Objective To investigate the expression profile, prognostic value, gene co-expression network, and immunomodulatory role of BRF1 in a pan-cancer context, and to explore its biological functions and molecular regulatory mechanisms in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods The pan-cancer dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was utilized to analyze the differential expression of BRF1 in tumor versus normal tissues, its association with patient survival, pathway enrichment for co-expressed genes, and immune features (including immune checkpoints, cytokines, and immune cell infiltration). The expression profile of BRF1 in ESCC was validated using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. In vitro, BRF1 was knocked down in ESCC cells using siRNA. Cell proliferation and migration were assessed by MTT and Transwell assays, respectively. The expression levels of proliferation- and migration-related proteins were detected by Western blotting. The correlation between BRF1 and ferroptosis was analyzed using TCGA data. Results BRF1 was significantly upregulated in over 20 types of cancer, and its high expression was associated with poor prognosis in patients with adrenocortical carcinoma and prostate adenocarcinoma. BRF1 was found to positively regulate the T-cell-mediated cell death pathway in esophageal adenocarcinoma and was associated with the circadian rhythm regulation pathway in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The correlation of BRF1 with immune checkpoints, cytokine networks, and immune cell infiltration was found to be cancer type-specific. In vitro experiments demonstrated that knocking down BRF1 significantly inhibited the proliferation of ESCC cells, accompanied by the downregulation of the proliferation marker PCNA. Cell migration was also significantly impaired, with decreased expression of Vimentin and MMPs and increased expression of E-cadherin. Furthermore, the expression of BRF1 was positively correlated with that of ferroptosis-antagonizing genes, such as GPX4, HSPA5, and SLC7A11. Conclusion BRF1 plays complex roles in pan-cancer, participating in the regulation of tumorigenesis, progression, and immune infiltration. BRF1 promotes the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells, a mechanism potentially associated with the regulation of ferroptosis resistance. These findings suggest that BRF1 could be a potential therapeutic target for ESCC.

Heart failure （HF）， as the terminal stage of most cardiovascular diseases， manifests with primary symptoms including dyspnea， fatigue， edema， and palpitations. With recurrent episodes and a protracted clinical course， HF imposes a substantial global disease burden. PANoptosis represents a distinctive form of programmed cell death （PCD） that integrates features of pyroptosis， apoptosis， and necroptosis， yet cannot be fully attributed to any single pathway among these three PCD modalities. Recent studies demonstrate significant dysregulation of PANoptosis-related genes during HF progression， positioning PANoptosis as both an emerging mechanism mediating HF pathogenesis and a novel therapeutic target. In recent years， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has gained substantial recognition for its therapeutic potential in HF management， offering advantages such as flexible compatibility， multi-target effects， and minimal adverse reactions. Astragali Radix， a representative Qi-invigorating and blood-activating herbal medicine， has demonstrated remarkable clinical efficacy in the treatment for various HF subtypes. Research reveals that its major bioactive components—including astragaloside Ⅳ， polysaccharide， quercetin， and calycosin—exhibit significant associations with the regulation of apoptosis， pyroptosis， and necroptosis pathways. This review systematically explores the therapeutic feasibility of Astragali Radix in the prevention and treatment of HF through the lens of PANoptosis mechanisms. By synthesizing recent advances in the mechanisms of Astragali Radix-derived bioactive compounds and Astragali Radix-containing compound prescriptions in modulating PANoptosis， this paper aim to provide critical insights for advancing the diagnosis and therapeutic strategies of HF.

