ObjectiveTo explore the effect of oral sodium butyrate on skeletal muscle atrophy in CT26 tumor mice through the gut microbiota-skeletal muscle axis and its potential mechanism. MethodsSixty SPF BALB/c male mice aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into a normal control group (NC, n=18) and a ABX-depleted group (ABX, n=42). The ABX mice were pretreated with a quadruple antibiotic cocktail via oral gavage (0.2 ml per administration, once daily, 6 d per week, for 2 weeks), whereas NC received an equal volume of sterile water. The quadruple antibiotic cocktail consisted of metronidazole (1 g/L), vancomycin (0.5 g/L), ampicillin (1 g/L), and gentamicin (1 g/L). Following successful pretreatment, six mice from each group were randomly selected for gut microbiota sequencing analysis and designated as the Abx group and the NC0 group, respectively. Theremaining mice in ABX were subcutaneously inoculated in the dorsum with 0.2 ml of CT26 cell suspension (at a cell density of 1×10⁷/ml). Then these mice were randomly allocated into three subgroups: a control tumor bearing model group (0_NaB, n=12), a tumor-bearing model group receiving low-dose oral sodium butyrate (L_NaB, n=12), a tumor-bearing model group receiving high-dose oral sodium butyrate (H_NaB, n=12). And mice in NC were inoculated at the same site with 0.2 ml of normal saline. The administration dose for L_NaB was 0.3 g/(kg·d), that for H_NaB was 0.5 g/(kg·d), while NC and 0_NaB were given the same volume of normal saline (0.2ml per time, once daily, 6 d per week, for 4 weeks). The general condition of mice was monitored, and forelimb grip strength gastrocnemius muscle mass and its muscle fiber cross-sectional area were measured for each group. The structural changes in gut microbiota were assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing of cecal contents. Pathological alterations in the intestinal wall were examined via HE staining. Serum and gastrocnemius muscle levels of TNF‑α, IL-6, IL-1β, and LPS were quantified using ELISA. The protein expression of ZO-1 and occludin in the small intestine, as well as proteins associated with the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in the gastrocnemius muscle, were detected by Western blot analysis. Results(1) The alpha-diversity in Abx was significantly lower than that in NC0 (P<0.01), a significant decrease of the mass and muscle fiber cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius (P<0.01), with the majority of gut microbiota being effectively depleted. (2) Compared with NC, the subcutaneous tumors of mice in 0_NaB were prominent, a significant increase of the mass and muscle fiber cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius, accompanied by a significant decrease in body weight at the end of the 3th and 4th week (P<0.05), and a significant weakening of the forelimb grasping strength at the 5th and 6th week (P<0.01). Compared with 0_NaB, the tumor mass of mice in L_NaB and H_NaB showed a significant decreasing trend, and the grip strength of the forelimbs significantly increased at the 5th and 6th week (P<0.05, P<0.01). (3) Compared with 0_NaB, the Shannon and Observed species indices in α diversity of L_NaB and H_NaB were significantly increased (P<0.05). At the genus level, compared with 0_NaB, L_NaB exhibited a significant decrease in the relative abundance of Parasutterella (P< 0.01), while H_NaB showed significant reductions in the relative abundances of both Escherichia-Shigella and Parasutterella (P < 0.01). (4) Compared with 0_NaB, the small intestinal tissue structure in L_NaB and H_NaB was more intact, the infiltration of inflammatory cells was significantly reduced, and the capillaries were slightly dilated. The expression levels of ZO-1 and occludin proteins in L_NaB were significantly increased (P<0.01). (5) The LPS concentration in the gastrocnemius muscle and the protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, p-IκBα, and p-NF‑κB p65 in L_NaB and H_NaB were significantly lower than those in 0_NaB (P<0.05). The serum TNF‑α concentration in H_NaB and TNF-α concentration in the gastrocnemius muscle of the L_NaB and H_NaB were significantly lower than those in 0_NaB (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.01). ConclusionOral administration of NaB can improve gut microbiota α diversity, adjusting its composition, improving intestinal mucosal barrier function, reducing the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory response, and delaying skeletal muscle atrophy. The underlying mechanism may involve down regulation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling in skeletal muscle.

