Background/Aims: Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic steatosis. Ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29) plays pivotal roles in hepatic ischemiareperfusion injury and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its role in MASLD remains unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the effects and underlying mechanisms of USP29 in MASLD progression. Methods: USP29 expression was assessed in liver samples from MASLD patients and mice. The role and molecular mechanism of USP29 in MASLD were assessed in high-fat diet-fed and high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-fed mice and palmitic acid and oleic acid treated hepatocytes. Results: USP29 protein levels were significantly reduced in mice and humans with MASLD. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were significantly exacerbated by USP29 deletion and relieved by USP29 overexpression. Mechanistically, USP29 significantly activated the expression of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) under metabolic stimulation, directly interacted with long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 5 (ACSL5) and repressed ACSL5 degradation by increasing ACSL5 K48-linked deubiquitination. Moreover, the effect of USP29 on hepatocyte lipid accumulation and MASLD was dependent on ACSL5. Conclusions USP29 functions as a novel negative regulator of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 to promote FAO. The activation of the USP29-ACSL5 axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for MASLD.

Background/Aims: Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic steatosis. Ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29) plays pivotal roles in hepatic ischemiareperfusion injury and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its role in MASLD remains unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the effects and underlying mechanisms of USP29 in MASLD progression. Methods: USP29 expression was assessed in liver samples from MASLD patients and mice. The role and molecular mechanism of USP29 in MASLD were assessed in high-fat diet-fed and high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-fed mice and palmitic acid and oleic acid treated hepatocytes. Results: USP29 protein levels were significantly reduced in mice and humans with MASLD. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were significantly exacerbated by USP29 deletion and relieved by USP29 overexpression. Mechanistically, USP29 significantly activated the expression of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) under metabolic stimulation, directly interacted with long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 5 (ACSL5) and repressed ACSL5 degradation by increasing ACSL5 K48-linked deubiquitination. Moreover, the effect of USP29 on hepatocyte lipid accumulation and MASLD was dependent on ACSL5. Conclusions USP29 functions as a novel negative regulator of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 to promote FAO. The activation of the USP29-ACSL5 axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for MASLD.

Background/Aims: Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic steatosis. Ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29) plays pivotal roles in hepatic ischemiareperfusion injury and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its role in MASLD remains unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the effects and underlying mechanisms of USP29 in MASLD progression. Methods: USP29 expression was assessed in liver samples from MASLD patients and mice. The role and molecular mechanism of USP29 in MASLD were assessed in high-fat diet-fed and high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-fed mice and palmitic acid and oleic acid treated hepatocytes. Results: USP29 protein levels were significantly reduced in mice and humans with MASLD. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were significantly exacerbated by USP29 deletion and relieved by USP29 overexpression. Mechanistically, USP29 significantly activated the expression of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) under metabolic stimulation, directly interacted with long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 5 (ACSL5) and repressed ACSL5 degradation by increasing ACSL5 K48-linked deubiquitination. Moreover, the effect of USP29 on hepatocyte lipid accumulation and MASLD was dependent on ACSL5. Conclusions USP29 functions as a novel negative regulator of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 to promote FAO. The activation of the USP29-ACSL5 axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for MASLD.

Objective:To preliminarily evaluate the efficacy and safety of a domestically developed bilateral interventional ultrasound renal denervation (RDN) system in patients with uncontrolled hypertension despite antihypertensive medication.Methods:A multicenter, single-arm trial was conducted. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension (≥2 antihypertensive drugs) were enrolled from April 2023 to April 2024 at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University. RDN was performed using the UltraCure? bilateral interventional ultrasound system via femoral or brachial artery access. Multi-segmental "quadrant-based" ablation was performed in bilateral main renal arteries and branches/accessory arteries (diameter≥4 mm). Primary endpoints were changes in office systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 24-hour daytime SBP at 2-and 6-months post-procedure. The primary safety endpoints included the incidence of major adverse events, device-related adverse events, and puncture site complications.Results:Ten patients, mean aged 47.1 years, including 9 male, successfully completed RDN. At 2 and 6 months post-procedure, office SBP decreased by (19.7±15.2) mmHg ( P=0.002, 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and (13.8±13.9) mmHg ( P=0.013) from baseline, while the 24-hour daytime SBP decreased by (13.4±10.6) mmHg ( P=0.004) and (11.2±9.2) mmHg ( P=0.004). Apart from one case of a limited distal renal artery dissection, no other serious device/procedure-related adverse events were observed. At 6-month follow-up, the estimated glomerular filtration rate remained stable ((85.3±18.3) ml·min -1·1.73 m -2 vs. (82.3±19.2) ml·min -1·1.73 m -2, P=0.41). No renal artery stenosis was detected. Conclusions:The domestic interventional ultrasound RDN system could effectively reduce office and ambulatory blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension, demonstrating a favorable safety profile. Long-term efficacy requires confirmation through large-scale randomized controlled trials.

