidine metabolism pathways, thereby increasing membrane permeability and inducing bacterial death. In an in vivo mouse model of skin wound healing, PNP-02 exhibited antibacterial efficacy similar to vancomycin. The compound demonstrated low toxicity to cultured human cells and in hemolysis assays and remained stable during serum incubation. These findings suggest that PNP-02 possesses promising bioactivity against MRSA and represents a potential novel antibacterial agent.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/genetics* ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry* ; Naphthoquinones/administration & dosage* ; Animals ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Mice ; Humans ; Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology* ; Molecular Structure

Background The residues of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) in aquatic environments have become an increasingly prominent urban pollution issue, attracting widespread attention. The analysis of PPCPs pollution in water environments holds profound implications in Zhengzhou, a strategically important city in central China. Objective To analyze the pollution characteristics of PPCPs, such as antidepressants and antibiotics, in rivers of Zhengzhou and assess associated ecological risk. Methods Water samples were collected from three rivers of Zhengzhou, and 13 PPCPs (5 antibiotics and 8 antidepressants) were analyzed quantitatively by high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) after automatic solid phase extraction. Risk quotient (RQ) was applied to assess ecological risk of PPCPs with high concentration. Results The primary antibiotics pollutants were norfloxacin and ofloxacin, both with a detection rate of 100%. Among antidepressants, venlafaxine and citalopram showed the highest detection rates at 92.3% and 88.5%, respectively. The detected antibiotics with the highest average concentrations included ofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole with concentrations of 99.8 ng·L⁻¹and 96.2 ng·L⁻¹, respectively, while antidepressants venlafaxine and citalopram were detected with the highest average concentrations of 15.2 ng·L⁻¹and 1.35 ng·L⁻¹, respectively. The inter-river comparisons revealed statistically significant differences in contaminant loads (P<0.05). The sums of average PPCP concentrations at sampling points in the Jialu River and Suoxu River were 83.4 ng·L⁻¹ and 100.4 ng·L⁻¹, respectively. The Xiaoqing River exhibited higher pollution levels than both the Jialu and Suoxu Rivers, with a total average concentration of 478.4 ng·L⁻¹, where ofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole were identified as the predominant pollutants. The results of ecological risk assessment indicated the RQ contributed by sulfamethoxazole ranged between 0.50−0.95 in the Xiaoqing River, suggesting a controllable risk but requiring prioritized mitigation strategies. The RQ values of norfloxacin were distributed within the range of 0.10-0.30, indicating a moderate ecological risk. The RQ values for ofloxacin and venlafaxine remained below 0.10, indicating a lower risk level. Conclusion PPCPs contamination is positive in the rivers of Zhengzhou, and sulfamethoxazole and ofloxacin are the primary cantaminants. The Xiaoqing River exhibits the highest pollution levels. The initial risk assessment show that sulfamethoxazole and norfloxacin pose potential ecological risks, requiring prioritized contamination management.

Objective To develop a postoperative self-management question prompt list for adult liver transplant recipients and conduct preliminary application,aiming to provide an effective tool for facilitating their engagement in postoperative self-management.Methods From August to September 2024,the first draft of the postoperative self-management question prompt list for adult liver transplant recipients was developed through literature search and qualitative interviews,including 9 primary items and 50 secondary items.From October to November 2024,16 experts from Qingdao,Jinan,Beijing,and Fuzhou were interviewed on the Delphi method for 2 rounds to revise the question prompt list.From February to March 2025,19 patients after liver transplantation were selected for the preliminary application of the question prompt list.Results The response rates in the 2 rounds of consultations were both 100％and the authority coefficients of experts were both 0.88.The Kendall's W in the 2 rounds was 0.336 and 0.344(P＜0.001),respectively.The final question prompt list includes 9 primary items and 49 secondary items.The study showed that QPL demonstrated high clinical practicability in helping patients systematically understand the self-management framework after liver transplantation,promoting doctor-patient communication,and enhancing the initiative of self-management.Conclusion The question prompt list of postoperative self-management for adult liver transplant recipients established in this study is scientific,reliable,and practical,which is helpful for patients to obtain information about self-management from medical staff.

Objective To investigate the factors influencing hyperdynamic circulation-related indicators in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 377 patients diagnosed with cirrhosis-associated ascites at the Third People's Hospital of Kunming between October 2022 and October 2024.Patients were categorized into grade 1,grade 2,and grade 3 ascites groups according to ascites severity grading.The general demographic characteristics and clinical parameters of the three groups were compared.Potential positive predictors were initially identified through univariate analyses,including Spearman correlation and non-parametric tests.Binary logistic regression and multiple linear regression models were subsequently employed to investigate the factors influencing high dynamic circulation-related indicators(heart rate[HR],E/A ratio,and left ventricular diastolic function[LVDF])in patients with cirrhosis-related ascites.Results Significant differences in the incidence of HR,the ratio of early to late diastolic filling velocities(E/A),and LVDF were observed among different ascites groups(P<0.05).Age,ascites depth,serum chloride(Cl-),CO2,red cell distribution width coefficient of variation(RDW-CV),and etiology were identified as independent determinants of HR in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites.Age,white blood cell count(WBC),albumin(ALB),and etiology were independent determinants of E/A in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites.Age(OR=1.088,95%CI 1.062-1.114,P<0.001)and serum potassium(K+)(OR=1.919,95%CI 1.218-3.025,P=0.005)were independent risk factors for LVDF in patients with cirrhotic ascites,whereas RDW-CV(OR=0.902,95%CI 0.883-0.961,P=0.023)and ALB(OR=0.921,95%CI 0.883-0.961,P<0.001)were identified as protective factors.Conclusions Serum ALB is an independent influencing factor for E/A ratio and LVDF in cirrhotic patients with ascites and hyperdynamic circulation.K+and RDW-CV are also independent predictors of LVDF,whereas Cl-independently influences heart rate.Clinical monitoring and targeted intervention for these parameters should be emphasized.

Objective To evaluate the predictive value of a nomogram model developed by integrating clinical and ultrasound multiparameters for HER-2-positive breast cancer.Methods This study retrospectively enrolled 343 patients with pathologically confirmed breast cancer from three medical centers and randomly divided them into training and validation cohorts.Univariate analysis,LASSO regression,and multivariate logistic regres-sion were conducted on the training set to identify independent prognostic factors and construct a nomogram model.Bootstrap resampling with 1000 iterations was performed to evaluate the model's robustness.Model calibration was assessed using calibration curves and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were generated to evaluate model discrimination,and the area under the curve(AUC)along with other performance metrics were calculated.Decision curve analysis was employed to assess the clinical utility of the model,and the validation cohort was used for external validation.Results Univariate,LASSO,and multivariate regression analyses demonstrated that age,TTP(time to peak),and the presence of a filling defect sign were independent predictors of HER-2-positive breast cancer(all P<0.05).Based on these independent predictors,a nomogram model was constructed.Bootstrap validation with 1,000 resamples indicated that the model's predictive performance was stable.The Hosmer-Lemeshow test confirmed satisfactory model calibration,while the calibration curve illustrated accurate prediction probabilities.The area under the curve(AUC)for the training set was 0.863(95%CI:0.806～0.920),and for the validation set,it was 0.846(95%CI:0.764～0.929),indicating strong discriminative and generalization capabilities.Additionally,the clinical decision curve analysis demonstrated favor-able clinical utility.Conclusion A nomogram model integrating clinical and multimodal ultrasound parameters demonstrates potential utility in predicting HER-2-positive breast cancer.