The Golgi body, a core organelle in eukaryotic cells, plays a critical role in protein modification, sorting, vesicular transport, and serves as a key site for lipid synthesis and glycosylation. Glucose and lipid metabolism are central processes for cellular energy maintenance and biosynthesis, and are closely linked to Golgi function. Recent studies have revealed the extensive involvement of the Golgi body in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, where maintaining its structural and functional homeostasis is crucial for normal physiological activity. Under various stress conditions such as acidosis, hypoxia, and nutrient deficiency, the Golgi body undergoes structural and functional disruption, leading to Golgi stress. This in turn activates specific signaling pathways, such as those mediated by the cAMP-responsive element binding protein 3 (CREB3) and proteoglycans, to alleviate Golgi stress and enhance Golgi function. Golgi stress contributes to glucose and lipid metabolic disorders by affecting the activity of insulin receptors, glucose transporters, and lipid metabolism-related enzymes. For example, Golgi stress triggers the cleavage and release of the active fragment of CREB3, which enters the nucleus and upregulates the transcription of ADP-ribosylation factor 4 (ARF4) and key gluconeogenic enzymes, including phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase). ARF4 promotes vesicle retrograde transport between the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum, maintains secretory capacity, and enhances hepatic glucose output. This pathway is particularly active under high-fat or lipotoxic stress, leading to fasting hyperglycemia. When damaged Golgi components accumulate beyond a tolerable threshold, the cell initiates an autophagic response, selectively encapsulating the damaged Golgi into autophagosomes, which then fuse with lysosomes to form autolysosomes, leading to Golgiphagy. This process results in the degradation and clearance of damaged Golgi, thereby regulating Golgi quantity, quality, and function. Golgiphagy also plays a significant role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. For instance, under high-glucose conditions, autophagic flux may be suppressed, impairing the timely clearance and renewal of damaged Golgi, compromising its normal function, and further exacerbating glucose metabolism disorders. Additionally, Golgiphagy may participate in lipid degradation and influence lipid synthesis and transport. Research indicates that Golgi stress and Golgiphagy play important roles in glucose and lipid metabolism-related diseases. For example, the leucine zipper protein (LZIP) under Golgi stress conditions can promote hepatic steatosis. In mouse primary cells and human tissues, LZIP induces the expression of apolipoprotein A-IV (APOA4), which increases peripheral free fatty acid uptake, resulting in lipid accumulation in the liver and contributing to the development of fatty liver disease. This review systematically outlines the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus, the molecular regulatory mechanisms of Golgi stress and Golgiphagy, and their synergistic roles. It further elaborates on how Golgi stress and Golgiphagy participate in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, discusses their clinical significance in related diseases such as diabetes, fatty liver disease, and obesity, and highlights potential novel therapeutic strategies from the perspective of Golgi-targeted medicine. Finally, this article addresses the challenges and future directions in Golgi-targeted interventions, aiming to advance the clinical translation of such strategies and foster breakthroughs in the treatment of glucose and lipid metabolism-related disorders.

The Golgi body, a core organelle in eukaryotic cells, plays a critical role in protein modification, sorting, vesicular transport, and serves as a key site for lipid synthesis and glycosylation. Glucose and lipid metabolism are central processes for cellular energy maintenance and biosynthesis, and are closely linked to Golgi function. Recent studies have revealed the extensive involvement of the Golgi body in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, where maintaining its structural and functional homeostasis is crucial for normal physiological activity. Under various stress conditions such as acidosis, hypoxia, and nutrient deficiency, the Golgi body undergoes structural and functional disruption, leading to Golgi stress. This in turn activates specific signaling pathways, such as those mediated by the cAMP-responsive element binding protein 3 (CREB3) and proteoglycans, to alleviate Golgi stress and enhance Golgi function. Golgi stress contributes to glucose and lipid metabolic disorders by affecting the activity of insulin receptors, glucose transporters, and lipid metabolism-related enzymes. For example, Golgi stress triggers the cleavage and release of the active fragment of CREB3, which enters the nucleus and upregulates the transcription of ADP-ribosylation factor 4 (ARF4) and key gluconeogenic enzymes, including phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase). ARF4 promotes vesicle retrograde transport between the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum, maintains secretory capacity, and enhances hepatic glucose output. This pathway is particularly active under high-fat or lipotoxic stress, leading to fasting hyperglycemia. When damaged Golgi components accumulate beyond a tolerable threshold, the cell initiates an autophagic response, selectively encapsulating the damaged Golgi into autophagosomes, which then fuse with lysosomes to form autolysosomes, leading to Golgiphagy. This process results in the degradation and clearance of damaged Golgi, thereby regulating Golgi quantity, quality, and function. Golgiphagy also plays a significant role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. For instance, under high-glucose conditions, autophagic flux may be suppressed, impairing the timely clearance and renewal of damaged Golgi, compromising its normal function, and further exacerbating glucose metabolism