Objective:To construct an evaluation index system for rural order-oriented general practice residents based on Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) and conduct an empirical analysis. ?Methods:A mixed-methods study design was adopted (November 2022-April 2023). The preliminary draft of the index system was developed through literature review and group discussions, then refined and improved via two rounds of expert consultation using the Delphi method. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was applied to determine the weight of each index. Meanwhile, questionnaires were distributed to 181 participants, including general practitioners from general hospitals, general practitioners from community hospitals, and general practice residents. The scores of the three groups regarding the importance and feasibility of the indices were compared. Ten general practitioners of the above three types were selected for semi-structured interviews on their cognitive and practical aspects of the system. ?Results:The positive coefficients of the two rounds of expert consultation were 16/17 and 16/16, respectively. The expert authority degree was >0.70, and the test of coordination coefficient was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Finally, an index system consisting of 20 first-level indices and 56 second-level indices was established. In terms of weight, among the first-level indices,"EPA1: Information Acquisition"had the highest weight (0.11), while"EPA12: Clinical Research"had the lowest (0.02). Among the second-level indices, "Medical History Taking" and "Physical Examination" under EPA1 had the highest weight (both 0.056), while "Healthcare for Patients with Severe Mental Illness" and "Healthcare for Disabled and Handicapped Populations" under EPA15 had the lowest (both 0.003). The 181 participants gave scores ranging from 4.49 to 4.92 for the importance of the 20 first-level indices and from 4.16 to 4.81 for their feasibility. Only for" EPA19: Common Diseases in Primary Care and Health Management", the feasibility score given by general practitioners from community hospitals was higher than that from general hospitals ( t=2.157, P=0.032); no statistically significant differences were observed among the groups for the other indices ( P>0.05).The interview results showed that general practitioners have a relatively high level of recognition for this system, but there is still room for improvement in its practical application.? Conclusions:The evaluation index system for rural order-oriented general practice residents constructed based on EPAs has high reliability, and it is consistently recognized by different types of general practitioners. It can provide a reference for the cultivation of post competency of this group.?

Objective:To construct an evaluation index system for rural order-oriented general practice residents based on Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) and conduct an empirical analysis. ?Methods:A mixed-methods study design was adopted (November 2022-April 2023). The preliminary draft of the index system was developed through literature review and group discussions, then refined and improved via two rounds of expert consultation using the Delphi method. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was applied to determine the weight of each index. Meanwhile, questionnaires were distributed to 181 participants, including general practitioners from general hospitals, general practitioners from community hospitals, and general practice residents. The scores of the three groups regarding the importance and feasibility of the indices were compared. Ten general practitioners of the above three types were selected for semi-structured interviews on their cognitive and practical aspects of the system. ?Results:The positive coefficients of the two rounds of expert consultation were 16/17 and 16/16, respectively. The expert authority degree was >0.70, and the test of coordination coefficient was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Finally, an index system consisting of 20 first-level indices and 56 second-level indices was established. In terms of weight, among the first-level indices,"EPA1: Information Acquisition"had the highest weight (0.11), while"EPA12: Clinical Research"had the lowest (0.02). Among the second-level indices, "Medical History Taking" and "Physical Examination" under EPA1 had the highest weight (both 0.056), while "Healthcare for Patients with Severe Mental Illness" and "Healthcare for Disabled and Handicapped Populations" under EPA15 had the lowest (both 0.003). The 181 participants gave scores ranging from 4.49 to 4.92 for the importance of the 20 first-level indices and from 4.16 to 4.81 for their feasibility. Only for" EPA19: Common Diseases in Primary Care and Health Management", the feasibility score given by general practitioners from community hospitals was higher than that from general hospitals ( t=2.157, P=0.032); no statistically significant differences were observed among the groups for the other indices ( P>0.05).The interview results showed that general practitioners have a relatively high level of recognition for this system, but there is still room for improvement in its practical application.? Conclusions:The evaluation index system for rural order-oriented general practice residents constructed based on EPAs has high reliability, and it is consistently recognized by different types of general practitioners. It can provide a reference for the cultivation of post competency of this group.?

