Objective To investigate the causes of the abnormally elevated gross α and gross β activity concentrations in the water of Nanbei Lake located near the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant. Methods Water and sediment samples were measured according to GB/T 5750.13-2023 Standard Examination Methods for Drinking Water. Results The gross α activity concentration in Nanbei Lake water was (0.135 ± 0.0108) Bq/L, and the gross β activity concentration was 0.345 ± 0.036 Bq/L, which were several times higher than those recorded during the same period in previous years. The spike recovery rates for Nanbei Lake water (gross α: 85.7% ± 4.7%; gross β: 101.8% ± 4.1%) showed no significant differences from those for tap water (gross α: 83.2% ± 3.6%; gross β: 105.1% ± 5.2%). Gross α activity concentration exhibited a positive correlation with sediment addition (r = 0.996), as did gross β activity concentration (r = 0.998). The gross α and gross β activity concentrations in sediments from Nanbei Lake were significantly higher than those in sediments from surrounding water bodies. The gross α (529 ± 41)Bq/L and gross β (927 ± 83)Bq/L activity concentrations in the residue retained on a 0.45 μm filter after filtering Nanbei Lake water were similar to those in the sediments of Nanbei Lake (gross α: (516 ± 35) Bq/L; gross β: (965 ± 68) Bq/L). Conclusion The elevated gross α and gross β activity concentrations in Nanbei Lake water could be attributed to dredging activities, which resuspended sediments into the water column, combined with the inherently high activity concentrations in the sediments.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effects of radiofrequency microneedling versus fire needle therapy on facial acne. Methods:Ninety patients with facial acne treated at Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from January 2022 to December 2023 were included in this study. Each patient's facial areas were divided into a radiofrequency microneedling group and a fire needle group, with treatments conducted every 2 weeks for a total of two sessions. The improvement of skin lesions on both sides was assessed using the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS), while the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the severity of pain experienced by patients. The incidence of adverse reactions, recurrence rates, and patient satisfaction were statistically analyzed. Additionally, a reflective confocal microscope was used to observe the imaging characteristics of the lesions before and after treatment.Results:At 2 and 4 weeks post-treatment, GAGS results showed that the improvement rates for skin lesions in the radiofrequency microneedling group were 83.33% (75/90) and 90.00% (81/90), respectively, both of which were significantly higher than those in the fire needle group [70.00% (63/90), 78.89% (71/90), χ2 = 4.47, 4.22, P = 0.034, 0.040]. The incidence of pigmentation in the radiofrequency microneedling group was 4.44% (4/90), which was slightly higher than that in the fire needle group [2.22% (2/90)]. However, there was no significant difference in overall incidence of adverse reactions between the radiofrequency microneedling and fire needle groups [15.56% (14/90) vs. 20.00% (18/90), χ2 = 0.60, P = 0.436]. The recurrence rate was lower in the radiofrequency microneedling group [10.00% (9/90)] compared with the fire needle group [22.22% (20/90), χ2 = 4.97, P = 0.026]. The VAS score for the radiofrequency microneedling group was (4.12 ± 1.33) during the first treatment and (3.30 ± 1.05) during the second treatment, both of which were significantly higher than those in the fire needle group [(3.67 ± 1.12), (2.88 ± 0.86), t = 2.45, 2.93, P = 0.015, 0.004]. Patient satisfaction with treatment outcomes did not significantly differ between the radiofrequency microneedling and fire needle groups [92.22% (83/90) vs. 87.78% (79/90), χ2 = 0.98, P = 0.320]. Results from the reflective confocal microscope indicated that after treatment, the hair follicles in both the radiofrequency microneedling and fire needle groups exhibited a distinct funnel shape and oval appearance, along with a noticeable reduction in funnel diameter compared with pre-treatment observations. Additionally, there was a decrease in the central amorphous material, a reduction in the size of the bright edge zone, and a decline in the infiltration of inflammatory cells, with no significant differences observed between the two groups. Conclusions:For facial inflammatory acne lesions (such as papules and pustules), both radiofrequency microneedling and fire needle treatments have shown good effectiveness. The fire needle treatment leads to less pain, while radiofrequency microneedling has a lower recurrence rate, but it carries a slightly higher risk of hyperpigmentation.

Ovarian follicle expansion is an important part of their growth and development into dominant follicles,and is regulated by a variety of molecules and signals,including follicular cavity formation,follicular fluid accumulation,and granulosa cell proliferation.Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)is the most common reproductive endocrine disease in women,and patients mainly present with increased preantral follicles and polycystic ovarian lesions caused by inadequate ovarian follicle expansion.This review summarizes recent research developments concerning the physiological process of ovarian follicle expansion and the related regulatory factors and mechanisms.We also consider the possible factors restricting ovarian follicle expansion in patients with PCOS,to provide a theoretical basis for follicular dysplasia,ovulation disorders and other diseases caused by abnormal ovarian follicle expansion.

