Background/Aims: Acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) is one of the most essential metabolites in cell metabolism but its function and concentration in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain elusive and controversial. Methods: A comprehensive analysis of acetyl-CoA levels and acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2) expression across a range of samples, including patient specimens from both hepatitis B virus (HBV) positive and HBV negative HCC individuals, HBV-transgenic mouse HCC models, and multiple cell lines. Furthermore, to evaluate the functional significance of ACSS2 in HBV-related HCC, we implemented both genetic and pharmacological inhibition strategies targeting ACSS2. Molecular mechanism and mitophagy assessment were revealed by cleavage under target and tagmentation sequencing, RNA sequencing, bioinformatic analyses, transmission electron microscopy and JC-1 staining. Results: Our study revealed a distinct metabolic signature of HBV-related HCC, marked by elevated acetyl-CoA, which was driven by ACSS2. ACSS2 was upregulated by the carbohydrate response element-binding protein in HBV-related HCC. Furthermore, ACSS2 improved tumor cell proliferation, an effect that was dependent on its enzymatic activity. Mechanistically, ACSS2-induced acetyl-CoA accumulation activated voltage-dependent anion channels 1 transcription through increased H3K27ac occupancy, which subsequently promoted mitophagy and HBV-related HCC tumorigenesis. Notably, targeting ACSS2 by depletion or inhibition with a catalytic inhibitor significantly suppressed tumor growth. Conclusions These findings not only illustrate the interplay between metabolic reprogramming, epigenetic modification, and tumorigenesis in the context of HBV infection, but also highlight ACSS2 as a novel metabolic vulnerability in HBV-related HCC. Therefore, targeting ACSS2 could be a novel strategy against HBV-related HCC.

Objective: To investigate the current status of personnel structure and service development of blood transfusion departments/blood banks in medical institutions across China, and to provide evidence for discipline construction. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 3 117 medical institutions in 31 provinces via the Chinese Medical Doctor Association-Blood Transfusion Physician Branch. Data on department naming, staff composition, professional titles, background, and services were analyzed descriptively. Results: Overall, 71.9% of departments were named "Blood Transfusion Department", while 26.4% were still "Laboratory/Blood Bank". Technicians accounted for 86%, physicians only 9%, and nurses 3%. The average number of physicians per tertiary hospital was 0.92, compared to 0.12 in secondary hospitals, with marked regional disparities. Among physicians, 44.5% had a laboratory background and 43.9% clinical background; 3.3% of physicians switched to technician due to promotion barriers. Basic serological tests (ABO/RhD:99.4%; antibody screening:96.2%) were widely available, but advanced tests (antibody identification:18.7%; platelet antibody: 18.2%) remained insufficient. Overall, 70.5% of departments offered therapeutic procedures, mainly autotransfusion (24.5%) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) collection (20.4%); plasma exchange was only 15.9%, and 29.5% performed no therapeutic services. Conclusion: Transfusion departments in China are still in the early stage of transitioning from traditional medical technology departments to clinical disciplines. The development of the discipline is constrained by administrative disciplinary positioning, talent construction and internal service capacity. Meanwhile, emerging services including transfusion consultations and specialized outpatient clinics have gained initial momentum.

ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m⁶A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m⁶A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m⁶A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.

ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m⁶A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m⁶A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m⁶A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.

Objective: To conduct screening for rare blood types within important blood group systems for the Chinese population, such as Rh, Duffy, Kidd, P1Pk, Diego, and MNS, in the Guangzhou region, and to establish a corresponding rare blood type database and physical repository. Methods: The saline medium microplate method was used to screen blood donors with the ccDEE phenotype combined with either Jk(a-) or Jk(b-). The polybrene microplate method was employed to screen for donors with Fy(a-), s(-), Lu(b-), Di(b-), k(-), and p phenotypes. The urea lysis microplate method was applied to screen for the Jk(a-b-) phenotype. A high-resolution melting (HRM) curve method was established for screening some donors with the Di(b-) phenotype. Subsequently, expanded phenotyping of antigens in the Rh, Kidd, MNS, Duffy, P1Pk, Lewis, Kell, and Lutheran blood group systems was performed on identified rare blood type donors using monoclonal antibodies. The test results are entered into the Rare Blood Type Bank Management System of the Guangzhou Blood Center, enabling functions such as confirmation reminders and cryopreservation storage when the donor donates again. Red blood cells of rare blood types are processed into frozen red blood cells for long-term storage. Results: Among voluntary blood donors, 16 cases of the ccDEE combined with Jk(a-) phenotype were identified (0.221 7%, 16/7 216); 10 cases of the ccDEE combined with Jk(b-) phenotype (0.138 6%, 10/7 216); 78 cases of the Fy(a-) phenotype (0.169 5%, 78/46 012); 39 cases of the Lu(b-) phenotype (0.138 2%, 39/28 214); 31 cases of the s(-) phenotype (0.081 8%, 31/37 913); 22 cases of the Di(b-) phenotype (0.029 9%, 22/73 691); 30 cases of the Jk(a-b-) phenotype (0.010 1%, 30/298 250); and 1 case of the k(-) phenotype (0.001 3%, 1/77 382), which was further identified as KELnull phenotype (K0). No p phenotype donors were identified (0/88 528). A total of 228 units of frozen red blood cells were prepared. The screening results were compared and analyzed with rare blood type data from other regions. Conclusion: This study, through a combination of different screening methods, significantly improved the efficiency of rare blood type screening while remaining cost-effective. By conducting large-scale screening and performing data informatization processing, a database and physical repository of rare blood types in the Guangzhou region were successfully established. This provides a strong guarantee for the timely supply of blood to patients with difficult-to-match and rare blood types in the region, effectively enhances the level of transfusion safety in the region, and offers a practical paradigm for constructing a comprehensive blood transfusion support system.

