Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality, characterized by poor prognosis due to its high proliferative and invasive potential. Tumor metabolic reprogramming, particularly involving glucose metabolism, is essential for tumor survival. This study investigates the role of the Hippo pathway effector transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in regulating gluconeogenesis and promoting tumorigenesis in HCC. Methods: TAZ expression in HCC was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas data and validated in clinical samples and cell lines. TAZ was overexpressed or silenced in HCC cell lines to evaluate its effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. The expression and prognostic relevance of the gluconeogenesis-related genes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC) were examined, along with their correlation with TAZ expression. Tumor growth was assessed in nude mice. Interactions between TAZ and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) were investigated using co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Results: TAZ was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. TAZ overexpression enhanced proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and promoted migration and invasion. In contrast, PCK1 and G6PC were downregulated in HCC and showed a negative correlation with TAZ expression. Conclusion TAZ modulates gluconeogenesis and accelerates tumor growth, whereas its knockdown attenuates tumor progression. TAZ interacts with GR, suppressing its transcriptional activity on gluconeogenic gene promoters.

In 2025,the International Association of Pancreatology(IAP),in collaboration with the American Pancreatic Association,European Pancreatic Club,Indian Pancreas Club,and Japan Pancreas Society,released the International Association of Pancreatology revised guidelines on acute pancreatitis 2025.This edition represents a comprehensive revision of the 2013 guidelines,based on high-quality evidence accumulated over the past decade,particularly randomized controlled trials.The guidelines encompass 18 key areas-including pain management,fluid therapy,nutritional support,management of infected necrosis,complication control,discharge and follow-up,and recurrence prevention-offering a total of 96 recommendations that emphasize individualized treatment.These updates provide important guidance for standardizing clinical practice and improving outcomes in acute pancreatitis,while also indicating future research directions such as the development of targeted therapies.However,some recommendations remain limited by lower evidence quality,uncertain applicability in specific clinical settings,and insufficient consideration of economic burden and cost-effectiveness.

Objective:To investigate the effects of backward walking observational training combined with Soundsory cognitive training based on PASS (P: planning; A: attention; S: simultaneous; S:successive) theory on cognitive function, balance function and self-efficacy in elderly patients with post-stroke mild cognitive impairment (MCI).Methods:A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Elderly patients with post-stroke MCI admitted to the Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University from December 2022 to November 2023 were selected as the study objects by convenience sampling method. The patients were divided into control group and observation group by random number table. The patients in the control group implemented routine care and rehabilitation training, while the observation group were implemented backward walking observational training combined with Soundsory cognitive training based on the PASS theory. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Brunel Balance, and the Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (SSEQ) were used to evaluate the intervention effect before intervention, 2 weeks and 4 weeks of intervention, respectively.Results:A total of 116 elderly patients with post-stroke MCI were included, comprising 58 patients in the observation group (32 males and 26 females), aged (73.47 ± 7.10) years, and 58 patients in the control group (33 males and 25 females), aged (72.72 ± 8.37) years. Before intervention, there were no significant differences in the total scores of MoCA, SSEQ and Brunel Balance Scale between the 2 groups (all P>0.05). At 2 and 4 weeks of intervention, the total score of MoCA in the observation group were (20.10 ± 2.73), (22.98 ± 2.98) points, which were higher than those of the control group (18.24 ± 2.84), (20.47 ± 3.29) points, the differences were statistically significant ( t=3.61, 4.32, both P<0.05). The total score of SSEQ in the observation group were (49.97 ± 7.73), (54.98 ± 7.88) points, which were higher than those in the control group (46.50 ± 8.69), (51.59 ± 6.10) points, the differences were statistically significant ( t=2.27, 2.60, both P<0.05). At 4 weeks of intervention, the Brunel Balance Scale score in the observation group was 11(9, 11) points, which was higher than 10(8, 11) points in the control group, the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-2.00, P<0.05). Conclusions:Backward walking observational training combined with Soundsory cognitive training based on PASS theory can effectively improve cognitive and balance functions, and enhance self-efficacy in elderly patients with post-stroke MCI.

