OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of high expression of transmembrane and coiled helix structural domain 1 (TMCO1) on prognosis of gastric cancer and the possible mechanisms. METHODS: TMCO1 expression in gastric cancer and its effect on gastric cancer progression and prognosis were analyzed using publicly available databases and clinical data of patients undergoing radical surgery in our hospital, and its possible biological functions were explored using KEGG and GO analyses. In gastric cancer HGC-27 cells, the effects of lentivirus-mediated TMCO1 overexpression and TMCO1 silencing on cell apoptosis, proliferation, invasion and migration were examined. RESULTS: TMCO1 expression was significantly elevated in gastric cancer tissues (P<0.05), and its high expression was positively correlated with cancer progression (P<0.001) and a lowered postoperative 5-year survival rate of the patients (P<0.05). Bioinformatic analyses suggested that TMCO1 may affect gastric cancer cell apoptosis via Wnt signaling. In HGC-27 cells, TMCO1 overexpression significantly promoted tumor cell proliferation, inhibited cell apoptosis, and enhanced cell migration and invasion, whereas TMCO1 silencing produced the opposite effects. Western blotting showed that β-catenin levels were significantly upregulated in TMCO1-overexpressing cells and downregulated in cells with TMCO1 silencing. CONCLUSIONS TMCO1 is overexpressed in gastric cancer tissues, and its high expression promotes gastric cancer progression and affects long-term prognosis of the patients possibly by activating the Wnt/ β-catenin signaling pathway to inhibit apoptosis of gastric cancer cells.
Humans ; Stomach Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Apoptosis ; Prognosis ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Movement ; Wnt Signaling Pathway ; beta Catenin/metabolism* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic

Gene regulation relies on the precise binding of transcription factors (TFs) at regulatory elements, but simultaneously detecting hundreds of TFs on chromatin is challenging. We developed cFOOT-seq, a cytosine deaminase-based TF footprinting assay, for high-resolution, quantitative genome-wide assessment of TF binding in both open and closed chromatin regions, even with small cell numbers. By utilizing the dsDNA deaminase SsdAtox, cFOOT-seq converts accessible cytosines to uracil while preserving genomic integrity, making it compatible with techniques like ATAC-seq for sensitive and cost-effective detection of TF occupancy at the single-molecule and single-cell level. Our approach enables the delineation of TF footprints, quantification of occupancy, and examination of chromatin influences on TF binding. Notably, cFOOT-seq, combined with FootTrack analysis, enables de novo prediction of TF binding sites and tracking of TF occupancy dynamics. We demonstrate its application in capturing cell type-specific TFs, analyzing TF dynamics during reprogramming, and revealing TF dependencies on chromatin remodelers. Overall, cFOOT-seq represents a robust approach for investigating the genome-wide dynamics of TF occupancy and elucidating the cis-regulatory architecture underlying gene regulation.
Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Humans ; Chromatin/genetics* ; Animals ; Binding Sites ; Mice ; DNA Footprinting/methods*

The genome tagging project (GTP) plays a pivotal role in addressing a critical gap in the understanding of protein functions. Within this framework, we successfully generated a human influenza hemagglutinin-tagged sperm-specific protein 411 (HA-tagged Ssp411) mouse model. This model is instrumental in probing the expression and function of Ssp411. Our research revealed that Ssp411 is expressed in the round spermatids, elongating spermatids, elongated spermatids, and epididymal spermatozoa. The comprehensive examination of the distribution of Ssp411 in these germ cells offers new perspectives on its involvement in spermiogenesis. Nevertheless, rigorous further inquiry is imperative to elucidate the precise mechanistic underpinnings of these functions. Ssp411 is not detectable in metaphase II (MII) oocytes, zygotes, or 2-cell stage embryos, highlighting its intricate role in early embryonic development. These findings not only advance our understanding of the role of Ssp411 in reproductive physiology but also significantly contribute to the overarching goals of the GTP, fostering groundbreaking advancements in the fields of spermiogenesis and reproductive biology.
Animals ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mice ; Spermatids/metabolism* ; Spermatogenesis/physiology* ; Spermatozoa/metabolism* ; Thioredoxins/genetics*

