Background/Aims: Dysregulated cholesterol metabolism is a hallmark of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that drives tumor initiation and progression. However, clinical targeting of cholesterol metabolism has yielded limited benefits due to stringent feedback in tumor cells. Identifying a central mediator capable of restoring cholesterol homeostasis within the cell’s intrinsically fine-tuned regulatory framework is urgently needed. Methods: We integrated a proteomic dataset from patients with cholesterol-dysregulated HCC into a global cholesterol metabolic regulatory network to identify potential therapeutic targets for disrupted cholesterol homeostasis. The prognostic significance of the candidate targets was further validated in an independent cohort through immunohistochemistry. Functional and mechanistic studies were conducted in vitro using HCC cell lines and in vivo using mouse models. The pharmacological efficacy of the candidate agent was evaluated in both subcutaneous and orthotopic HCC mouse models. Results: ER lipid raft-associated 1 (ERLIN1), a pivotal regulator of cholesterol metabolism reprogramming, was identified as an independent favorable prognostic indicator in HCC. ERLIN1 constrains HCC progression both in vitro and in vivo by stabilizing the INSIG1–SCAP–SREBP2 axis and maintaining the metabolic balance of intracellular cholesterol. Under hypoxia, impaired factor-inhibiting hypoxia-1-dependent hydroxylation of ASB11 at asparagine residues 90 and 92 enhances ASB11-mediated ERLIN1 degradation. Pharmacological targeting of this axis using zoledronic acid (ZoA) attenuated HCC progression by weakening the ASB11–ERLIN1 interaction and restoring cholesterol homeostasis. Conclusions ERLIN1 represents a druggable metabolic vulnerability in cholesterol-dysregulated HCC. Targeting the ASB11–ERLIN1 axis with the clinically approved ZoA reestablishes cholesterol homeostasis and offers a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome the current limitations of cholesterol-targeted HCC therapies.

OBJECTIVES: Wild-caught Microtus fortis (M. fortis) at the age of 9-15 months can develop epithelial ovarian cancers similar to human epithelial ovarian cancers under natural conditions during experimental animal breeding, but its pathological types and biological characteristics remain unclear. This study aims to analyze the biological characteristics of spontaneous ovarian cancer in M. fortis, intending to develop M. fortis as an animal model for human epithelial ovarian cancer. METHODS: The female M. fortis (9-15 months old) with spontaneous ovarian cancer were selected as the experimental group, and healthy M. fortis from the same litter were selected as the control group. The ovarian pathological changes of the two groups were observed by dissection. Blood routine and biochemical indicators were measured by biochemical analysis. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe the pathological changes in the ovarian cancer tissue of M. fortis. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the protein expression of common ovarian cancer markers, and real-time RT-PCR was used to analyze the transcription levels of ovarian cancer-related genes. RESULTS: Spontaneous ovarian cancer in M. fortis mainly affects both ovaries, with tumors appearing solid or cystic. HE staining and histopathological analysis confirmed that the ovarian tumors originated from ovarian surface epithelium. Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed significantly decreased hemoglobin (P<0.01), hematocrit (P<0.05), albumin (P<0.05), and blood glucose levels (P<0.01), while lymphocyte percentage (P<0.05), monocyte percentage (P<0.05), cholesterol (P<0.01), and progesterone (P<0.01) levels were significantly increased. Expression of ovarian cancer-related genes, including ID3, CDC42, RHOA, RB1CC1, NF1, PIN1, MIB1, PDS5A, MCM7, and MLH1, was significantly downregulated (all P<0.05), while PAX8 gene expression was significantly upregulated (P<0.05). Immunohistochemical results showed that Wilms' tumor gene 1 (WT1) protein was mainly distributed throughout the cell, with significantly higher expression in ovarian cancer M. fortis. Tumor protein 53 (TP53) was expressed in both healthy and ovarian cancer M. fortis and was distributed throughout the cell. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 beta (HNF1B) and progesterone receptor (PR) protein were highly expressed in the ovarian tissue of healthy M. fortis but were significantly reduced in the ovarian cancer M. fortis, though both were located in the cytoplasm. CONCLUSIONS Spontaneous ovarian cancer in M. fortis is serous ovarian cancer. Compared to healthy M. fortis, significant differences were observed in ovarian tissue morphology, biochemical indicators, ovarian cancer-related gene expression, and protein expression, which show similarity to the biological characteristics of human serous ovarian cancer. This suggests that M. fortis could be an ideal animal model for studying human serous ovarian cancer.
Female ; Ovarian Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Animals ; Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial ; Disease Models, Animal ; Humans ; Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial/metabolism* ; Ovary/pathology*