In 2025,the International Association of Pancreatology(IAP),in collaboration with the American Pancreatic Association,European Pancreatic Club,Indian Pancreas Club,and Japan Pancreas Society,released the International Association of Pancreatology revised guidelines on acute pancreatitis 2025.This edition represents a comprehensive revision of the 2013 guidelines,based on high-quality evidence accumulated over the past decade,particularly randomized controlled trials.The guidelines encompass 18 key areas-including pain management,fluid therapy,nutritional support,management of infected necrosis,complication control,discharge and follow-up,and recurrence prevention-offering a total of 96 recommendations that emphasize individualized treatment.These updates provide important guidance for standardizing clinical practice and improving outcomes in acute pancreatitis,while also indicating future research directions such as the development of targeted therapies.However,some recommendations remain limited by lower evidence quality,uncertain applicability in specific clinical settings,and insufficient consideration of economic burden and cost-effectiveness.

BACKGROUND:Degeneration of nucleus pulposus cells is a key component of intervertebral disc degeneration.Ferroptosis,a novel form of programmed cell death,is closely associated with the onset and progression of intervertebral disc degeneration;however,its precise mechanisms remain unclear.OBJECTIVE:To establish an oxidative stress model in vitro by inducing ferroptosis in nucleus pulposus cells using tert-butyl hydroperoxide and to investigate the mechanisms of tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced ferroptosis in nucleus pulposus cells,thereby elucidating the role of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration.METHODS:Nucleus pulposus cells were treated with varying concentrations of tert-butyl hydroperoxide(0,25,50,100,and 200 μmol/L),and cell morphology and viability were assessed using fluorescence microscopy and the cell counting kit-8 assay.Interventions with 100 μmol/L tert-butyl hydroperoxide,10 μmol/L RSL3,or dimethylsulfoxide were applied to nucleus pulposus cells,and cell proliferation was evaluated using the EdU assay.The expression levels of ferroptosis-related proteins(glutathione peroxidase 4,ferritin heavy chain 1,PTGS2,and ACSL4)and intervertebral disc degeneration marker proteins(matrix metalloproteinase 13 and Col2A)were analyzed via western blot and immunofluorescence.Additionally,reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation levels were quantified using the reactive oxygen species detection kit and C11-BODIPY probe.Mitochondrial morphological changes were observed under transmission electron microscopy.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)tert-Butyl hydroperoxide treatment significantly reduced the viability and proliferation of nucleus pulposus cells.(2)tert-Butyl hydroperoxide induced typical ferroptosis-related morphological changes in nucleus pulposus cells.(3)tert-Butyl hydroperoxide exposure led to a decrease in the expression of ferroptosis-suppressing proteins glutathione peroxidase 4 and ferritin heavy chain 1,while increasing the expression of ferroptosis-promoting factors ACSL4 and PTGS2.(4)tert-Butyl hydroperoxide elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species production and lipid peroxidation levels in nucleus pulposus cells.(5)Transmission electron microscopy revealed ferroptosis-specific mitochondrial changes in nucleus pulposus cells treated with tert-butyl hydroperoxide,including contraction,reduced cristae,and increased membrane density.(6)tert-Butyl hydroperoxide treatment also resulted in the increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 and decreased expression of Col2A in nucleus pulposus cells.In conclusion,tert-butyl hydroperoxide induces ferroptosis in nucleus pulposus cells,contributing to the development of intervertebral disc degeneration.This process may represent a key pathological mechanism in intervertebral disc degeneration and offers potential targets for developing novel therapeutic strategies.

