Microalgae possess high photosynthetic efficiency, robust adaptability, and substantial biomass, serving as excellent biological resources for large-scale cultivation. Malic enzyme (ME), a ubiquitous metabolic enzyme in living organisms, catalyzes the decarboxylation of malate to produce pyruvate, CO₂, and NAD(P)H, playing a role in multiple metabolic pathways including energy metabolism, photosynthesis, respiration, and biosynthesis. In this study, we identified the Scenedesmus quadricauda malic enzyme gene (SqME) and its biological functions, aiming to provide excellent target genes for the genetic improvement of higher plants. Based on the RNA-seq data from S. quadricauda under the biofilm cultivation mode with high CO₂ and light energy transfer efficiency and small water use, a highly expressed gene (SqME) functionally annotated as ME was cloned. The physicochemical properties of the SqME-encoded protein were systematically analyzed by bioinformatics tools. The subcellular localization of SqME was determined via transient transformation in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. The biological functions of SqME were identified via genetic transformation in Nicotiana tabacum, and the potential of SqME in the genetic improvement of higher plants was evaluated. The ORF of SqME was 1 770 bp, encoding 590 amino acid residues, and the encoded protein was located in chloroplasts. SqME was a NADP-ME, with the typical structural characteristics of ME. The ME activity in the transgenic N. tabacum plant was 1.8 folds of that in the wild-type control. Heterologous expression of SqME increased the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll by 20.9%, 26.9%, and 25.2%, respectively, compared with the control. The transgenic tobacco leaves showed an increase of 54.0% in the fluorescence parameter NPQ and a decrease of 30.1% in Fo compared with the control. Moreover, the biomass, total lipids, and soluble sugars in the transgenic tobacco leaves enhanced by 20.5%, 25.7%, and 9.5%, respectively. On the contrary, the starch and protein content in the transgenic tobacco leaves decreased by 22.4% and 12.2%, respectively. Collectively, the SqME-encoded protein exhibited a strong enzymatic activity. Heterologous expressing of SqME could significantly enhance photosynthetic protection, photosynthesis, and biomass accumulation in the host. Additionally, SqME can facilitate carbon metabolism remodeling in the host, driving more carbon flux towards lipid synthesis. Therefore, SqME can be applied in the genetic improvement of higher plants for enhancing photosynthetic carbon fixation and lipid accumulation. These findings provide scientific references for mining of functional genes from S. quadricauda and application of these genes in the genetic engineering of higher plants.
Nicotiana/genetics* ; Photosynthesis/physiology* ; Malate Dehydrogenase/biosynthesis* ; Plant Leaves/genetics* ; Scenedesmus/enzymology* ; Carbon Cycle/genetics* ; Lipid Metabolism/genetics* ; Plants, Genetically Modified/metabolism*

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. is a characteristic oil crop rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly α-linolenic acid, which has important development and utilization value. The Dof transcription factor is one of the plant-specific transcription factor families, which is widely involved in important biological processes such as plant growth, development, and metabolic regulation. In order to explore the key Dof transcription factors involved in the oil biosynthesis and systematically analyze their regulatory mechanisms of P. frutescens seeds, a total of 56 PfDof gene family members were identified from the genome and transcriptome data of P. frutescens and classified into four subfamilies according to sequence characteristics. All PfDofs contained highly conserved C₂-C₂ zinc finger domains, with gene duplication being the primary mechanism driving their evolution and expansion. Genes within the same subgroup exhibited similar gene structures and conserved motifs. The 56 PfDofs were predicted as unstable hydrophilic proteins, with α-helixes and random coils as their predominant structural components. The RNA-seq results revealed that 11 PfDofs exhibited differential expression during different developmental stages of P. frutescens seeds. RT-qPCR was performed to further validate the expression patterns of these 11 members across various tissue samples (root, stem, leaf, and flower) of P. frutescens and at different developmental stages of its seeds. The results showed that PfDof29 exhibited the highest expression level in seeds, which was consistent with the transcriptome data. Subcellular localization studies demonstrated that PfDof29 was localized to the nucleus and had a transcriptional activation activity. Overexpression of PfDof29 in Nicotiana tabacum resulted in a significant increase in total oil content of tobacco leaves, accompanied by reductions in starch and soluble sugar content, while the protein content remained unchanged. Additionally, the metabolic balance between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in the transgenic tobacco leaves was altered, with a significant increase in α-linolenic acid content. The expression levels of the fatty acid desaturase genes NtFAD2, NtFAD3, and NtFAD8 were significantly upregulated. A yeast one-hybrid assay revealed that PfDof29 could directly bind to the promoter region of PfFAD8, thereby regulating its expression. This study provides an initial understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of PfDof transcription factors in the synthesis and accumulation of oil in P. frutescens. These findings offer new insights into the enhancement of oil content and quality of P. frutescens seeds.
Transcription Factors/physiology* ; Perilla frutescens/metabolism* ; Plant Proteins/metabolism* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; alpha-Linolenic Acid/biosynthesis* ; Lipids/biosynthesis* ; Seeds/genetics*

