ObjectiveTo explore the interaction and competitive binding of Homo sapiens long intergenic non-protein-coding RNA 1134 （LINC01134） to CCCTC-binding factor CTCF， affecting the transcription of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor （p21） and influencing the proliferation of A549 cells， in order to investigate the possible mechanism of Astragali Radix and Hedyotis diffusa （A-H） in inhibiting A549 proliferation by regulating this axis. MethodsRNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation （RIP） assays were conducted to examine the interaction between LINC01134 and CTCF， and chromatin immunoprecipitation （ChIP） assays were used to study the effect of LINC01134 overexpression on the interaction between CTCF and p21. Stable A549 cell lines （oe-NC and oe-LINC01134） were established using lentiviral transfection， and each group was treated with 10% A-H drug-containing serum. Real-time PCR and Western blot analyses were performed to detect the effects of A-H on the expression of LINC01134， CTCF， and p21 in A549 cells. Cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8） and colony formation assays were used to assess the effects of A-H on A549 cell proliferation via LINC01134. Flow cytometry was employed to evaluate the effects of A-H on the A549 cell cycle through LINC01134， and Western blot was used to detect changes in cell cycle proteins. ResultsCompared with the IgG group， the oe-CTCF group showed a significantly increased abundance of LINC01134 aggregates （P0.01）. Compared with the oe-Vector group， p21 abundance in CTCF complexes was significantly reduced in the oe-LINC01134 group （P0.01）. Compared with the 10% blank + oe-LINC01134 group， the 10% A-H + oe-LINC01134 group reversed the expression of LINC01134 and p21 （P0.05）， but had no significant regulatory effect on CTCF. Compared with the 10% blank + oe-LINC01134 group， the 10% A-H + oe-LINC01134 group reversed cell viability at 72 h （P0.05）， inhibited malignant proliferation （P0.05）， and reversed the proportions of cells in the G₀/G₁ and S phases （P0.01）. Furthermore， compared with the 10% blank + oe-LINC01134 group， the 10% A-H + oe-LINC01134 group reversed the expression of Cyclin D₁， CDK4， Cyclin E， CDK2， phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein （p-Rb）， and E2F transcription factor 3 （E2F3） （P0.01）. ConclusionA-H regulates the LINC01134-CTCF-p21 axis to block the G₁/S phase transition of A549 cell cycle， accelerate cellular senescence， and inhibit malignant proliferation.

ObjectiveTo explore the interaction and competitive binding of Homo sapiens long intergenic non-protein-coding RNA 1134 （LINC01134） to CCCTC-binding factor CTCF， affecting the transcription of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor （p21） and influencing the proliferation of A549 cells， in order to investigate the possible mechanism of Astragali Radix and Hedyotis diffusa （A-H） in inhibiting A549 proliferation by regulating this axis. MethodsRNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation （RIP） assays were conducted to examine the interaction between LINC01134 and CTCF， and chromatin immunoprecipitation （ChIP） assays were used to study the effect of LINC01134 overexpression on the interaction between CTCF and p21. Stable A549 cell lines （oe-NC and oe-LINC01134） were established using lentiviral transfection， and each group was treated with 10% A-H drug-containing serum. Real-time PCR and Western blot analyses were performed to detect the effects of A-H on the expression of LINC01134， CTCF， and p21 in A549 cells. Cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8） and colony formation assays were used to assess the effects of A-H on A549 cell proliferation via LINC01134. Flow cytometry was employed to evaluate the effects of A-H on the A549 cell cycle through LINC01134， and Western blot was used to detect changes in cell cycle proteins. ResultsCompared with the IgG group， the oe-CTCF group showed a significantly increased abundance of LINC01134 aggregates （P0.01）. Compared with the oe-Vector group， p21 abundance in CTCF complexes was significantly reduced in the oe-LINC01134 group （P0.01）. Compared with the 10% blank + oe-LINC01134 group， the 10% A-H + oe-LINC01134 group reversed the expression of LINC01134 and p21 （P0.05）， but had no significant regulatory effect on CTCF. Compared with the 10% blank + oe-LINC01134 group， the 10% A-H + oe-LINC01134 group reversed cell viability at 72 h （P0.05）， inhibited malignant proliferation （P0.05）， and reversed the proportions of cells in the G₀/G₁ and S phases （P0.01）. Furthermore， compared with the 10% blank + oe-LINC01134 group， the 10% A-H + oe-LINC01134 group reversed the expression of Cyclin D₁， CDK4， Cyclin E， CDK2， phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein （p-Rb）， and E2F transcription factor 3 （E2F3） （P0.01）. ConclusionA-H regulates the LINC01134-CTCF-p21 axis to block the G₁/S phase transition of A549 cell cycle， accelerate cellular senescence， and inhibit malignant proliferation.

