BACKGROUND: P16 inactivation is frequently accompanied by telomerase reverse transcriptase ( TERT ) amplification in human cancer genomes. P16 inactivation by DNA methylation often occurs automatically during immortalization of normal cells by TERT . However, direct evidence remains to be obtained to support the causal effect of epigenetic changes, such as P16 methylation, on cancer development. This study aimed to provide experimental evidence that P16 methylation directly drives cancer development. METHODS: A zinc finger protein-based P16 -specific DNA methyltransferase (P16-Dnmt) vector containing a "Tet-On" switch was used to induce extensive methylation of P16 CpG islands in normal human fibroblast CCD-18Co cells. Battery assays were used to evaluate cell immortalization and transformation throughout their lifespan. Cell subcloning and DNA barcoding were used to track the diversity of cell evolution. RESULTS: Leaking P16-Dnmt expression (without doxycycline-induction) could specifically inactivate P16 expression by DNA methylation. P16 methylation only promoted proliferation and prolonged lifespan but did not induce immortalization of CCD-18Co cells. Notably, cell immortalization, loss of contact inhibition, and anchorage-independent growth were always prevalent in P16-Dnmt&TERT cells, indicating cell transformation. In contrast, almost all TERT cells died in the replicative crisis. Only a few TERT cells recovered from the crisis, in which spontaneous P16 inactivation by DNA methylation occurred. Furthermore, the subclone formation capacity of P16-Dnmt&TERT cells was two-fold that of TERT cells. DNA barcoding analysis showed that the diversity of the P16-Dnmt&TERT cell population was much greater than that of the TERT cell population. CONCLUSION P16 methylation drives TERT -mediated immortalization and transformation of normal human cells that may contribute to cancer development.
Humans ; Telomerase/genetics* ; DNA Methylation/physiology* ; Fibroblasts/cytology* ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16/metabolism* ; Cell Line ; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics*

Myeloid-derived cells (MDCs) are crucial in immune response and tissue homeostasis. They have high functional plasticity and can be polarized according to microenvironment signals. These cells, including macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells (DCs), exhibit different functional polarization states in different pathological environments and are involved in the occurrence and development of diseases such as inflammation and tumors. Studies have shown that metabolic reprogramming plays a key role in the functional polarization of MDCs, affecting the cellular energy supply and regulating immune function. This paper reviews classification, function and polarization mechanism of MDCs and discusses metabolic reprogramming. In addition, the therapeutic strategies targeting MDC are summarized, which is expected to provide new targets for tumor immunotherapy.
Humans ; Tumor Microenvironment/immunology* ; Myeloid Cells/metabolism* ; Neoplasms/pathology* ; Animals ; Immunotherapy/methods* ; Dendritic Cells/immunology* ; Macrophages/immunology*

Objective To identify the reasons why the monitored personal doses of radiation worker A in an institution exceeded the investigation level in 2023 and 2024, and remind workers to wear personal dosimeters in a standardized manner in scenarios such as work and business trips to ensure the authenticity and reliability of the monitoring data. Methods A thermoluminescence measurement system was used to read the personal dosimeters worn by radiation workers. Investigations were carried out on personnel whose doses exceeded the investigation level described in the “Specifications for individual monitoring of occupational external exposure” (GBZ 128—2019). The reasons for doses exceeding the investigation level were analyzed using additional dosimeters and conducting on-site experiments. Results In 2023 and 2024, radiation worker A recorded a total of 5 personal dose equivalents exceeding the investigation level (1.23 mSv) over a total of 8 monitoring cycles (each lasting 90 days). Following one cycle where the dose exceeded the investigation level, two additional dosimeters (each for a 30-day cycle) were issued to worker A, revealing readings below the investigation level for the 30-day monitoring cycle (0.41 mSv). The reading for the dosimeter was 2-3 μSv per time when passing through an X-ray security scanner, and approximately 2.10 mSv per time when passing through a computed tomography security scanner. Conclusion Within a 90-day monitoring cycle, a single exposure of a personal dosimeter to a computed tomography security scanner can result in a dose exceeding the investigation level. Radiation workers should avoid placing dosimeters in backpacks or suitcases that pass through computed tomography security scanners during business trips, so as to reduce the impact of security scanner irradiation on personal dose monitoring.