OBJCTIVE To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of intranasal administration of pirfeni-done in treating paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice across treatment durations.METHODS Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into six groups(n=8 per group):the normal control group(saline),pirfenidone control group,paraquat group,and three treatment groups receiving a combination of paraquat and pirfenidone for 15,10 and 5 d,respectively.Except the normal and pirfeni-done control groups,all the mice received intraperitoneal injection of paraquat(35 mg·kg-1)to induce pulmonary fibrosis.In the treatment groups,pirfenidone(20 mg·kg-1)was delivered intranasally once daily,beginning on days 1,6,and 11 post-paraquat exposure,until day 15.Fifteen days after paraquat exposure,pulmonary function tests,micro-CT imaging,and arterial blood gas analysis were performed.Histopathological changes and collagen fiber deposition in lung tissues were examined using HE and Masson staining respectively.The protein expression levels of fibrosis markers,including fibronectin(FN),collagen typeⅠ(CollⅠ),E-cadherin(E-cad),vimentin(Vim),and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),were detected by Western blotting.Additionally,inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines,such as tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6),IL-8,IL-1β,and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF),were quantified using ELISA.RESULTS Compared with the normal control group,mice treated with paraquat exhibited significant respiratory alterations,including prolonged expiratory time(TE),increased enhanced pause(PENH),and reduced tidal volume(TV).CT imaging revealed reticular high-density shadows and ground-glass opacities in paraquat-treated mice.Blood gas analysis showed reduced partial pressure of oxygen(PaO2),oxygen saturation of blood(SaO2),fractional oxygen saturation of hemoglobin(FO2 Hb),and central venous oxygen saturation(ScvO2),along with increased partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PaCO2)and fractional deoxyhemoglobin saturation(FHHb),indicating that mice exposed to para-quat exhibited severe hypoxemia and hypercapnia.Histological evaluation highlighted pronounced lung interstitial thickening,alveolar collapse,inflammatory infiltration,and extensive fibrotic changes marked by collagen accumulation.Furthermore,exposure to paraquat significantly increased the protein levels of FN,CollⅠ,vimentin,and α-SMA,markedly reduced E-cadherin levels and elevated the levels of inflam-matory cytokines(TNF-α,IL-6,IL-8 and IL-1β)as well as the pro-fibrotic cytokine CTGF.Pirfenidone treat-ment demonstrated time-dependent efficacy,with the 15 d group showing the most significant improvements in pulmonary function as evidenced by reduced PENH levels and increased TV,EV and MV.CT imaging revealed a decrease in high-density opacities and improved lung transparency after pirfenidone treatment.In addition,arterial blood gas measurements indicated markedly elevated levels of PaO2,SaO2 and FO2 Hb.Histological analysis showed that pirfenidone alleviated lung interstitial thick-ening,reduced inflammatory cell infiltration,and decreased collagen deposition.At the molecular level,pirfenidone significantly reduced the protein expressions of FN,CollⅠ,Vim and α-SMA,while increasing E-cad levels.Furthermore,inflammatory cytokines,particularly IL-6 and IL-1β,were notably suppressed following pirfenidone intervention.CONCLUSION Intranasal administration of pirfenidone can exhibit potent time-dependent anti-fibrotic efficacy in paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis,with early interven-tions delivering the most substantial therapeutic benefits.

The clinical data of a patient with differentiated thyroid carcinoma(DTC)who developed physiological thymic uptake after postoperative iodine-131(131I)therapy were analyzed,and the 3-year follow-up changes in the patient's condition were reviewed.Combined with the literatures and the diagnosis and treatment process,the causes of possible false positives in whole-body scans after iodine therapy for DTC and the mechanism,clinical features,and identification methods of benign thymic 131I uptake were discussed to improve clinicians' understanding and diagnostic ability regarding such conditions and avoid unnecessary multiple iodine treatments.The patient,a 28-year-old female,showed mediastinal imaging after the first 131I treatment,with more pronounced mediastinal iodine uptake during the second treatment.SPECT/CT localized the uptake to enlarged thymus tissue.The stimulated thyroglobulin(Tg)levels before two 131I treatments were high but gradually decreased.Apart from thymic uptake,no other examination evidence suggested DTC metastases.Subsequent follow-up for 3 years showed no pathological changes in the thymus,confirming physiological thymic uptake.Thymic 131I uptake is a common cause of false-positive whole-body scans in post-thyroidectomy patients.When post-131I therapy whole-body imaging shows only mediastinal uptake,especially in the young patients undergoing multiple 131I treatments where thymic 131I uptake intensity increases with successive treatments,even with elevated Tg levels,comprehensive use of imaging results such as SPECT/CT is essential to determine if it is normal thymus,thereby avoiding unnecessary repeated therapies.

