Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by marked biological heterogeneity, and molecular classification is essential for therapeutic decision-making and prognostic stratification. With the advancement of precision oncology, genotype-directed targeted therapy has emerged as a critical element in the management of AML. Although KMT2A rearrangements and NPM1 mutations arise from distinct molecular events, both converge on aberrant activation of the HOX/MEIS1 transcriptional program, thereby sustaining the self-renewal of leukemic stem/progenitor cells and impairing myeloid differentiation to promote leukemogenesis and disease progression. Menin, encoded by the tumor suppressor gene MEN1, functions as a nuclear scaffold protein and serves as an essential mediator for the assembly of KMT2A fusion-driven transcriptional complexes, recruitment of cooperative cofactors, and stabilization of oncogenic transcriptional networks. The disruption of the Menin-KMT2A interaction represents a mechanistically grounded therapeutic strategy. In recent years, multiple Menin inhibitors have progressed to clinical development and exhibited clinically significant activity in AML subsets with KMT2A rearrangements or NPM1 mutations. This review summarizes current progress in the research and clinical application of Menin inhibitors in AML, focusing on pharmacological mechanisms, efficacy and safety profiles derived from clinical studies, and emerging resistance mechanisms, including recurrent MEN1 hotspot mutations and epigenetic/transcriptional reprogramming. We further discuss rational combination approaches and directions for the development of next-generation agents, aiming to enhance clinical practice and guide future research.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for B-cell hematologic malignancies has achieved breakthrough success; however, its efficacy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is constrained by the lack of highly specific tumor antigens and the expression of shared targets on normal hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, increasing the risk of on-target myelosuppression and cytokine release syndrome (CRS). By contrast, CAR-NK cell therapy, an emerging strategy that leverages the innate antitumor activity of natural killer cells, is associated with low rates of CRS and graft-versus-host disease. Early clinical studies also indicate its favorable safety profile with preliminary antileukemic activity. This review summarizes recent advances in CAR-NK therapy for AML and discusses future directions and potential avenues for clinical translation.

This study investigates the mechanism by which Xintong Granules improve myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MIRI) through the regulation of gut microbiota and their metabolites, specifically short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs). Rats were randomly divided based on body weight into the sham operation group, model group, low-dose Xintong Granules group(1.43 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), medium-dose Xintong Granules group(2.86 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), high-dose Xintong Granules group(5.72 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and metoprolol group(10 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)). After 14 days of pre-administration, the MIRI rat model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. The myocardial infarction area was assessed using the 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC) staining method. Apoptosis in tissue cells was detected by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL) assay. Pathological changes in myocardial cells and colonic tissue were observed using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), creatine kinase MB isoenzyme(CK-MB), and cardiac troponin T(cTnT) in rat serum were quantitatively measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) kits. The activities of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), creatine kinase(CK), and superoxide dismutase(SOD) in myocardial tissue, as well as the level of malondialdehyde(MDA), were determined using colorimetric assays. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing, and fecal SCFAs were quantified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). The results show that Xintong Granules significantly reduced the myocardial infarction area, suppressed cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and decreased serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), myocardial injury markers(CK-MB, cTnT, LDH, and CK), and oxidative stress marker MDA. Additionally, Xintong Granules significantly improved intestinal inflammation in MIRI rats, regulated gut microbiota composition and diversity, and increased the levels of SCFAs(acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, etc.). In summary, Xintong Granules effectively alleviate MIRI symptoms. This study preliminarily confirms that Xintong Granules exert their inhibitory effects on MIRI by regulating gut microbiota imbalance and increasing SCFA levels.
Animals ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Rats ; Male ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Humans ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/genetics* ; Malondialdehyde/metabolism*

OBJECTIVES: To study the epidemiological characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in hospitalized children with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in Hebei Province. METHODS: Hospitalized children with CAP who tested positive for RSV and were admitted to Hebei Children's Hospital from various cities and counties across Hebei Province between January 2019 and December 2023 were included in the study. Clinical data were collected and analyzed to assess epidemiological characteristics. RESULTS: The clinical data of 43 978 children with CAP were collected, with an overall RSV detection rate of 25.98%. The detection rate was higher during the implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) (30.60%) than in the non-NPIs period. Winter and spring were the primary epidemic seasons for RSV each year except in 2022. The detection rate in males (26.62%) was higher than in females (25.06%) (P<0.001). The highest detection rate (59.18%) was found in infants aged 29 days to <1 year. Single RSV infection was more common, with rhinovirus being the most frequent co-infection. CONCLUSIONS The overall RSV detection rate in Hebei Province is influenced by NPIs, being higher during their implementation. RSV predominantly circulates in winter and spring. The detection rate of RSV is higher in males and infants. RSV infection is primarily single, most often co-occurring with rhinovirus.
Humans ; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/epidemiology* ; Female ; Male ; Infant ; Child, Preschool ; Seasons ; China/epidemiology* ; Infant, Newborn ; Community-Acquired Infections/epidemiology* ; Child

