Background Previous studies have found that exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) can lead to functional impairment of the human pancreas. Pancreatic and duodenal homeobox factor 1 (PDX-1) may play a role in regulating mitochondrial function. It is hypothesized that BaP exposure may interfere with PDX-1 expression in human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (H6C7), thereby affecting mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). This process could induce mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage, disrupt pancreatic development and function, and elevate the risk of diabetes onset. Objective To investigate the mechanism of BaP-induced mtDNA damage through disruption of the PDX-1/TFAM pathway in a H6C7 cell model. Methods A H6C7 cell injury model was established using different concentrations of BaP. Cell viability was determined using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). After 24 h of BaP exposure (5,10, and 20 μmol·L⁻¹), cell morphological and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) changes were observed via confocalmicroscopy, and PDX-1/TFAM protein expression levels were assessed. Bioinformatics analysis combined with dual-luciferase reporter assays was used to confirm PDX-1 directly targeting the TFAM promoter. Following PDX-1 overexpression or silencing in BaP treated cells, flow cytometry was used to evaluate viability and apoptosis, while Western blot and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) measured PDX-1/TFAM expression and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-cn). Results The cell injury model demonstrated that, compared with the control group, BaP exposure reduced cell viability, disrupted membrane integrity, induced nuclear fragmentation, and decreased MMP. Protein expression levels of PDX-1 and TFAM were significantly downregulated in the 10 and 20 μmol·L⁻¹ groups (P<0.05). Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed that PDX-1 overexpression upregulated TFAM levels. Flow cytometry revealed that PDX-1 overexpression significantly reduced apoptosis rate (P<0.001), whereas PDX-1 silencing increased apoptosis rate (P<0.001). Compared with the BaP-only group, BaP+PDX-1 overexpression elevated TFAM protein and mRNA expression as well as mtDNA-cn (P<0.01), while BaP+siRNA-PDX-1 suppressed these parameters (P<0.001). Conclusion BaP exposure promotes apoptosis in human pancreatic cells. PDX-1, a key gene in pancreatic development, regulates the expression of TFAM, a core regulator of mitochondrial function. This interaction triggers changes in MMP and mtDNA-cn, activates the PDX-1/TFAM/mtDNA axis, and ultimately leads to pancreatic cell injury.

Background Previous studies have found that exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) can lead to functional impairment of the human pancreas. Pancreatic and duodenal homeobox factor 1 (PDX-1) may play a role in regulating mitochondrial function. It is hypothesized that BaP exposure may interfere with PDX-1 expression in human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (H6C7), thereby affecting mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). This process could induce mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage, disrupt pancreatic development and function, and elevate the risk of diabetes onset. Objective To investigate the mechanism of BaP-induced mtDNA damage through disruption of the PDX-1/TFAM pathway in a H6C7 cell model. Methods A H6C7 cell injury model was established using different concentrations of BaP. Cell viability was determined using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). After 24 h of BaP exposure (5,10, and 20 μmol·L⁻¹), cell morphological and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) changes were observed via confocalmicroscopy, and PDX-1/TFAM protein expression levels were assessed. Bioinformatics analysis combined with dual-luciferase reporter assays was used to confirm PDX-1 directly targeting the TFAM promoter. Following PDX-1 overexpression or silencing in BaP treated cells, flow cytometry was used to evaluate viability and apoptosis, while Western blot and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) measured PDX-1/TFAM expression and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-cn). Results The cell injury model demonstrated that, compared with the control group, BaP exposure reduced cell viability, disrupted membrane integrity, induced nuclear fragmentation, and decreased MMP. Protein expression levels of PDX-1 and TFAM were significantly downregulated in the 10 and 20 μmol·L⁻¹ groups (P<0.05). Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed that PDX-1 overexpression upregulated TFAM levels. Flow cytometry revealed that PDX-1 overexpression significantly reduced apoptosis rate (P<0.001), whereas PDX-1 silencing increased apoptosis rate (P<0.001). Compared with the BaP-only group, BaP+PDX-1 overexpression elevated TFAM protein and mRNA expression as well as mtDNA-cn (P<0.01), while BaP+siRNA-PDX-1 suppressed these parameters (P<0.001). Conclusion BaP exposure promotes apoptosis in human pancreatic cells. PDX-1, a key gene in pancreatic development, regulates the expression of TFAM, a core regulator of mitochondrial function. This interaction triggers changes in MMP and mtDNA-cn, activates the PDX-1/TFAM/mtDNA axis, and ultimately leads to pancreatic cell injury.