Heart failure （HF）， as the terminal stage of most cardiovascular diseases， manifests with primary symptoms including dyspnea， fatigue， edema， and palpitations. With recurrent episodes and a protracted clinical course， HF imposes a substantial global disease burden. PANoptosis represents a distinctive form of programmed cell death （PCD） that integrates features of pyroptosis， apoptosis， and necroptosis， yet cannot be fully attributed to any single pathway among these three PCD modalities. Recent studies demonstrate significant dysregulation of PANoptosis-related genes during HF progression， positioning PANoptosis as both an emerging mechanism mediating HF pathogenesis and a novel therapeutic target. In recent years， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has gained substantial recognition for its therapeutic potential in HF management， offering advantages such as flexible compatibility， multi-target effects， and minimal adverse reactions. Astragali Radix， a representative Qi-invigorating and blood-activating herbal medicine， has demonstrated remarkable clinical efficacy in the treatment for various HF subtypes. Research reveals that its major bioactive components—including astragaloside Ⅳ， polysaccharide， quercetin， and calycosin—exhibit significant associations with the regulation of apoptosis， pyroptosis， and necroptosis pathways. This review systematically explores the therapeutic feasibility of Astragali Radix in the prevention and treatment of HF through the lens of PANoptosis mechanisms. By synthesizing recent advances in the mechanisms of Astragali Radix-derived bioactive compounds and Astragali Radix-containing compound prescriptions in modulating PANoptosis， this paper aim to provide critical insights for advancing the diagnosis and therapeutic strategies of HF.

The regulatory processes in developmental biology research are significantly influenced by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). However, the dynamics of lncRNA expression during human tooth development remain poorly understood. In this research, we examined the lncRNAs present in the dental epithelium (DE) and dental mesenchyme (DM) at the late bud, cap, and early bell stages of human fetal tooth development through bulk RNA sequencing. Developmental regulators co-expressed with neighboring lncRNAs were significantly enriched in odontogenesis. Specific lncRNAs expressed in the DE and DM, such as PANCR, MIR205HG, DLX6-AS1, and DNM3OS, were identified through a combination of bulk RNA sequencing and single-cell analysis. Further subcluster analysis revealed lncRNAs specifically expressed in important regions of the tooth germ, such as the inner enamel epithelium and coronal dental papilla (CDP). Functionally, we demonstrated that CDP-specific DLX6-AS1 enhanced odontoblastic differentiation in human tooth germ mesenchymal cells and dental pulp stem cells. These findings suggest that lncRNAs could serve as valuable cell markers for tooth development and potential therapeutic targets for tooth regeneration.
Humans ; RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism* ; Odontogenesis/genetics* ; Tooth Germ/embryology* ; Cell Differentiation ; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental ; Mesoderm/metabolism* ; Tooth/embryology* ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Sequence Analysis, RNA ; Dental Pulp/cytology*

Acupuncture treatment of chronic pain combined with depression (CPDC) is the result of a multi-target, multi-pathway approach. Acupuncture can treat CPDC by inhibiting the activation of glial cells, regulating the release of inflammatory mediators, regulating the expressions of neurotransmitters, changing the plasticity of neural synapses, regulating related epigenetic effects, regulating the microbiota-brain-gut axis, inhibiting nerve cell apoptosis, and antagonizing oxidative stress. The mechanism of its effect mainly involves anti-inflammatory related signaling pathways, regulation of neural synapse-related signaling pathways, and exerts its therapeutic effect through hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and amygdala.

Objective To investigate the clinical diagnostic value of lung ultrasound(LUS)com-bined with serum interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-12p70 for pediatric community-acquired pneumonia(CAP).Methods A total of 136 pediatric patients with suspected CAP were enrolled and divided in-to CAP group(95 patients)and non-CAP group(41 patients)based on chest computed tomography(CT)results as the gold standard.The LUS characteristics,LUS scores,serum levels of IL-1 β and IL-12p70 were compared between the two groups at admission.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were plotted to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of LUS combined with serum IL-1 β and IL-12p70 for CAP.Results The incidence rates of interstitial disease,pleural line abnormalities,pleural effusion,lung consolidation,and bronchial signs were higher in the CAP group than those in the non-CAP group(P＜0.05).The serum levels of IL-1 β,IL-12p70 and LUS scores were also high-er in the CAP group than in the non-CAP group(P＜0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve for the diagnosis of CAP using LUS scores combined with serum IL-1 β and IL-12p70 at admission was 0.981,with a sensitivity of 93.68％,a specificity of 95.12％,and a diagnostic effica-cy was significantly higher than that of each index alone(P＜0.05).Conclusion LUS combined with serum IL-1 β and IL-12p70 has high diagnostic value for pediatric CAP.