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effects of Banxia Xiexin Decoction (BXD), a herbal medicine formula, on inflammation and the imbalance of the gut microbiota in a rat model of colorectal cancer (CRC) induced by azoxymethane (AOM) /dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). METHODS: A total of 75 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups: normal control group (NC), model group (MODEL), low-dose BXD treatment group (L-BXD), high-dose BXD treatment (H-BXD) group and MS treatment group (MS). BXD and MS were used in CRC mice at the doses of 3.915 g/kg, 15.66 g/kg, 0.6 g/kg for 3 weeks consecutively. Histopathological changes in the colon were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The content of inflammatory factors in serum was detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the expression of mRNA and protein of genes related to immunity, apoptosis, inflammation, and inflammatory factors was evaluated. Changes in the intestinal flora of mouse fecal were determined based on high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA microbial gene. RESULTS: Compared to the model group, the low-dose BXD and high-dose BXD groups decreased the number of colon tumors, reversed weight loss, and shortened colon length of mice. The pathological examination showed that BXD alleviated the malignancy of intestinal tumors. It also suppressed signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) expression, while increasing the expression of the tight junction protein ZO-1 in colon tissues. Additionally, the levels of key pathway proteins involved in inflammation (phosphorylated-STAT3, Bcl-2, COX-2) and cell cycle regulatory molecules (c-Myc and PCNA) were reduced. According to 16S rRNA sequence analysis, BXD enhanced the relative abundance of potentially beneficial bacteria, while that of cancer-related bacteria decreased. CONCLUSION BXD plays a preventive role in developing colorectal cancer; its mechanisms are related to the inhibition of inflammation and tumor proliferation, as well as maintenance of intestinal homeostasis.

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of membrane anatomy in laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer.Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted,involving 33 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer guided by membrane anatomy(observation group)from April 2023 to April 2024,compared with 35 patients who underwent traditional total mesorectal excision(control group)from March 2022 to March 2023.Surgical indicators(duration of surgery,intraoperative blood loss,and number of lymph nodes dissected)and postoperative recovery were compared between the two groups.Results There was no statistically significant difference in the operation time between the two groups[(173.8±14.7)min in the observation group vs.(179.1±15.3)min in the control group,t=-1.437,P=0.156].There were also no statistically significant differences in the postoperative hospital stay[(9.4±1.4)d vs.(9.8±2.4)d,t=-0.859,P=0.394]and in the incidence of various complications[12.1%(4/33)vs.20.0%(7/35),χ2=0.778,P=0.378].The intraoperative blood loss in the observation group was significantly less than that in the control group[(34.6±10.8)ml vs.(81.0±14.3)ml,t=-15.156,P=0.000].The number of lymph nodes dissected in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group(19.8±1.3 vs.12.4±1.9,t=18.684,P=0.000).The time to first flatus after surgery in the observation group was shorter than that in the control group[(50.4±6.5)h vs.(55.2±8.9)h,t=-2.557,P=0.013].The postoperative drainage time in the observation group was shorter than that in the control group[(5.9±1.1)d vs.(6.5±1.0)d,t=-2.532,P=0.014].A total of 66 cases were followed up for 8-39 months,with a median time of 25 months.The observation group had no metastasis,local recurrence,or death,while the control group had 1 case of liver metastasis,1 case of local recurrence,and 1 case of death from other systemic diseases.Conclusions The application of membrane anatomy in laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer can ensure complete mesorectal excision,expand the surgical field of view,minimize intraoperative bleeding,and enhance the thoroughness of lymph node dissection,thereby improving surgical quality.However,it fails to shorten the operation time.

Computational modeling is an invaluable tool for mechanism analysis, directed engineering, and rational design of biological parts, metabolic networks, and even cellular systems. It can provide new technological solutions to address biological challenges at different levels and has become a central focus of research in biomanufacturing. In the computational modeling of proteins, which are the key parts in biological systems, the traditional physics-based methods (computer software and mathematical model) have been widely used to study the physical and chemical processes in the functioning of proteins, and have thus been recognized as a powerful tool for understanding complex biological systems and guiding experimental designs. As the scale of computational modeling continues to expand, traditional modeling techniques face difficulties in balancing computational accuracy and speed. In recent years, the explosive growth of biological data has made it possible to construct high-performance artificial intelligence (AI) models, which brings new opportunities to the computational modeling of proteins, and the AI-enhanced physics-based computational modeling technologies have emerged. This combined strategy not only incorporates the chemical knowledge and established physical principles but also is powerful in data processing and pattern recognition, which greatly improves the computational efficiency and prediction accuracy, as well as possesses stronger interpretation ability, transferability, and robustness. The AI-enhanced physics-based computational modeling technologies have already shown great potential and value in biocatalysis, paving a new way for the future development of biomanufacturing.
Artificial Intelligence ; Proteins/chemistry* ; Computer Simulation ; Software ; Computational Biology/methods*

