Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality, characterized by poor prognosis due to its high proliferative and invasive potential. Tumor metabolic reprogramming, particularly involving glucose metabolism, is essential for tumor survival. This study investigates the role of the Hippo pathway effector transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in regulating gluconeogenesis and promoting tumorigenesis in HCC. Methods: TAZ expression in HCC was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas data and validated in clinical samples and cell lines. TAZ was overexpressed or silenced in HCC cell lines to evaluate its effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. The expression and prognostic relevance of the gluconeogenesis-related genes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC) were examined, along with their correlation with TAZ expression. Tumor growth was assessed in nude mice. Interactions between TAZ and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) were investigated using co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Results: TAZ was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. TAZ overexpression enhanced proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and promoted migration and invasion. In contrast, PCK1 and G6PC were downregulated in HCC and showed a negative correlation with TAZ expression. Conclusion TAZ modulates gluconeogenesis and accelerates tumor growth, whereas its knockdown attenuates tumor progression. TAZ interacts with GR, suppressing its transcriptional activity on gluconeogenic gene promoters.

Objective To explore the association between the ratio of red blood cell distribution width to albumin level(RAR)and the risk of non-valvular atrial fibrillation(NVAF)in patients with hyperuricemia.Methods A total of 8 277 patients with hyperuricemia who underwent physi-cal examinations at the Physical Examination Center of Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital from January 2021 to June 2024 were enrolled.From them,185 patients with AF were assigned into a case group,and 740 patients without AF were into a control group in a ratio of 1∶4 with propen-sity score matching(PSM).Logistic regression analysis,restricted cubic spline analysis,and sub-group analysis were employed to investigate the association between RAR and the risk of NVAF in hyperuricemic patients.Results The case group had significantly larger ratio of smoking,high-er levels of red blood cell distribution width,total bilirubin,hematocrit,and RAR index,but lower albumin,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and triglyceride(TG)levels,and smaller ra-tio of fatty liver than the control group(P＜0.01).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the patients at Q2,Q3,and Q4 quartiles of RAR index have higher risk for AF than those at Q1 quartile(OR=2.843,OR=4.263,OR=7.801,P＜0.01).The effect of RAR index was significant when below the breakpoint of 2.85(OR=1.492,95％CI:1.151-1.993,P=0.004).Subgroup analysis indicated significant interactions between RAR index and age as well as smok-ing(P interaction＜0.05).The area under curve value of RAR index in predicting NVAF occurrence in male hyperuricemic patients was 0.679(95％CI:0.632-0.725).Conclusion In patients with hyperuricemia,a higher RAR index is associated with an increased risk of NVAF.RAR index has guiding significance for diagnosing male hyperuricemic patients complicated with AF.

Dental unit waterlines(DUWLs)often experience severe microbial contamination.Opportunistic patho-gens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella pneumophila present in DUWLs can enter patients' mouths through procedural water,increasing the risk of infection during dental procedures.In response to the current situ-ation of waterline contamination,this paper systematically reviews domestic and international guidelines,local standards,and industry requirements related to contamination control in DUWLs.It discusses five aspects were explored:incoming water quality control,tubing material,physical control measures,chemical disinfection,and microbial testing.The paper deeply analyzes and distills relevant strategies for waterline contamination con-trol measures,providing a reference for infection prevention and control in dental practice to ensure patient safety.

Objective To investigate the role and mechanism of inflammatory marker C5a in regulating the polarization of M2 macro-phages as well as its clinical application value in the prognosis evaluation of lung cancer.Methods The phorbol 12-myristate 13-ace-tate(PMA)-pulsed human monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 was stimulated with C5a for 0,6,12,24,and 48 h or 0,1,2,3,6,and 12 h,and then the expression levels of M2 markers CD163 and CD206 mRNA were determined by real-time fluorescence quantita-tive PCR(qRT-PCR).The expression level of general control non-repressed protein 5(GCN5)with histone acetyltransferase(HAT)activity was detected by Western blot.Co-immunoprecipitation(co-IP)was used to determine the acetylation of GATA binding protein 3(GATA3),a key transcription factor for macrophages,and its binding ability to GCN5 and E1A binding protein p300(Ep300/p300).After the macrophages pre-treated with GCN5 inhibitor butyrolactone 3(MB-3)were stimulated with C5a,the expression levels of CD163 and CD206,acetylation of GATA3,and its binding ability to GCN5 were determined by Western blot and co-IP.The clinical significance of the expression of C5a receptor 1(C5aR1)and GCN5 in lung cancer tissues in the prognosis of lung cancer patients was analyzed using the KM plotter database.Results C5a could significantly increase the expression levels of CD163 and CD206 mRNA,expression of GCN5,acetylation of GATA3,and its binding ability to GCN5 in PMA-induced adherent macrophages,but did not affect the binding of GATA3 to p300.Inhibiting the activity of GCN5 not only significantly reduced the acetylation of GATA3 and its binding ability to GCN5,but also down-regulated the expressions of CD163 and CD206.The overall survival rate of lung cancer patients with high expression of C5aR1 or GCN5 was significantly reduced.Conclusion C5a promotes the polarization of M2 macrophages by indu-cing GCN5 to acetylate GATA3.The expressions of C5aR1 and GCN5 in lung cancer tissues may have certain clinical application value for the prognosis of the patients.