Objective To explore the level characteristics of high mobility group protein B1(HMGB1)in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)and its correlations with inflammation,insulin resistance,and placental vascular density.Methods A total of 70 patients with GDM who were hospitalized and delivered in the department of obstetrics of this hospital from August 2021 to May 2024 were selected as the study group,and another 70 healthy pregnant women during the same period were selected as the control group.The general clinical data,fasting plasma glucose(FPG),insulin resistance-related indicators[fasting insulin(FINS),homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)],serum inflammatory factors[C reactive protein(CRP),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6)],the levels of HMGB1 in pla-cental tissues and peripheral blood,and the placental microvascular density were compared between the two groups.Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlations between the levels of HMGB1 in se-rum and placental tissues and insulin resistance,inflammatory factors,and placental vascular density.Results The levels of FPG,FINS,HOMA-IR,CRP,TNF-α,IL-6,the average integrated optical density(IOD)value of HMGB1 in serum and placental tissues,and the percentage of HMGB1-positive cells in the study group were all higher than those in the control group(P＜0.05),while the placental microvascular den-sity was lower than that in the control group(P＜0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed that the serum HMGB1 level,the average IOD value of HMGB1 in placental tissues,and the percentage of HMGB1-positive cells in the study group were all positively correlated with the levels of HOMA-IR,CRP,TNF-α,and IL-6(P＜0.05),and negatively correlated with the placental microvascular density(P＜0.05).Conclusion The level of HMGB1 in peripheral blood and placental tissues of GDM patients is higher than that of healthy preg-nant women,and it is correlated with inflammatory factors,HOMA-IR and the placental microvascular density.

Objective Hypobaric chamber and simulated weightless bed are essential methods for aerospace medical research,and conducting state assessment of volunteers before and after hypobaric chamber and simulated weightless bed tests is an essential guideline for aerospace implementation medicine.To further improve the efficiency of human condition assessment,in addition to the conventional biochemical and physiological indicators,the human oral exhaled gas can be used for condition assessment,and the olfactometry acquisition equipment and analysis software can collect and detect most volatile gases to complete the human oral exhaled gas data acquisition.Conducting comparative analysis of olfactory mapping data from different populations may be a means to assess the status of the body.Methods The olfactometry acquisition equipment was used to collect the oral exhaled breath olfactometry profiles of the general population,hypobaric cabin volunteers,and ambulatory volunteers.The olfactometry analysis software was used to calculate the 12 eigenvalues of the olfactometry profiles and the t-SNE downscaling,and the radar plots were used to analyze the olfactometry profiles of the general population,low-pressure cabin volunteers,and ambulatory volunteers respectively.A comparative analysis of different populations was conducted.Results(1)The t-SNE mapping data of the general population and the ambulatory volunteers were almost indistinguishable;(2)the t-SNE mapping data of the hypobaric cabin volunteers and the general population had a slight overlap,but the distinguishability of the vast majority of the t-SNE mapping data was obvious;(3)the t-SNE mapping data of the hypobaric cabin volunteers and the ambulatory volunteers were distinguishable with no overlap,and the ambulatory t SNE data are highly aggregated,and the distribution of t-SNE data in low-pressure cabin is more discrete;(4)there are 2-3 sensors with large eigenvalues and a large range of variation for both low-pressure cabin volunteers and recumbent volunteers after training activities,and the common sensor with a large range of variation is S6.Conclusion Olfactory diagnostic analysis mapping may be a means to assess the health status of the body and may be useful for spaceflight health status assessment in the future.The analysis and application of flight health state assessment can be a reference in the future.