Objective:To preliminarily evaluate the efficacy and safety of a domestically developed bilateral interventional ultrasound renal denervation (RDN) system in patients with uncontrolled hypertension despite antihypertensive medication.Methods:A multicenter, single-arm trial was conducted. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension (≥2 antihypertensive drugs) were enrolled from April 2023 to April 2024 at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University. RDN was performed using the UltraCure? bilateral interventional ultrasound system via femoral or brachial artery access. Multi-segmental "quadrant-based" ablation was performed in bilateral main renal arteries and branches/accessory arteries (diameter≥4 mm). Primary endpoints were changes in office systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 24-hour daytime SBP at 2-and 6-months post-procedure. The primary safety endpoints included the incidence of major adverse events, device-related adverse events, and puncture site complications.Results:Ten patients, mean aged 47.1 years, including 9 male, successfully completed RDN. At 2 and 6 months post-procedure, office SBP decreased by (19.7±15.2) mmHg ( P=0.002, 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and (13.8±13.9) mmHg ( P=0.013) from baseline, while the 24-hour daytime SBP decreased by (13.4±10.6) mmHg ( P=0.004) and (11.2±9.2) mmHg ( P=0.004). Apart from one case of a limited distal renal artery dissection, no other serious device/procedure-related adverse events were observed. At 6-month follow-up, the estimated glomerular filtration rate remained stable ((85.3±18.3) ml·min -1·1.73 m -2 vs. (82.3±19.2) ml·min -1·1.73 m -2, P=0.41). No renal artery stenosis was detected. Conclusions:The domestic interventional ultrasound RDN system could effectively reduce office and ambulatory blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension, demonstrating a favorable safety profile. Long-term efficacy requires confirmation through large-scale randomized controlled trials.

To explore the biofilm inhibitory efficacy of perifosine against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginos) and its mechanisms. Twenty-fourwell plate was used to form biofilms at the bottom and crystal violet staining was used to determine the biofilm inhibitory effects of perifosine against P. aeruginosa, the wells without perifosine was set as control group. Glass tubes combined with crystal violet staining was used to detect the gas-liqud interface related bioiflm inhibitory effects of perifosine, the wells without perifosine was set as control group. Time-growth curved was used to detect the effects of perifosine on the bacteial planktonic cells growth of P. aeruginosa, the wells without perifosine was set as control group. The interaction model between perifosine and PqsE was assessed by molecular docking assay. The inhibitory effects of perifosine on the catalytic activity of PqsE was determined by detection the production of thiols, the wells without perifosine was set as control group. Binding affinity between perifosine and PqsE was detected by plasma surface resonance. The biofims at the bottom of the microplates and air-liquid interface were effectively inhibited by perifosine at the concentration of 4-8 μg/ml. There was no influence of perifosine on the cells growth of P. aeruginosa. The resuts of molecular docking assay indicates that perifosine could interacted with PqsE with the docking score of -10.67 kcal/mol. Perifosine could inhibit the catalytic activity of PqsE in a dose-dependent manner. The binding affinity between perifosine and PqsE was comfirmed by plasma surface resonance with KD of 6.65×10^-5mol/L. Perifosine could inhibited the biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa by interacting with PqsE.
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology* ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism* ; Biofilms ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Phosphorylcholine/analogs & derivatives* ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa/metabolism* ; Quorum Sensing

The current document is based on a consensus reached by a panel of experts from the Chinese Society of Allergy and the Chinese Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rhinology Group. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) affects approximately 8% of Chinese adults. The inflammatory and remodeling mechanisms of CRS in the Chinese population differ from those observed in the populations of European descent. Recently, precision medicine has been used to treat inflammation by targeting key biomarkers that are involved in the process. However, there are no CRS guidelines or a consensus available from China that can be shared with the international academia. The guidelines presented in this paper cover the epidemiology, economic burden, genetics and epigenetics, mechanisms, phenotypes and endotypes, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, management, and the current status of CRS in China. These guidelines—with a focus on China—will improve the abilities of clinical and medical staff during the treatment of CRS. Additionally, they will help international agencies in improving the verification of CRS endotypes, mapping of eosinophilic shifts, the identification of suitable biomarkers for endotyping, and predicting responses to therapies. In conclusion, these guidelines will help select therapies, such as pharmacotherapy, surgical approaches and innovative biotherapeutics, which are tailored to each of the individual CRS endotypes.
Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Biomarkers ; China ; Consensus ; Diagnosis ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Drug Therapy ; Eosinophils ; Epidemiology ; Epigenomics ; Genetics ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Inflammation ; International Agencies ; Medical Staff ; Neck ; Phenotype ; Precision Medicine

Objective: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumor worldwide. Metastasis is a marker of cancer deterioration in patients with liver cancer and a major cause of death. In order to develop effective therapeutic strategies, it is urgent to study the molecular basis of liver cancer metastasis. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN) in HCC. Wound healing and transwell cell invasion assays was used to confirm the role of FASN in liver cancer migration and invasion. Proteins that interacted with FASN were identified using iTRAQ (isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification). Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and cellular immunofluorescence analysis were used to assess the interaction between FASN and signal transduction and transcription activator 3 (STAT3). The expression of STAT3, p-STAT3, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 was detected after FASN knockdown using Western blot method. Statistical analysis was performed using the t-test. Results: Immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of FASN in HCC tissue was higher than that in adjacent tissues. iTRAQ, Co-IP and immunofluorescence analysis revealed that FASN interacted with STAT3. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of p-STAT3, MMP-2 and MMP-9 decreased after FASN knockdown. Conclusion FASN may promote the metastasis of liver cancer by interacting with STAT3 and affecting the expression of MMP-2/MMP-9.