OBJECTIVE: Varied acupoint selections represent a potential cause of the uncertainty surrounding the efficacy of acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Skin temperature, a guiding factor for acupoint selection, may help to address this issue. This study explored thermal sensitization of acupoints used for the treatment of knee OA. METHODS: This cross-sectional case-control study enrolled cases aged 45-75 years with symptomatic knee OA and age- and gender-matched non-knee OA controls in a 1:1 ratio. All participants underwent infrared thermographic imaging. The primary outcome was the relative skin temperature of acupoint (STA), and the secondary outcome was the absolute STA of 11 acupoints. The Z test was used to compare the relative and absolute STAs between the groups. Principal component analysis was used to extract the common factors (CFs, acupoint cluster) in the STAs. A general linear model was used to identify factors affecting the STA in the knee OA cases. For the group comparisons of relative STA, P < 0.0045 (adjusted for 11 acupoints through Bonferroni correction) was considered to indicate statistical significance. For other analyses, P < 0.05 was used as the threshold for statistical significance. RESULTS: The analysis included 308 participants, consisting of 151 cases (mean age: [64.58 ± 6.67] years; male: 25.83%; mean body mass index: [25.70 ± 3.16] kg/m²) and 157 controls (mean age: [63.37 ± 5.96] years; male: 26.11%; mean body mass index: [24.47 ± 2.84] kg/m²). The relative STAs of ST34 (P = 0.0001), EX-LE2 (P < 0.0001), EX-LE5 (P = 0.0006), SP10 (P < 0.0001), BL40 (P = 0.0012) and GB39 (P = 0.0037) were higher in the knee OA group. No difference was found in the STAs of ST35, ST36, SP9, GB33 and GB34. Four CFs were identified for relative STA in both groups. The acupoints within each CF were consistent between the groups. The mean values of the relative STAs across each CF were higher in the knee OA group. In the knee OA cases, no factors were observed to affect the relative STA, while age and gender were found to affect the absolute STA. CONCLUSION Among patients with knee OA, thermal sensitization occurs in the acupoints of the lower extremity, exhibiting localized and regional thermal consistencies. The thermally sensitized acupoints that we identified in this study, ST34, SP10, EX-LE2, EX-LE5, GB39 and BL40, may be good choices for the acupuncture treatment of knee OA. Please cite this article as: Tu JF, Wang XZ, Yan SY, Wang YR, Yang JW, Shi GX, Zhang WZ, Jing LN, Yang LS, Liu DH, Wang LQ, Mi BH. Thermal sensitization of acupoints in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional case-control study. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 289-296.
Humans ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/physiopathology* ; Male ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Acupuncture Points ; Case-Control Studies ; Aged ; Skin Temperature ; Acupuncture Therapy

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of high-frequency irreversible electroporation (H-FIRE) in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Methods:This randomized controlled open-label multicenter clinical trial enrolled patients from nine medical centers in China between August 2020 and July 2022. Inclusion criteria: age 50–80 years, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≥12, maximum urinary flow rate (Q max) >5 ml/min and ≤15 ml/min. Exclusion criteria: prostate malignancy, contraindications to surgery or anesthesia. Patients were randomized 1∶1 into the H-FIRE group (experimental) or the control group (daily oral 0.2 mg tamsulosin hydrochloride sustained-release capsules). Primary outcomes included Q max, IPSS, prostate volume, and International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scores, measured at baseline, 1 and 3 months post-treatment. Results:A total of 160 cases were included in this study, including 80 cases in the experimental group and 80 cases in the control group, 30 cases in Renji Hospital, 7 cases in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 8 cases in Tongji Hospital, 3 cases in Hunan Provincial Hospital, 13 cases in Shanghai Pudong Hospital, 29 cases in Hwa Mei Hospital, 18 cases in Yiyuan County People's Hospital, and 38 cases in Shanghai East Hospital, and 14 cases in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital. At 3 months of post-treatment, Q max in the experimental group increased by a median of 7.50 (3.55, 14.50) ml/s from the baseline value, whereas in the control group it increased by a median of 1.70 (-1.40, 6.00) ml/s, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( P < 0.01, U = 1 083); and at 3 months of post-treatment, IPSS in the experimental group decreased by a median of 12.00 (7.00, 17.00) points in the test group and 6.00 (2.00, 11.00) points in the control group, and the magnitude of improvement in IPSS scores in the test group was significantly higher than that in the control group ( P < 0.01, U = 1 248); at 3 months of post-treatment, the prostate volume decreased by a median of 12.16 (5.69, 18.27) ml in the experimental group and 0 (-3.94, 6.89) ml in the control group, suggesting that H-FIRE significantly reduced prostate gland volume ( P<0.01, U=1 111). The difference in elevated IIEF-5 scores from baseline at 3 months of treatment between the experimental and control groups was not statistically significant[0(-2.00, 1.00) points vs. 0(-2.00, 1.50) points; P=0.54, U=2 338]. There were no serious adverse events in the two groups. Conclusions:H-FIRE could significantly improve both subjective and objective symptoms of BPH with a low risk of severe complications.