The elimination of biofilms is a crucial step in controlling hospital-acquired infections.Once biofilms colonize luminal instruments,it is difficult to remove them using traditional disinfection methods.Conventional disinfection approaches now face a series of challenges,including microbial resistance,corrosiveness,cytotoxicity,residual disinfection byproducts,and environmental pollution.Therefore,developing novel disinfection technologies specifically targeting biofilm removal is vitally important.New disinfection technologies,such as slightly acidic electrolyzed water,plasma technology,surface modification techniques,nanomaterial-based disinfection,bacteriophage disinfection,and enzymatic disinfection,are constantly emerging.These technologies exhibit excellent performance against biofilms by leveraging the synergistic effects of multiple mechanisms,including the reactive oxygen species(ROS)burst,photocatalytic oxidation,physical disruption,and biological targeting.This review summarizes the characteristics,underlying mechanisms,and potential application scenarios of these novel disinfection technologies,with a particular focus on their effects against biofilms formed by common pathogenic bacteria on surfaces in hospital settings.It aims to provide a reference basis for the practical application and translation of these disinfection technologies and the development of new disinfection strategies.

Diabetic foot is one of the common chronic complications， the most common cause of hospitalization， and even the main cause of disability and death among diabetic patients. In the process of disease occurrence， development， and treatment， patients experience complex changes in physical， psychological， and social relationships. Their understanding and practice of the disease is a constant process of construction and change， which contains strategic practices influenced by factors such as disease progression， family relationships， culture and traditions of social， and doctor-patient interactions. Based on the research concepts in the field of medical anthropology， this paper applied field research methods such as survey interviews and participatory observation， and took the rich and varied and personalized narrative of diabetic foot patients as the entry point to understand their unique and detailed disease stories， as well as focused on answering the changes in the views of illness， treatment， family， society， and the body outlook experienced by diabetic foot patients. This paper aimed to provide a new perspective for understanding this group， as well as offer valuable insights for improving their treatment and management， which will help promote the overall health and quality of life with diabetic foot patients.

ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) body constitution types in the elderly, and to provide an evidence for the control of cognitive impairment in the elderly. MethodsThe elderly aged 65 and above who participated in the community physical examinations in a community of Changning District, Shanghai were selected as the research subjects. The cognitive function was assessed by using the Clock Drawing Test combined with the Ascertain Dementia 8-item Questionnaire (AD8), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE). The diagnostic criteria for MCI was identified based on the 2018 Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia and Cognitive Disorders, along with the assessment results and clinical history information. The current investigation method was used to collect the basic information and the prevalence of chronic disease of the subjects through questionnaire inquiries. The elderly subjects’ ability to take care of themselves was evaluated based on the Elderly Self⁃Care Ability Evaluation Scale, while the TCM body constitution types were determined based on the Chinese Medicine Health Care Management Service Specification. The association of the detection rate of MCI with gender, education level, history of chronic disease and TCM body constitution types were analyzed lastly. ResultsA total of 2 351 elderly people were investigated, including 1 037 males and 1 314 females, with an average age of (74.11±6.15) years. 174 subjects, accounting for 7.40%, were identified with MCI. The highest detection rate of MCI in the elderly are those with a Qi stagnation constitution (10.8%), followed by those with a dampness-heat constitution (9.1%) and a Qi deficiency constitution (8.4%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that advanced age, lower educational level, a history of tuberculosis, and TCM constitutions such as dampness-heat, Qi stagnation, and Qi deficiency were the potential risk factors for MCI. ConclusionThere is a significant association between TCM constitution types such as dampness-heat, Qi stagnation, and Qi deficiency with MCI. TCM techniques can be integrated into the health management services for the elderly population, and targeted interventions can be provided to those with imbalanced constitution types so as to reduce the risk of MCI.

