[Purpose]To analyze the incidence and mortality of liver cancer in cancer registration areas of Zhejiang Province in 2021 and the epidemiological trends of liver cancer from 2000 to 2021.[Methods]Using liver cancer data from 2000 to 2021 reported by Zhejiang Provincial Can-cer Registries,stratified by sex,age,and urban-rural areas,indicators including crude incidence rate,crude mortality rate,age-standardized incidence rate by Chinese standard population(ASIRC),age-standardized mortality rate by Chinese standard population(ASMRC),age-standardi-zed incidence rate by world standard population(ASIRW),age-standardized mortality rate by world standard population(ASMRW)were calculated.Joinpoint Regression Program(Version 5.3.0)was used to fit the log-linear relationship between rates and years,and calculate the annual percentage change(APC)and average annual percentage change(AAPC)with 95％confidence interval(CI).[Results]In 2021,the crude incidence rate of liver cancer in Zhejiang cancer registration areas was 26.93/105(ASIRC:13.35/105),and the crude mortality rate was 20.87/105(ASMRC:9.52/105).The number of new cases and deaths of liver cancer accounted for 5.07％and 11.33％of all malig-nant tumor cases and deaths,respectively.The incidence and mortality rates of liver cancer in male were significantly higher than those in female(crude incidence rate:40.17/105 vs 13.85/105;ASIRC:20.60/105 vs 6.34/105;crude mortality rate:30.78/105 vs 11.07/105;ASMRC:14.67/105 vs 4.57/105),and those in rural areas were higher than those in urban areas(crude incidence rate:30.39/105 vs 24.79/105;ASIRC:15.35/105 vs 12.10/105;crude mortality rate:24.32/105 vs 18.72/105;ASMRC:11.30/105 vs 8.40/105).In 2021,the incidence rate of liver cancer was low before the age of 30 years old,and increased significantly with age after 30 years old,reaching the peak in male aged 85 years old and above(170.04/105)and in female aged 80～84 years old(84.74/105).The mortality rate showed a similar trend to the incidence rate,which was low before the age of 30 years old and increased significantly with age after 30 years old,peaking in male aged 85 years old and above(211.64/105)and in female aged 80～84 years old(98.31/105).From 2000 to 2021,the crude incidence rate of liver cancer in Zhejiang Province showed an overall upward trend(AAPC=1.01％,95％CI:0.44％～1.58％),while the ASIRC remained relatively stable(AAPC=-0.81％,95％CI:-1.48％～0.02％)with a significant remained relatively stable(AAPC=-0.81％,95％CI:-1.48％～0.02％),after 2010,the ASIRC remained relatively stable(AAPC=-0.81％,95％CI:-1.48％～0.02％)with a significant decreased significantly.Both the crude mortality rate(AAPC=-0.84％,95％CI:-1.23％～-0.36％)and ASMRC(AAPC=-2.78％,95％CI:-3.28％～-2.20％)showed sig-nificant downward trends,and the decline of ASMRC was more obvious.[Conclusion]From 2000 to 2021,the incidence of liver cancer in cancer registration areas of Zhejiang Province showed a fluctuating downward trend,and the mortality showed a steady downward trend,but the disease burden remains heavy.Rural areas,the elderly,and males are high-risk populations,which should be the key targets of liver cancer prevention and control.