Objective To investigate the causes and management strategies for lower limb ischemic necrosis following xenogeneic heterotopic heart transplantation from a multigene-edited pig to a rhesus monkey. Methods A xenogeneic heterotopic heart transplantation was performed on December 16, 2023, at the Institute of Experimental Animals of Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, using a quintuple-gene-edited pig as the donor and a rhesus monkey as the recipient. On postoperative day (POD) 9, the recipient monkey underwent left lower limb amputation due to ischemic necrosis. Blood samples were collected at various time points after transplantation for analysis of hematologic parameters, liver and renal function, myocardial enzymes, and coagulation profiles. Ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) were used to evaluate anastomotic patency and cardiac structure. Immunological assays, including complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and IgG/IgM antibody detection, combined with clinical observations, were employed to assess rejection type and therapeutic response. Results The recipient monkey survived for 46 days after transplantation. Echocardiography demonstrated preserved biventricular systolic function in the recipient’s native heart, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) consistently exceeding 50%. In the donor pig heart, left ventricular endocardial thickening was noted on POD 9, followed by right ventricular endocardial thickening on POD 24, while LVEF remained around 35%. No hyperacute or acute rejection was detected immunologically. CDC positivity ranged between 3.4% and 5.1%, with IgG/IgM antibody binding trends consistent with CDC results. Following amputation, the recipient exhibited elevated inflammatory markers, coagulopathy, and reactive thrombocytosis, which later normalized. Immunohistochemical staining of the necrotic limb revealed arterial and venous thrombosis; however, no T-cell or B-cell infiltration was observed in vascular structures, thrombi, nerves, muscles, fascia, or skin tissues, with CD3 and CD20 staining both negative. Conclusion Limb ischemia after xenogeneic heart transplantation may be associated with lower extremity vascular thrombosis triggered by local trauma in the context of transplantation-induced inflammatory activation and coagulation dysfunction. While no clear lymphocyte-mediated rejection was observed, further studies are needed to explore the potential role of non-lymphocyte-mediated immune mechanisms.

Transmembrane proteins (TMEM) are a type of membrane protein. Most proteins in this family are located in the phospholipid bilayer of the cell membrane, while a smaller portion is found in the membranes of cellular organelles. Transmembrane protein 43 (TMEM43) is a member of the TMEM protein family and is encoded by the TMEM43 gene. This protein consists of 400 amino acids and has 4 transmembrane domains and 1 membrane-associated domain. TMEM43 is localized to various biological membranes within the cell, such as the cell membrane and nuclear membrane, where it forms transmembrane channels for various ions. Additionally, TMEM43 is expressed in many species, showing high genetic similarity, especially with the four transmembrane domains being highly conserved. Current studies on the TMEM43 gene are still in its early stages, mainly focusing on its association with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and cancer. However, recent studies suggest that pathogenic mutations in TMEM43 may cause auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD). Patients with TMEM43 p.Ser372Ter exhibited late-onset progressive ANSD. Impact of TMEM43 pathogenic mutations on individual hearing was likely mediated through effects on gap junction (GJ) structures on glia-like supporting cells (GLS), cell membranes. The TMEM43 p.Arg372Ter pathogenic mutation primarily affected the structure and function of TMEM43 protein, leading to premature termination of protein translation and the production of a truncated protein. Abnormal TMEM43 protein significantly reduced K⁺ influx in GLS cells, disrupting the endolymphatic K⁺ circulation and cochlear microenvironment homeostasis. When K⁺ circulation was obstructed, the endocochlear potential (EP) became abnormal, impairing the physiological function of hair cells and potentially leading to hearing impairment. However, it is important to note that studies on the mechanism is limited, and more experimental evidence is needed to confirm this hypothesis. Currently, there is a significant gap in research on TMEM43 and hearing loss, with many issues remaining unresolved. While TMEM43 has been studied in relation to hearing loss in humans, zebrafish, mice, and rats, the research is still preliminary. Detailed investigations into the molecular pathogenic mechanisms, the impact of mutations on hearing damage, and related therapeutic strategies are needed. Additionally, as a newly identified hearing loss-related gene, the mutation frequency and incidence of hearing disorders associated with TMEM43 have not been effectively quantified. For example, the ClinVar database listed 829 mutation sites for the TMEM43 gene, with only three mutations related to auditory neuropathy: c.605A>T (p.Asn202Ile), c.889T>A (p.Phe297Ile), and c.1114C>T (p.Arg372Ter). Aside from the aforementioned TMEM43 c.1114C>T (p.Arg372Ter) mutation observed in patients, the other two mutations were experimentally induced and have not been found in patients. Consequently, these mutations have been classified as unknown significance. We reviewed the current understanding of TMEM43 and hearing loss, analyzed its role in ear development and sound conduction, and explored the impact of TMEM43 gene variations on hearing loss, aiming to provide new insights for future research and precision medicine related to TMEM43.