The Proctor's reporting guideline for implementation strategies represents a landmark framework in the field of implementation science, aiming to address the issue of inconsistent reporting in implementation research by standardizing the naming, definition, and operationalization of implementation strategies, thereby enhancing the credibility and utility of research findings. This paper provides an in-depth interpretation of the core connotations of this reporting guideline and illustrates its application in developing interview outlines and specifying implementation strategies, using a brief smoking cessation intervention project as a case study. Through this reporting guideline, abstract recommendations for implementation are systematically transformed into clear, multidimensional operational guides, significantly improving the transparency of strategy connotations and the replicability of actual execution. Meanwhile, the case study highlights the flexibility of the guideline, which allows researchers to adapt the content and format of strategies based on local resources and cultural contexts, thus enhancing practical adaptability while maintaining scientific rigor. However, the application of Proctor's reporting guideline still faces challenges, primarily manifested in the potential confusion surrounding the constructs of temporality and dose in practice, as well as the challenges that the inherent flexibility of the guideline may pose to the assessment of fidelity and effectiveness. Despite these limitations, the reporting guideline remains a vital tool for implementation research; future efforts should focus on optimizing its application—through refining operational guidelines, standardizing flexible adaptations, and involving stakeholders—to better guide implementation studies and continuously promote high-quality development in the field.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic effect of Huazhuo SanJie Chubi presciption （HSCD） on chronic gouty arthritis （CGA） rats with low-grade inflammation and to explore the underlying mechanism with a focus on macrophage polarization. MethodsThe 41 male 6-week-old SD rats were randomly allocated， using the random number table， to a normal group （n=8） and a model group （n =33）. CGA with low-grade inflammation was induced in the model group by daily gavage of potassium oxonate （250 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） and hypoxanthine （300 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）， combined with intra-articular injection of a monosodium urate （MSU） crystal suspension （50 μL， 25 g·L^-¹） into the left ankle twice weekly. After 4 weeks of modeling， 3 rats were randomly selected from each group for model validation. The remaining successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group， an HSCD group （10.35 g·kg^-1·d^-1， gavage once daily）， an M1 polarization agonist group （L-methionine sulfoximine， 300 mg·kg^-1， subcutaneous injection every other day）， an M1 polarization agonist + HSCD group， an M2 polarization inhibitor group （PD0325901， 10 mg·kg^-1·d^-1， gavage once daily）， and M2 polarization inhibitor + HSCD group. The corresponding drug or drug combination was administered according to group assignment， whereas rats in the normal and model groups received 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium （CMC-Na） vehicle （10.35 g·kg^-1·d^-1， gavage once daily）. All interventions were continued for four weeks. During the intervention period， except for the normal group， potassium oxonate （250 mg·kg⁻¹） and hypoxanthine （300 mg·kg^-1） were co-administered by gavage every other day to maintain the model. At the end of treatment， serum uric acid （SUA）， ankle joint diameter and joint swelling index were measured. The levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein （hs-CRP）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， chemokine C-C motif ligand 2 （CCL2）， S100 calcium-binding protein A8/A9 （S100A8/A9）， interleukin-10 （IL-10） and arginase-1 （Arg-1） in serum and joint fluid were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. High-frequency ultrasound was used to assess MSU deposition in the ankle joint. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was performed to evaluate synovial histopathological changes. Quantitative Real-time PCR and immunofluorescence were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of the M1 macrophage polarization markers inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS） and the M2 macrophage polarization marker scavenger receptor cysteine-rich type 1 protein M130 （CD163） in synovial tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group showed significantly elevated SUA level and joint swelling index， and increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines， CCL2， and S100A8/A9 in both serum and joint fluid （P<0.05）， accompanied by MSU deposition and synovial inflammation in the ankle joint. The mRNA and protein expression levels of macrophage polarization M1/M2 markers iNOS and CD163 in synovial tissues were also significantly up-regulated （P<0.05）. Compared with model group， rats in HSCD group had significantly lower SUA levels， attenuated joint swelling， reduced serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines， and decreased levels of CCL2 and S100A8/A9 in both serum and joint fluid， accompanied with alleviated MSU deposition and synovial inflammation （P<0.05）. HSCD markedly downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of M1 marker iNOS （P<0.05）， whereas it had no significant effect on the expression of M2 marker CD163. Compared with the M1 polarization agonist group， the M1 polarization agonist + HSCD group showed significantly reduced joint swelling， lower serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines， and decreased levels of CCL2 and S100A8/A9 in joint fluid （P<0.05）. In addition， synovial inflammatory cell infiltration and angiogenesis were attenuated， and iNOS mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly reduced （P<0.05）. Compared with the M2 polarization inhibitor group， the M2 polarization inhibitor + HSCD group exhibited reduced joint swelling， decreased levels of CCL2 and S100A8/A9 in joint fluid and ameliorated synovial inflammation （P<0.05）， whereas the levels of anti-inflammatory mediators （IL-10， Arg-1） and CD163 mRNA and protein expression were not significantly increased. ConclusionHSCD alleviates low-grade inflammation in CGA rats， at least in part， by inhibiting macrophage polarization toward the M1 phenotype.