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers are characterized by exceptional mechanical strength, and textiles blended with cotton fibers combine both comfort and durability, showcasing widespread use in daily applications. However, improper disposal of discarded polyester-cotton textiles has resulted in severe environmental pollution, necessitating urgent and effective mitigation strategies. Enzymatic recycling of textiles offers superior environmental benefits and holds greater potential for industrial applications than alternative recycling methods. This study aims to explore a large-scale solution for the treatment of waste textiles, particularly addressing the challenge of resource recovery from polyester-cotton blended fabrics. An innovative enzymatic depolymerization process has been developed to achieve the recovery of high-purity terephthalic acid monomers. Experiments were conducted on three different textile blends with polyester-to-cotton ratios of 65/35, 70/30, and 80/20, and the influences of different colors on the process were investigated. Initially, the textiles were pretreated through mechanical grinding, which was followed by depolymerization of cotton fibers with commercial cellulase. The crystallinity of PET in the textiles was reduced through a rapid heating and cooling process. Subsequently, the PET was depolymerized by the engineered PET hydrolase. The results demonstrated that after decolorization and separation of terephthalic acid (TPA) from the reaction system, the monomer recovery rates for the three textile blends (65/35, 70/30, and 80/20) reached 90%, 91%, and 92%, respectively. Characterization analysis by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) confirmed that the purity of the recovered TPA was greater than 99%. In conclusion, the fully enzymatic recycling process developed in this study shows considerable promise for large-scale industrial applications and is anticipated to significantly advance the adoption and development of enzymatic recycling technologies for PET in industrial processes.
Phthalic Acids/chemistry* ; Polyesters/chemistry* ; Textiles ; Cotton Fiber ; Polyethylene Terephthalates/chemistry* ; Cellulase/chemistry* ; Recycling/methods* ; Polymerization

Objective To investigate the effects of Zhuang medicinal thread moxibustion on apoptosis of interstitial cells of Cajal(ICC)in gastric smooth muscle of diabetic gastroparesis(DGP)rats via regulation of the p38MAPK signaling pathway.Methods Totally 60 rats were randomly divided into a blank group(10 rats)and a modeling group(50 rats).DGP models were established in the modeling group via intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin.50 successfully modeled rats were further randomized into model group,Western medication group,prevention+treatment group,prevention group and treatment group,with 10 rats in each group.The Western medication group was administered mosapride citrate by gavage for 3 weeks starting at week 10;the prevention+treatment group underwent Zhuang medicinal thread moxibustion("Zhongwan",bilateral"Neiguan"and"Zusanli")intervention for 6 weeks starting at week 7;the prevention group received Zhuang medicinal thread moxibustion for 3 weeks starting at week 7;and the treatment group received Zhuang medicinal thread moxibustion for 3 weeks starting at week 10,3 cones per point,once a day;the blank group and model group received handling only.The random blood glucose and body mass of rats were detected,and the gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate were calculated.HE staining was used to observe the morphology of gastric smooth muscle tissue,TUNEL staining was used to detect the apoptosis of gastric smooth muscle tissue,ELISA was used to detect the contents of Caspase-3,TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in gastric smooth muscle tissue,immunohistochemistry was used to detect the positive expressions of Cx43 and c-kit in gastric smooth muscle tissue,Western blot was used to detect the expressions of p38MAPK,p-p38MAPK,BAX and Bcl-2 protein in gastric smooth muscle tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the random blood glucose significantly increased in the model group(P<0.01),and the body mass,gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate significantly decreased(P<0.01),the blood vessels of gastric tissue were not clear,the surface was not smooth,the mucosal folds were less,the arrangement of gastric smooth muscle cells was disordered,the nuclear membrane was not clear,and there were vacuole like changes between cells,the apoptosis rate significantly increased(P<0.01),the contents of Caspase-3,TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6 and the protein expressions of p38MAPK,p-p38MAPK and BAX in gastric smooth muscle tissue significantly increased(P<0.01),and the positive expressions of Cx43,c-kit,the protein expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-2/BAX ratio significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the random blood glucose of rats in each intervention group decreased,and the body mass,gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate increased(P<0.01),the blood vessels of gastric tissue were clear,the inner surface of stomach was smooth,the mucosal folds were not rich,no ulcer was found,the shape of gastric smooth muscle cells was complete,the nuclear membrane was clear,and the arrangement of muscle cells was regular,the apoptosis rate significantly decreased(P<0.01),the contents of Caspase-3,TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6 and the expressions of p38MAPK,p-p38MAPK,BAX protein in gastric smooth muscle tissue decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the positive expressions of Cx43,c-kit,the protein expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-2/BAX ratio increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).The overall effect of the prevention+treatment group was better than that of the Western medication group,prevention group and treatment group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Zhuang medicinal thread moxibustion may reduce gastric inflammation and ICC apoptosis in DGP rats by inhibiting p38MAPK signaling pathway,so as to improve DGP gastric motility disorder,and the effect of early intervention is more significant.