Objective:To investigate the safety and feasibility of one-stage flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy without ureteral access sheath or ureteral stent in the treatment of upper ureteral calculi and renal calculi with a long diameter of≤10 mm.Methods:A total of 70 patients with upper ureteral calculi or renal calculi with a long diameter of≤10 mm who were admitted to Guang'an Hospital,West China Hospital of Sichuan University,from January 2023 to June 2024 were enrolled and randomly divided into experimental group(without ureteral access sheath or ureteral stent)and control group(with ureteral access sheath and ureteral stent),with 35 patients in each group.The patients in the experimental group did not use a ureteral access sheath or a ureteral stent,while those in the control group used the ureteral access sheath and the ureteral stent.The two groups were compared in terms of preoperative data,intraoperative complications,stone clearance rate,length of hospital stay,hospital costs,and postoperative complications.Results:There were no sig-nificant differences between the two groups in preoperative data such as age,body mass index,sex,previous history of stone surgery,af-fected side,maximum stone diameter,C-reactive protein,aggregation system separation,preoperative CT value of stones,and stone lo-cation.The experimental group had a significantly shorter time of operation than the control group[(44.94±52.60)minutes vs.(52.60±14.22)minutes,t=2.240,P=0.030].There were no significant differences between the two groups in intraoperative data such as ureteral injury,intraoperative leukocyte changes,and intraopera-tive blood loss.The experimental group had significantly lower hos-pital costs than the control group[(8041.89±1287.57)yuan vs.(13 011.63±1 780.21)yuan,t=13.450,P=0.000].There were no significant differences between the experimental group and the con-trol group in the postoperative data such as the length of hospital stay,the recurrence of calculi on CT at 1 and 3 months after sur-gery,stone clearance rate,postoperative urinary tract irritation,post-operative ureteral injury,postoperative hematuria,and postoperative hydronephrosis(P>0.05).Conclusion:One-stage flexible uretero-scopic lithotripsy without ureteral access sheath or ureteral stent is safe and feasible in the treatment of upper ureteral calculi and renal calculi with a long diameter of≤10 mm and can effectively reduce hospital costs and time of operation.

Objective:To explore the expression of transmembrane protein 9(TMEM9)as an oncogene in prostate cancer(PCa),and to examine its effect on the proliferation and invasion of PCa cells as well as on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and autophagy of PCa cells by intervening with its expression.Methods:The Cancer Genome Atlas was used for pan-cancer analysis of TMEM9 expres-sion levels in different tumors,and TMEM9 protein and messenger ribonucleic acid(mRNA)levels in clinical PCa and prostatic hyper-plasia specimens were analyzed.Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to analyze TMEM9 expression levels in different PCa cell lines.Cell counting,terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL),and Transwell assay were used to analyze cell proliferation,apoptosis,and PCa cell invasion,respectively.Subcutaneous tu-morigenesis in nude mice was used to analyze tumor proliferation in vivo.Western blotting was used to analyze the expression of autophagy-related pathway proteins,and transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence colocalization were used to deter-mine the colocalization of autophagosomes and lysosomes.Results:TMEM9 was highly expressed in PCa.The mRNA and protein ex-pression levels of TMEM9 were higher in PCa tissues than in prostatic hyperplasia tissues.The expression of TMEM9 was highest in PC3 cells(human PCa cells)(t=17.150,P<0.01).In TMEM9-knocked down PC3 cells,the proliferation(t=3.165,P<0.05)and inva-sion(F=76.620,P<0.01)significantly decreased,and apoptosis(t=13.530,P=0.010)significantly increased.After knockdown of TMEM9,the volume(F=1 699.000,P<0.01)and weight(t=9.057,P<0.01)of subcutaneous tumors in nude mice were reduced,and tu-mor growth was inhibited.TMEM9 regulated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and inhibited the AKT-mTOR signaling pathway to promote autophagy in PCa cells.Conclusion:TMEM9 inhibits the AKT-mTOR signaling pathway and promotes the proliferation and invasion of PCa cells through autophagy.

Detection of poor-water-soluble substances typically requires an organic solvent containing solution,and therefore,the biosensors that can operate in such conditions are highly promising for practical applications.However,most existing biosensors have been developed in aqueous solution and it is hard to work effectively in organic solvent systems.In this work,we uncovered that the G-quadruplex(G4)/hemin DNAzyme(G4HD)could be strongly reactivated by NH4 in organic solvents at concentration up to 30％,and the activity was significantly higher than that in aqueous solutions containing K+.Based on this discovery,a biosensing system was developed for small molecule in 40％methanol by coupling G4HD with our previously identified RNA-cleaving DNAzyme(E3).This system comprised an ATP-activated aptazyme that was made of E3 and a G4HD that was activated by the cleavage product of the aptazyme.By using a manmade pipette tip filter to separate the reaction products,the subsequent colorimetric reaction of the G4HD could be triggered.This biosensing system enabled the visualization of target molecules in organic cosolvents without any other instruments.The activable DNAzyme-cascade sensing system had potential in point-of-care detection of poor-water-soluble pollutants,thereby enhancing the practical values of functional nucleic acid-based biosensors in real-world detection conditions.