Objective To explore the association between the ratio of red blood cell distribution width to albumin level(RAR)and the risk of non-valvular atrial fibrillation(NVAF)in patients with hyperuricemia.Methods A total of 8 277 patients with hyperuricemia who underwent physi-cal examinations at the Physical Examination Center of Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital from January 2021 to June 2024 were enrolled.From them,185 patients with AF were assigned into a case group,and 740 patients without AF were into a control group in a ratio of 1∶4 with propen-sity score matching(PSM).Logistic regression analysis,restricted cubic spline analysis,and sub-group analysis were employed to investigate the association between RAR and the risk of NVAF in hyperuricemic patients.Results The case group had significantly larger ratio of smoking,high-er levels of red blood cell distribution width,total bilirubin,hematocrit,and RAR index,but lower albumin,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and triglyceride(TG)levels,and smaller ra-tio of fatty liver than the control group(P＜0.01).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the patients at Q2,Q3,and Q4 quartiles of RAR index have higher risk for AF than those at Q1 quartile(OR=2.843,OR=4.263,OR=7.801,P＜0.01).The effect of RAR index was significant when below the breakpoint of 2.85(OR=1.492,95％CI:1.151-1.993,P=0.004).Subgroup analysis indicated significant interactions between RAR index and age as well as smok-ing(P interaction＜0.05).The area under curve value of RAR index in predicting NVAF occurrence in male hyperuricemic patients was 0.679(95％CI:0.632-0.725).Conclusion In patients with hyperuricemia,a higher RAR index is associated with an increased risk of NVAF.RAR index has guiding significance for diagnosing male hyperuricemic patients complicated with AF.

Dental unit waterlines(DUWLs)often experience severe microbial contamination.Opportunistic patho-gens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella pneumophila present in DUWLs can enter patients' mouths through procedural water,increasing the risk of infection during dental procedures.In response to the current situ-ation of waterline contamination,this paper systematically reviews domestic and international guidelines,local standards,and industry requirements related to contamination control in DUWLs.It discusses five aspects were explored:incoming water quality control,tubing material,physical control measures,chemical disinfection,and microbial testing.The paper deeply analyzes and distills relevant strategies for waterline contamination con-trol measures,providing a reference for infection prevention and control in dental practice to ensure patient safety.

Objective To investigate the role and mechanism of inflammatory marker C5a in regulating the polarization of M2 macro-phages as well as its clinical application value in the prognosis evaluation of lung cancer.Methods The phorbol 12-myristate 13-ace-tate(PMA)-pulsed human monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 was stimulated with C5a for 0,6,12,24,and 48 h or 0,1,2,3,6,and 12 h,and then the expression levels of M2 markers CD163 and CD206 mRNA were determined by real-time fluorescence quantita-tive PCR(qRT-PCR).The expression level of general control non-repressed protein 5(GCN5)with histone acetyltransferase(HAT)activity was detected by Western blot.Co-immunoprecipitation(co-IP)was used to determine the acetylation of GATA binding protein 3(GATA3),a key transcription factor for macrophages,and its binding ability to GCN5 and E1A binding protein p300(Ep300/p300).After the macrophages pre-treated with GCN5 inhibitor butyrolactone 3(MB-3)were stimulated with C5a,the expression levels of CD163 and CD206,acetylation of GATA3,and its binding ability to GCN5 were determined by Western blot and co-IP.The clinical significance of the expression of C5a receptor 1(C5aR1)and GCN5 in lung cancer tissues in the prognosis of lung cancer patients was analyzed using the KM plotter database.Results C5a could significantly increase the expression levels of CD163 and CD206 mRNA,expression of GCN5,acetylation of GATA3,and its binding ability to GCN5 in PMA-induced adherent macrophages,but did not affect the binding of GATA3 to p300.Inhibiting the activity of GCN5 not only significantly reduced the acetylation of GATA3 and its binding ability to GCN5,but also down-regulated the expressions of CD163 and CD206.The overall survival rate of lung cancer patients with high expression of C5aR1 or GCN5 was significantly reduced.Conclusion C5a promotes the polarization of M2 macrophages by indu-cing GCN5 to acetylate GATA3.The expressions of C5aR1 and GCN5 in lung cancer tissues may have certain clinical application value for the prognosis of the patients.