Objective To investigate the effects of Zhuang medicinal thread moxibustion on apoptosis of interstitial cells of Cajal(ICC)in gastric smooth muscle of diabetic gastroparesis(DGP)rats via regulation of the p38MAPK signaling pathway.Methods Totally 60 rats were randomly divided into a blank group(10 rats)and a modeling group(50 rats).DGP models were established in the modeling group via intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin.50 successfully modeled rats were further randomized into model group,Western medication group,prevention+treatment group,prevention group and treatment group,with 10 rats in each group.The Western medication group was administered mosapride citrate by gavage for 3 weeks starting at week 10;the prevention+treatment group underwent Zhuang medicinal thread moxibustion("Zhongwan",bilateral"Neiguan"and"Zusanli")intervention for 6 weeks starting at week 7;the prevention group received Zhuang medicinal thread moxibustion for 3 weeks starting at week 7;and the treatment group received Zhuang medicinal thread moxibustion for 3 weeks starting at week 10,3 cones per point,once a day;the blank group and model group received handling only.The random blood glucose and body mass of rats were detected,and the gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate were calculated.HE staining was used to observe the morphology of gastric smooth muscle tissue,TUNEL staining was used to detect the apoptosis of gastric smooth muscle tissue,ELISA was used to detect the contents of Caspase-3,TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 in gastric smooth muscle tissue,immunohistochemistry was used to detect the positive expressions of Cx43 and c-kit in gastric smooth muscle tissue,Western blot was used to detect the expressions of p38MAPK,p-p38MAPK,BAX and Bcl-2 protein in gastric smooth muscle tissue.Results Compared with the blank group,the random blood glucose significantly increased in the model group(P<0.01),and the body mass,gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate significantly decreased(P<0.01),the blood vessels of gastric tissue were not clear,the surface was not smooth,the mucosal folds were less,the arrangement of gastric smooth muscle cells was disordered,the nuclear membrane was not clear,and there were vacuole like changes between cells,the apoptosis rate significantly increased(P<0.01),the contents of Caspase-3,TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6 and the protein expressions of p38MAPK,p-p38MAPK and BAX in gastric smooth muscle tissue significantly increased(P<0.01),and the positive expressions of Cx43,c-kit,the protein expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-2/BAX ratio significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the random blood glucose of rats in each intervention group decreased,and the body mass,gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate increased(P<0.01),the blood vessels of gastric tissue were clear,the inner surface of stomach was smooth,the mucosal folds were not rich,no ulcer was found,the shape of gastric smooth muscle cells was complete,the nuclear membrane was clear,and the arrangement of muscle cells was regular,the apoptosis rate significantly decreased(P<0.01),the contents of Caspase-3,TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6 and the expressions of p38MAPK,p-p38MAPK,BAX protein in gastric smooth muscle tissue decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the positive expressions of Cx43,c-kit,the protein expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-2/BAX ratio increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).The overall effect of the prevention+treatment group was better than that of the Western medication group,prevention group and treatment group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Zhuang medicinal thread moxibustion may reduce gastric inflammation and ICC apoptosis in DGP rats by inhibiting p38MAPK signaling pathway,so as to improve DGP gastric motility disorder,and the effect of early intervention is more significant.