Background/Aims: Early detection and effective prognosis prediction in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) provide an avenue for survival improvement, yet more effective approaches are greatly needed. We sought to develop the detection and prognosis models with ultra-sensitivity and low cost based on fragmentomic features of circulating cell free mtDNA (ccf-mtDNA). Methods: Capture-based mtDNA sequencing was carried out in plasma cell-free DNA samples from 1168 participants, including 571 patients with HCC, 301 patients with chronic hepatitis B or liver cirrhosis (CHB/LC) and 296 healthy controls (HC). Results: The systematic analysis revealed significantly aberrant fragmentomic features of ccf-mtDNA in HCC group when compared with CHB/LC and HC groups. Moreover, we constructed a random forest algorithm-based HCC detection model by utilizing ccf-mtDNA fragmentomic features. Both internal and two external validation cohorts demonstrated the excellent capacity of our model in distinguishing early HCC patients from HC and highrisk population with CHB/LC, with AUC exceeding 0.983 and 0.981, sensitivity over 89.6% and 89.61%, and specificity over 98.20% and 95.00%, respectively, greatly surpassing the performance of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and mtDNA copy number. We also developed an HCC prognosis prediction model by LASSO-Cox regression to select 20 fragmentomic features, which exhibited exceptional ability in predicting 1-year, 2-year and 3-year survival (AUC=0.8333, 0.8145 and 0.7958 for validation cohort, respectively). Conclusions We have developed and validated a high-performing and low-cost approach in a large clinical cohort based on aberrant ccf-mtDNA fragmentomic features with promising clinical translational application for the early detection and prognosis prediction of HCC patients.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of excessive activation of the Specific protein 1 （Sp1）-MicroRNA-582-3p （miR-582-3p）-cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor （p27） axis on the cell cycle and proliferation of A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells at the cellular level， thereby investigating the possible mechanisms by which Astragali Radix and Hedyotis diffusa（A-H） regulate the axis to inhibit A549 cells proliferation. MethodsLentiviral plasmid transfection technology was used to obtain four stable A549 transgenic cell lines： shRNA-Sp1+LV-miR-582-3p mimic， shRNA-Sp1+LV-mNC， shRNA-NC+LV-miR-582-3p mimic， and shRNA-NC+LV-mNC. Real-time PCR was used to detect the effect of Sp1 on miR-582-3p expression in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. CCK-8 and colony formation assay were used to detect the effect of Sp1 on cell proliferation through miR-582-3p， while flow cytometry was used to detect the effect of Sp1 on cell cycle via miR-582-3p. Western blot was used to detect the effect of Sp1 on cyclin in A549 cells through miR-582-3p. CCK-8 was employed to detect the effects of different concentrations （5%， 10%， 20%， 40%， 80%） of A-H on A549 cell viability， and the optimal concentration was selected for subsequent mechanism exploration. Stable transgenic strains oe-Sp1 and control oe-Vector were constructed using the above-mentioned transfection techniques. Real-time PCR was then used to investigate the effect of A-H on miR-582-3p expression in A549 cells， while Western blot was employed to detect the effect of A-H on Sp1 and p27 expression in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. ResultsCompared with the shRNA-NC+LV-mNC group， the expression of miR-582-3p was significantly inhibited in the shRNA-Sp1+LV-mNC group （P<0.01）. Compared with the shRNA-Sp1+LV-mNC group， the shRNA-Sp1+LV-miR-582-3p mimic group significantly reversed miR-582-3p expression （P<0.01）， indicating that Sp1 has a significant regulatory effect on miR-582-3p. Compared with the shRNA-Sp1+LV-mNC group， the shRNA-Sp1+LV-miR-582-3p mimic group significantly reversed cell proliferation （P<0.01）， suggesting that miR-582-3p can partially reverse the proliferative effect of Sp1 on A549 lung adenocarcinoma. Compared with the shRNA-Sp1+LV-mNC group， the shRNA-Sp1+LV-miR-582-3p mimic group showed a significant decrease in G₀/G₁ proportions， while the G₂/M and S phase proportions increased significantly （P<0.01）， indicating that miR-582-3p can partially reverse the effect of Sp1 on the A549 cell cycle. Compared with the shRNA-Sp1+LV-mNC group， the shRNA-Sp1+LV-miR-582-3p mimic group significantly reversed the expression of various proteins with the decrease of p27 and the increase of Cyclin D₁， CDK4， Cyclin E， CDK2， p-Rb， and E2F3 （P<0.01）， indicating that miR-582-3p can