Objective:To develop a knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) questionnaire on oral health for pregnant women and to evaluate its reliability and validity.Methods:Following the methodological framework of DeVellis's scale development guidelines, the initial version of the questionnaire was constructed through literature review, focus group discussions, and two rounds of expert consultations. A convenience sample of pregnant women attending the obstetrics outpatient clinic at Peking University People's Hospital was surveyed from September to October 2023 for psychometric evaluation.Results:A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed and all were returned with valid responses, yielding a 100.00% (200/200) response rate. The finalized KAP questionnaire consisted of 32 items across three dimensions: oral health knowledge, attitude, and behavior among pregnant women. The scale-level content validity index universal agreement ( S- CVI/UA) was 0.843, and the item-level CVI ( I- CVI) ranged from 0.889 to 1.000. Cronbach's α coefficients for the three dimensions ranged from 0.716 to 0.911, and test-retest reliability coefficients ranged from 0.744 to 0.952. Conclusions:The developed KAP questionnaire demonstrates good content validity and reliability and can be used to assess the level of oral health knowledge, attitude, and behavior among pregnant women.

Objective To explore the application value of CT-based radiomics in differentiating pneumonia-type mucinous adenocarcinoma(PTMA)from organizing pneumonia(OP).Methods A total of 52 PTMA patients and 102 OP patients were retrospectively included and randomly divided into training set(n=124)and test set(n=30)in an 8∶2 ratio.Eight PTMA patients and 22 OP patients from another hospital during the same period were included as external validation set(n=30).Clinical characteristics and CT signs of the patients were selected to construct the clinical model.Radiomics features were extracted and dimensionality reduction was performed through the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)algorithm.A radiomics model was constructed and the Radiomics score(Radscore)was calculated.The Radscore was combined with clinical factors to establish the combined model and a nomogram was illustrated.The models' fitting degree was analyzed by the calibration curve,while their efficacy was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and decision curve analysis(DCA).Results The clinical model,established based on the border,cystic space and bronchial leafless tree sign,achieved area under the curve(AUC)of 0.850,0.782,and 0.759 in the training set,test set,and external validation set,respectively.Thirteen features were obtained to construct the radiomics model,with AUC of 0.925,0.865,and 0.830,respectively.The AUC of the combined model were 0.970,0.905,and 0.864,respectively,in which the calibration curve demonstrated good model fitting.DCA indicated that the combined model had the greatest clinical net benefit.Conclusion The combined model based on CT radiomics can effectively distinguish PTMA from OP.

Objective To explore the application value of CT-based radiomics in differentiating pneumonia-type mucinous adenocarcinoma(PTMA)from organizing pneumonia(OP).Methods A total of 52 PTMA patients and 102 OP patients were retrospectively included and randomly divided into training set(n=124)and test set(n=30)in an 8∶2 ratio.Eight PTMA patients and 22 OP patients from another hospital during the same period were included as external validation set(n=30).Clinical characteristics and CT signs of the patients were selected to construct the clinical model.Radiomics features were extracted and dimensionality reduction was performed through the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)algorithm.A radiomics model was constructed and the Radiomics score(Radscore)was calculated.The Radscore was combined with clinical factors to establish the combined model and a nomogram was illustrated.The models' fitting degree was analyzed by the calibration curve,while their efficacy was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and decision curve analysis(DCA).Results The clinical model,established based on the border,cystic space and bronchial leafless tree sign,achieved area under the curve(AUC)of 0.850,0.782,and 0.759 in the training set,test set,and external validation set,respectively.Thirteen features were obtained to construct the radiomics model,with AUC of 0.925,0.865,and 0.830,respectively.The AUC of the combined model were 0.970,0.905,and 0.864,respectively,in which the calibration curve demonstrated good model fitting.DCA indicated that the combined model had the greatest clinical net benefit.Conclusion The combined model based on CT radiomics can effectively distinguish PTMA from OP.