Objective:To observe the inhibiting effects of manual acupuncture(MA)on bladder cell apoptosis in rats with diabetic neurogenic bladder(DNB)based on the protein and mRNA expression of B-cell lymphoma-leukemia(Bcl)-2,Bcl-2-associated X(Bax)protein,caspase-3,and the protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),transforming growth factor(TGF)-β in the bladder tissue. Methods:A DNB rat model was established via intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(STZ).The rats were randomly divided into a control group,a model group,and an MA group,with 10 rats in each group.For the MA group,MA was applied after modeling.The body mass,fasting blood glucose(FBG),bladder wet weight,and bladder histomorphology were observed.Protein and mRNA expression levels of Bcl-2,Bax,and caspase-3 and the protein expression of α-SMA and TGF-β in the bladder tissue were determined.The apoptotic index of bladder cells was also evaluated. Results:After STZ injection,compared with the control group,the model group and the MA group both showed higher FBG from week 3 and lower body mass from week 9(P<0.05),and had a larger bladder wet weight(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the MA group showed a smaller bladder wet weight(P<0.05).The histopathological evaluation indicated that MA improved muscle fiber alignment and detrusor cell compensatory hypertrophy in the bladder tissue.In addition,compared with the control group,the apoptotic index increased significantly in the model group and the MA group(P<0.05);the protein and mRNA expression levels of Bax and caspase-3 and the protein expression level of TGF-β in the bladder tissue in the model group and the MA group increased significantly(P<0.05),while the protein and mRNA expression levels of Bcl-2 and the protein expression level of α-SMA in the bladder tissue decreased significantly(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the apoptotic index of the MA group decreased significantly(P<0.05);the protein and mRNA expression levels of Bax and caspase-3 and the protein expression level of TGF-β in the bladder tissue decreased significantly(P<0.05),while the protein and mRNA expression levels of Bcl-2 and the protein expression level of α-SMA in the bladder tissue increased significantly(P<0.05). Conclusion:MA can protect the bladder by inhibiting the excessive apoptosis of bladder cells,which may be related to the down-regulation of Bax and caspase-3 proteins and mRNAs and TGF-β protein expression,and the up-regulation of Bcl-2 protein and mRNA and α-SMA protein expression.

Objective:The establish a standardized training assessment indicator system for young teachers in medical colleges and universities, and to improve the quality of training.Methods:A preliminary assessment indicator system was established through literature analysis and small-sample expert interviews, and then the Delphi method was used to conduct consultation with 40 experts familiar with the standardized training of young teachers in medical colleges and universities. The assessment indicator system was modified based on the opinions of the experts, and consultation was conducted again until basically consistent opinions were obtained from the experts. The analytic hierarchy process was used to assign weights to each indicator, and SPSS 17.0 was used for data analysis and processing.Results:After two rounds of expert consultation, 35 experts agreed with each indicator at a rate of more than 90%, and their opinions were basically consistent. The weight variation coefficient (W value) of each indicator ranged from 0.00 to 0.15, indicating a high degree of concentration. Finally, a standardized training assessment indicator system was established for young teachers, which consisted of 4 first-level indicators, 11 second-level indicators, and 35 third-level indicators.Conclusions:This assessment indicator system provides a basis for scientific evaluation of the quality of standardized training for young teachers in medical colleges and universities and improves the quality and efficiency of standardized training for young teachers by "promoting construction through evaluation and promoting supervision through evaluation".

By binding alpha-particle to ligands, targeted alpha-particle therapy illuminates the diseased tissue, using the radiographic energy and the range in the tissues of nuclides, and avoids damage to normal tissue to obtain the expected therapeutic effect, which is mainly used for tumor treatment. Targeted ligands are ideal drug carriers to deliver alpha-particle to the target to kill tumor cells accurately. In recent years, there have been some progresses in the research of α-radionuclide drug-based targeted ligands in nanomaterials, which have improved drug delivery and off-target effects. By summarizing the current research status, it is expected to provide reference for the development of alpha-particle drug delivery in the industry.