disorders. Additionally, Golgiphagy may participate in lipid degradation and influence lipid synthesis and transport. Research indicates that Golgi stress and Golgiphagy play important roles in glucose and lipid metabolism-related diseases. For example, the leucine zipper protein (LZIP) under Golgi stress conditions can promote hepatic steatosis. In mouse primary cells and human tissues, LZIP induces the expression of apolipoprotein A-IV (APOA4), which increases peripheral free fatty acid uptake, resulting in lipid accumulation in the liver and contributing to the development of fatty liver disease. This review systematically outlines the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus, the molecular regulatory mechanisms of Golgi stress and Golgiphagy, and their synergistic roles. It further elaborates on how Golgi stress and Golgiphagy participate in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, discusses their clinical significance in related diseases such as diabetes, fatty liver disease, and obesity, and highlights potential novel therapeutic strategies from the perspective of Golgi-targeted medicine. Finally, this article addresses the challenges and future directions in Golgi-targeted interventions, aiming to advance the clinical translation of such strategies and foster breakthroughs in the treatment of glucose and lipid metabolism-related disorders.

Consciousness, which underpins human perception, cognition, and behavioural responses, has long been a major focus of neuroscience and medicine. Alterations in consciousness occur not only during reversible processes such as sleep and anaesthesia, but also in pathological conditions, including disorders of consciousness (DOC) and brain injury. With recent advances in the synchronized acquisition and analysis of multimodal physiological signals, such as electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG), the dynamic interactions between the heart and brain have become increasingly apparent. A growing body of evidence indicates that heart-brain interactions are closely associated with the maintenance and transition of consciousness states, offering a novel perspective for elucidating their underlying mechanisms and supporting relevant clinical assessments. Current approaches to heart-brain interaction analysis for consciousness-state assessment can be broadly grouped into three categories: ECG-based methods, EEG-based methods, and heart-brain coupling analysis. These approaches characterize heart-brain interactions during changes in consciousness from the complementary perspectives of autonomic regulation, cortical interoceptive processing, and cross-system information transfer, respectively. Nevertheless, this field remains at an early stage. Most studies have focused on a single experimental context or a fixed analytical method, with insufficient systematic consideration of the applicability and limitations of different approaches. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying the emergence and alteration of consciousness remain incompletely understood. Accordingly, this review examines heart-brain interaction methods employed in recent consciousness-state assessment studies in accordance with progressively deeper analytical perspectives, and systematically evaluates the advantages and limitations of these methods across distinct consciousness-related conditions. Heart rate variability (HRV) is one of the classical ECG-based indices used to investigate heart-brain interactions. It refers to fluctuations in consecutive interbeat intervals over a specified time period and is regarded as a physiological measure of autonomic nervous system regulation that may indirectly reflect the strength of heart-brain interactions. Depending on the analytical dimension, HRV analysis is commonly divided into time-domain, frequency-domain, and complexity-index analyses. These approaches characterize autonomic activity in terms of temporal fluctuations, the distribution of frequency components, and nonlinear dynamical properties, respectively. Although extensive research supports their physiological interpretation, they cannot characterize directional interactions from the heart to the brain. Among EEG-based methods for heart-brain interaction analysis, EEG activity directly related to cardiac fluctuations has received particular attention. One of the most widely used measures is the heartbeat-evoked potential (HEP). HEP-based approaches are considered to directly reflect the capacity of the cerebral cortex to process cardiac afferent signals and may be especially advantageous for characterizing rapidly changing consciousness levels, such as those observed during sleep. However, they do not comprehensively capture dynamic bidirectional information exchange between the brain and heart and are susceptible to cardiac artefacts, respiration, and variation in preprocessing procedures. Heart-brain coupling analysis quantifies functional associations between ECG and EEG through cross-system interaction measures, thereby assessing dynamic interactions between the heart and brain. It emphasizes information transfer, feedback regulation, and cross-timescale coordination between the two systems, offering a more comprehensive perspective for investigating changes in consciousness during sleep, anaesthesia, and DOC. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms and physiological interpretation of individual computational indices have not yet been fully established, and the robustness of their results and their potential for clinical generalization require further validation. Finally, this review summarizes the commonalities and differences among the three classes of methods across research domains involving different consciousness states. It further argues that heart-brain interaction research requires deeper investigation at both the mechanistic level of consciousness and the level of clinical application. Current challenges and key issues are identified, and future directions and feasible pathways for heart-brain interaction research are discussed, with the aim of providing new perspectives for researchers in related fields.