One of the key mechanisms underlying resistance against immunotherapy is the reduction in the abundance and functional capacity of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Accordingly, the development of novel antibodies and small-molecule agents that target multiple co-inhibitory molecules—whether employed as monotherapies or in combination—holds promise for reinvigorating exhausted T cells and restoring antitumor immune responses. In addition, exploring agonists targeting co-stimulatory molecules represents a promising strategy to enhance the secondary signals necessary for T cell activation and thereby facilitates tumor eradication. However, careful attention must be given to potential toxicities associated with these agents. Furthermore, this review highlights the emerging therapeutic potential of cancer vaccines, oncolytic viruses, diverse cellular therapies, and other innovative strategies designed to augment the efficacy of immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Moreover, we discuss therapeutic strategies targeting non-proliferating TME components, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and the extracellular matrix (ECM), and hypoxia-alleviating agents and immune homeostasis-supporting probiotics, all aimed at enhancing anti-tumor immunity. In summary, this article emphasizes the critical importance of integrating therapeutics with complementary mechanisms of action while maintaining the balance between efficacy and tolerability in the advancement of precise and effective immunotherapy in NSCLC to an unprecedented level.

BACKGROUND: The profile and clinical significance of the oral microbiome in patients with non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (noHCM) and obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM) remain unexplored. The objective of this study was to evaluate the difference of oral microbiome between noHCM and oHCM patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 18 noHCM patients and 26 oHCM patients from Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between 2020 and 2021. Clinical and periodontal evaluations were conducted, and subgingival plaque samples were collected. Metagenomic sequencing and subsequent microbial composition and functional analyses were performed. RESULTS: Compared to oHCM patients, those with noHCM had higher systolic blood pressure (138.1 ± 18.8 mmHg vs . 124.2 ± 13.8 mmHg, P = 0.007), a larger body circumference (neck circumference: 39.2 ± 4.0 cm vs . 35.1 ± 3.7 cm, P = 0.001; waist circumference: 99.7 ± 10.5 cm vs . 92.2 ± 10.8 cm, P = 0.027; hip circumference: 102.5 ± 5.6 cm vs . 97.5 ± 9.1 cm, P = 0.030), a greater left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (46.6 ± 4.9 mm vs . 43.1 ± 4.9 mm, P = 0.026), and a lower left ventricular ejection fraction (64.1 ± 5.7 % vs . 68.5 ± 7.8%, P = 0.048). While overall biodiversity and general microbial composition were similar between the noHCM and oHCM groups, ten taxa displayed significant differences at the genus and species levels, with Porphyromonas gingivalis showing the highest abundance and greater enrichment in noHCM (relative abundance: 7.79535 vs . 4.87697, P = 0.043). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis identified ten distinct pathways, with pathways related to energy and amino acid metabolism being enriched in oHCM patients, and those associated with genetic information processing less abundant in the oHCM group. Metabolic potential analysis revealed ten significantly altered metabolites primarily associated with amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, porphyrin metabolism, pentose and glucuronate interconversion, and lysine degradation. CONCLUSIONS The higher abundance of Porphyromonas gingivalis , which is known to impact cardiovascular health, in noHCM patients may partially account for clinical differences between the groups. Pathway enrichment and metabolic potential analyses suggest microbial functional shifts between noHCM and oHCM patients, potentially reflecting inherent metabolic changes in HCM.
Humans ; Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic/microbiology* ; Female ; Male ; Microbiota/genetics* ; Middle Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Adult ; Mouth/microbiology* ; Aged