Background: and Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association between residual inflammatory risk (RIR) and vulnerable plaques using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). Methods: This retrospective study included 70%–99% symptomatic ICAS patients hospitalized from January 2016 to December 2022. Patients were classified into four groups based on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C): residual cholesterol inflammatory risk (RCIR, hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), RIR (hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L), residual cholesterol risk (RCR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), and no residual risk (NRR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L). Vulnerable plaque features on HRMRI included positive remodeling, diffuse distribution, intraplaque hemorrhage, and strong enhancement. Results: Among 336 included patients, 21, 60, 58, and 197 were assigned to the RCIR, RIR, RCR, and NRR groups, respectively. Patients with RCIR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.606; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.346–9.662; P=0.011) and RIR (aOR, 3.361; 95% CI, 1.774–6.368, P<0.001) had higher risks of strong enhancement than those with NRR. Additionally, patients with RCIR (aOR, 2.965; 95% CI, 1.060–8.297; P=0.038) were more likely to have intraplaque hemorrhage compared with those with NRR. In the sensitivity analysis, RCR (aOR, 2.595; 95% CI, 1.201–5.608; P=0.015) exhibited an additional correlation with an increased risk of intraplaque hemorrhage. Conclusion In patients with symptomatic ICAS, RIR is associated with a higher risk of intraplaque hemorrhage and strong enhancement, indicating an increased vulnerability to atherosclerotic plaques.

Background: and Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association between residual inflammatory risk (RIR) and vulnerable plaques using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). Methods: This retrospective study included 70%–99% symptomatic ICAS patients hospitalized from January 2016 to December 2022. Patients were classified into four groups based on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C): residual cholesterol inflammatory risk (RCIR, hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), RIR (hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L), residual cholesterol risk (RCR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), and no residual risk (NRR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L). Vulnerable plaque features on HRMRI included positive remodeling, diffuse distribution, intraplaque hemorrhage, and strong enhancement. Results: Among 336 included patients, 21, 60, 58, and 197 were assigned to the RCIR, RIR, RCR, and NRR groups, respectively. Patients with RCIR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.606; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.346–9.662; P=0.011) and RIR (aOR, 3.361; 95% CI, 1.774–6.368, P<0.001) had higher risks of strong enhancement than those with NRR. Additionally, patients with RCIR (aOR, 2.965; 95% CI, 1.060–8.297; P=0.038) were more likely to have intraplaque hemorrhage compared with those with NRR. In the sensitivity analysis, RCR (aOR, 2.595; 95% CI, 1.201–5.608; P=0.015) exhibited an additional correlation with an increased risk of intraplaque hemorrhage. Conclusion In patients with symptomatic ICAS, RIR is associated with a higher risk of intraplaque hemorrhage and strong enhancement, indicating an increased vulnerability to atherosclerotic plaques.