Objective:To investigate the role of microRNA-25-5p (miR-25-5p) in melanogenesis, and to explore its underlying mechanisms.Methods:Target genes of miR-25-5p were predicted using the TargetScan database. The interaction between miR-25-5p and the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of the RAB11B gene (a member of RAS oncogene family) was validated through a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) models were established in female C57BL/6J mice (6 - 8 weeks old) and female brown guinea pigs (4 - 6 weeks old) through daily broadband ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation on the dorsal skin of the mouse ear or shaved dorsal skin of guinea pigs, while untreated mice and untreated dorsal skin areas of guinea pigs served as control groups. During modeling, these experimental animals received intradermal injections of a miR-25-5p agomir or a miR control agomir. Changes in skin pigmentation were observed, and skin tissue samples were harvested for further analysis after modeling. Melanin content in skin tissues was evaluated using Masson-Fontana staining. Expression of RAB11B and tyrosinase (TYR) in skin tissues was determined using immunohistochemical staining and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Primary human melanocytes were isolated from discarded normal foreskin tissues of healthy males after circumcision. Both primary human melanocytes and human MNT1 melanoma cells were transfected with miR-25-5p mimics or miR control mimics. Relative expression levels of miR-25-5p and RAB11B mRNA were quantified by qPCR using the 2 -ΔΔCt calculation method. In MNT1 cells, miR-25-5p and RAB11B were co-overexpressed to assess their effect on the mRNA expression of RAB11B and TYR. Statistical analysis was conducted using t test or one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc test for multiple comparisons. Results:The bioinformatic prediction and dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed a binding site for miR-25-5p in the 3′ UTR of the RAB11B gene. In both animal models, the treatment with the miR-25-5p agomir significantly reduced local skin pigmentation compared to the control groups; Masson-Fontana staining showed a marked decrease in the density of melanin granules in the epidermis and dermis in the miR-25-5p agomir groups compared with the miR control agomir groups (mice: 0.050 ± 0.005 vs. 0.087 ± 0.008; guinea pigs: 0.067 ± 0.015 vs. 0.110 ± 0.013; both P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining revealed significantly lower expression of RAB11B in mouse skin tissues in the miR-25-5p agomir group than in those in the miR control agomir group (both P < 0.05). qPCR revealed significantly lower mRNA expression of RAB11B and TYR in skin tissues of guinea pigs in the miR-25-5p agomir group than in those in the miR control agomir group (both P < 0.05). Similarly, RAB11B mRNA expression significantly decreased in the miR-25-5p mimics group compared with the miR control mimics group in primary human melanocytes and MNT1 cells (both P < 0.05). In human MNT1 melanoma cells, miR-25-5p overexpression could suppress TYR mRNA expression, whereas co-overexpression of miR-25-5p and RAB11B could reverse this suppression. Conclusion:Overexpression of miR-25-5p could alleviate UVB-induced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and inhibit melanogenesis, likely by targeted suppression of RAB11B expression.

Objective:To identify candidate strains of Nontoxigenic Clostridioides difficile (NTCD) with potential for intervention in Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) and analyze their phenotypic characteristics. Methods:A total of 713 Clostridioides difficile strains from various sources were systematically collected nationwide between 2015 and 2023. This included 649 strains isolated from human fecal samples and 64 strains isolated from the fecal samples of farmed animals. NTCD strains were preliminarily screened through toxin gene detection and antibiotic sensitivity test, and then NTCD candidate strains with potential for intervention in CDI were screened by a series of in vitro experiments, including MLST, sporulation, germination, adhesion, motility, and biofilm formation ability. Ultimately, the virulence genes and antimicrobial resistance genes of the candidate strains were comprehensively analyzed to rigorously assess their safety profiles. Results:Among 713 strains of C. difficile from different sources, 10 strains were initially screened out, which were non-toxin-producing and sensitive to antibiotics. MLST showed that seven strains were from the Clade1 branch and three strains were of a novel type. The results of sporulation and germination showed that SD59, SD178, SJZ17, and WZ142 had stronger sporulation and germination abilities. The adhesion of 10 strains was high, and the adhesion rate was between 72.93% and 99.32%. The motility of all strains was different, and the motility of SD178, SD59 and SJZ17 was stronger. The biofilm-forming ability of all strains was weak. SD59, SD178 and SJZ17 carried a limited number of virulence and resistance genes, thereby posing a relatively low safety risk. Conclusion:Three NTCD strains are successfully selected as potential effective NTCD strains to interfere with CDI.

Objective To systematically evaluate robot-assisted gait training(RAGT)on motor function,ambulation and activities of daily living of patients after stroke and spinal cord injury(SCI),and to investigate the clinical value of differ-ent robotic technologies and control strategies.Methods In accordance with PRISMA guidelines,relevant randomized controlled trials(RCTs)published between 2020 and 2024 were identified from databases including Scopus,Web of Science,PubMed,Cochrane Library and CNKI.The PEDro scale was used to assess methodological quality,and a comprehensive analysis was performed on the therapeutic effects of RAGT on walking ability,balance,lower limb muscle strength and functional inde-pendence.Results Eight RCTs involving 702 participants were included,originating from countries such as China,Italy,India,Tur-key and Poland.The population consisted of adult patients with various subtypes of stroke or SCI.These studies were published in journals across geriatric neuroscience,biosciences,medicine and sports science.Interventions involved three categories of lower limb exoskeleton including treadmill-based systems(end-effector and exoskel-eton models),overground exoskeletons and specialized joint/platform-based robots.The training frequency was 20 to 45 minutes a time,once to twice a day,one to seven days a week,for a total of two to ten weeks.RAGT might significant improve gait parameters and lower limb muscle strength,though its impact on functional inde-pendence was heterogeneous.Adaptive control strategies(e.g.,assist-as-needed)proved superior to fixed-parame-ter modes.Treadmill-based systems(e.g.,Lokomat)were well-suited for early-stage rehabilitation,while over-ground exoskeletons(e.g.,EKSO-GT)better facilitated adaptation to real-world environments.Conclusion RAGT is an effective modality for improving gait and lower limb function of patients with stroke and SCI.The therapeutic outcome is contingent upon personalized setup of the exoskeleton and the implementation of adaptive control strategies.Different adaptive control modes have been developed for the three main types of lower limb exoskeleton.Rehabilitation training should consider the specific lower limb tasks with the robot's cor-responding adaptive movement and control modes.