Objective:To investigate the influences of lupinol on the proliferation,apoptosis and invasion of cer-vical cancer cells by regulating autophagy mediated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)pathway.Methods:The proliferation rate of human cervical cancer cell line HeLa cells treated with 0,10,25,50,70,90 μmol/L lupinol was determined,and the appropriate concentration of lupinol was screened out.HeLa cells cultured in vitro were randomly grouped into control group,low-dose lupinol group,high-dose lupinol group,740 Y-P group(PI3K activator),and high-dose lupinol+740 Y-P group.After group intervention with lupinol and 740 Y-P,MDC fluorescence staining was used to detect the forma-tion of autophagic vacuolation of HeLa cells in each group;western blot was used to detect the expression of au-tophagy and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway-related proteins in HeLa cells in each group.HeLa cells cultured in vitro were randomly grouped into control group,low-dose lupinol group,high-dose lupinol group,high-dose lupinol+rapamycin(Rapa),and high-dose lupinol+3-methyladenine(3-MA)group.After the intervention of high dose of lupinol,Rapa and 3-MA,the proliferation of HeLa cells in each group was detected by MTT assay and plate colony formation assay;flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis of HeLa cells in each group;transwell assay was used to detect the invasion of HeLa cells in each group;western blot was used to detect the expressions of proliferation,apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related proteins in HeLa cells in each group.Re-sults:Compared with the control group,the relative content of autophagic vacuoles,the protein expressions of Mi-crotubule-associated protein 1A/1 B-light chain 3(LC3)Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ,and Beclin-1 in the low and high dose lupinol groups were all increased(P＜0.05),the phosphorylated PI3K(p-PI3K)/PI3K,phosphorylated AKT(p-AKT)/AKT,and phosphorylated mTOR(p-mTOR)/mTOR decreased(P＜0.05);the relative content of autophagic vac-uoles,the protein expressions of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ,and Beclin-1 in the high-dose lupinol group were further increased compared with the low-dose lupinol group(P＜0.05),the p-PI3K/PI3K,p-AKT/AKT,and p-mTOR/mTOR were further decreased(P＜0.05);the relative content of autophagic vacuoles,the protein expressions of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ,and Beclin-1 in 740 Y-P group decreased compared with the control group(P＜0.05),the p-PI3K/PI3K,p-AKT/AKT,and p-mTOR/mTOR increased(P＜0.05).Compared with the high-dose lupinol group,the relative content of autophagic vacuoles,the protein expressions of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ,and Beclin-1 in the high-dose lupinol+740 Y-P group decreased(P＜0.05),the p-PI3K/PI3K,p-AKT/AKT,and p-mTOR/mTOR increased(P＜0.05).Com-pared with the control group,the cell proliferation rate,colony formation rate,invasion number,and the protein ex-pressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),B cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2)and Vimentin in the low and high dose groups of lupinol were all decreased(P＜0.05),the apoptosis rate,and the protein expressions of Bcl-2 as-sociated x protein(Bax)and zonula occludens protein 1(ZO-1)were all increased(P＜0.05);compared with the low-dose lupinol group,the cell proliferation rate,colony formation rate,invasion number,and the protein expres-sions of PCNA,Bcl-2 and Vimentin in the high-dose lupinol group were further decreased(P＜0.05),the apopto-sis rate,and the protein expressions of Bax and ZO-1 were further increased(P＜0.05).Compared with the high-dose lupinol group,the cell proliferation rate,colony formation rate,invasion number,and the protein expres-sions of PCNA,Bcl-2 and Vimentin in the high-dose lupinol+Rapa group were increased(P＜0.05),the apopto-sis rate,and the protein expressions of Bax and ZO-1 were decreased(P＜0.05);the cell proliferation rate,colo-ny formation rate,invasion number,and the protein expressions of PCNA,Bcl-2 and Vimentin in the high-dose lu-pinol+3-MA group were decreased(P＜0.05),the apoptosis rate,and the protein expressions of Bax and ZO-1 were increased(P＜0.05).Conclusions:Lupinol induces protective autophagy by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway,thereby promoting the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells and inhibiting their proliferation and inva-sion.Activation of autophagy attenuates the effects of lupinol on the proliferation,apoptosis and invasion of cervi-cal cancer cells.