Traditional development of small protein scaffolds has relied on display technologies and mutation-based engineering, which limit sequence and functional diversity, thereby constraining their therapeutic and application potential. Protein design tools have significantly advanced the creation of novel protein sequences, structures, and functions. However, further improvements in design strategies are still needed to more efficiently optimize the functional performance of protein-based drugs and enhance their druggability. Here, we extended an evolution-based design protocol to create a novel minibinder, BindHer, against the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). It not only exhibits super stability and binding selectivity but also demonstrates remarkable properties in tissue specificity. Radiolabeling experiments with ^99mTc, ⁶⁸Ga, and ¹⁸F revealed that BindHer efficiently targets tumors in HER2-positive breast cancer mouse models, with minimal nonspecific liver absorption, outperforming scaffolds designed through traditional engineering. These findings highlight a new rational approach to automated protein design, offering significant potential for large-scale applications in therapeutic mini-protein development.

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), the most commonly-occurring form of hearing loss, is caused mainly by injury to or the loss of hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons in the cochlea. Numerous environmental and physiological factors have been shown to cause acquired SNHL, such as ototoxic drugs, noise exposure, aging, infections, and diseases. Several programmed cell death (PCD) pathways have been reported to be involved in SNHL, especially some novel PCD pathways that have only recently been reported, such as ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis. Here we summarize these PCD pathways and their roles and mechanisms in SNHL, aiming to provide new insights and potential therapeutic strategies for SNHL by targeting these PCD pathways.
Humans ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural/metabolism* ; Necroptosis/drug effects* ; Pyroptosis/drug effects* ; Ferroptosis/drug effects* ; Animals

Adenosine, a critical molecule regulating cellular function both inside and outside cells, is controlled by two human adenosine deaminases: ADA1 and ADA2. While ADA1 primarily resides in the cytoplasm, ADA2 can be transported to lysosomes within cells or secreted outside the cell. Patients with ADA2 deficiency (DADA2) often suffer from systemic vasculitis due to elevated levels of TNF-α in their blood. Monocytes from DADA2 patients exhibit excessive TNF-α secretion and differentiate into pro-inflammatory M1-type macrophages. Our findings demonstrate that ADA2 localizes to endolysosomes within macrophages, and its intracellular concentration decreases in cells secreting TNF-α. This suggests that ADA2 may function as a lysosomal adenosine deaminase, regulating TNF-α expression by the cells. Interestingly, pneumonia patients exhibit higher ADA2 concentrations in their bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), correlating with elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Conversely, cord blood has low ADA2 levels, creating a more immunosuppressive environment. Additionally, secreted ADA2 can bind to apoptotic cells, activating immune cells by reducing extracellular adenosine levels. These findings imply that ADA2 release from monocytes during inflammation, triggered by growth factors, may be crucial for cell activation. Targeting intracellular and extracellular ADA2 activities could pave the way for novel therapies in inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.
Humans ; Adenosine Deaminase/deficiency* ; Monocytes/cytology* ; Cell Differentiation ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Biomarkers/metabolism* ; Macrophages/metabolism* ; Pneumonia/metabolism*

Background and Aims:Whether to close mesenteric fissures during laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer remains controversial.Traditional suture closure is technically demanding and may injure mesenteric vessels.This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of using α-cyanoacrylate medical glue to close mesenteric fissures during laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer in the Department of Colorectal Surgery,the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University,from January 2022 to December 2023.Seventy-eight patients who received intraoperative α-cyanoacrylate glue closure of mesenteric fissures were included as the observation group,and 74 patients without fissure closure were selected as the control group using the propensity score matching method.Perioperative parameters,postoperative recovery,and complications were compared between the two groups.Results:No significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics or main intraoperative variables between groups(all P>0.05).The observation group had significantly less ascitic drainage within 3 days after operation[(203.14±116.44)mL vs.(384.53±243.89)mL,P<0.01]and shorter postoperative gas passage,defecation,and drainage tube removal times(all P<0.01).The incidence of postoperative complications and intestinal obstruction was comparable between groups(all P>0.05).Multivariate analysis showed that intraoperative application of α-cyanoacrylate glue was an independent promoting factor for intestinal exhaust within 3 days after surgery(OR=5.739,P=0.000).Conclusion:The use of α-cyanoacrylate medical glue for closing mesenteric fissures during laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer is safe and feasible.It effectively reduces postoperative ascitic drainage and accelerates bowel recovery,offering a simple and reliable alternative to traditional suture closure.