Objective:To investigate the role of microRNA-25-5p (miR-25-5p) in melanogenesis, and to explore its underlying mechanisms.Methods:Target genes of miR-25-5p were predicted using the TargetScan database. The interaction between miR-25-5p and the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of the RAB11B gene (a member of RAS oncogene family) was validated through a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) models were established in female C57BL/6J mice (6 - 8 weeks old) and female brown guinea pigs (4 - 6 weeks old) through daily broadband ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation on the dorsal skin of the mouse ear or shaved dorsal skin of guinea pigs, while untreated mice and untreated dorsal skin areas of guinea pigs served as control groups. During modeling, these experimental animals received intradermal injections of a miR-25-5p agomir or a miR control agomir. Changes in skin pigmentation were observed, and skin tissue samples were harvested for further analysis after modeling. Melanin content in skin tissues was evaluated using Masson-Fontana staining. Expression of RAB11B and tyrosinase (TYR) in skin tissues was determined using immunohistochemical staining and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Primary human melanocytes were isolated from discarded normal foreskin tissues of healthy males after circumcision. Both primary human melanocytes and human MNT1 melanoma cells were transfected with miR-25-5p mimics or miR control mimics. Relative expression levels of miR-25-5p and RAB11B mRNA were quantified by qPCR using the 2 -ΔΔCt calculation method. In MNT1 cells, miR-25-5p and RAB11B were co-overexpressed to assess their effect on the mRNA expression of RAB11B and TYR. Statistical analysis was conducted using t test or one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc test for multiple comparisons. Results:The bioinformatic prediction and dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed a binding site for miR-25-5p in the 3′ UTR of the RAB11B gene. In both animal models, the treatment with the miR-25-5p agomir significantly reduced local skin pigmentation compared to the control groups; Masson-Fontana staining showed a marked decrease in the density of melanin granules in the epidermis and dermis in the miR-25-5p agomir groups compared with the miR control agomir groups (mice: 0.050 ± 0.005 vs. 0.087 ± 0.008; guinea pigs: 0.067 ± 0.015 vs. 0.110 ± 0.013; both P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining revealed significantly lower expression of RAB11B in mouse skin tissues in the miR-25-5p agomir group than in those in the miR control agomir group (both P < 0.05). qPCR revealed significantly lower mRNA expression of RAB11B and TYR in skin tissues of guinea pigs in the miR-25-5p agomir group than in those in the miR control agomir group (both P < 0.05). Similarly, RAB11B mRNA expression significantly decreased in the miR-25-5p mimics group compared with the miR control mimics group in primary human melanocytes and MNT1 cells (both P < 0.05). In human MNT1 melanoma cells, miR-25-5p overexpression could suppress TYR mRNA expression, whereas co-overexpression of miR-25-5p and RAB11B could reverse this suppression. Conclusion:Overexpression of miR-25-5p could alleviate UVB-induced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and inhibit melanogenesis, likely by targeted suppression of RAB11B expression.

Objective:To identify candidate strains of Nontoxigenic Clostridioides difficile (NTCD) with potential for intervention in Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) and analyze their phenotypic characteristics. Methods:A total of 713 Clostridioides difficile strains from various sources were systematically collected nationwide between 2015 and 2023. This included 649 strains isolated from human fecal samples and 64 strains isolated from the fecal samples of farmed animals. NTCD strains were preliminarily screened through toxin gene detection and antibiotic sensitivity test, and then NTCD candidate strains with potential for intervention in CDI were screened by a series of in vitro experiments, including MLST, sporulation, germination, adhesion, motility, and biofilm formation ability. Ultimately, the virulence genes and antimicrobial resistance genes of the candidate strains were comprehensively analyzed to rigorously assess their safety profiles. Results:Among 713 strains of C. difficile from different sources, 10 strains were initially screened out, which were non-toxin-producing and sensitive to antibiotics. MLST showed that seven strains were from the Clade1 branch and three strains were of a novel type. The results of sporulation and germination showed that SD59, SD178, SJZ17, and WZ142 had stronger sporulation and germination abilities. The adhesion of 10 strains was high, and the adhesion rate was between 72.93% and 99.32%. The motility of all strains was different, and the motility of SD178, SD59 and SJZ17 was stronger. The biofilm-forming ability of all strains was weak. SD59, SD178 and SJZ17 carried a limited number of virulence and resistance genes, thereby posing a relatively low safety risk. Conclusion:Three NTCD strains are successfully selected as potential effective NTCD strains to interfere with CDI.