Objective:To investigate the effects of backward walking observational training combined with Soundsory cognitive training based on PASS (P: planning; A: attention; S: simultaneous; S:successive) theory on cognitive function, balance function and self-efficacy in elderly patients with post-stroke mild cognitive impairment (MCI).Methods:A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Elderly patients with post-stroke MCI admitted to the Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University from December 2022 to November 2023 were selected as the study objects by convenience sampling method. The patients were divided into control group and observation group by random number table. The patients in the control group implemented routine care and rehabilitation training, while the observation group were implemented backward walking observational training combined with Soundsory cognitive training based on the PASS theory. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Brunel Balance, and the Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (SSEQ) were used to evaluate the intervention effect before intervention, 2 weeks and 4 weeks of intervention, respectively.Results:A total of 116 elderly patients with post-stroke MCI were included, comprising 58 patients in the observation group (32 males and 26 females), aged (73.47 ± 7.10) years, and 58 patients in the control group (33 males and 25 females), aged (72.72 ± 8.37) years. Before intervention, there were no significant differences in the total scores of MoCA, SSEQ and Brunel Balance Scale between the 2 groups (all P>0.05). At 2 and 4 weeks of intervention, the total score of MoCA in the observation group were (20.10 ± 2.73), (22.98 ± 2.98) points, which were higher than those of the control group (18.24 ± 2.84), (20.47 ± 3.29) points, the differences were statistically significant ( t=3.61, 4.32, both P<0.05). The total score of SSEQ in the observation group were (49.97 ± 7.73), (54.98 ± 7.88) points, which were higher than those in the control group (46.50 ± 8.69), (51.59 ± 6.10) points, the differences were statistically significant ( t=2.27, 2.60, both P<0.05). At 4 weeks of intervention, the Brunel Balance Scale score in the observation group was 11(9, 11) points, which was higher than 10(8, 11) points in the control group, the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-2.00, P<0.05). Conclusions:Backward walking observational training combined with Soundsory cognitive training based on PASS theory can effectively improve cognitive and balance functions, and enhance self-efficacy in elderly patients with post-stroke MCI.

BACKGROUND:Degeneration of nucleus pulposus cells is a key component of intervertebral disc degeneration.Ferroptosis,a novel form of programmed cell death,is closely associated with the onset and progression of intervertebral disc degeneration;however,its precise mechanisms remain unclear.OBJECTIVE:To establish an oxidative stress model in vitro by inducing ferroptosis in nucleus pulposus cells using tert-butyl hydroperoxide and to investigate the mechanisms of tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced ferroptosis in nucleus pulposus cells,thereby elucidating the role of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration.METHODS:Nucleus pulposus cells were treated with varying concentrations of tert-butyl hydroperoxide(0,25,50,100,and 200 μmol/L),and cell morphology and viability were assessed using fluorescence microscopy and the cell counting kit-8 assay.Interventions with 100 μmol/L tert-butyl hydroperoxide,10 μmol/L RSL3,or dimethylsulfoxide were applied to nucleus pulposus cells,and cell proliferation was evaluated using the EdU assay.The expression levels of ferroptosis-related proteins(glutathione peroxidase 4,ferritin heavy chain 1,PTGS2,and ACSL4)and intervertebral disc degeneration marker proteins(matrix metalloproteinase 13 and Col2A)were analyzed via western blot and immunofluorescence.Additionally,reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation levels were quantified using the reactive oxygen species detection kit and C11-BODIPY probe.Mitochondrial morphological changes were observed under transmission electron microscopy.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)tert-Butyl hydroperoxide treatment significantly reduced the viability and proliferation of nucleus pulposus cells.(2)tert-Butyl hydroperoxide induced typical ferroptosis-related morphological changes in nucleus pulposus cells.(3)tert-Butyl hydroperoxide exposure led to a decrease in the expression of ferroptosis-suppressing proteins glutathione peroxidase 4 and ferritin heavy chain 1,while increasing the expression of ferroptosis-promoting factors ACSL4 and PTGS2.(4)tert-Butyl hydroperoxide elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species production and lipid peroxidation levels in nucleus pulposus cells.(5)Transmission electron microscopy revealed ferroptosis-specific mitochondrial changes in nucleus pulposus cells treated with tert-butyl hydroperoxide,including contraction,reduced cristae,and increased membrane density.(6)tert-Butyl hydroperoxide treatment also resulted in the increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 and decreased expression of Col2A in nucleus pulposus cells.In conclusion,tert-butyl hydroperoxide induces ferroptosis in nucleus pulposus cells,contributing to the development of intervertebral disc degeneration.This process may represent a key pathological mechanism in intervertebral disc degeneration and offers potential targets for developing novel therapeutic strategies.