Objective:To explore the inherent logic of deepening medical service price reform,comprehensively summarize the practical experiences of Suzhou City in advancing this reform,and propose strategies and development recommendations for further reform.Methods:Through on-site interviews with medical security,health,health administration,finance departments,and some public hospitals,combined with policy documents and literature analysis,the fundamental logic of the reform are explored to summarize reform practices.Results:The core of deepening medical service price reform lies in establishing a medical service price formation mechanism and operational mechanism that systematically addresses five dimensions:whether prices should be adjusted(trigger constraints),when to adjust(dynamic adjustment mechanisms),how to adjust(rule-based procedure),what to adjust(project selection mechanisms),and the extent of adjustment(total volume control and price formation mechanisms).Suzhou has implemented a"four-pronged approach"(clarifying principles,building momentum,refining methods,and seizing opportunities),preliminarily establishing a dynamic price adjustment mechanism with initial progress,and the reform has achieved certain progress and significant progres.After the first round of price adjustments,patient financial burdens remained stable,medical insurance funds stayed sustainable,and public hospitals maintained development continuity.Conclusion:The priority of reform is to shift the government's"administrative pricing"management philosophy from price management to price governance,respecting market and pricing laws while balancing stakeholder interests.Future efforts should leverage synergies between price reform and other initiatives,including centralized procurement of medical consumables,high-quality public hospital development,medical insurance payment reforms,and salary system reforms.

This study retrospectively reviews and analyzes the application and funding status of traditional Chinese medicine pediat-rics(code H3112)projects under the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)from 2014 to 2023.It introduces the ap-plication and funding situations of projects in three categories:general programs,young scientists programs,and regional fund programs.The study also summarizes the characteristics of funded projects in the field of traditional Chinese medicine pediatrics,ai-ming to provide references for researchers and clinical professionals in this field when applying for future projects.

This study retrospectively reviews and analyzes the application and funding status of traditional Chinese medicine pediat-rics(code H3112)projects under the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)from 2014 to 2023.It introduces the ap-plication and funding situations of projects in three categories:general programs,young scientists programs,and regional fund programs.The study also summarizes the characteristics of funded projects in the field of traditional Chinese medicine pediatrics,ai-ming to provide references for researchers and clinical professionals in this field when applying for future projects.

Objective:To explore the inherent logic of deepening medical service price reform,comprehensively summarize the practical experiences of Suzhou City in advancing this reform,and propose strategies and development recommendations for further reform.Methods:Through on-site interviews with medical security,health,health administration,finance departments,and some public hospitals,combined with policy documents and literature analysis,the fundamental logic of the reform are explored to summarize reform practices.Results:The core of deepening medical service price reform lies in establishing a medical service price formation mechanism and operational mechanism that systematically addresses five dimensions:whether prices should be adjusted(trigger constraints),when to adjust(dynamic adjustment mechanisms),how to adjust(rule-based procedure),what to adjust(project selection mechanisms),and the extent of adjustment(total volume control and price formation mechanisms).Suzhou has implemented a"four-pronged approach"(clarifying principles,building momentum,refining methods,and seizing opportunities),preliminarily establishing a dynamic price adjustment mechanism with initial progress,and the reform has achieved certain progress and significant progres.After the first round of price adjustments,patient financial burdens remained stable,medical insurance funds stayed sustainable,and public hospitals maintained development continuity.Conclusion:The priority of reform is to shift the government's"administrative pricing"management philosophy from price management to price governance,respecting market and pricing laws while balancing stakeholder interests.Future efforts should leverage synergies between price reform and other initiatives,including centralized procurement of medical consumables,high-quality public hospital development,medical insurance payment reforms,and salary system reforms.