BACKGROUND:Tissue engineering has brought new hope to the clinical challenge of liver failure,and the preparation of plant-derived decellularized fiber scaffolds holds significant importance in liver tissue engineering. OBJECTIVE:To prepare apple tissue decellularized scaffold material by using fresh apple slices and a solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate,and assess its biocompatibility. METHODS:Fresh apples were subjected to decellularization using phosphate buffer saline and sodium dodecyl sulfate solution,separately.Afterwards,the decellularized apple tissues and apple decellularized scaffold materials were decontaminated with phosphate buffer saline.Subsequently,scanning electron microscopy was used to assess the effectiveness of decellularization of the apple materials.Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were extracted from the inguinal fat BALB/C of mice,and their expression of stem cell-related markers(CD45,CD34,CD73,CD90,and CD105)was identified through flow cytometry.The cells were then divided into a scaffold-free control group and a scaffold group.Equal amounts of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were seeded onto both groups.The biocompatibility of the decellularized scaffold with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells was evaluated using CCK-8 assay,hematoxylin-eosin staining,and phalloidine staining.Cell adhesion and growth on the scaffold were observed under light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.Furthermore,the scaffold was subdivided into the non-induced group and the hepatogenic-induced group.Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were cultured on the decellularized apple scaffold,and they were cultured for 14 days in regular culture medium or hepatogenic induction medium for comparison.Immunofluorescent staining using liver cell markers,including albumin,cytokeratin 18,and CYP1A1,was performed.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the secretion of alpha fetoprotein and albumin.Additionally,scanning electron microscopy was employed to observe the morphology of the induced cells on the scaffold,verifying the expression of liver cell-related genes on the decellularized scaffold material.Finally,the cobalt-60 irradiated and sterilized decellularized apple scaffolds were transplanted onto the surface of mouse liver and the degradation of the scaffold was observed by gross observation and hematoxylin-eosin staining after 28 days. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The scanning electron microscopy results revealed that the decellularized apple scaffold material retained a porous structure of approximately 100 μm in size,with no residual cells observed.(2)Through flow cytometry analysis,the cultured cells were identified as adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells.(3)CCK-8 assay results demonstrated that the prepared decellularized apple tissue scaffold material exhibited no cytotoxicity.Hematoxylin-eosin staining and phalloidine staining showed that adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were capable of adhering and proliferating on the decellularized apple tissue scaffold.(4)The results obtained from immunofluorescence staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed that adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells cultured on the decellularized apple scaffolds exhibited elevated expression of liver-specific proteins,including albumin,alpha-fetoprotein,cytokeratin 18,and CYP1A1.These results suggested that they were induced differentiation into hepatocyte-like cells possessing functional characteristics of liver cells.(5)The decellularized apple scaffold implanted at 7 days has integrated with the liver,with partial degradation of the scaffold observed.By 28 days,the decellularized apple scaffold has completely degraded and has been replaced by newly-formed tissue.(6)The results indicate that the decellularized scaffold material derived from apple tissue demonstrates favorable biocompatibility,promoting the proliferation,adhesion,and hepatic differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Objective:To study the clinically curative effect of ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy combined with intercepted basket of capture and extraction device for stone(N-trap)in treating middle and upper ureteral stones.Methods:A total of 112 patients with middle and upper ureteral stone who were diagnosed and treated in the Department of Urology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College from September 2020 to September 2022 were prospectively selected as the study subjects,and they were divided into two groups according to the random number table method,with 56 cases in each group.The control group was treated with ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy alone,and the observation group was treated with ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy combined with N-trap intercepted basket for treatment.The related indicators of surgery,the stone removal effect,renal function indicators,postoperative renal mass,postoperative recurrence and postoperative complications between two groups were compared.The scores of the Wisconsin Stone Quality of Life(WISQOL)questionnaire were used to compare and evaluate the postoperative quality of life between the two groups.Results:There were no significant differences in intraoperative operation time and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups(P>0.05),and the postoperative hospitalization time in the observation group was significantly shorter than that in the control group(t=3.464,P<0.05).The success rate of one-time lithotripsy and the clearance rate of stone within 30 d in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group,and the upward movement rate of stones of the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(x2=6.698,7.240,5.489,P<0.05),respectively.The postoperative serum creatinine(Scr),blood urea nitrogen(BUN)and urine microalbumin(UMA)in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(t=6.320,8.115,9.231,P<0.05),respectively.The degree of hydronephrosis at 3,6 and 12 months after surgery in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(t=3.218,3.345,2.985,P<0.05),respectively.The recurrence rates at 6 and 12 months after surgery in the inspection group were significantly lower than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(x2=5.114,5.783,P<0.05),respectively.The incidence of postoperative complication in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group(x2=4.865,P<0.05).The total score of the each dimension of WISQOL scale,and the total score of energy,sleep status,physical symptoms and overall emotion in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(t=3.734,3.889,3.903,4.340,4.650,P<0.05),respectively.Conclusion:The curative effect of ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy combined with N-trap intercepted basket is certain,which can effectively improve the clearance rate of stone,and shorten the postoperative hospitalization time,and reduce the incidence of postoperative complications and recurrence rate,and promote the recovery of renal function,and improve the quality of life of patients after surgery.