Background: s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated. Methods: In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs. Results: Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment. Conclusions We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-associated death globally. Liver transplantation (LT) has emerged as a key treatment for patients with HCC, and the Milan criteria have been adopted as the cornerstone of the selection policy. To allow more patients to benefit from LT, a number of expanded criteria have been proposed, many of which use radiologic morphological characteristics with larger and more tumors as surrogates to predict outcomes. Other groups developed indices incorporating biological variables and dynamic markers of response to locoregional treatment. These expanded selection criteria achieved satisfactory results with limited liver supplies. In addition, a number of prognostic models have been developed using clinicopathological characteristics, imaging radiomics features, genetic data, and advanced techniques such as artificial intelligence. These models could improve prognostic estimation, establish surveillance strategies, and bolster long-term outcomes in patients with HCC. In this study, we reviewed the latest findings and achievements regarding the selection criteria and post-transplant prognostic models for LT in patients with HCC.

Objective:To explore the safety and efficacy of intraosseous regional administration (IORA) of vancomycin for preventing infection in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Methods:A total of 124 patients with knee osteoarthritis undergoing TKA between February 2024 and May 2024 at nine hospitals were enrolled. Preoperative infection prophylaxis involved either IORA (0.5 g vancomycin administered via intraosseous regional infusion before incision) or intravenous infusion (1 g vancomycin via peripheral vein). The IORA group included 15 males and 47 females with a median age of 66.5 years (range, 60.0-70.0 years), while the intravenous group included 14 males and 48 females with a median age of 66.0 years (range, 61.8-70.3 years) years. Intraoperative samples were collected including fat and synovium tissues after incision, before prosthesis placement, and after tourniquet release; distal femoral cancellous bone during femoral osteotomy; proximal tibial cancellous bone during tibial osteotomy; proximal intercondylar cancellous bone before prosthesis placement; and peripheral blood from non-infused arms at surgery initiation and after tourniquet release. Vancomycin concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Vital sign changes were recorded from admission to 5~10 minutes post-IORA (IORA group) or post-incision (intravenous group). Follow-ups were conducted on postoperative day 1 and 3, and at 1 and 3 months, to document complications including IORA-related adverse events, periprosthetic joint infections, surgical site infections, red man syndrome, acute kidney injury, deep vein thrombosis and so on.Results:Vancomycin concentrations in bone, fat, and synovial tissue samples were significantly higher in the IORA group than in the intravenous group ( P<0.05), while vancomycin concentrations in blood samples were significantly lower in the IORA group than in the intravenous group ( P<0.05). Only 7.3%(41/558) of tissue samples in the IORA group had vancomycin concentrations below 2.0 μg/g (the minimum inhibitory concentration of vancomycin against coagulase-negative staphylococcus), compared to 59.3%(331/558) in the intravenous group (χ 2=11.285, P<0.001). In the intravenous group, 16.9%(21/124) of blood samples had vancomycin concentrations exceeding 15.0 mg/L (the threshold associated with a significantly increased risk of nephrotoxicity), while all concentrations in the IORA group were below this threshold, the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=22.943, P<0.001). There were no statistically significant difference ( P>0.05) in vital signs changes before and after vancomycin administration between the two groups. Two patients in the intravenous group experienced incision exudate, while no other related complications occurred in either group. Conclusions:Compared to the traditional intravenous infusion of 1 g vancomycin, intraosseous injection of a low dose (0.5 g) of vancomycin achieves higher local tissue concentrations in the knee joint with a lower incidence of adverse reactions and is safe for infection prophylaxis. Despite guidelines not recommending the routine use of vancomycin for preventing infection after primary TKA, intraosseous injection of 0.5 g vancomycin may be considered intraoperatively for primary TKA in the following scenarios: patients in medical institutions with a high prevalence of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, patients with potential preoperative MRSA colonization, or patients with cephalosporin allergy.