Objective:To analyze the correlation between related indexes of serum lipid and insulin resistance and cognitive impairment in middle-aged and elderly people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 262 middle-aged and elderly patients with a Montreal Cognitive Function Scale (MoCA) cognitive score greater than or equal to 18 points who underwent physical examination in the Health Management Center of Beijing Tiantan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 1 to July 31, 2021 were selected as subjects. According to the cognitive function and MoCA score, the patients were divided into MCI group (143 cases) and normal cognition group (119 cases). Basic data, fasting blood glucose, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, apolipoprotein E(ApoE) genotype and other clinical indicators were collected. Hypothesis test was used to compare the differences in basic data, related indicators of blood lipid and insulin resistance between the two groups. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between related indicators of blood lipid and insulin resistance and MoCA score in the two groups.Results:The age and the proportion of patients with hypertension, coronary heart disease and diabetes in the MCI group were all significantly higher than those in normal cognition group [(54.83±8.29) vs (50.76±6.34) years, 37.76% vs 31.93%, 4.20% vs 0.84%, 16.08% vs 8.40%] (all P<0.05). The elevation of serum TG ( r=-0.50, 95% CI:-0.88--0.12), TG glucose product index (TyG) ( r=-0.75, 95% CI:-1.29--0.20) and TG to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C) ( r=-0.52, 95% CI:-0.91--0.13) were all negatively correlated with MoCA score (all P<0.05). After adjusting for age and gender, the elevation of TG ( r=-0.39, 95% CI:-0.75--0.31) and TG/HDL-C ( r=-0.43, 95% CI:-0.80--0.05) were both still negatively correlated with MoCA score (both P<0.05). There was no significant correlation between all indexes and MoCA scores in the normal cognition group (all P>0.05). The elevated TG was negatively correlated with MoCA score in the MCI group ( r=-0.70, 95% CI:-1.23-0.16, P=0.017). There was no significant correlation between elevated TG and MoCA score in patients carrying ApoE ε2 and ApoE ε3 genotypes in MCI group (all P>0.05). Conclusion:Elevated related indexes of blood lipids and insulin resistance are negatively correlated with cognitive scores in middle-aged and elderly people with MCI, and it′s more obvious in patients with ApoE ε4 genotype.

Objective:To construct a predictive nomogram incorporating pretreatment CT-based radiomics for radiation pneumonitis (RP) in esophageal cancer (EC) patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), and to evaluate the value of CT radiomics in predicting RP.Methods:Clinical data of 267 EC patients sequentially treated with IMRT in Quanzhou First Hospital affiliated to Fujian Medical University from January 2019 to December 2021 were prospectively analyzed. Among them, the first 206 patients were assigned into the training cohort and the last 61 patients were enrolled in the validation cohort. Radiomics features of bilateral lungs were extracted by radiotherapy CT simulation. Univariate analysis was performed to screen the potential predictive variables for symptomatic RP. Machine learning algorithms, such as least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), extreme gradient boosting (XGboost), and support vector machine (SVM), were performed for radiomic features selection, respectively. The best classifier was chosen to construct a radiomic signature (RS). Clinical, radiomics and combined nomogram predictive model were developed, respectively. The predictive efficiency and clinical benefits of three models were compared by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA), and then validated in the validation cohort. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted. Different ROC curves were compared by Delong test.Results:Cardiovascular disease, minimum internal diameter of esophagus and adjuvant chemotherapy and RS were the independent related factors of RP. The AUC of clinical, radiomics and combined models were 0.772, 0.745, 0.842 in the training cohort, and 0.851, 0.811, 0.901 in the validation cohort, respectively. DCA showed that combined radiomic model yielded better clinical benefits compared with clinical model.Conclusion:Radiomics features from pretreatment CT have the potential of improving the efficiency of RP prediction models for EC patients treated with IMRT.