partially reverse the effect of Sp1 on the cell cycle of A549 lung adenocarcinoma. Compared with the blank group， the serum containing A-H significantly inhibited A549 cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. Therefore， 10% A-H was selected for intervention of subsequent mechanism experiments. Compared with A-H+oe-Vector， A-H+oe-Sp1 significantly reversed the downregulation of Sp1， miR-582-3p， and the upregulation of p27 （P<0.01）. This suggests that Sp1 can partially reverse the effects of A-H on miR-582-3p and p27 levels in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. ConclusionOveractivation of the Sp1-miR-582-3p-p27 axis significantly promotes the proliferation of A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells， and the potential mechanism of the inhibitory effect of A-H on the proliferation of A549 cells may be related to its inhibition on the overactivation of the Sp1-miR-582-3p-p27 axis.

BACKGROUND:Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease.Many studies have shown that wogonin has a good anti-inflammatory effect on rheumatoid arthritis,but its exact efficacy and specific mechanism of action remain to be clarified. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism of wogonin ameliorating joint inflammation by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway in rats with collagen-induced arthritis. METHODS:(1)At the animal level:Female Wistar rats were divided into healthy control group,arthritis model group and wogonin treatment group.Rat models of arthritis in the latter two groups were established by subcutaneous injection of bovine type Ⅱ collagen and adjuvant.In the wogonin group,wogonin was given by gavage for 28 consecutive days after modeling.During this period,the rats in each group were weighed,and arthritis score and ankle swelling were measured every 7 days.After the experiment,the pathological changes of the joint were observed,the mRNA and protein levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway GRP78 and CHOP were detected by qRT-PCR,western blot,and immunohistochemistry.(2)At the cellular level,cell counting kit-8 was used to detect the cytotoxic effect of wogonin on fibroblast-like synoviocytes from rats with collagen-induced arthritis.The fibroblast-like synoviocytes induced by thapsigargin were treated with different concentrations of wogonin.The levels of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in the cell supernatant were detected by ELISA,and the intracellular reactive oxygen species in each group were determined by DCFH-DA probe method.The mRNA and protein levels of GRP78,IRE1α,XBP1s and CHOP were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot,respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the healthy control group,arthritis index score and ankle swelling degree in the arthritis model group were increased(P<0.01),synovial hyperplasia,inflammatory cell infiltration,cartilage destruction and bone erosion were observed in pathological sections,and the mRNA and protein expressions of GRP78 and CHOP in the ankle were significantly increased(P<0.01),which were mainly located in synovial tissue and articular surface.Compared with the arthritis model group,the arthritis index score and ankle swelling degree in the wogonin treatment group were decreased(P<0.05),synovial hyperplasia and the number of inflammatory cells were decreased,cartilage destruction and bone erosion were alleviated,the mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78 and CHOP in the ankle were decreased(P<0.05),particularly in synovial tissue and on the articular surface.There was no significant difference in body mass among the three groups(P>0.05).In the cell experiment,200 μmol/L wogonin significantly reduced the survival rate of fibroblast-like synoviocytes(P<0.01).Compared with the blank control group,the levels of interleukin-1β,tumor necrosis factor-α,content of reactive oxygen species,and mRNA and protein expression of GRP78,IRE1α,XBP1s,and CHOP in the thapsigargin group were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with the thapsigargin group,50 and 100 μmol/L wogonin significantly reduced the levels of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in the cell supernatant(P<0.05,P<0.01),and 100 μmol/L wogonin significantly reduced the content of reactive oxygen species(P<0.01)and down-regulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78,IRE1α,XBP1s and CHOP(all P<0.05).These results suggest that wogonin can effectively alleviate joint inflammatory responses in rats with collagen-induced arthritis,and the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway may be the key target of its intervention.