A deep learning-based method for recognizing the minutiae in fingerprint,as well as a Python programming-based evaluation system for quantifying the evidence value of fingerprint was proposed.Firstly,latent fingerprints,which were developed using a series of fluorescent nanomaterials synthesized by chemical methods,were used as unknown fingerprint(UKFP),while ink impressed fingerprints were used as known fingerprint(KFP).Then,the bifurcations and terminations in minutiae were recognized using the improved YOLOv8 deep learning model.After that,the similarity index(Sim.)of UKFP vs KFP were calculated by analyzing the angle similarity factor(α)and the curve similarity factor(β)between UKFP and KFP,meanwhile,the sensitivity index(Sen.)were calculated by analyzing the fineness factor(γ)between UKFP and KFP.The evidence value(EV)of fingerprint was thus obtained by the combination of Sim.and Sen..The calculation formulas for above evaluation factors(i.e.α,β and γ),evaluation indexes(i.e.Sim.and Sen.),and EV were also put forward.Finally,the evaluation system for quantifying the evidence value of fingerprint was established,the feasibility and reliability of this system were verified,and the external factors that impacted on Sim.,Sen.,and EV were investigated in detail.The Python-based evaluation system for quantifying the evidence value of fingerprint could achieve the goals objectively,comprehensively,accurately and efficiently,exhibiting easy operability,high efficiency,responsiveness and reliability.This research was expected to provide beneficial references for quantitatively evaluating and thoroughly developing the evidence value.

As a cheap and effective antibiotic,sulfonamides are often used in animal husbandry.However,their residues in animal-derived foodstuffs will threaten human health.Consequently,a high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)method integrated with supramolecular solvent microextraction was successfully established for simultaneous quantification of sulfonamide residues sulfachlorpyridazine,sulfamethoxazole,sulfamethoxypyridazine and sulfadimethoxine in milk matrices.This approach exhibited prominent characteristics of operational simplicity,environmental sustainability,and high extraction efficiency.The supramolecular solvents prepared by tributyl octylphosphine tetrafluoroborate and tetrahydrofuran were employed as extraction solvents.The analytes underwent isolation and concentration via dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction(DLLME)prior to quantitative determination using high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).The composition and microscopic morphology of the supramolecular solvent were characterized through a series of analytical techniques,including phase diagram,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,scanning electron microscopy,and inverted fluorescence microscopy and so on.The density and pH value of supramolecular solvents were determined.The extraction conditions were optimized through the one-factor experiments.The experimental results demonstrated that under the optimal extraction conditions,the four kinds of sulfonamide antibiotics exhibited excellent linearity within respective detection range(R2 ≥ 0.9998)and the limits of detection(LOD)were 0.67-1.45 μg/L.Compared with literature methods,this approach offered some advantages such as simplicity of operation and less reagent consumption,and could be used for analysis and detection of sulfonamide antibiotic residues in milk samples.The present method provided technical support for food safety regulation and paved a new way for the application of supramolecular solvents in the field of extraction and separation.

A method for determination and targeted screening of diflorasone components in health products using ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF/MS)was established.Four representative diflorasone and esters(diflorasone,diflorasone diacetate,diflorasone-17-propionate,and diflorasone-21-propionate)were selected to optimize the pretreatment conditions,and 10 mL of extraction solvent dosage,15 min of extraction time and 5 g of salting-out agent as the optimal conditions were selected by response surface methodology.The results showed that the four analytes exhibited good linearity within the concentration range of 2.0?100 μg/L with the chromatographic peak area,and the correlation coefficients(R2)were all greater than 0.9990,while the results of recovery and relative standard deviation could satisfy the requirements of determination.The common characteristic ions of diflorasone and esters werem/z121 andm/z335,and their specific structures were obtained by analyzing the cleavage pathway based on the optimized determination conditions.A targeted screening method for other esters of diflorasone based on characteristic ions guidance strategy was established.This method had many advantages such as high efficiency,high sensitivity and good reproducibility,and could be used for targeted screening of diflorasone and esters in health products.The developed characteristic ion guided strategy could be employed to construct mass spectral databases for various glucocorticoids,enabling comprehensive targeted screening across a broad range of compounds.