Widespread utilization of glyphosate has led to environmental residues,posing potential threats to ecological systems and human health.Traditional methods for detection of glyphosate are limited by specialized equipment and operational techniques,resulting in inefficient responses.Therefore,it is urgent to develop a convenient,sensitive and accurate detection method for detection of glyphosate.Herein,a new naphthalenesulfonamide-based"Turn-on"fluorescent probe was synthesized using 2-chloroaniline and dansyl chloride as raw materials through a one-step process,which showed a good linear relationship between the glyphosate concentration in concentration range of 0.003-70 μmol/L and the fluorescence intensity(R2=0.995),with a detection limit of 2.73 nmol/L(S/N=3).Analytical techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry(HRMS)were used to investigate the interaction mechanism between the fluorescent probe and glyphosate.The results indicated that a nucleophilic substitution reaction occurred between the probe and the secondary amine(—NH—)of glyphosate,inducing a photoinduced electron transfer(PET)effect which enhanced the fluorescence intensity by 11.2 times.The probe showed good anti-interference ability towards coexisting metal ions,anions and pesticides in water.When applied to determination of glyphosate in the samples such as tap water,river water(Xiangxi River Reservoir),soil,soybeans,and corn,the spiking recoveries ranged from 94.7％to 109.9％,demonstrating the high accuracy and broad applicability of this detection method.A portable test strip based on this fluorescent probe was developed for rapid semi-quantitative analysis of glyphosate.The developed method was rapid,sensitive,and portable,providing theoretical and technical support for on-site measurement of environmental contaminants.

To explore the application effect of host restriction factors(HRFs)in the development of antiviral gene drugs,this study based on the"common pathway of viral infection"and"host innate immunity HRFs",the genes of three antiviral HRFs,namely cholesterol-25-hydroxylase(CH25H),interferon-induced transmembrane protein(IFITM3)and interferon-stimulated gene 15(ISG15)were fused and expressed using pCK vectors to construct antiviral gene drugs.The fusion expression gene sequence CH25H-IFITM3-ISG15(C Ⅱ)was constructed by linking the gene cod-ing sequences of these three HRFs through the cleavage peptide coding sequence.Subsequently,the C Ⅱ sequence was amplified by PCR,ligated to the pCK expression vector,and the recombinant plasmid was transformed,identified,and extracted to obtain a candidate biodrug based on the DNA expression system,which was named pCK-CⅡ.Then,the recombinant plasmid was transfected in-to HEK 293T cells,and the expression of three antiviral proteins was successfully detected by Western blot.To clarify the antiviral effect of pCK-C Ⅱ at the cellular level,pCK-C Ⅱ was trans-fected into HEK 293 cells and BHK-21 cells,respectively.Twenty-four hours later,the BHK-21 cells were infected with vesicular stomatitis virus expressing green fluorescent protein(VSV-GFP),12 h later,the cells were observed under a fluorescence microscope and detected by flow cy-tometry;HEK 293 cells were inoculated with H3N2 subtype influenza virus,and the expression of H3N2 subtype influenza virus nuclear proteins was detected after 12 h using Western blot.The re-sults showed that transient transfection of pCK-C Ⅱ plasmid could significantly reduce the fluores-cence level of cells and the expression of nuclear protein of H3N2 subtype influenza virus in infec-ted cells.These results indicated that pCK-C Ⅱ had an inhibitory effect on the infection of VSV-GFP and H3N2 subtypes of influenza viruses after transient transfection of cells.