Objective: To determine the expression of melanoma-associated antigens D4(MAGED4) and SIRT7 in human glioma, and to analyze the potential effects of MAGED4 and SIRT7 on glioma cell proliferation. Methods: The MAGED4 and SIRT7 expression levels and their correlation were compared by the China glioma genome atlas(CGGA), human protein atlas(HPA), and UALCAN databases. Survival analysis, ROC curve analysis, and Cox regression analysis were used to predict the outcome of MAGED4 and SIRT 7 in glioma patients. Gene ontology(GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) signaling pathway enrichment analysis were used to explore the biological functions of MAGED4 and SIRT7 in glioma. Western blot experiment was used to investigate whether MAGED4 protein exerted its regulatory effects on the activity of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway via SIRT7. The effect of MAGED4 on cell proliferation in glioma through SIRT7 was explored by CCK-8. Results: The analysis results of CGGA, UALCAN, and HPA databases showed that the expression levels of MAGED4 and SIRT7 in glioma tissues were higher than those in normal brain tissue, and the expression were positively correlated. Results of survival, ROC, and Cox analysis showed that high expression of MAGED4 and SIRT7 mRNA were risk factors for poor prognosis in glioma. Results of KEGG enrichment analysis showed that MAGED4 and SIRT7 were associated with the PI3K/AKT signaling in glioma, and Western blot results showed that MAGED4 activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by regulating SIRT7. The CCK-8 results showed that MAGED4 promotes the proliferation of glioma cells through SIRT7. Conclusion MAGED4 and SIRT7 are highly expressed in glioma and associated with poor prognosis, and MAGED4 promotes glioma cell proliferation through activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by SIRT7.

Objective: To establish an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method based on solid-phase extraction column purification for simultaneous determination of cyromazine and melamine in poultry eggs and meat. Methods: Eggs, quail eggs, and chicken were collected from markets. After homogenization, the sample was extracted with 0.5% formic acid in acetonitrile, subjected to solid-phase extraction using an MCX cartridge, and eluted with 5% ammonia in methanol. The eluate was collected, evaporated to near dryness under nitrogen, and reconstituted in a 10% aqueous methanol solution. Separated using TSK gel Amide-80 column (2.0 mm×150 mm, 5 μm), cyromazine and melamine were simultaneously detected in positive ion multiple reaction monitoring mode via tandem mass spectrometry, with quantification achieved by isotope dilution internal standard methods. Efficiency was enhanced and matrix interference minimized by optimizing conditions such as sample extraction, solid-phase extraction cartridge selection, and instrumental parameters. Calibration curves were constructed, and detection limits, quantification limits, spiked recoveries, and relative standard deviations for (RSD) of cyromazine and melamine were calculated. Results: After method optimization, matrix effects for cyromazine and melamine ranged from 0.97 to 1.04, indicating no significant matrix suppression or enhancement. Both cyromazine and melamine exhibited excellent linearity within the concentration range of 1.0-200.0 ng/mL, with correlation coefficients ≥0.999 5. The limits of detection were 0.3 μg/kg for cyromazine and 0.5 μg/kg for melamine, the quantification limits were 1.0 and 1.5 μg/kg, respectively. At spiked levels of 1.0, 20.0, and 150.0 μg/kg, the average recoveries ranged from 78.6% to 103.1%, with RSD between 3.5% and 6.3%. Among 95 samples tested, cyromazine was detected in 6 samples and melamine in 5 samples; neither cyromazine nor melamine was detected in chicken samples. Conclusion The UPLC-MS/MS method established in this study enables simultaneous detection and accurate quantification of cyromazine and melamine in poultry eggs and meat.

Objective:To observe any effect of dual-task training on abnormal gait and fall risk among hemiplegic stroke survivors.Methods:A total of 90 stroke survivors were randomly divided into a control group, a cognitive dual-task group, and a motor dual-task group, each of 30. All 3 groups received conventional post-stroke medication and rehabilitation training, but the cognitive and motor dual-task groups received cognitive or motor dual-task training as well. Before and after 4 weeks of the training, everyone′s balance, walking and lower limb motor functioning were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Timed Up and Go test (TUGT) and the Fugl-Meyer lower extremity assessment (FMA-LE). Additionally, three-dimensional gait analysis was performed to document gait speed, bilateral spatial asymmetry, bilateral temporal asymmetry, and the dual-task cost (DTC) of gait speed.Results:Significant improvement was observed in the average BBS scores, TUGT times, FMA-LE scores, gait speed, DTC of gait speed, bilateral spatial asymmetry ratios, and bilateral temporal asymmetry ratios of all 3 groups after the experiment. The averages of the cognitive dual-task group were then significantly better than the control group′s averages. The motor dual-task group′s average BBS score (42.67±7.87), TUGT time [(22.30±8.53)s], gait speed (0.58±0.2m/s), DTC of gait speed (19.02±5.99%), and bilateral spatial asymmetry ratio (19.79±10.41%) were then significantly better than the control group′s averages but not significantly different from those of the cognitive dual-task group.Conclusions:Dual-task training can significantly improve the balance, walking and lower limb motor function of stroke survivors, correcting their abnormal gait patterns and consequently reducing their fall risks.