Objective To systematically evaluate robot-assisted gait training(RAGT)on motor function,ambulation and activities of daily living of patients after stroke and spinal cord injury(SCI),and to investigate the clinical value of differ-ent robotic technologies and control strategies.Methods In accordance with PRISMA guidelines,relevant randomized controlled trials(RCTs)published between 2020 and 2024 were identified from databases including Scopus,Web of Science,PubMed,Cochrane Library and CNKI.The PEDro scale was used to assess methodological quality,and a comprehensive analysis was performed on the therapeutic effects of RAGT on walking ability,balance,lower limb muscle strength and functional inde-pendence.Results Eight RCTs involving 702 participants were included,originating from countries such as China,Italy,India,Tur-key and Poland.The population consisted of adult patients with various subtypes of stroke or SCI.These studies were published in journals across geriatric neuroscience,biosciences,medicine and sports science.Interventions involved three categories of lower limb exoskeleton including treadmill-based systems(end-effector and exoskel-eton models),overground exoskeletons and specialized joint/platform-based robots.The training frequency was 20 to 45 minutes a time,once to twice a day,one to seven days a week,for a total of two to ten weeks.RAGT might significant improve gait parameters and lower limb muscle strength,though its impact on functional inde-pendence was heterogeneous.Adaptive control strategies(e.g.,assist-as-needed)proved superior to fixed-parame-ter modes.Treadmill-based systems(e.g.,Lokomat)were well-suited for early-stage rehabilitation,while over-ground exoskeletons(e.g.,EKSO-GT)better facilitated adaptation to real-world environments.Conclusion RAGT is an effective modality for improving gait and lower limb function of patients with stroke and SCI.The therapeutic outcome is contingent upon personalized setup of the exoskeleton and the implementation of adaptive control strategies.Different adaptive control modes have been developed for the three main types of lower limb exoskeleton.Rehabilitation training should consider the specific lower limb tasks with the robot's cor-responding adaptive movement and control modes.

[Purpose]To analyze the incidence and mortality of liver cancer in cancer registration areas of Zhejiang Province in 2021 and the epidemiological trends of liver cancer from 2000 to 2021.[Methods]Using liver cancer data from 2000 to 2021 reported by Zhejiang Provincial Can-cer Registries,stratified by sex,age,and urban-rural areas,indicators including crude incidence rate,crude mortality rate,age-standardized incidence rate by Chinese standard population(ASIRC),age-standardized mortality rate by Chinese standard population(ASMRC),age-standardi-zed incidence rate by world standard population(ASIRW),age-standardized mortality rate by world standard population(ASMRW)were calculated.Joinpoint Regression Program(Version 5.3.0)was used to fit the log-linear relationship between rates and years,and calculate the annual percentage change(APC)and average annual percentage change(AAPC)with 95％confidence interval(CI).[Results]In 2021,the crude incidence rate of liver cancer in Zhejiang cancer registration areas was 26.93/105(ASIRC:13.35/105),and the crude mortality rate was 20.87/105(ASMRC:9.52/105).The number of new cases and deaths of liver cancer accounted for 5.07％and 11.33％of all malig-nant tumor cases and deaths,respectively.The incidence and mortality rates of liver cancer in male were significantly higher than those in female(crude incidence rate:40.17/105 vs 13.85/105;ASIRC:20.60/105 vs 6.34/105;crude mortality rate:30.78/105 vs 11.07/105;ASMRC:14.67/105 vs 4.57/105),and those in rural areas were higher than those in urban areas(crude incidence rate:30.39/105 vs 24.79/105;ASIRC:15.35/105 vs 12.10/105;crude mortality rate:24.32/105 vs 18.72/105;ASMRC:11.30/105 vs 8.40/105).In 2021,the incidence rate of liver cancer was low before the age of 30 years old,and increased significantly with age after 30 years old,reaching the peak in male aged 85 years old and above(170.04/105)and in female aged 80～84 years old(84.74/105).The mortality rate showed a similar trend to the incidence rate,which was low before the age of 30 years old and increased significantly with age after 30 years old,peaking in male aged 85 years old and above(211.64/105)and in female aged 80～84 years old(98.31/105).From 2000 to 2021,the crude incidence rate of liver cancer in Zhejiang Province showed an overall upward trend(AAPC=1.01％,95％CI:0.44％～1.58％),while the ASIRC remained relatively stable(AAPC=-0.81％,95％CI:-1.48％～0.02％)with a significant remained relatively stable(AAPC=-0.81％,95％CI:-1.48％～0.02％),after 2010,the ASIRC remained relatively stable(AAPC=-0.81％,95％CI:-1.48％～0.02％)with a significant decreased significantly.Both the crude mortality rate(AAPC=-0.84％,95％CI:-1.23％～-0.36％)and ASMRC(AAPC=-2.78％,95％CI:-3.28％～-2.20％)showed sig-nificant downward trends,and the decline of ASMRC was more obvious.[Conclusion]From 2000 to 2021,the incidence of liver cancer in cancer registration areas of Zhejiang Province showed a fluctuating downward trend,and the mortality showed a steady downward trend,but the disease burden remains heavy.Rural areas,the elderly,and males are high-risk populations,which should be the key targets of liver cancer prevention and control.