Objective:To analyze the electrocardiogram (ECG) data of congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) patients, and to identify the ECG parameters for prediction of life-threatening arrhythmic events (LAEs).Methods:This cohort study enrolled patients diagnosed with congenital LQTS at the Department of Cardiology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital from September 2014 to May 2023. Baseline clinical and ECG data were collected. Patients were followed with LAEs as the primary endpoint. Based on the occurrence of LAEs, patients were divided into two groups: the event group and the event-free group. Cox regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of LAEs in LQTS patients.Results:A total of 293 patients diagnosed with congenital LQTS were included, aged 32.5 (19.0, 41.8) years, including 201 females (68.6%). Sixty-six patients experienced LAEs and 227 patients did not. Compared to the event-free group, the event group had a younger onset age (13.0 (5.5, 20.5) years vs. 26.0 (13.0, 35.0) years), a slower heart rate (69.0 (59.5, 76.5) beats/min vs. 77.0 (67.0, 88.0) beats/min), a higher proportion with family history of sudden cardiac death (30.3% vs. 14.5%), as well as longer QT intervals (500.0 (467.0, 594.0) ms vs. 428.0 (402.0, 470.0) ms) and QTc intervals (544.0 (502.5, 589.0) ms vs. 489.0 (480.0, 504.0) ms). Additionally, the event group had higher peak T-wave alternans value (65.0 (42.5, 85.3) μV vs. 44.0 (36.0, 54.0) μV), a higher proportion of patients with documented torsades de pointes (TdP) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) on 24-hour Holter monitoring (39.3% vs. 4.9%), and higher rates of pharmacological treatment (100.0% vs. 9.7%) and device therapy or left cardiac sympathetic denervation (45.5% vs. 2.2%) (all P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified that the heart rate<60 beats/min ( HR=2.0, 95% CI: 1.0-3.7) and QTc interval ≥500 ms ( HR=2.9, 95% CI: 1.5-5.6) on 12-lead ECG, as well as peak T-wave alternans value ≥55.5 μV ( HR=3.2, 95% CI: 1.3-7.8) and documented TdP or VF ( HR=2.0, 95% CI: 1.1-3.7) on 24-hour Holter monitoring were independent predictors of LAEs in LQTS patients (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Heart rate <60 beats/min and QTc interval ≥500 ms on 12-lead ECG, along with peak T-wave alternans value ≥55.5 μV and documented TdP or VF on 24-hour Holter monitoring, have been identified as independent predictors of LAEs in patients with LQTS. These ECG parameters may serve as valuable early indicators of sudden cardiac death in LQTS patients.

Objective:This article aims to investigate the effect of optimized prehospital emergency intervention com-bined with green channel on prehospital delay and prognosis of patients with acute cor pulmonale(ACP).Methods:This randomized controlled study enrolled 116 ACP patients admitted in Hai'an People's Hospital between January 2021 and January 2023.They were divided into control group(n=58,routine emergency nursing procedure)and in-tervention group(n=58,optimized prehospital emergency intervention combined with green channel program).After 1-month intervention,therapeutic effect,emergency indicators,cardiopulmonary function,quality of life and incidence of complications were compared between two groups.Results:After 1-month,total effective rate of intervention group was significantly higher than that of control group(84.48％vs.62.07％,P=0.006).Com-pared with patients in control group,those in intervention group had significant lower emergency stay time[(19.80±1.90)min vs.(27.92±1.62)min],triage assessment time[(2.01±0.18)min vs.(2.99±0.17)min]and transport time[(33.69±1.90)min vs.(35.91±1.74)min],and significant higher left ventricular ejection frac-tion(LVEF)[(59.85±1.36)％vs.(46.97±1.79)％],forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1)[(3.66±0.17)L vs.(3.00±0.17)L],scores of nursing quality and each domain of Quality of Life Instruments for Chro-nic Diseases-Chronic Pulmonary Heart Disease(QLICD-CPHD)(P＜0.001 all).Incidence of complications in intervention group was significantly lower than that of control group(5.17％vs.17.24％,P=0.039).Conclusion:Optimized prehospital emergency intervention combined with green channel has significant clinical effect on ACP patients.It could reduce emergency,triage and transport time,improve nursing quality and quality of life,enhance cardiopulmonary function,and reduce the incidence of complications.