BACKGROUND:Our previous study found that Modified Erxian Pill could alleviate inflammation in collagen-induced arthritis rats,but its mechanism needs to be further verified. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the components absorbed in the blood of Modified Erxian Pill,and observe the effect of the drug-containing serum of Modified Erxian Pill on pyroptosis of J774A.1 macrophages. METHODS:(1)Analysis of components absorbed in the blood of Modified Erxian Pill:Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry was used to detect and identify Modified Erxian Pill and its components absorbed in the blood.(2)Effect of the drug-containing serum of Modified Erxian Pill on pyroptosis of J774A.1 macrophages:Molecular docking technology was used to initially verify the sesquiterpenoids and NLRP3 in components absorbed in the blood of Modified Erxian Pill.J774A.1 macrophages were randomly divided into blank control group,lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate group,and lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate+Modified Erxian Pill with low(2.5%),medium(5%),and high(10%)dose groups.The release of lactate dehydrogenase in the cell supernatant of each group was detected according to the kit instructions.The levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 in cell supernatant were detected in each group by ELISA.The cell membrane damage was detected by Hoechst/PI staining.The expression levels of NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,and GSDMD-N protein in the cells of each group were detected by western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 32 active components of Modified Erxian Pill were identified,and 21 components entered the blood.The main components into blood included a variety of sesquiterpenoids.(2)Molecular docking results showed that 3-O-Acetyl-13-deoxyphomenone,Incensol oxide,Atractylenolide III,Rupestonic acid,and 3,7-Dihydroxy-9,11-eremophiladien-8-one had good binding activity with NLRP3.(3)Compared with the blank control group,lactate dehydrogenase activity and the expression levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 were significantly increased in cell supernatant of lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate group(P<0.001).Hoechst/PI staining showed that the number of PI-positive cells was significantly increased.After the intervention of lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate+Modified Erxian Pill group,all of them showed different degrees of reduction.(4)Compared with the blank control group,NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,and GSDMD-N protein expression levels were significantly increased in the lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate group(P<0.05).Compared with lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate group,the protein expressions of NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,and GSDMD-N were significantly decreased in the lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate+Modified Erxian Pill group(P<0.05),and had a certain dose dependence.These findings verify that the drug-containing serum of Modified Erxian Pill may inhibit the pyroptosis of J774A.1 macrophages by regulating the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway.

Objective: This study investigates the potential of radiomics to predict postoperative progression of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) after posterior cervical spine surgery. Methods: This retrospective study included 473 patients diagnosed with OPLL at Peking University Third Hospital between October 2006 and September 2022. Patients underwent posterior spinal surgery and had at least 2 computed tomography (CT) examinations spaced at least 1 year apart. OPLL progression was defined as an annual growth rate exceeding 7.5%. Radiomic features were extracted from preoperative CT images of the OPLL lesions, followed by feature selection using correlation coefficient analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and dimensionality reduction using principal component analysis. Univariable analysis identified significant clinical variables for constructing the clinical model. Logistic regression models, including the Rad-score model, clinical model, and combined model, were developed to predict OPLL progression. Results: Of the 473 patients, 191 (40.4%) experienced OPLL progression. On the testing set, the combined model, which incorporated the Rad-score and clinical variables (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.751), outperformed both the radiomics-only model (AUC = 0.693) and the clinical model (AUC = 0.620). Calibration curves demonstrated good agreement between predicted probabilities and observed outcomes, and decision curve analysis confirmed the clinical utility of the combined model. SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) analysis indicated that the Rad-score and age were key contributors to the model’s predictions, enhancing clinical interpretability. Conclusion Radiomics, combined with clinical variables, provides a valuable predictive tool for assessing the risk of postoperative progression in cervical OPLL, supporting more personalized treatment strategies. Prospective, multicenter validation is needed to confirm the utility of the model in broader clinical settings.