Objective To establish a rapid on-site detection method for detecting formaldehyde in workplace air using the length detector tube method. Methods The length detector tube was applied to detect the level of formaldehyde in workplace air. Performance indicators, including accuracy, precision, stability, and interference susceptibility, of the method were validated. Results The formaldehyde length detector tube can determine formaldehyde mass concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 4.00 mg/m³ at 25 ℃, covering 0.5 to 2.0 times the occupational exposure limit for formaldehyde (0.50 mg/m³). Under conditions of 10 to 35 ℃ and relative humidity <80.00%, the average recovery was 93.33%-101.67%, and all the within-run method ranges from -21.67% to 20.00%, and all the relative standard deviations were <10.00%. The average decrease rate of formaldehyde in gas bags within 24 hours ranged from -8.33% to 8.33%. Common coexisting substances in workplaces, such as methanol, benzene, toluene, hydrogen chloride, and nitrogen dioxide, did not interfere with the measurements. However, aldehydes and ketones might cause overestimation. Conclusion The formaldehyde length detector tube method demonstrates high accuracy and specificity for detecting formaldehyde in air, making it suitable for rapid monitoring of formaldehyde in workplace air.

Objective To analyze the occurrence status of low blood pressure (BP) in patients with refractory heart failure (RHF) and its relationship with comorbidities. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 360 patients with RHF who were hospitalized in department of cardiology of Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University from May 2021 to May 2025. These patients were divided into the RHF with BP group and the RHF group based on their blood pressure at admission. The general data and comorbidities were compared between both groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for coexisting BP. Results The heart rate (HR), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), blood urea nitrogen, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, right atrial diameter, proportion of cardiac function grade IV, use rate of diuretics and prevalence rate of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in the RHF with BP group were higher while the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), albumin, left ventricular ejection fraction, use rate of lipid-lowering drugs and prevalence rate of coronary heart disease were lower compared to the RHF group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that increased HR (OR=1.685, 95%CI: 1.106-2.569), increased NT-proBNP (OR=1.772, 95%CI: 1.138-2.759), decreased HDL-C (OR=0.605, 95%CI: 0.400-0.917) and DCM (OR=1.956, 95%CI: 1.176-3.255) were independent risk factors affecting BP in RHF patients (P<0.05). Conclusion The incidence rate of low blood pressure in elderly RHF patients is about 19.17%. Increased heart rate, increased NT-proBNP, decreased HDL-C and dilated cardiomyopathy are closely linked to the occurrence of low blood pressure, and they can be used as clinically related factors to identify patients at high risk of low blood pressure.

Diabetic macular edema(DME), a serious complication of diabetic retinopathy(DR), is a chronic condition caused by multiple factors. Throughout its progression, inflammatory factors and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)play a critical role. Anti-VEGF drugs have shown significant effectiveness in the treatment of DME; however, some patients may experience persistent DME after injection or require frequent injections. Dexamethasone intravitreal implants(DEX implants)serve as a sustained-release implant characterized by a reasonable release profile and high bioavailability. They offer safe, effective, and prolonged anti-inflammatory effects, aiding in the repair of retinal barrier and reduction of exudation. To further enhance patients' visual quality, exploring the efficacy of DEX implants in combination with existing treatment regimens has great clinical significance. This review primarily discusses the research advancements in DEX implants, focusing on their pharmacological properties, indications for use, and their combination with existing drugs and treatment methods. It also evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of combination therapy or switching to DEX implants compared to current standard treatments, aiming to provide guidance for personalized treatment options for patients with DME.

Carbon ion radiotherapy(CIRT)is an advanced radiotherapy method with unique physical and biological properties.It increases the dose to the tumor target area while providing better protection to normal tissues.CIRT can be used for hypoxic tumors resistant to photon radiotherapy.It also has the potential superiority of inducing immune responses and can produce the"abscopal effect"when com-bined with different immunotherapies.Radioimmunotherapy can not only ablate tumors at the irradiated site but also partially control dis-tant metastases at the unirradiated site.However,the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated.Due to the protection of the tu-mor microenvironment,tumors can sometimes be difficult to completely clear through CIRT-mediated anti-tumor immunity;this can also in-dicate functional limitations of some immune organs after CIRT.Therefore,this study reviewed the impact of CIRT on both innate and adapt-ive immune responses.It also examined the relationship between different radiation doses/fractions and immune protein expression,as well as compared the differences in imaging techniques between carbon ion radiotherapy and traditional radiotherapy.We have also proposed future directions to enhance the superiority of CIRT.This study aimed to provide a strong theoretical basis for improving the efficacy of CIRT and its combination therapy,ultimately benefiting more patients with cancer.

Cervical spinal cord injury without fracture-dislocation (CSCIWFD) is referred to as a special type of cervical spinal cord injury characterized by traumatic spinal cord dysfunction and no significant bony structural abnormalities on imagines. Duo to the high risk of missed diagnosis during the initial consultation, CSCIWFD may lead to progressive neurological deterioration or even complete paralysis, severely impacting patients′ prognosis. Currently, there are no established consensuses over the diagnosis and treatment of CSCIWFD, such as the lack of evidence-based standards for indications of non-surgical treatment and risk of secondary neurological injury, as well as debates over the optimal timing for surgical intervention and indications for different surgical approaches. To address these issues, the Spine Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the relevant fields to formulate Diagnosis and treatment guideline for acute cervical spinal cord injury without fracture- dislocation in adults ( version 2025) . Based on evidence-based medicine and the principles of scientific rigor and clinical applicability, the guidelines proposed 11 recommendations covering terminology, diagnosis, evaluation treatment, and rehabilitation, etc., aiming to standardize the management of CSCIWFD.