Objective:To investigate the curative effects of the ulnar artery perforator flap carrying 2 and more perforators of same source artery on reconstruction of defects in hand.Methods:A retrospective observational study was conducted on 13 patients with hand injuries combined with bone or tendon exposure and met the inclusion criteria of the study were admitted to the Department of Hand Surgery, Wuxi NO.9 People’s Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University between April 2022 and September 2023. The patients were 8 males and 5 females with a mean age of 45.7 (25-67) years. Seven hand injuries were caused by mechanical crushing, 2 by hot crushing and 4 by machine strangulation. After debridement, the sizes of defect were found at 5.4 cm×5.1 cm to 8.2 cm×7.5 cm. Dopplor ultrasound was applied to locate the perforators before surgery. Perforator flaps carrying cutaneous branches of ulnar artery proximal to the wrist were designed for reconstruction of the defects in hand. The flaps were 6.0 cm×5.5 cm-8.5 cm×8.0 cm in size. Donor sites were covered by the ulnar artery perforator flaps sized 5.3 cm×2.7 cm-8.2 cm×4.0 cm and carryied 2 and more perforators of the same source artery. During harvest of the flaps, the number and calibre of perforators carried by flap, the calibre of the main trunk of the superior carpal branch of the ulnar artery and the length of its pedicle were recorded. A total of 35 perforators with 0.35-0.95 mm in calibre carried by 13 perforator flaps of ulnar artery were successfully retained. Five of the 13 flaps carried the perforators with a calibre smaller than 0.50 mm. Overall, there were 7 flaps with 2 perforators per flap, 4 with 3 perforators per flap, 1 with 4 perforators and 1 with 5 perforators. The cutaneous branch of ulnar artery in a caliber of 0.75-1.35 mm and proximal to the wrist was dissected as the vascular pedicle with 30.0-45.0 mm in length. All patients were included in the schedueled postoperative at outpatient clinic to observe the appearance and sensation of the flaps, and the occurrence of complication.Results:All flaps survived and the wounds healed at first intention without vascular compromises, wound dehiscence or obvious swelling. All patients received 8 - 20 months of follow-up, with 15 months in average. Flaps presented good appearance and colour, with soft texture and without bloating. TPD of the first flap was 8-18 mm, with an average of 10.5 mm±0.5 mm and that of the second or relay flap was 7-15 mm, with an average of 9.5 mm±0.5 mm. According to British Medical Research Council (BMRC) system, the sensory evaluation of the recipient sites achieved S 4 in 5 flaps, S 3 in 9 flaps and S 2 in 12 flaps. Conclusion:The ulnar artery perforator flap with 2 and more perforators of the same source artery has sufficient and reliable blood supply and is effective in reconstruction of hand defects.

Spine fracture and dislocation are common traumatic spinal conditions that often require surgical intervention due to compromised spinal stability. Surgical approaches include anterior, posterior, and combined anterior-posterior spinal procedures. According to the specific surgical requirements, patients may be placed in the prone position or repositioned between prone and supine positions during surgery. Intraoperative repositioning has become an essential step in patient positioning. However, during repositioning, patients with spinal fracture and dislocation are at increased risk for complications such as hemodynamic instability, nerve injury, and pressure injuries to the skin and soft tissue. Notably, due to the instability of the spinal cord, even minor manipulations can further exacerbate the damage, potentially leading to severe outcomes like paraplegia. Although the current clinical guidelines provide instructive recommendations for standard position, there remains no specific protocols for intraoperative repositioning in patients with spine fracture and dislocation. With a concern for the lack of clinical studies on positioning techniques, risk prevention, and operational norms for special patients, no applicable guidelines or standards are available. A consensus was required to provide clinical reference, meet the requirements of surgical treatment, and minimize the safety risks of patients caused by improper placement of positions. Professional Committee of Operating Room Nursing of Shaanxi Nursing Association organized experts in nursing management and operating room nursing from major hospitals across China to formulate Expert consensus on intraoperative repositioning for patients with spinal fracture and dislocation ( version 2025). The consensus provides 11 recommendations covering pre-repositioning preparation, intraoperative maneuvers, and post-repositioning observation, aiming to provide references for clinical standardization of the intraoperative repositioning process and protection of patients′ safety.

BACKGROUND: Disease-modifying therapies have been approved for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). The present study aims to examine the safety of teriflunomide in Chinese patients with RMS. METHODS: This non-randomized, multi-center, 24-week, prospective study enrolled RMS patients with variant (c.421C>A) or wild type ABCG2 who received once-daily oral teriflunomide 14 mg. The primary endpoint was the relationship between ABCG2 polymorphisms and teriflunomide exposure over 24 weeks. Safety was assessed over the 24-week treatment with teriflunomide. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients were assigned to variant ( n  = 42) and wild type groups ( n  = 40), respectively. Geometric mean and geometric standard deviation (SD) of pre-dose concentration (variant, 54.9 [38.0] μg/mL; wild type, 49.1 [32.0] μg/mL) and area under plasma concentration-time curve over a dosing interval (AUC tau ) (variant, 1731.3 [769.0] μg∙h/mL; wild type, 1564.5 [1053.0] μg∙h/mL) values at steady state were approximately similar between the two groups. Safety profile was similar and well tolerated across variant and wild type groups in terms of rates of treatment emergent adverse events (TEAE), treatment-related TEAE, grade ≥3 TEAE, and serious adverse events (AEs). No new specific safety concerns or deaths were reported in the study. CONCLUSION: ABCG2 polymorphisms did not affect the steady-state exposure of teriflunomide, suggesting a similar efficacy and safety profile between variant and wild type RMS patients. REGISTRATION NCT04410965, https://clinicaltrials.gov .
Humans ; Crotonates/adverse effects* ; Toluidines/adverse effects* ; Nitriles ; Hydroxybutyrates ; Female ; Male ; Adult ; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 2/genetics* ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting/genetics* ; Prospective Studies ; Young Adult ; Neoplasm Proteins/genetics* ; East Asian People