OBJCTIVE To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of intranasal administration of pirfeni-done in treating paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice across treatment durations.METHODS Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into six groups(n=8 per group):the normal control group(saline),pirfenidone control group,paraquat group,and three treatment groups receiving a combination of paraquat and pirfenidone for 15,10 and 5 d,respectively.Except the normal and pirfeni-done control groups,all the mice received intraperitoneal injection of paraquat(35 mg·kg-1)to induce pulmonary fibrosis.In the treatment groups,pirfenidone(20 mg·kg-1)was delivered intranasally once daily,beginning on days 1,6,and 11 post-paraquat exposure,until day 15.Fifteen days after paraquat exposure,pulmonary function tests,micro-CT imaging,and arterial blood gas analysis were performed.Histopathological changes and collagen fiber deposition in lung tissues were examined using HE and Masson staining respectively.The protein expression levels of fibrosis markers,including fibronectin(FN),collagen typeⅠ(CollⅠ),E-cadherin(E-cad),vimentin(Vim),and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),were detected by Western blotting.Additionally,inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines,such as tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6),IL-8,IL-1β,and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF),were quantified using ELISA.RESULTS Compared with the normal control group,mice treated with paraquat exhibited significant respiratory alterations,including prolonged expiratory time(TE),increased enhanced pause(PENH),and reduced tidal volume(TV).CT imaging revealed reticular high-density shadows and ground-glass opacities in paraquat-treated mice.Blood gas analysis showed reduced partial pressure of oxygen(PaO2),oxygen saturation of blood(SaO2),fractional oxygen saturation of hemoglobin(FO2 Hb),and central venous oxygen saturation(ScvO2),along with increased partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PaCO2)and fractional deoxyhemoglobin saturation(FHHb),indicating that mice exposed to para-quat exhibited severe hypoxemia and hypercapnia.Histological evaluation highlighted pronounced lung interstitial thickening,alveolar collapse,inflammatory infiltration,and extensive fibrotic changes marked by collagen accumulation.Furthermore,exposure to paraquat significantly increased the protein levels of FN,CollⅠ,vimentin,and α-SMA,markedly reduced E-cadherin levels and elevated the levels of inflam-matory cytokines(TNF-α,IL-6,IL-8 and IL-1β)as well as the pro-fibrotic cytokine CTGF.Pirfenidone treat-ment demonstrated time-dependent efficacy,with the 15 d group showing the most significant improvements in pulmonary function as evidenced by reduced PENH levels and increased TV,EV and MV.CT imaging revealed a decrease in high-density opacities and improved lung transparency after pirfenidone treatment.In addition,arterial blood gas measurements indicated markedly elevated levels of PaO2,SaO2 and FO2 Hb.Histological analysis showed that pirfenidone alleviated lung interstitial thick-ening,reduced inflammatory cell infiltration,and decreased collagen deposition.At the molecular level,pirfenidone significantly reduced the protein expressions of FN,CollⅠ,Vim and α-SMA,while increasing E-cad levels.Furthermore,inflammatory cytokines,particularly IL-6 and IL-1β,were notably suppressed following pirfenidone intervention.CONCLUSION Intranasal administration of pirfenidone can exhibit potent time-dependent anti-fibrotic efficacy in paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis,with early interven-tions delivering the most substantial therapeutic benefits.