Objective:To explore the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of acne inversa (AI) .Methods:Skin tissue samples were obtained from 8 AI patients and 4 healthy controls from Hospital of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College from 2013 to 2019, and high-throughput sequencing was performed for tissue-specific mRNA expression profiling. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were carried out. Real-time fluorescence-based quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blot analysis were performed to verify the results of high-throughput sequencing.Results:Analysis of the specific expression profiles showed that 2 738 differentially expressed genes were screened out in the AI patients compared with the healthy controls, of which 1 328 genes were significantly up-regulated and 1 410 genes were significantly down-regulated. GO analysis demonstrated that the positive regulation of interferon γ secretion, T cell receptor complex and C-X-C chemokine receptor activity were significantly enriched in the AI lesions. KEGG analysis demonstrated that the signaling pathways associated with primary immuno‐deficiency, PPAR, and chemokine-chemokine receptor interaction were significantly enriched in the AI lesions. GSEA demonstrated that the PPAR signaling pathway was significantly weakened in the AI lesions. The mRNA expression levels of PPARA and PPARG were significantly lower in the AI patients (0.336 ± 0.120, 0.253 ± 0.078, respectively) than in the healthy group (1.000 ± 0.146, 1.000 ± 0.172, t = 3.50, 3.95, respectively, both P < 0.05), so were their protein levels. However, there was no significant difference in the PPARD mRNA expression level between the two groups ( t = 0.34, P = 0.750). The mRNA expression levels of nuclear hormone receptor 9-cis retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRA), RXRG and fatty acid-binding protein 4 were significantly lower in the AI patients than in the healthy controls ( t = 2.96, 2.96, 4.62, respectively, all P < 0.05) . Conclusion:The PPAR signaling pathway was restrained and lipid metabolism was disordered in AI patients.

Objective:To understand molecular characteristics and antibiotic resistance of Clostridioides ( C.) difficile isolated from children in China, and provide data support the development of disease risk assessment and burden studies. Methods:A total of 155 strains of C. difficile isolated from children aged <12 years in 14 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) in China from 2010 to 2023 were used for the analyses on molecular characteristics and antibiotic resistance of C. difficile by PCR and drug susceptibility test. Results:A total of 26 sequence types (STs) and 18 ribotypes (RTs) were identified in the 155 C. difficile isolates, in which ST3 (20.65%), ST54 (16.13%), ST35 (12.90%), and RT012/ICDC007 (14.84%), RT001/ICDC001 (11.61%), RT046/ICDC018 (8.39%) were the most common. One highly virulent strain with RT078 and 27 non-toxin-producing strains were also found; the predominant toxin gene was tcdA+ tcdB+ cdt-. All the strains were sensitive to metronidazole and vancomycin, and there were 29 multidrug-resistant strains, in which 1 strain was resistant to all the seven antibiotics except for vancomycin and metronidazole. Conclusions:Molecular characteristics and antibiotic resistance of C. difficile in children were similar to those in whole population in China, but there were regional distribution differences. It is necessary to strengthen the routine drug-resistance surveillance for C. difficile infection in children in China.