Objective:To study the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical manifestations of intraspinal echinococcosis.Methods:The general conditions, MRI and clinical manifestations of 23 patients with intraspinal echinococcosis diagnosed by pathology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from September 2011 to May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:There were 10 males and 13 females of the 23 patients with intraspinal echinococcosis. The age of the patients was (44.1 ± 13.9) years old, with a median age of 41 years old and a range of 25 to 72 years old. Eleven patients (47.8%) had a history of echinococcosis in the spine or other parts of the body. Among the 23 patients with intraspinal echinococcosis, 12 cases (52.2%) involved thoracic segment, 6 cases (26.1%) involved lumbar segment, 1 case (4.3%) involved sacral segment, 1 case (4.3%) involved thoracolumbar segment, 2 cases (8.7%) involved lumbosacral segment, and 1 case (4.3%) involved cervical and lumbar segment. There were 2 cases (8.7%) involving the intramedullary, 9 cases (39.1%) involving the extramedullary subdural, and 12 cases (52.2%) involving the extramedullary epidural. At the same time, 18 cases (78.3%) involved adjacent vertebral bodies, accessories or surrounding soft tissues. Intramedullary cystic echinococcosis was characterized by multiple nodules at the lower end of the spinal cord and the cauda equina nerve on MRI, with equal or low signal on T1WI, slightly high signals on T2WI and short time of inversion recovery (STIR), accompanied by small vesicles with high signal on T2WI. Intramedullary alveolar echinococcosis was characterized by nodular T1WI signals, slightly lower signals on T2WI and STIR, and circular enhancement on enhanced scan. Extramedullary subdural echinococcosis was mostly manifested as oval small vesicles with low signal on T1WI and high signal on T2WI, with a grape string-like appearance, and the capsular wall with low signal on T2WI could be seen at the edge. Extramedullary epidural echinococcosis was manifested as slightly low signal on T1WI, high signals on T2WI and STIR, accompanied by single or multiple small vesicles with high signal on T2WI, and compression of the dural sac. The clinical manifestations were chest and back, lumbosacral pain in 21 cases (91.3%), and lower limb dysfunction in 6 cases (26.1%).Conclusions:Intraspinal echinococcosis is relatively rare compared with other sites. When MRI features are clear, typical clinical manifestations are present, or there is a history of echinococcosis in other sites, intraspinal echinococcosis should be considered.

Objective To explore the acupoint selection rules in the treatment of perimenopausal syndrome(PMS)with acupuncture by using data mining technology.Methods The clinical research literature on acupuncture treatment of PMS was retrieved from CNKI,Wanfang Data,VIP,CBM,Cochrane Library,Embase,PubMed and ScienceDirect from the establishment of the databases to August 16,2023.Excel 2021 was used to establish a prescription database for acupuncture treatment of PMS,and frequency statistics and classification of acupoints were conducted.SPSS Modeler 18.0 and SPSS Statistics 26.0 software were used to conduct association rules,clustering analysis and decision tree analysis,to explore the characteristics and compatibility rules of acupoint selection in acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of PMS.Results Totally 114 articles were included,including 115 acupoint prescriptions,and 108 acupoints with a total frequency of 787.The high-frequency acupoints were Sanyinjiao,Guanyuan,Shenshu,etc.The commonly used meridians were the bladder meridian and Conception Vessel.The majority specific acupoints were intersection acupoints,wu-shu points and back-shu points.The involved acupoints were mostly located in the lower limbs,abdomen and back.Acupuncture techniques often used the method of flat reinforcement and reduction,with the most commonly used waveform of electroacupuncture being the dilatational wave and the duration of needle retention being 10-30 minutes.The decision tree selected three simplified selection paths based on the dependent variable of Guanyuan.The core acupoints group was analyzed,and 14 groups of association rules and 7 effective cluster groups were obtained.Conclusion Acupuncture treatment of PMS follows the therapeutic principles of tonifying the kidney and harmonizing yin and yang.The acupoint combinations and core acupoint groups obtained from data mining can provide reference for clinical and scientific research.