Methods: This retrospective analysis included a total of 155 patients who underwent single-level lumbar fusion, with 81 patients in the traditional group and 74 patients in the Wiltse group (less paraspinal muscle damage). QCT was used to measure the volumetric BMD (vBMD), Hounsfield unit value, and cross-sectional area of the paraspinal muscles at the upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV), vertebrae one segment above the UIV (UIV+1), and the vertebrae one segment above the UIV+1 (UIV+2). Statistical analyses were performed. Results: No significant differences in general data were observed between the two groups (p>0.05). Strong correlations were noted between the preoperative and 1-week postoperative vBMD of each segment (p<0.01), with no significant difference between the two time points in both groups (p>0.05). Vertebral BMD loss was significantly higher in UIV+1 and UIV+2 in the traditional group than in the Wiltse group (−13.6%±19.1% vs. −4.2%±16.5%, −10.8%±20.3% vs. −0.9%±37.0%; p<0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was observed in the percent vBMD changes in the UIV segment between the two groups (37.7%±70.1% vs. 36.1%±78.7%, p>0.05). Conclusions QCT can reliably determine BMD in the instrumented spine after lumbar interbody fusion. With QCT, we found that reducing paraspinal muscle destruction through the Wiltse approach during surgery can help preserve the adjacent vertebral BMD; however, it does not help increase the BMD in the instrumented vertebrae.

Berberine is an antipyretic and detoxicating drug commonly used in clinical practice,and it is currently used for the routine treatment of gastrointestinal diseases such as bacterial gastroenteritis and diarrhea.However,several recent studies have shown that berberine can exert a therapeutic effect on the diseases such as autoimmune hepatitis,viral hepatitis,nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,and liver cancer by regulating the AMPK and TGF-β pathways and altering the composition of intestinal flora.This provides new drugs for the treatment of these diseases,expands the potential indications of berberine,and provides clues for the follow-up research and development of similar drugs.This article summarizes the therapeutic effect and mechanism of berberine on various liver diseases,in order to provide a reference for effective clinical application.